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6.8

fairly significant

Typical Repair Cost:

no data

Average Mileage:

39,462 miles

Total Complaints:

5 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replaced ignition coil & mass airflow sensor (4 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
Volkswagen Passat electrical problems

electrical problem

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

problem #5

2010Jan 10

Passat

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

If you have ever had to experience the result of your ignition coils going bad you know just exactly how scary it can be. Many 03' VW Passat owners by now are aware of the recall that was issued on this item recently. But for those of you who may not be let me tell you about my experience. It began last year with my car 'shaking', yes shaking, on occasion when it was idle. Then earlier this year it became worse. It became a general rule in my car that you would just expect it to shake two or three times every time you were sitting at a light or stop sign. Then this last January while on my way to pick up my child from school my car began to shake so much so that I thought it was going to break down right then and there. As the light turned green and I pulled into the intersection the car both felt as if it could stall and accelerate at the same time. Talk about a safety hazard! I drove the two blocks to the school and by the the time I got there I was petrified. The car had not stopped shaking the entire time.

The following day, with no money for a tow truck, I drove it to the dealer. Upon inspection I was informed that it was a result of faulty ignition coils. Which, oh by the way, just so happened to be the latest recall. Good news was due to it being a recall item it was covered by the manufacture. When I contacted the manufacture regarding this and several other issues resulting in a total loss of the vehicle that I am still driving I was offered none other then a $1500 new vehicle voucher to purchase yet another VW. I guess if nothing else my whole point is to just keep people informed! Good luck to all the Passat owners out there.

my03lemon

Carmichael, CA, USA

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problem #4

2009Oct 01

Passat V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,309 miles

Without a doubt this is the worst car I have ever owned. The car is well taken care of, not beat on.It only has 22300 miles I had to bring it back to the shop 7 times already in the past 2 years. I went out to drive my son to school and guess what, it will not start.I warn anyone who is thinking about buying one, one word - DON'T.Last time I took it to the dealership I was just so pissed off and I am not talking about the bill which was way too much, but what was said to me, they said to me why don't I trade it in because the newer models are so much better. How about standing behind the older models too? Again the worst car ever.

Paula V.

Lynn, MA, USA

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problem #3

2009Jan 05

Passat 1.8L Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Just another complaint about my 2003 Passat.... My engine began revving and knocking while idling at a light on Monday night. On the way to the dealership (thank God!), the revving and knocking continued while I was driving, not just idling and the check engine light came on. I barely got my car into the dealership's driveway and I was shaking worst than the car! I was so worried that I would stall out right on the highway during morning rush hour. As of right now, the dealership/stealership is replacing the ignition coils AGAIN as part of the previous recall. Apparently, they have recalled the ignition coils twice now. I told the dealership to fix the problem and change the spark plugs, but for any other work, I'm taking my car to the nearest Toyota dealership where my ex works. The service head at VW questioned my decision by saying "well, will they use VW parts at Toyota?" I told her that at this point, I trust Toyota parts and service much more than I trust VW!!!!

jbond

High Point, North Carolina, USA

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problem #2

2005Jan 04

Passat

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,000 miles

The ignition issue was a recall, so the choices given were not relevant to this problem. I have had multiple issues with electrical deficiencies and abnormal (read: extreme) wear-and-tear on a car touted by Consumer Reports to be a favorite. My car is in the shop right now - again. I only have 34K miles on a 2003 Passat that I bought brand new. I will NEVER again buy a VW. (Thanks for letting me rant.)

orange123

Houston, TX, USA

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problem #1

2005Sep 04

(reported on)

Passat

  • 16,000 miles

16,000 miles Ignition coil fails, replaced coil and Mass air flow sensor.

Thomas M.

Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

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