Volkswagen Passat (2005 – 2011) Review
Volkswagen Passat (2005 – 2011) At A Glance
Volkswagen engineers could not make up their minds what to do with the engine of the Passat. At first it was longitudinal, slung ahead of the front wheels like an Audi's.
Then, in 1988, they laid it horizontal across the car, like the Golf's. Then, in 1996, they went back to Audi-style longitudinal. Then in 1995 we got a new Passat, once again with a transverse engine.
Reviews for Volkswagen Passat (2005 – 2011)'s top 3 rivals
Volkswagen Passat (2005 – 2011) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.4 TSI to R36 Estate
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 20–67 mpg
There's not much wind roar, tyre noise or engine noise. And you're not aware of the complex sounding electronic safety features because the basic dynamics of the car are so good they rarely feel the need to make their presence felt. It doesn't feel as precise or as sporty as a Mondeo and doesn't bring a grin to your face. But there's nothing wrong with it and that's a quality in itself.
The 2.0 TDI is geared at around 32mph per 1,000 rpm in 6th, which is relaxed enough without being so high you need to change down to 5th if stuck on a 50mph queue. The 2.0 FSI, on the other hand, is geared at just 22mph per 1,000 rpm in 6th, which sounds very low but happens to suit the power and torque characteristics of the 2.0 litre petrol engine. I guess caravanners could successfully tow with either but the 2.0 TDI has the higher maximum braked towing weight of 1,800kg.
The seats are very comfortable. There are lots of places to stow things. I guess the optional satnav could be better as it's merely CD Rom, like the 1996 Passat's, but it showed more streets than the DVD system in the car I drove to the launch. Each of the front door pockets is shaped to take a litre bottle of wine or water or whatever.
Outside, from some angles the new Passat looks very good. I particularly like the headlights. But from front three quarters the long, straight rearmost shutline catches the eye too much and breaks up the basic elegance of the shape.
It will be good to check out other versions as they become available. Particularly the 170PS diesel rival to Toyota's new Avensis diesel, SAAB and Vauxhall's 150PS Multijets, Ford's gruff and ready Mondeo TDCI 155 and the 163PS diesel in the new 3-Series. Let's just hope these powerful new diesels don't lose the plot by sacrificing their fuel economy advantage.
In some ways the old Passat was a rival for the Mercedes Benz C-Class, in that you could buy the same sort of quality with a higher spec for the same money. Like the Honda Accord, the new Passat is even more of a rival to the C-Class. And it's a much better car than the old model.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
1.4 TSI | 42 mpg | 10.5 s | 155 g/km |
1.4 TSI Estate | 42 mpg | 10.8 s | 159 g/km |
1.6 FSI | 38 mpg | 11.4 s | 179 g/km |
1.6 FSI Estate | 37 mpg | 11.7 s | 181 g/km |
1.6 TDI BlueMotion Estate | 64 mpg | 12.7 s | 114 g/km |
1.6 TDI BlueMotion Technology | 63–64 mpg | 12.4 s | 114–118 g/km |
1.6 TDI BlueMotion Technology Estate | 63 mpg | 12.7 s | 119 g/km |
1.8 TSI | 37–38 mpg | 8.6 s | 172–180 g/km |
1.8 TSI DSG | 39 mpg | 8.5 s | 169 g/km |
1.8 TSI DSG Estate | 38 mpg | 8.7 s | 171 g/km |
1.8 TSI Estate | 36–38 mpg | 8.8 s | 174–186 g/km |
1.9 TDI | 50 mpg | 12.1 s | 148 g/km |
1.9 TDI BlueMotion | 55 mpg | 12.1 s | 136 g/km |
1.9 TDI Estate | 49–54 mpg | 12.4 s | 137–153 g/km |
2.0 FSI | 35 mpg | 9.4 s | 193 g/km |
2.0 FSI Estate | 34 mpg | 9.6 s | 197 g/km |
2.0 TDI | 49–60 mpg | 9.8–11.8 s | 124–153 g/km |
2.0 TDI 140 | 50 mpg | 9.8 s | 146 g/km |
2.0 TDI 140 DSG | 47 mpg | 9.8 s | 158 g/km |
2.0 TDI 140 DSG Estate | 46 mpg | 10.1 s | 159 g/km |
2.0 TDI 140 Estate | 50 mpg | 10.1 s | 148 g/km |
2.0 TDI 170 | 50 mpg | 8.6 s | 146 g/km |
2.0 TDI 170 DSG | 46 mpg | 8.6 s | 159 g/km |
2.0 TDI 170 DSG Estate | 46 mpg | 8.8 s | 163 g/km |
2.0 TDI 170 Estate | 44–50 mpg | 8.8 s | 149–169 g/km |
2.0 TDI 4MOTION | 43 mpg | 10.2 s | 174 g/km |
2.0 TDI 4MOTION Estate | 42 mpg | 10.5 s | 177 g/km |
2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology | 58–60 mpg | 9.8–11.7 s | 124–128 g/km |
2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology Estate | 59 mpg | 10.1 s | 127 g/km |
2.0 TDI CR | 50 mpg | 8.6–9.8 s | 146 g/km |
2.0 TDI CR 170 | 50 mpg | 8.6 s | 146 g/km |
2.0 TDI CR 170 Estate | 50 mpg | 8.8 s | 149 g/km |
2.0 TDI CR 4MOTION | 47 mpg | 10.2 s | 158 g/km |
2.0 TDI CR 4MOTION Estate | 46 mpg | 10.5 s | 159 g/km |
2.0 TDI CR Estate | 50 mpg | 8.8–10.1 s | 148–149 g/km |
2.0 TDI Estate | 44–58 mpg | 8.8–12.0 s | 129–169 g/km |
2.0 TSI | 36 mpg | 7.6 s | 186 g/km |
2.0 TSI Estate | 35 mpg | 7.7 s | 188 g/km |
R36 | 29 mpg | 5.6 s | 227 g/km |
R36 Estate | 29 mpg | 5.8 s | 229 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Volkswagen Passat (2005 – 2011)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
95%
Real MPG
20–67 mpg
MPGs submitted
668
Volkswagen Passat (2005 – 2011) interior
- Boot space is 461–1641 litres
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4765–4774 mm |
Width | 1820 mm |
Height | 1472–1517 mm |
Wheelbase | 2709 mm |
This is the biggest, most luxurious Passat VW has ever built. And it bristles with thoughtful features. As well as bottle holders in the doors it has an umbrella holder, like the Skoda Superb's. Also, like the Skoda Superb it has a retractable bag hook in the boot, to hold your Tesco bags upright instead of emptying themselves across the boot floor.
As well as that, in the boot, there are two useful side pockets to stop bits and pieces flying about. For Golfers, the barriers slide out so you can lay at least a couple of bags of clubs across the boot. And under the floor there's a full-size steel spare wheel with no speed restrictions attached.
The car has an electric parking brake. Press the button marked P and the brake discs are electrically clamped. You can even use it as an emergency brake with 60% efficiency. But the clever bit is it releases itself automatically as soon as you start to drive off again.
The rear seatbacks fold down 60:40 so you can poke long objects through from the boot. Behind the centre armrest there's a ski-flap. And the seatbacks and ski flap are all key lockable, for security.
You can sit three across the back comfortably and the centre rear seat even has good lumbar support. So, unlike the Audi A6, the new Passat is a proper 5-seater.
With no handbrake between the front seats there's room for a big sliding top cubby, with two can holders that clamp themselves around the cans. The passenger airbag is switchable. Goodies to come include a pop out Bluetooth compatible phone keyboard, and, as an extra, a 900 watt Dynaudio sound system. Even the CD multiplayer doesn't take all of the glovebox. It hinges up out of the way when you've loaded it.
There are airbags everywhere. Like all new VAG cars the passenger airbag can be switched off to safely carry a baby in a rear facing cradle. And, very sensibly, a warning shows to remind you to switch the airbag back on when carrying an adult passenger.
Volkswagen Passat (2005 – 2011) models and specs
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4765–4774 mm |
Width | 1820 mm |
Height | 1472–1517 mm |
Wheelbase | 2709 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1348–1800 kg |
Boot Space | 461–1641 L |
Warranty | 3 years |
Servicing | - |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £15,522–£35,620 |
Insurance Groups | 15–36 |
Road Tax Bands | C–L |
Official MPG | 28.1–64.2 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | 5 |
Child | 4 |
Pedestrian | 2 |
Overall | - |
On sale until November 2010
On sale until January 2010
Estate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
S BlueMotion Technology 2.0 TDI | £20,645 | 57.6 mpg | 11.9 s |
Saloon | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
S BlueMotion Technology 2.0 TDI 4dr | £19,400 | 57.6 mpg | 11.7 s |
On sale until August 2009
Estate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
BlueMotion 1.9 TDI DPF | £19,095 | 54.3 mpg | 12.4 s |
Saloon | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
BlueMotion 1.9 TDI DPF 4dr | £17,925 | 55.4 mpg | 12.1 s |
On sale until March 2009
Estate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
SEL 2.0 TDI DPF | £24,405 | 44.1 mpg | 8.8 s |
SEL 2.0 TDI DPF Auto | £24,405 | - | - |
On sale until February 2009
Estate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
SEL 2.0 TDI CR | £24,350 | 49.6 mpg | 8.8 s |
SEL 2.0 TDI CR Auto | £24,350 | - | - |
SEL 3.2 FSI V6 4MOTION Auto | £29,075 | - | - |
Sport 2.0 TDI CR | £22,735 | 49.6 mpg | 10.1 s |
Sport 2.0 TDI CR (170ps) | £23,215 | 49.6 mpg | 8.8 s |
Sport 2.0 TDI CR (170ps) Auto | £23,215 | - | - |
Sport 2.0 TDI CR 4MOTION | £23,960 | 46.3 mpg | 10.5 s |
Sport 2.0 TDI CR Auto | £22,735 | - | - |
Sport 2.0 TDI DPF (170ps) | £23,270 | 44.1 mpg | 8.8 s |
Sport 2.0 TDI DPF (170ps) Auto | £23,270 | - | - |
Sport 2.0 TSI | £23,140 | 35.3 mpg | 7.7 s |
Sport 2.0 TSI Auto | £23,140 | - | - |
Saloon | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
SEL 2.0 TDI CR 4dr | £23,180 | 50.4 mpg | 8.6 s |
SEL 2.0 TDI CR 4dr Auto | £23,180 | - | - |
SEL 3.2 FSI V6 4MOTION 4dr Auto | £27,905 | - | - |
Sport 2.0 TDI CR (170ps) 4dr | £22,045 | 50.4 mpg | 8.6 s |
Sport 2.0 TDI CR (170ps) 4dr Auto | £22,045 | - | - |
Sport 2.0 TDI CR 4dr | £21,565 | 50.4 mpg | 9.8 s |
Sport 2.0 TDI CR 4dr Auto | £21,565 | - | - |
Sport 2.0 TDI CR 4MOTION 4dr | £22,790 | 47.1 mpg | 10.2 s |
Sport 2.0 TSI 4dr | £21,970 | 35.8 mpg | 7.6 s |
Sport 2.0 TSI 4dr Auto | £21,970 | - | - |
On sale until May 2008
Estate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
Highline 1.9 TDI | £19,230 | 48.7 mpg | 12.4 s |
S 1.9 TDI | £17,680 | 48.7 mpg | 12.4 s |
Saloon | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.9 Highline TDI 4dr | £18,085 | 50.4 mpg | 12.1 s |
1.9 S TDI 4dr | £16,520 | 50.4 mpg | 12.1 s |
On sale until January 2008
Estate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
S 2.0 TDI | £18,975 | 47.9 mpg | 10.1 s |
S 2.0 TDI Auto | £18,975 | - | - |
SE 1.8 TSI | £19,800 | 36.2 mpg | 8.8 s |
SE 1.8 TSI Auto | £19,800 | - | - |
SE 1.9 TDI | £18,970 | 48.7 mpg | 12.4 s |
SE 2.0 TDI | £20,275 | 47.9 mpg | 10.1 s |
SE 2.0 TDI Auto | £20,275 | - | - |
Sport 2.0 TDI | £21,740 | 47.9 mpg | 10.1 s |
Sport 2.0 TDI 4MOTION | £22,990 | 42.2 mpg | 10.5 s |
Sport 2.0 TDI Auto | £21,740 | - | - |
Saloon | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.8 SE TSI 4dr | £18,640 | 37.2 mpg | 8.6 s |
1.8 SE TSI 4dr Auto | £18,640 | - | - |
1.9 SE TDI 4dr | £17,825 | 50.4 mpg | 12.1 s |
2.0 S TDI 4dr | £17,840 | 48.7 mpg | 9.8 s |
2.0 S TDI 4dr Auto | £17,840 | - | - |
2.0 SE TDI 4dr | £19,155 | 48.7 mpg | 9.8 s |
2.0 SE TDI 4dr Auto | £19,155 | - | - |
2.0 Sport TDI 4dr | £20,620 | 48.7 mpg | 9.8 s |
2.0 Sport TDI 4dr Auto | £20,620 | - | - |
2.0 Sport TDI 4MOTION 4dr | £21,870 | 42.8 mpg | 10.2 s |
On sale until November 2007
Estate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
SE 2.0 TDI 4MOTION | £21,317 | 42.2 mpg | 10.5 s |
Saloon | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
2.0 SE TDI 4MOTION 4dr | £20,217 | 42.8 mpg | 10.2 s |
On sale until August 2007
Saloon | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.6 S FSI 4dr | £15,522 | 37.7 mpg | 11.4 s |
2.0 S FSI 4dr | £16,962 | 34.9 mpg | 9.4 s |
2.0 S FSI 4dr Auto | £16,962 | - | - |
2.0 SE FSI 4dr | £18,267 | 34.9 mpg | 9.4 s |
2.0 SE FSI 4dr Auto | £18,267 | - | - |
On sale until July 2007
Estate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
S 2.0 FSI | £18,077 | 34.0 mpg | 9.6 s |
S 2.0 FSI Auto | £18,077 | - | - |
SE 2.0 FSI | £19,367 | 34.0 mpg | 9.6 s |
SE 2.0 FSI Auto | £19,367 | - | - |
On sale until May 2007
Estate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
S 1.6 FSI | £16,642 | 37.2 mpg | 11.7 s |
Model History
- March 2005: New Passat unveiled
- January 0001: New Passat launch list prices
- November 2005
- November 2006: Volkswagen revealed the Passat R36
- March 2007: Passat BlueMotion revealed
- June 2007
- March 2008
- April 2008
- September 2008: Passat BlueMotion 2 launched
- November 2008
- May 2009: R-Line model added
- September 2009
- November 2009: Passat Highline Plus added
March 2005
New Passat unveiled
New transverse-engined Passat based on stretched PQ35 floorpan. More interior space and bigger boot, now a big 565 litres. Static torsional rigidity 57 per cent, making it class leader. Four engines available at UK launch: 1.6-litre FSI 115 PS and 2.0-litre FSI 150 PS petrol engines with homogenous direct injection, plus 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS and 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS diesels with high pressure Pumpe Düse unit injection.
DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) available on TDI models soon after launch, with six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission available on 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre FSI engines. 4MOTION four-wheel drive 3.2 V6 followed later.
4,770mm long by 1,820mm wide by 1,470mm high.
UK specification, includes alloy wheels; active front head restraints; electronic parking brake; press and drive key system; and LED rear lights on every model, the all new car offers customers even better value, continuing a trend that has brought record numbers to Volkswagen. Has multi-link rear suspension and 57 per cent improved body rigidity. Options include a Bluetooth telephone system; directional Bi-Xenon headlights; 600 watt 10-channel hi-fi system developed with Dynaudio; and a 2Zone Climatronic system.
UK deliveries from 24 June 2005 with 115 PS and 2.0-litre FSI 150 PS, plus the 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS and 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS. Other engines later included 2.0-litre TDI with 170 PS, and 3.2-litre FSI V6 250 PS. 2.0-litre T-FSI 200 PS from the Golf GTI will also be offered, along with extra transmission options including DSG and 4MOTION four-wheel drive.
January 0001
New Passat launch list prices
1.6S FSI 6 speed manual £14,995.00
2.0S FSI 6 speed manual £16,410.00
1.9S TDI 5 speed manual £15,840.00
2.0S TDI 6 speed manual £17,145.00
1.6SE FSI 6 speed manual £16,355.00
2.0SE FSI 6 speed manual £17,670.00
1.9SE TDI 5 speed manual £17,100.00
2.0SE TDI 6 speed manual £18,405.00
2.0 Sport FSI 6 speed manual £19,075.00
2.0 Sport TDI 6 speed manual £19,810.00
Estate prices initially from £16,090 for 1.6 FSI to £22,050 for 2.0 TDI 140 DSG. 3.2 litre 4-Motion to come.
November 2005
3.2-litre V6 250 PS engine available to order from £24,695. Coupled with the 6-speed DSG gearbox and features the 4MOTION four-wheel drive system as standard. The 3,189 cc FSI engine features innovative direct injection technology, where the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber under high pressure, resulting in impressive power and economy even at low revs. With the 3.2-litre V6 engine, the Passat accelerates from 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds in the saloon, and 7.2 seconds in the estate, to reach a top speed of 153 mph and 151 mph respectively.
November 2006
Volkswagen revealed the Passat R36
wW a new 3.6-litre FSI V6 engine developing 300PS and a six-speed DSG gearbox channelling drive through all four wheels to maximise traction. 18-inch wheels with 235/40 R18 tyres. (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), Xenon headlights, 2Zone electronic climate control, heated windscreen and seats, six airbags. 0 to 60 mph time of 5.4 seconds (estate 5.6 seconds). Top speeed electronically limirted to 155mph.
March 2007
Passat BlueMotion revealed
Saloon returns 55.4mpg (5.1 litres per 100 km) and emits just 136 g/km of CO2. The Passat Estate BlueMotion needs 5.2 litres (54.3 mpg) and emits 137 g/km of CO2
June 2007
Volkswagen replaced its troublesome 1.6-litre FSI petrol engine with a new 1.4 TSI fitted only with a turbocharger (like FIAT's) rather than both turbocharger and supercharger. Power is 122PS and torque 200 Nm (155 lbs ft) delivered from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm. Choice of 6-speed manual or new 7-speed DSG transmissions. Combined consumption of Golf 44.8 mpg for the new 1.4-litre TSI. C02 is down to to 149 g/km (139g/km with 7-spd DSG ). Production of the DSG starts at the beginning of 2008, while manual models available to order from late October 2007. Increased Passat prices include hill holder electric brake.
Passat Saloon S 1.4-litre TSI 6 spd manual 157g/km £15,672
Passat Estate S 1.4-litre TSI 6 spd manual 159g/km £16,792
For cars with satnav, Trafficmaster subscription included as from Week 45 2007 build.
March 2008
The Passat Estate TSI EcoFuel shown at Geneva, March 2008. Marking a new era for natural gas-fuelled cars, the Passat is both a ‘mean machine’ as well as a ‘green machine’. It features a 1.4 litre 150 PS TSI engine which has been specifically designed to run on natural gas, and consumes no more than 5.2 kilogrammes of gas per 100 kilometres.
The valves, piston rings and the pistons themselves are all uprated to cope while the turbocharger has also been replaced with a smaller unit. Controlling the switch between conventional fuel and natural gas is a new engine management computer. Gas is stored in a trio of tanks with a combined capacity of 22 kg mounted beneath the boot floor. This is supplemented by a 31-litre tank for conventional petrol. Between the two tanks the Passat Estate TSI EcoFuel is afforded a theoretical range of over 490 miles.
The result is a non-diesel vehicle that meets the Euro 5 standards, greater economy and lower emissions. In addition, with a top speed of 130 mph and the capability to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 9.7 seconds, the Passat Estate TSI EcoFuel remains viable for everyday use. In normal conditions the vehicle consumes 5.2 kg of natural gas every 100 km. In mainland Europe the vehicle will be introduced in both saloon and estate bodystyles before the endof 2008. Sales of the vehicle in the UK are yet to be confirmed.
April 2008
The most powerful Passat ever produced is now on sale. The new Passat R36, available in either saloon or estate bodystyles, is equipped with a naturally-aspirated 3.6-litre V6 engine developing 300 PS and 258 lbs ft of torque. Drive is channelled via a six-speed DSG gearbox through a 4MOTION all-wheel drive system capable of diverting torque to either axle depending on the grip available. As a result the saloon is capable of accelerating from rest to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds while the estate takes 5.8 seconds. Both models have limiters in place to restrict the top speed to 155 mph. Prices for new Passat R36 start at £30,990 on-the-road for the saloon and £32,150 for the estate model.
September 2008
Passat BlueMotion 2 launched
Uses a 2.0-litre TDI CR (common rail) engine producing 110 PS at 4,200 rpm and maximum torque of 184 lbs ft (250 Nm) from 1,500 rpm. This replaces the 1.9-litre TDI unit injector engine which currently powers the Passat BlueMotion. New engine continues to use a standard five-speed manual gearbox; all cars have a multifunction computer with visual gear change recommendation for optimum fuel consumption. BlueMotion 2 uses an Automatic Start/Stop system to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in city driving.
In addition to Start/Stop, the Passat BlueMotion 2 continues to employ the fuel-saving modifications made to the original BlueMotion. These include lower cooling system drag, more efficient underbody airflow and lowered suspension, as well as revised gear ratios for third, fourth and fifth, a revised engine management system and a lower engine idle speed. All Passat BlueMotion 2 models – like the first generation – have a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as standard.
BlueMotion 2 also features low-friction propshafts, enhanced low rolling resistance tyres and very light wheels made from a light flow-forming steel. The result of the modifications is an improvement in fuel economy – from 55.4 (54.3 for the Estate) to 57.6 mpg on the combined cycle (approx. four to six per cent) and a reduction in CO2 output (of around six per cent) from 136 (137 Estate) to 128 g/km (129 Estate). It is worth remembering that power is of course raised by around five per cent from 105 to 110 PS. The first BlueMotion 2 models (Passat and Passat Estate) will be launched in Europe before the end of the year. Availability and timings for the UK are yet to be confirmed
Passat BlueTDI’s engine is based on the familiar 2.0-litre TDI CR (common rail) 140 PS unit available in the Passat range among a number of other models. BlueTDI unit develops slightly more power, with an output of 143 PS, yet with lower fuel consumption and emissions. Passat BlueTDI returns 54.3 mpg on the combined cycle compared with 48.7 mpg for the standard Passat saloon TDI CR 140 PS. CO2 emissions are reduced from 153 to 137 g/km. Passat Estate BlueTDI also boasts an improvement with consumption enhanced from 47.9 to 51.4 mpg and CO2 down from 156 to 144 g/km. At launch the Passat BlueTDI features a standard six-speed manual gearbox, with a six-speed DSG automatic option becoming available shortly afterwards. Passat BlueTDI is planned to be launched into European markets in 2009 in saloon and Estate form.
November 2008
New BlueMotion 2 features an automatic Stop/start system linked to a new 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS common rail diesel engine. This replaces the outgoing 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS unit injector powerplant. Based on a conventional Passat bodyshell the BlueMotion 2 features optimised aerodynamics through a 15 mm reduction in ride height and the adoption of a unique grille element and front bumper with the usual air intakes blanked-off and relocated to the underside of the vehicle in order to reduce aerodynamic drag. The new 2.0-litre common rail diesel engine features special electronic mapping to reduce the idle speed and optimise the engine for economy.
The five-speed manual gearbox is also revised with new, longer ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears to reduce loading on the engine and improve efficiency. Automatic Stop/start system operates through the clutch. For example, when coming to a halt at traffic lights the driver depresses the clutch and selects neutral. When the clutch is released the engine shuts down and a ‘Stop/start’ symbol illuminates on the multifunction display. In order to move away the driver simply depresses the clutch one again to select first gear and the engine re-starts automatically. Should the driver wish, the system can be deactivated through a switch located on the centre console.
Economy on the Passat BlueMotion 2 rises from 55.4 mpg (55.3 mpg for the estate) to 57.6 mpg for the saloon and estate models. Carbon dioxide emissions drop from 136 g/km (137 g/km for the estate) down to 128 g/km and 129 g/km respectively. From £17,700 for the saloon model and £18,835 for the estate.
May 2009
R-Line model added
The previous Passat range line-up of S, Highline, Sport and SEL is replaced with a new streamlined selection of S, R Line and Highline. BlueMotion remains the choice for efficiency while R36 continues as the range-topping performance model. The R Line trim is based on the entry-level S model and is available with the same engine choices. It carries a premium of £600 over the S (prices for the R Line start at £17,040 RRP on the road), but comes with an additional £2,470 worth of equipment.
Exterior changes are the addition of 17-inch ‘Monte Carlo’ alloy wheels and an ‘R’ styling pack of front, side and rear skirts as well as chrome louvres and grille surround. The Passat R Line is available in a choice of eight exterior paint colours.
Inside the R Line gains cruise control, height adjustment and lumbar support on both front seats, a front centre armrest and leather multifunction steering wheel for extra comfort and luxury, as well as an electronic tyre pressure monitoring system. This is in addition to S model equipment which includes ABS with ESP, front, side and curtain airbags, Climatic air conditioning, remote central locking with alarm and advanced radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility and AUX-in socket for connection to an external multimedia source.
S model and R Line are available with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines. These are a 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS and 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS; plus two 2.0-litre common rail TDI units producing 110 or 140 PS. The higher powered diesel is offered with the option of a six-speed DSG automatic gearbox. All other engines come with a standard six-speed manual gearbox.
Passat saloon R Line
1.4-litre TSI 122 PS 6-spd manual: 157g/km, 42.8mpg comb, £17,040
1.8-litre TSI 160 PS 6-spd manual: 178g/km, 37.2mpg comb, £18,550
2.0-litre TDI CR 110 PS 6-spd manual: 143g/km, 51.4mpg comb, £18,150
2.0-litre TDI CR 140 PS 6-spd manual: 146g/km, 50.4mpg comb, £19,295
2.0-litre TDI CR 140 PS 6-spd DSG: 158g/km, 47.1mpg comb, £20,565
Passat Estate R Line
1.4-litre TSI 122 PS 6-spd manual: 159g/km, 42.2mpg comb, £18,210
1.8-litre TSI 160 PS 6-spd manual: 186g/km, 36.2mpg comb, £19,270
2.0-litre TDI CR 110 PS 6-spd manual: 146g/km, 50.4mpg comb, £19,320
2.0-litre TDI CR 140 PS 6-spd manual: 148g/km, 49.6mpg comb, £20,465
2.0-litre TDI CR 140 PS 6-spd DSG: 159g/km, 46.3mpg comb, £21,735
September 2009
Bluemotion Passat enitting just 114g/km CO2 launched
November 2009
Passat Highline Plus added
Over the Passat Highline, the Highline Plus gains chrome grille surround and louvres, Bluetooth telephone connectivity with touchscreen adaptor, as well as Volkswagen’s RNS 310 satellite navigation unit. The Highline Plus costs £750 more than the standard Highline, with prices starting at £20,515 RRP ‘on the road’ for the 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS.
Standard on the Highline Plus model, the new RNS 310 unit is a CD-based satellite navigation system with integrated radio and MP3-compatible CD player. It has touchscreen operation with a five-inch colour screen for ease of use and visibility, an SD card reader, plus AUX-in slot for connection to external multimedia devices. This new system will shortly become available on other Passat models, priced at £795. The Bluetooth touch adaptor works in conjunction with the factory-fit phone preparation and incorporates a dash-mounted cradle. The touchscreen adaptor has a 2.8-inch screen displaying clear icons which, once paired with a mobile phone, displays the phone book, text message alerts and caller ID. Calls can be answered or terminated using the multifunction steering wheel. The touch adaptor can connect to most Bluetooth-enabled phones, including the iPhone and Blackberry.
The Highline Plus also includes all the features of the standard Passat Highline including ABS and ESP, six airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, semi-automatic climate control, cruise control and leather upholstery. The new specification level is also available with the same engines as the Highline. This means customers can choose from a 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS petrol, 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS, 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS with or without BlueMotion technology efficiency package, and the range-topping 2.0-litre TDI with 170 PS.
What to watch out for
Spate of problems with PAS rack, replaced under warranty. Software problem with electro-hydraulic power steering system.
Emissions sensor fault putting 2.0TDI PDs into limp home mode. Stopping and switching off re-sets, but can happen 3 times on a 90 mile motorway journey. Dealer software download cures. PD injector failures starting to occur by October 2009 on TDI PD 170s at just over 3 years old.
'Clutch judder' (actually from failing dual mass flywheel) increasingly common on diesels, especially after around 70,000 + miles.
Faults reported in 6 weeks ownership of one new Passat 2.0TDI: trim squeak from unattached wiring loom; rattle from poorly attached engine undertray; self opening boot lid due to fault with locking ECU in drivers door (common problem: by March 2007 the parts needed to fix this were on back order and some cars off the road awaiting parts); rattle from badly fitted ABS wheel sensor; non self folding mirror due to wrong replacement door ECU being fitted; battery leakdown due to fault with satnav.
1.6 FSI engine noisy. Radiator failed early on and had to be replaced.
Wet footwells due to condensation drip tube from a/c being plumbed to drip into the car instead of outside.
Early 2.0TDI DSGs suffer from ECU programming that reduces torque from standstill so acceleration very poor initially until hits peak torque and suddenly accelerates. Very dangerous at T junctions and roundabouts.
Wiper motors fail, glow plug lights come on (requiring software update), electrics go dead requiring disconnection of the battery positive terminal, wait 5 minutes, then re-connect.
Continued reports of battery failures due to leakdowns. Battery drain caused by radio. If you don't leave a CD in the player, then it randomly thinks you've inserted one, then decides you haven't, and then switches the radio on. You then find the car in the morning either with with the radio blaring! or the battery flat. Radio failures common. Replaced under warranty. Switch themselves off for longer & longer periods then revert to OK for a couple of days.
If the car has been standing outdoors in wet weather parking sensors malfunction until dry. Replacing under warranty may being no improvement.
Complaint in February 2008 of failure of fuel tank lifter pumps for 2.0 TDIs and a shortage of replacement parts putting cars off the road for several weeks.
A lot of problems with self-cleaning particulate filters of TDI 170 because of the cycle the car has to be driven through for it to self clean which makes these cars totally unsuitable for city centre use in heavy traffic.
Report from USA of oil pump/balancer shaft chain of 2.0 TDI failing at 80k - 100k miles. Early 2.0TDIs PD 140s and PD 170s with balancer shafts (up to end of 2005) have a chain drive to the oil pump and the chain drive can eventually snap. Later cars have a hexagonal shaft positive drive to the oil pump that is also a problem. Failed oil pump drives totally wreck the engines and if the car has not been 100% VAG maintained, VAG will not pay. Later oil pumps (from 2006) are driven from a balancer shaft via a short hexagonal shaft. The peaks of this hexagonal shaft locate in six corresponding but minute grooves machined within the otherwise circular-bored oil pump drive shaft. Thus, the oil pump drive relies entirely on an interference fit of little more than 0.010" along the peaks of the hexagonal shaft. After about 50,000 miles, the shaft can round off, resulting in a totally destroyed engine and turbo, plus a bill of up to £9,000. If the danger is known and the oil pump is removed by the garage in good time, a new replacement pump will cost over £500, plus the labour etc to remove and refit it. However, it is also possible to save the old pump and modify the drive at a fraction of the cost of a new one. Many local machine shops already have numbers of these pumps in for such rectification, the drive shaft of each having been on the point of rounding off. The non balancer shaft BKD, AZV and BMN 2.0 engines (which found their way into the 2.0 PD Octavia, A3, Golf, and various SEATs) used a chain driven oil pump very similar, but not identical, to the old 1.9 130hp PD engine. This never seems to give any problems. It's the balancer shafts that cause the problems on the 'posher' VAG 2.0 PD diesels eg Passat, A4, Superb. This 2.0 PD differs from the 1.9 in having twin Lanchester balancing shafts which contra-rotate at 2x crank speed. The first engines used a chain drive which was a complete disaster and the later engines a shaft drive. All 2.0 PD got the shaft drive towards the end of 2005. The problem with the 2.0 PD engine is the drive from the slave balancer shaft to the oil pump, which is a piece of 6 AF hexagonal bar that has inadequate engagement depth with the grooves in the slave shaft. It's the torsional oscillations caused by the balance shafts which destroy the oil pump coupling (the 6mm AF bit of hex) and the chain drive to the balancer shafts before the gear driven systems came out, though these still give problems with the hex key rounding. This creates a lack of concentricity of the drive socket into which the drive rod/hex fits. Checking shows that all the drive sockets in the failed units were off centre by at least 0.1mm. All the replacement balancer units were dead centre and have not led to a repeat failure. Some replacement balancer units have now done 100k+ miles. You will probably get this problem at some point if you have a 2006-2008 Passat 2.0TDi with balancer shafts. If your 2.0TDi does NOT have balancer shafts, you will be ok. If you fit the lastest balancer shaft/ pump assembley from VAG it will more than likely cure the problem for life as they have made the hex longer and centered it all properly. CR piezo injected engines are safe. Anything before that, Audi/VAG wont say when they started to fit the modified units that work properly.
Same door locking windows opening fault as on old Passat due to water ingress to the locking ECU in the driver's door or owners misunderstanding the keyfob functions. Tailgate lock of estate also prone to problems.
2005 VW Passat 2.0 TDI, a company car, regularly maintained by Fleet approved garages, 88,000 miles in December 2009 oil pressure warning light came on, oil top up did not help. Garage diagnosed oil pump failure, and when they contacted VW for the replacement part were told that it is a known issue with all VW/Audi 2.0 Turbodiesels and a modified part should be fitted as well as the replacement pump. (possibly referred to the 2005/6 models , not sure). So, new parts fitted £850 plus labour, but of course turbo had failed as well due to oil starvation, so that had to be replaced as well £1200 plus labour.
24-09-2010:"I drive a 2007 VW Passat 2.0 litre. The parts warranty expired at the end of March this year. The car recently broke down and the cause was a defunct engine control unit and a split manifold inlet pipe which cost me £1501.64 to replace with a VW garage. I was told these are very unusual problems. The warranty had lapsed because the car had done 64,500 miles. (The reader was advised to contact VW customer services for some 'goodwill'.)
22-01-2011:If ESP/ABS amber warning light comes on intermittently and will not re-set, you might not actually have the ATE Teves Mk 60 ABS/ESP problem. First check circuits and start at the ABS fuse and holder (no 9 on a Golf, on scuttle edge by driver door). Pull it out, have a look and if okay replace it. The warning light may then go out. Sometimes they slip out a bit and become wobbly, which is enough to set off the warning.
13-02-2011:I drive a 2005/55 VW Passat 2.0 TDI. I have had problems with it since I bought it new in December 2005. It has had all sorts of things wrong with it culminating in a bill of £1361.97 for EXTRA WORK in addition to my 4 year service in December 2009. None of this extra work was covered by the VW extended warranty as I was told it was wear and tear.It has always been serviced at VW. I wrote to VW listing all the history of this car's performance. VW didn't even acknowledge my letter. I did eventually get them by phone but was told it was all wear and tear and that things had been done under the original warranty where applicable. At the above service the car had only done 17,677 miles and the EXTRA WORK was : Replace camshaft drive bely and tensioner. I was told this was recommended as the car was 4 years old. Replace console and wishbone suspension bushes. One of these had been replaced the year before - 3,500 miles earlier. Replace rear tie rods. Replace front brake pads and discs. Carry out air conditioning and brake fluid service. In that 4 year period up to December 2009 the car had been in the VW garage 37 times, including 3½ weeks to cure dampness on front passenger floor, which was done under warranty. It also goes through front tyres every 9,000 miles (I did ask you about this before and you told me why ). Whilst it is true that whilst under the original warranty things were put right I thought they could give me some sort of goodwill contribution as the extra work above seemed unreasonable considering the mileage but they said no.
15-02-2011:Report of rod through block of 78k mile 2008 1.9TDI 105.
14-07-2011:Bosch injectors were too expensive and VAG/Siemens thought they could do better. The lever system required to achieve the servo needle travel with a short piezo stack is mind boggling. The failure mode is usually insulation breakdown, which shuts the whole lot down - very dangerous if it occurs in the fast lane of a motorway, robbing the car of power, power steering and power braking.
28-01-2012: Manufacturer recall to replace Siemens Piezoelectric injectors of 2006 - 2009 2.0 TDI BMN engines. All the injectors from the the 2.0 TDI PD engines that use piezoelectric Siemens injectors and Siemens ECUs are affected by this problem. The most problems are on the Passat BKD 2.0 TDI 140HP. No problem from 2009 and the introduction of the common rail 2.0 TDI engine (CEGA).
From Gary the Taxi Driver: " I bought my 57 plate Passat at 11 months old from main dealer with 10k, VW demonstartor serviced by them since. I have had major problems since day 1 and briefly almost all major components have been replaced, i.e. engine, gearbox, turbo and various others. It has now done 156k and the injectors were replaced today after I took it in for the DPF light coming on. Never knew about injector problems before, so was pleased about that. Then they told me I would have to pay £1,700 for new DPF. In May 2011 I spent £1,800 on replacing EGR valve and exhaust manifold and various pipes and other stuff."
18-04-2012:Taxi driver reported being billed for 3 hours labour at £92 an hour to find reason why his instruments went out when it shoiuld have been obvious from the beginning that the fault was with the final drive speed sensor.
23-05-2012:Report of heater motor of 2008 Passat failing first after two years, then again in May 2008 by which time it was out of warranty and VW would only contribute a small amout of 'goodwill'.
13-06-2012:Report that replacement injectors under the recall leads to a small but significant improvement in economy.
16-07-2012:DPFs of diesels can be coming to the end of their days after about 6 years.
30-07-2012:Siemens Piezoelectric injector recall on 2006 - 2009 2.0 TDI BMN engines seems to be causing problems with DPFs. Several reports of this .
07-08-2012:News of another catastrophic oil pump drive failure, on a 113k mile 2005 2.0TDI.
08-08-2012:Further news of yet another oil pump drive failure, on a 117k mile 2005 TDI, quoted £1,800 to fix.
10-08-2012:Report of 25k mile 4 year old Passat 1.4TSI estate that needed a new clutch, electric parking brake switch (that caused the clutch to fail) and rear door lock after 2 year European warranty expired.
18-08-2012:Owner of 2008 Passat notified of the need to replace "front console bushes" at a cost of £446.40 as an advisory after the car's 30,000 mile service.
18-09-2012:Failed electric power steering on 2007 Passat. S ervice action campaign put in place in North America for this fault SA4815. In the UK VW owners are asked to fork out £450 to repair it.
02-10-2012:2009 diesel had injector problems not covered by warranty.
18-12-2012:Successive clutch and Dual Mass Flywheel failures reported at 43k miles then again at 58k miles. 'Driver error' blamed.
19-12-2012:Oil light (denoting oil pump failure) reported on 61k mile 2007 VW Passat 2.0TDI.
26-12-2012:Rear spring of 59 reg Passat snapped after car has been standing outside in the owner's driveway for a couple of days.
07-01-2013:Report of poorer fuel economy of 75k mile 2007 TDI 170DSG after DPF was replaced. Down from around 42mpg and 46-52 on a long run to 39mpg and 45mpg on a run. Probably due to more fuel being used to regenerate the new DPF.
15-03-2013:Yet another report of failed electric parking brake with cheeky VW dealer demanding an outrageous £119 just to look at it. Reader demanded a VOSA safety recall.
10-08-2013:On 91k mile 2006 Passat estate, left in a garage in the South of France for several months, both rear coil springs shattered the first time the car was moved.
18-09-2013:Report that front wings of 2005 Passats are now rusting through and VW is offering 50% of the £1,000 dealer cost of rectification, despite the 10 year 'no perforation' warranty.
05-10-2013:Repeated failure of a/c compressor (three times) in 2008/58 Passat TDI 140, now at 50k miles.
18-01-2014:Another oil pump drive failure, this on a 68k mile 2008 Passat 2.0 TDI auto.
04-02-2014:Another failed parking brake calliper motor notified, this on a 2008 Passat 1.9 TDI.
28-03-2014:On 35k mile 2011 Passat 1.9 TDI BlueMotion service report stated 'lower arm suspension bushes starting to split'. VW dealer told the owner "it's not unusual." (See 18-8-2012. 'Front Console Bushes'.)
09-04-2014:2007/57 Passat showing lumps and excessive wear on inside tread of rear tyres. Two ex-VAG mechanics diagnosed faulty rear wishbone design and poor top bracket on dampers.
26-04-2014:Engine seizure reported in 65k mile 2009 VW Passat 2.0 TDI Highline. Cost of repair quoted at £7,000 (the value of the car). Suspect oil pump drive failure.
06-05-2014:Alarm fault reported on 2006 Passat 2.0 TSI that so far had cost £800 to fix and not been fixed.
02-06-2014:Rust-through is an increasing problem on Passat, particularly on front wings, but also on tailgates. Water seems to get trapped in the area of the rear number plate lights on hatches of B7 estates. The cars carry a 12 year no rust-through warranty, but the response from dealers and Volkswagen is patchy. (See 8-3-2013.)
05-06-2014:Electric parking brake fault on seven year old Passat leading to massive electrical fault requiring a £2,000 "behind the dashboard" repair.
27-06-2014:Report of LED rear lights of Volkswagen dealer maintained 4-year old Passat failing and investigation showing that all feeds supplies and earths to lamps required replacing. Not covered by goodwill.
02-03-2015:"We brought our august 2011 Passat in Feb 2013, 2nd hand from Available Car. It was still under warranty and we took out an extra 2 year extended warranty. Within months the boot would not shut and needed a new catch. The following year we needed a whole new cooling system and cambelt as it developed a leak. This year we now have a failure of the dual mass flywheel, clutch and gearbox. Extensive damage has been caused by debris from driving with a failed DMF (well this is what extended warranty are saying). Our mechanic says he has never seen such damage and failure in 20 odd years. Extended warranty is refusing to pay the £3,000 quoted to repair all damage and failings. We have 59,000 miles on the clock, we don't tow anything and generally just use the car for a round town. I traveled 53 miles the day before the clutch went, I noticed no problems with driving the car at all."
11-04-2015:Oil light of French owned 2005 Passat 2.0TDI Sportline estate came on indicating loss of oil pressure, diagosed as failure of balancer shaft oil pump drive.
11-04-2015:Aux belt of 76k mile 2009 Passat 2.0TDI shredded and took out timing belt leading to substantial engine damage. The timing belt had been replaced in September 2014, 5,000 miles previously, and the car had been serviced by the VW franchise in February 2015, no undue wear on aux belt noted.
21-04-2015:Another case of a 2009 Passat TDI 170 alternator belt coming off then tangling in the timing belt, destroying the engine. This followed a fuel leak from an injector.
25-04-2015:Diary of disaster of 2007 Passat 2.0TDI bought in August 2013 for £6,800. Over £5,000 spent on repairs. Engine now has low oil pressure failure, the turbo needs replacing and two injectors need replacing, putting the car beyond economic repair.
14-05-2015:Faults reported on 100k mile 2010 Passat R line estate include: Recent fault (engine management light on, limp driving) diagnosed by VW dealer as needing a new Boost Turbo Actuator valve, but they also flagged a number of wear and tear items inc. rear tyres, brake pads and discs, front shock absorbers. In addition the cambelt replacement is due soon, it needs a service and apparently to replace the rear LEDs (a few have failed) reader needs to stump up £300. So, excluding service and an upcoming DSG oil change he is looking at £1,800. Our advice: sell the car.
11-06-2015:On a 2007 Passat, offside rear electric parking brake motor housing split allowing ingress of water. Quoted £500 to replace.
28-09-2015:Problems with 2007/57 Passat 2.0TFSI bought in November 2014 for £5,400. First noticed a a judder when engine was iding. All injectors replaced under warranty. Judder continued. Mass airflow sensor checked. Judder continued. Eventually discovered that the valves of this direct injected engine had coked up. Offered physical clean or cheaper chemical clean (£1,200). The chemical clean ('Terraclean'?) did not work. Now faced with rebuild of engine at £3,500. My recommendation is that anyone with this engine runs it only on Shell V-Power Nitro Plus petrol that, while it can't clean the valves as it enters the engine directly, it will clean and keep clean what it can of the combustion chamber and carbon is less likely to build up.
26-11-2015:Volkswagen announced fix for EA189 1.6TDI and 2.0TDI engines. A “flow transformer” will be fitted directly in front of the air mass sensor on the EA189 1.6TDI engine. This is a mesh that calms the swirled airflow in front of the air mass sensor and will improve the measuring accuracy of the air mass sensor. (The air mass sensor determines the air mass throughput, which is a very important parameter for the engine management for an optimum combustion process.)In addition, a software update will be performed on the 1.6TDI. The workshop time is expected to be less than a hour. The EA189 2.0TDI engines will get a software update. The programming time for this will be around half an hour. The objective is still to achieve the applicable emission targets without any adverse effects on the engine output, fuel economy and performance. However, as all model variants first have to be measured, the achievement of these targets cannot yet be finally confirmed. Based on this, service concepts are currently being developed for all 28 EU markets concerned. The aim is to implement the update in the first vehicles during a recall starting in January 2016. However, to compete the entire recall is likely to take until the end of 2016. Volkswagen will contact all customers and endeavour to consider individual customer needs during the implementation of the recall to avoid any disadvantages for the customer such as possible loss of mobility. All customers will be offered free courtesy cars if required. Since the beginning of October 2015, all Volkswagen customers have been able to check for themselves whether their vehicle is affected by the diesel issue.
03-12-2015:85k mile 2009 VW Passat EA189 1.6TDI Bluemotion recently increased fuel consumption from 49mpg to 42mpg then DPF light came on. Probably a blocked DPF. Recommended cleaning it by the Ceramex process, then running the car exclusively on Shell V-Power Nitro Plus to keep the fuel system clean and possible benefit from better mpg. Car will be recalled in 2016 for the NOx cheat fix.
06-04-2016:Report of DSG of 2005 VW Passat slipping out of gear momentarily each time it is driven. Doesn't change down gears; just slips. Probably a failed clutch pack.
13-06-2016:Intermittent parking brake failure reported on 2007 Passat.
17-06-2016:Another report of electromechanical parking brake on 2005-2011 Passat jamming solid, this one at just 22k miles. This reader eventually found that the fault was merely with the switch that clicks out of its housing and is easily replaced at a cost of just £7 (Chinese copy part, via eBay).
29-06-2016:Faulty steering column reported on 2011 VW Passat Bluemotion. T rouble started with yellow warning light when starting the car. Apparently recalled in the USA for this, but not in the UK.
30-06-2016:VW reported to be buying back emissions defeat Passat TDIs in the USA at the pre-scandal market value.
28-10-2016:Problems reported after EA189 Emissions Defeat software reprogramming to 2010 VW Passat 2.0TDI estate. Since then the car has noticably reduced MPG and a random shudder, predominantly when travelling between 50-70mph (1600-1800rpm). Dealer mechanic acknowledged he could feel the vibration. Have blamed the injectors.
16-12-2016:2008 VW Passat 1.9TDI estate threw a rod through the side of the block at 130k miles.
07-01-2017:Heavy oil consumption of 1,000 miles per litre reported from 80,000 mile Volkswagen Passat EA888 1.8TSI despite regular dealer servicing.
22-02-2017:2008 VW Passat 2.0TDI went in to dealer for EA189 NOx emissions fix first week of February. Now has engine fault workshop symbol lighting up on the dash the cool light was flashing when this was signaled and the engine light is now on. Independent garage diagnostics showed throttle body faults. He cleared them but within 5 mins of driving they all the faults came back. Back to VW dealer on 203r who diagnosed faulty throttle valve and agreed as a 'goodwill' gesture to fit a new valve. Told owner fault was caused by oil leak into multi plug.
29-03-2017:PD injectors of 2007 Passat 2.0TDI failed.
04-04-2017:Report of post NOx emissions fix problems with 90,000 mile 2010 VW Passat TDI. Since fix had amber warning lights 5 times. First was a glow plug (on from collecting the car from the fix). Within 200 miles EGR light came on. Dealer fixed it with 90% discount and has now offered to refund the 10%. 3 DPF lights cleared after a run. My mpg has gone from over 60 mpg to 50 mpg due to increased active regenerations. Dealer had car last week for a minor adjustment (which took 3 hours).
20-06-2017:Catastrophe reported after NOx emissions fix to EA189 TDI in 2010 VW Passat at 102,000 miles. One month later it went into limp mode so was taken to a local VW dealer in Stratford on Avon. It took 4 days for VW to advise them on the repair strategy. First to change the EGR valve, which gave no cure. Next the harness was changed at a charge of £280 with no cure, followed by a new ECU at £1,200. The car started but then cut out. So they changed the EGR valve again (no charge). Next problem was "cranking on starting" which needed a new throttle body at £240. In total this all took 4 weeks. The dealer asked VW for a contribution but after one week got no response.
17-07-2017:Report of 2010 VW Passat TDI engine stopping and yellow engine shaped light coming on. Fault was that both outlet and intake manifold flap position sensors were faulty. Replacing the outlet sensor (expensive ) has got the car running very well again, but yellow engine shaped light remains illuminated. The replacement part for the Intake Manifold Flap Sensor is not a unit on its own that can be detached and replaced. It is built into a section of engine that comes with it making it an extremely expensive spare part to purchase and replace.
17-07-2017:Report of NOx emissions fix to VW Passat B6 EA189 TDI causing the EGR cooler to fail and the engine to lose its coolant that then led to total engine failure. Advised to sue the dealer who did the workin Small Claims to either replace the engine or pay market value for the car.
04-03-2018:Report of " spending a fortune keeping my 2008 2.0 Passat 2.0TDI 170 estate on the road and now faced with another £2K’s worth of work."
05-04-2018:No official word from VAG, but ECU testing believes that the DQ200 7-speed dry cutch Mechatronics control box was finally re-engineered in 2016. This DSG 7 control unit is a common failure with engines under 2.0 litres on the VW Passat (2007 - 2010)
01-07-2018:Report of "quite extreme juddering at tick over" of Passat. Owner had it serviced at a cost of £600 and mentioned the juddering, but VW dealer failed to find the cause and wrote on the service report that timing belt needed replacing aty the next annual service. Timing belt then snapped. We advised owner this was wholly the responsibility of the servicing dealer who then replaced the complete cylinder head and timing belt and finally identified the juddering at tick-over as caused by high and low pressure rail valve regulators. Car finally delivered back to owner at no cost to him together with a bottle of Moet.
22-01-2019:Wear of inside edge of rear tyres of 2010 VW Passat Highline Plus TDI DSG estate just less than half way across the tyres put down to worn rear coil speings and dampers.
22-02-2019:Report of 2005/55 VW Passat 2.0TDI finally biting the dust at 177k miles. Owner for 30 months. At the end of December 2018, ownerhad the DMF replaced which, with a service, cost almost £1400. We have now been advised that a 'Cam Shaft Crank Sensor' needs replacing (which VW advises is actually TWO different parts) at a quoted cost of £700, due to the gearbox requiring removal. Combine these two with the imminent requirement to replace the cam belt/water pump and owner could be looking at repairs in excess of £2.5k this year, before the MoT.