2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon User Reviews

Pros

Fun to drive

Cons

VW reliability

Purchased As New

I am writing about my 7 year experience with Passat. Although it is not the recent model, but may help. I had 2002 Wagon. It has a good acceleration and pretty good gas millage. However, it had a lot of recalls plus a lot of issues. In a month, I noticed a leak from the sunroof after rain. In 5 months, its "engine check" lamp turned on. When I took it to the service, they suggested that I fuel regular grade for a while. But I figured it had an ignition recall. IN 1.5 years, glove box could not be closed. Despite this dangerous condition, one dealer told me it was not covered by warranty. Tehy try to charge me $400. So I went another dealer and have it fixed under warranty. In 2 years staring wheel got squeaky noise. I had to go back and forth the service. Those were covered by 48 month warranty. Rear washer fluid pump failure was not covered and I had to pay $400. After that, there was an transmission oil leak which cost me $700, CV boot torn out $250, Oxygen sensor failure $500, chain tensioner leak $800. There were 3 other recall services. More and more. Go back and forth the service. After 4-year warranty, I had to spend more than expected each year even I drove in moderate manner (I usually got 30mpg which tells how I drove).
As I said it was a fun-to-drive car. It did have a good performance AS LONG AS YOU SPEND $$$ to MAINTAIN the car. I heard a lot of engine issues on my model. That was enough for me, and decided not to drive VW any more.