Volkswagen Passat Common Problems: 2005-2014 (B6 and B7 with 3.6L VR6, 2.0T, and 4-Motion) 

I have a 07 Passat 2.0T wagon that was made in Germany. Other than typical maintenance, a few oil leaks, can follower and a few plastic hoses this thing has served me well for the past 80k. Now has 160k and still a daily driver. Although, when something major happens I’m gonna go get a Lexus 😅.

Hey I really liked this video because you didn't hold back on Good information. Just bought a 2009 vw passat 2.0t and you nailed some problems I have!

Young man, I've experienced some of these minor issues. I have a 1.8 turbo, a 2017. I'm a mechanical engineer, so I'm big on maintenance. I have 90K on it, and I'm delighted with the car.

I have a 2006 passat too and it has WAY too many problems for a car that looks that nice on the exterior.

My friend has just bought an 09 2.0 TDI Estate and the engine management light came on on the way home. The cars had full dealer service history and had most of the main overhauls done for a car at 100k miles, but I was still a little surprised by how many common faults there are with this car. I’ve always thought of Passats as being fairly reliable tbf. I have a 2012 Audi A4 2.0 TDI S Line Special Edition and just replaced the DPF filter on it which cost over a £1k. Just be careful when buying these cars, they’re great when everything is working and more so with Audi’s, they can cost a lot to repair. Have a thorough checklist which includes all the common faults snd make sure they’re all in good condition.

Just last month, my engine broke down on the highway and had to get it towed back to our apartment. I had to call a buddy out to check what was going on, so far we found a faulty sensor and got that replaced, but the car still didn't start. Another option was to check both belts. The serpentine belt was fine, but when I checked the timing belt it was very loose. Called and asked my mechanic and warned me that the belt possibly snapped. I pulled one end of the belt (with ease), it was supposed to have tension but found the snapped end the belt. I also realized that it's an interference engine, meaning if the belt did snap the pistons clashed with the valves and will be a pain to replace. So I only have three options: 1. Try to replace the timing belt and intake valves, though I'll have to get specialized tools or take it to the shop which is gonna cost more. 2. Replace the engine entirely with either another 2L FSI engine, a 3.6 V6, or a 2L TSI engine. 3. Sell the car and find a car with a non-interference engine. I own a 2007 Passat B6 wagon with a 2L FSI engine and 6AT. Any suggestions?

my favorite repair on my 2.0t so far was when the Cat blew off my turbo at 4K rpm in 2nd because of a factory weld failure on my way to work at 6am. evidently thats a thing with a few of those.

i own the 2.0 tsi turbo. the car is really fun but at this rate if something happens and i either have to repair it or get a different car im gonna scrap it. This car is crazy expensive to repair in the US and Volkswagen will charge an arm and a leg just to get the part. I've had nearly all the issues you mentioned fixed (with the exception of any engine work). Just gonna send it with regular oil changes until she dies.

Got damn! From a public speaking presentation skills perspective your vid was impressive. Thanks for the info👍🏾

Great information man, thanks buddy

The oil pump issue ur talking about was recalled in every country except us I fought with them so much over this and cost like 5k to fix don’t think I’ll ever buy another one!!! Nice video 👍

For whomever it would help: I had the e-brake getting stuck and it destroyed the brake discs. After a lot of tries and sweat I removed the brake motor and checked what was wrong. The e-brake consists of a tiny little motor that turns a little bolt. This bolt (I hope it's the right word) got stuck by getting a little on its side. Fixed that and it was totally fine afterwards. It cost me basically nothing. I changed the brake discs though. Biggest problem was removing all the parts. I recommend getting your hands on a high temperature burner that will help you get some nasty bolts loose. Besides that it is kinda straight forward.

After all this I got depressed! I have a 2007 Passat 2.0T and the car is 15 years old now. I did not have 80% of the problems shown in this video. I do not know if I am a lucky one or this is a list of everything that has ever been broken globally.

this is why you buy the version Made in Germany not USA just better built quality

One tip on VWs. As far as electric problems with the center monitor. If your not listening to músic or doing anything with the monitor. Turn it off when you áre driving. If you want to hear the radio. Of course turn it on. Am only stating this comment with the concern that some or most VWs have quite afew problems with eléctrical systems.

Passat is an awesome ride and looks great. The VR6 is known as a great engine and fast. Thanks for the tips. I have two Passats (one a wagon) and they are most reliable.

Great and information dense video, I’ve had several of these issues. If you’ve had the EPB fault and cycling the ignition sometimes resolved it then the fix is to replace the switch - with a genuine part, otherwise the issue may recur.

Hey Connecticut, Stratford here🖐🏽

THNXS very helpful video! edit: for sure very common faults on Passat.

You exactly pointed out the right flaws! This is a very good video! These cars also have issues with water seeping into the cabin. So make sure the drains are cleans for sunroof and trunk.

I have a 2006 3.6l Passat 4motion made on Germany, I've been driving it since 2008 and I've experienced a lot of problems. Had oil pump fail, fuel delivery issues, replaced the transmission, amongst other issues. The single biggest and most ridiculous is the bi xenon headlight system, I've had bulbs burn out on both sides 4 times now and the entire headlight assembly was replaced on one side. Here's the kicker, the entire front end needs to come off to access the bulbs. I would've gone broke of I didn't have a good friend who owns a body shop and has done that work for me twice now, previous were under warranty. Craziest thing is I actually like how the car drives and on long haul trips this thing is a beast on the highway I hope to get a few more years out of her before I ditch her

I was wondering why the interior of the 06 Passat was so bad! They seem to have tried to cut costs with these in way too many ways!

Please Read: the 2010 version (B6) Passat is the best version, all the problems he mentioned occur less due to upgrades from the previous years. So, if you still want a Passat 06-10 version, only buy the 2010 version.

Mine is excactly the author model but it is 2.0. The engine were reliable and tough. I did found out the cylinder oil were empty after 500km of drive... I just refill the cylinder old with semi sentatic and it worked OK. The major problems were ABS blinking then it continue with the check engine warning and most of the indicator lighta were blinking until now... I still able to drive work daily but now the iretating me the most were the driveshalf sound who always came when I try to park or do some sharp turn... I bought the car for RM 10k if convert into US mostly were around 2500 USD only. I decided not to fix it since the ABS system alone will cost me 1000 USD.If the car still able to run until 2021, I guess its money we'll spend...

These and Audi’s seem like a headache smh. Great info. I’m going to look at Toyota

Thanks for the info, and I really like that you get to the point!! Good explanations!!👍😀

If only the WV salesman in 2006 had said "don't buy one, save yourself some grief and buy a Honda"! No leaks in my driveway either.

I could make a list a mile long on problems with the 2006 Passat.

I ended up buying a 2008 2.0t Passat b6 sedan 2 & half years ago I sold it last year December due to me going to jail. Upon purchase there were no lights on, within the first month the light was on, engine misfire (changed coil packs fixed issue) & I had to paid $1,000 for a new turbo that was total cost with labor. Other than that my car was great miss it, thinking of getting another… that’s why I’m watching videos on a 3.6

Electronic parking brake on my passat was fixed by replacing my wheel speed sensors

I’m Brazilian, and I looking for a passat VR6, thanks for your information about Passat B6!

I just got a 2007 passat and it's refusing to start, I suspect the kick starter

Answer - EVERYTHING!!!!!

I have 2007 Passat purchase new in 2007 it a 2.0t 6 speed manual transmission with 107000 miles on it I did replace the parking brake switch and just replace the window switch the passage side stopped working from the master switch both jobs are easy to do.

Wow so many issues. That’s the SE TS also

Great vid thank you

Thanks 🙏 good information ℹ️

"alright so now we're going to move onto engine specific problems" - with 8 minutes left in the video, Jesus Christ, I'll stick to walking at this rate

Anything in specific to look out for on a 2011 Volkswagen Passat V6 FSI CC Type 3CC MY12 ? Are most of these issues rectified by that year model ? Thanks heaps

Would be nice to know how many of these problems exist on VR6 Model 2012

Thnx for the video 😎

Have you run into the problem of the car not starting at all, and it locks the steering column, but the message display says to move steering wheel, which you cant because the steering wheel is locked!

Wow....Surprised.....it is a great video

Switched from a 2013 Civic, to a 2015 Passat VR6 last September. The only thing I miss about the civic is the manual trans and reliability, such a forgettable car otherwise.

Does anyone know what is causing a clicking noise when braking at low speed on offside front wheel

I couldn't help but notice, no mention of bonnet catch failure. Not seating correctly nor releasing.

My second row windows only roll till half… it looks like some setting but I’m never able to find what could change it.

I’m thinking about buying a 2009 2.0T Passat, has 102k miles for 4500. Anyone recommend? And what should I look out for when buying. My craftsman scan tool works on it but I’ve always been a Chevy/Subaru guy so any info helps. Thanks 🙏🏽

Good morning, I have a question. Hopefully someone can give me insight. I have a 09 CC Sport VR 6. Car is great I love it. Definitely has it's small issues. Like the seatbelt light chimes all the time, even when it's buckled, break light will not shut off, even though all the breaks are new. And all of a sudden out the blue. My truck won't open anymore. Not from the keyfob or button on the door. Those are the minor issues I have. But my biggest concern is. The car runs amazing behinds lately, when I go to accelerate it gives a slight jerk, like I'm not sure if it's a slipping transmission or fuel is hesitant. It shifts gears just fine. But it's getting to the point now, whenever I make a complete stop, then hit the gas. Even just slightly it's a small rev then jerk. Then she shifts her way on up. Any ideas?

Know this 3 years old but hopefully someone is able to advise 12plate Passat sport blue motion Put fob in to start car everything lights up press clutch does not start Got car onto ramp and as we wriggled cables we managed to start the question is what is the issue and what would be cable that's faulty

I recently bought a 2007 passat 2.0 turbo with 92,000 miles on it. How worried should I be about reliability issues?

I’m looking at getting a 07 fwd 3.6 with less than 50k miles. Are the problems mentioned for all vr6s or just 4motion?

I just replaced my belt tensioner last year after 118,000 the check engine will appear good thing it happened on my garage my engine started to shake. Now I know when you going to replaced them next time. Also I replaced my timing belt. Please please BEWARE! And THE MOST DANGEROUS is FUEL PUMP! When I was in freeway driving at 72 miles all of the sadden my gas pedal wasn't working I stepping on my gas nothing happened I move to right pull right side of the freeway couldn't do anything it just STOP! Good thing I'm already on the side not on the freeway it just soo DANGEROUS it scares the shit of me. I didn't even know when are you going to replaced your fuel pump this is before my belt tensioner. At 113,000 miles that's where you're FUEL PUMP going to fail there's no warning signs no check engine warning it will just slow down until stop. I have to replaced my next fuel pump earlier just for safety. My car is Passat 2005 1.8 turbo thanks for advice!

I have this exact car and unfortunately I took to a mechanic and he towed it back home keep in mi d my car was drivable but he brought back now car won’t start any ideas ?! I was told the computer seems burnt ? Any ideas if it’s possible to replace ?

I have a 2008 passat 2.0 turbo, my engine light is on, any resolutions?

2019 Kia Rio S I had to replace the fuel injector what else will happen?

These things have covers on everything

How do I start it with the emergency key and how do I disable the alarm?

I have got passat b7 2011 2.0 diesel. When I start (I'm still on 1st gear) and then press the cluth I feel the movement of engine or something.. If that could be lower engine mount?

I saw a lady with a beautiful Black one she said she loves hers. Passat SE TS

If you haven't got lights on the dash, there is definitely something wrong.

Has anybody a good video link or Website with schematics to remove a 3/4 rear window of the Passat station wagon from this generation (2010) ? This is part is hardly available on the market so I am looking at salvage it from a U-Pull-Junkyard-Shop. Any tips welcome to get it in mint condition to replace my broken side Window. Thanks.

I have a 2008 Passat 2.0 liter turbo. Are the later year turbos improved?

Not for 2.5L ?

I’m looking to get a 2010 Passat komfort wagon. Just the fact that it has ea888 engine. But This scared me now.

Hello, Have you had problems with the brake? In my car the pedal gets so hard that the brake does not work? (Passat V6 2014)

Hey I have a 2005 Volkswagen Passat sedan v6 it starts and changes gear but won’t drive or reverse could it be transmission ?

If i follow your recomendations i would never have a car on my all life, every single car is mechanical and anything can happen

afs module is real pain in the ass

"with that said" "with that said" 😐 Drink 🍻 game time!

Bonjour jai la meme voiture il ya un brouille dans le moteur . Pour finir la voiture ne demare plus

I'm looking at a 2009 passot wagon

I have the 2008 V6 Passat doing a little over 186700 miles. I am having the same brake issue you described but still unable to find the reason behind it. It happens randomly so I am not sure the button is the reason. Turning the car off/on is the workaround I have been using to get the brake to release. have anyone figured out the reason behind this hand brake issue in V6 Passat?

I've been looking for guides on removing the intake manifold, I've read the whole front end needs to be removed to access the bolts. I can only seem to find info on the two piece manifold engine

Can someone please come fix my car without charging me an arm and a leg??? I live in Ga!

Just my opinion from what Ive seen on yt and other sources. Americans hate european cars because you dont know how to repair them. If I could go to USA, I would open repair shop for EU cars and become rich.

How about the transmission?

And that’s why I’ll never buy a VW again This car makes GM look like a Toyota

No 2.5l love :(

I don't want to spread hate but for real now. What the actual fuck is this car. My passat b6 (mine bought in 2006 brand new) didn't had any of these "problems". The only problem I had with this car in 14 years: parking brake got stuck one time like 3 years ago but it fixed itself after a few minutes. If YOUR car and a few more with shit crap owners had these problems is not the car the problem, it's the owner.

This Cars are full of problems every few weeks you have to put money into it. They are delectably design that way . it is a MONEY PIT. NEVER AGAIN.

Worse car we ever had!!! So many electric problems!!!

@ są hujowe nieudane silniki!. Poco kupujcie to gówno?! Kupujcie jeśli chcecie cieszyć się z dobrej BEZAWARYJNEJ jazdy silniki 1.9tdi TBDC.105km ,albo 2.0tdi CR110KM! CBDC. Przez wiele tysięcy km. Tak jak my mądrzy ludzie w Europie. Pozdrawiam

just buy Japanese, these german cars are trash. they perform great when new until 6 months later

WAY TO MANY PEOPLE SAY; STAY AWAY FROM GERMAN CARS. THEY ARE ALWAYS BREAKING DOWN AND THEY ARE WAY TOO EXPENSIVE, EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE TO FIX. DO NOT BUY VW. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR, DO NOT BUY VW. PERIOD

Volkswagen are trash get a Japanese car!

I have 2007 Passat purchase new in 2007 it a 2.0t 6 speed manual transmission with 107000 miles on it I did replace the parking brake switch and just replace the window switch the passage side stopped working from the master switch both jobs are easy to do.