Volkswagen Passat Common Problems and Solutions
The Horn, Radio, and Cruise Control Stop Working
Problem:
You cannot get the horn to work, the radio to come on, or the cruise control to work.
Solution:
Being one of the most common problems for the Passat, this is being caused by a broken clock spring. That means a complete loss of communication between your steering wheel panel and your car's computers. It's also going to affect the airbags, which won't go off in a collision. Buying a replacement clockspring from our store is easy enough but replacing the faulty one is very challenging. It will have very limited access, so you're going to need to be very patient. However, a mechanic will charge a lot of cash for this job, so it's worth having a go yourself. Alternatively, you could replace the entire steering column, which may be more expensive but is a lot easier to do.
Difficulty level
Clockspring
Engine Rattle and Trouble Starting
Problem:
When you start the car, you can hear a rattling sound coming from the engine. You might also have problems starting the car at all.
Solution:
It's incredibly likely that you have a loose timing chain, as these wear out quite quickly on a Passat (around every 20k miles). We always have timing chains in stock that you can order today and replace easily.
Difficulty level
Water ingress into passenger footwell
Problem:
If you have noticed that there is water leaking into the passenger footwell then you are experiencing what is known to be a common issue in these vehicles. The cause is usually down to the pollen filter housing not being re-seated correctly or the battery housing getting blocked with leaves and debris, which prevents any water from being able to drain out properly.
Solution:
Identify what is causing the problem and either fit the pollen filter housing properly or clear out the debris from the battery housing. Watch the video below to see how to remove the battery and clear out the housing:
Difficulty level
Electric problems
Problem:
These vehicles are known for having issues with the electrics. This is why Volkswagen brought out a number of software updates to help remedy such difficulties.
Solution:
As mentioned above, you will need to call a dealer and give them your registration number to see if your vehicle needs any software updates. This should be done free of charge.
Difficulty level
2nd gear problem
Problem:
If you are having trouble changing into second gear on your manual gearbox then you are not alone - this is a common problem on the Passat. This issue is due to the gearbox oil.
Solution:
Fortunately, this is not a difficult problem to solve. You will need to replace the gearbox oil to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Electric handbrake
Problem:
If you have noticed that your vehicle is having problems with the electric handbrake, then it is likely that this is due to a fault with the electronic handbrake button.
Solution:
This button is known to develop an intermittent fault; sometimes not turning on or occasionally not switching off. You will need to take it to a dealer to get this fixed.
Difficulty level
Clutch judder
Problem:
If when you first pull away in your car you feel a strong judder from the clutch, this is an indication that the clutch needs replacing.
Solution:
You will need to replace the clutch to resolve this issue. This may not be available under the warranty as VW have classified this issue as a driver's error. Search for your replacement Volkswagen Passat clutch through Breakeryard.com.
Difficulty level
Electronic updates
Problem:
Older versions of the Passat could possibly need electronic updates, as many changes have occurred since these later versions were released.
Solution:
If you call a dealer and give them your registration number, they will let you know if there are any updates needed on your car. They should do this free of charge.
Difficulty level
Digital Display Goes Dark
Problem:
The digital display on your dashboard is no longer illuminated or turns off at random times while driving.
Solution:
This is simply a case of your instrument cluster reaching its end of life. That means you're going to need to find a replacement instrument cluster on our spare parts list and replace the faulty one.
Difficulty level
Burning Oil Smell
Problem:
You can smell burning oil and can see oil puddles on the floor beneath your car.
Solution:
You most likely have a failing valve cover gasket and/or camshaft chain tensioner gasket. This is quite a common problem in older Passats, and the only remedy is to order a new valve cover gasket and camshaft chain tensioner gasket from our online store and replace the worn ones.
Difficulty level
Engine Misfires
Problem:
The engine occasionally misfires, and there is engine sputtering and jerking. You may also find that the car loses power while driving.
Solution:
This will be either a damaged ignition coil, a worn ignition wire, or a dead spark plug. Check each of these parts carefully for any signs of damage or wear, and replace the relevant part. We always have coils, ignition wires, and spark plugs in stock for the Passat, and you can have yours delivered quickly.
Difficulty level
Ignition Coil
Stalling and Lost Engine Power
Problem:
The Passat is stalling a lot, takes time to start, occasionally backfires, and experiences sudden periods of low power.
Solution:
In most cases, this will be due to a lack of charge reaching the spark plugs. Check your connections and clean if necessary. If the problem carries on, then you will have a faulty cam follower, which will need to be repaced from our Passat parts list and replace.
Difficulty level
Child Lock Doesn't Stay On
Problem:
The child lock for the rear seats disengages without warning.
Solution:
A faulty locking mechanism is the problem here. You're going to have to remove the entire locking mechanism, find the right replacement on our parts list, and install the new locks into the door.
Difficulty level
Water in Cab
Problem:
There is water in the rear footwells and water damage on the front seats.
Solution:
This doesn't affect every Passat built between November 2015 and May 2017, but there's a good chance that if you have water damage or water build-up, your sunroof trim is not sealed correctly. It can be tricky to reseal a sunroof trim and still be able to use it, so make sure that you order replacement seals from us and watch some online guides to make sure that you know what you're doing.
Difficulty level
Low Torque While Driving
Problem:
When you are driving at low engine speeds, you are getting too little torque.
Solution:
You have outdated software on your ECU. You will need to take the car to a VW dealer and have your engine control unit software upgraded.
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