7.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,600
Average Mileage:
86,700 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. replace engine head (1 reports)
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #3

Jul 012015

Passat LUX 2.Ot Tsi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

This car seems to use more oil than any other car I have ever owned.

Other issues: Low Oil Pressure warning. 2 reputable mechanics are stumped. One blames TSI engine now with 155k.

- Douglas W., Boynton Beach, FL, US

problem #2

Nov 012016

Passat

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

engine pulling, consuming oil, putt putting when starting

I took my 2008 Passat to the shop, and was told I need a new engine head, which is surprising since I've been taking my car to the dealership every 3 months for service. I'm not sure how this type of problem would occur on a car that receiving routine maintenance at the dealership. The mechanic seemed to be to familiar with the problem, he had the car all of about 10 minutes and diagnosed it right away with needing a new engine. Now that I've reviewed NHTSA, I see that this problem has been recognized on 2006 and 2007 models. Even though my car is a 2008, I purchased it in the summer of 2007. I've called Volkswagen Customer Care to ask for assistance with this problem and I got someone who seemed concerned about communicating the company line rather than trying to understand the problem or trying to show Customer Care or Concern. I'm told my complaint will be escalated for resolution, which is the process. I'm hoping Volkswagen acknowledges the flaw in the 2008 engine and pay for the repairs. Up to this day I had good things to say about the Volkswagen dealership that I use in Dearborn Michigan and the Volkswagen brand. But now, I'm unsure that anyone should be driving these cars knowing the safety issues a defective engine could cause. I wouldn't want anyone to get hurt while driving a Volkswagen. I'd also like Volkswagen to take responsibility for the engine flaw, like a good corporate citizen.

- Barbara B., Redford, MI, US

problem #1

Jul 152011

Passat 2.0t

  • Manual transmission
  • 45,000 miles

These cars consume a significant amount of 100% synthetic oil between every oil change. Per the mfr 1 quart per 1200 miles is absolutely acceptable. Please heed the warning since the oil changes are already $100+/-, you wil have to add anywhere from $20-$60 of additional oil between oil changes and VW is A OK with that and will do NOTHING to correct it. I have read that rings should be replaced, difference between an FSI and TSI motor. But my dealership never agreeed with any of this. This is "normal". Beware, these vehicles already require Premium gas, premium priced oil changes and now show unreliability by eating up to 50% of their oil between changes. Don't know about you, but that added to my monthly car payment is just too thick for my blood.

- Kelli D., Vine Grove, KY, US