Volkswagen Passat

Is your Volkswagen Passat a lemon?

When compared with previous models, the sixth generation of Volkswagen Passat has undergone sea changes. The Volkswagen Passat has both gasoline- and diesel-fueled models. The gasoline model features a 114 bhp 1.6-liter FSI unit, a 148 bhp 2.0-liter FSI powerplant, and a 248 bhp 3.2-liter V6. As for diesel, one can opt for 104 bhp 1.9-liter TDI or the more desirable 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI engine. There is also an Estate variant.

The Volkswagen Passat offers standard features such as an anti-lock braking system, big alloy wheels, climate controlled air-conditioning, an alarm/immobilizer, airbags and remote central locking. The Volkswagen Passat boasts of plenty of hi-tech features, such as Bluetooth connectivity for a telephone unit, a high quality stereo system, an electronic handbrake, and a 2Zone Climatronic air conditioning system.

Although these features should put the Volkswagen Passat at the head of its class, many consumers are claiming that the vehicle is a lemon.

Common Problems

The following are common problems faced by Volkswagen Passat owners, as filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Engine and Engine Cooling: Engine
• Power Train: Automatic Transmission
• Seats and Seat Belts
• Vehicle Speed Control: Accelerator Pedal
• Visibility: Windshield Wiper/Washer

Consumers have filed the following specific complaints with the NHTSA:

"The contact stated on October 9, 2005 the vehicle lost forward power. Pushed on the accelerator pedal and the vehicle revved, and the vehicle was in drive, but when putting the vehicle in drive it would move backward. There was no prior warning and no type of odd noises. The contact stated the vehicle was at the dealer, and they were putting in a new transmission. The dealer believed this happened due to some type of switch in the transmission. This vehicle only has 8,000 miles on it."

"The front and rear seat belts on the left side of my Passat are defective. The driver belt has been 'lazy' in retracting from time to time but it's 'normal' now. However, my left rear seat belt has been lying detracted on my seat for about 3 months now simply because nobody ever sits back there and I'm always driving this car for work. Tomorrow morning I am going to make an appointment with my local dealer for every seat belt in this car to be replaced. If they do not comply I will follow up with another complaint with the NHTSA. This needs to be a recall!"

The following recall was filed with the NHTSA:

On certain passenger vehicles, the high pressure diesel pumps were produced with an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape from the pump. And fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.

Legal Rights

See the listing at the above right for things you can do.