02-02-2014:
Clutch failure of 2011 Passat 1.6 TDI at 27,000 miles. Replaced at cost of £800.
08-07-2014:
2012 Passat 2.0 Bluemotion estate has needed a new rear wiper motor, a complete air conditioning unit replacement (out of warranty, but brilliantly covered by my VW garage), and yesterday while owner's wife was driving she heard a clunk from the engine compartment, noticed smoke billowing out from behind and stopped the car, which then burst into flames and is probably now a write off.
24-05-2015:
Report of parking brake of 2012 Passat manual occasionally applying itself as the car sets off from a junction on release of the clutch. Then releases and behaves normally.
27-07-2015:
Clutch of 2011 Passat, bought secondhand in 2014, failed at 24,400 miles. VW paid 70% of the cost. Apparently the dual mass flywheel was not replaced.
09-08-2015:
2012 Passat TDI showing "hot spots on flywheel and clutch plate" after 31,000 miles. Also, engine suffering timing problems believed to be due to the flywheel: lot of stalling and varying revs. Reader believes DMF to be faulty. But might also be a failing clutch slave cylinder.
19-08-2015:
Water pump gasket failures seem to be prevalent in 2013 Passat 2.0TDI CRs in India.
23-03-2016:
Complaint that foglights of 2014/64 VW Passat Executive Estate car filled up with water. VW dealer service desk blamed "driving through puddles". Water is forced into the lights through the 'beather' holes, but then can't drain out. Cost of replacements was £166.58.
28-03-2016:
Manual transmission of 2012 VW Passat 1.6TDI bought used at 54k miles in May 2015 failed in October 2015 with loss of 2nd and 4th. Car out of VW used car warranty. No help from supplying dealer or from Volkswagen. Different, friendly VW dealer discounted cost of replacing transmission, clutch and DMF with new exchange unit to £2,552 and AA contributed £465 to this because of type of cover owner had.
27-04-2016:
Report of 2011 VW Passat 1.6TDI needing new EGR valve. Owner quoted £900 by his dealer. Contributon by VW was refused.
16-08-2016:
Report of failure of gearbox of 2012 B7 Passat due to the flywheel damaging the transmission casing.
03-09-2016:
Report that since emissions software re-map 2012 Passat 2.0TDI the car needs to change down earlier and appears now to have an issue where the blue motion occasionally decides to stop and restart the engine on low/descending revs.
30-01-2017:
Report of VW Passat 2.0 TDI DSG Highline going into local VW dealer for the emission recall 232R7. Today the EMU warning came up with an "engine fault in diesel engine go to your garage workshop." Ownere spoke to dealer and booked the car in for 15th Feb, the first available date. Probably a blocked EGR.
03-03-2017:
Report of 2013 Passat 2.0TDI 180 DSG getting NOx emissions fix 3 weeks ago. Trip is now showing a consistent 7% worse fuel consumption, and the burner is coming on more than it has ever done in the last two years. The DSG is slower to change down.
19-03-2017:
Report of Passat getting NOx emissions fix in February. 2 weeks later glow plug light and catalyst converter light came on. Took it to VW. They confirmed EGR valve and replaced it for free. Now owner cannot sense the turbo kicking in. Took it for a drive, went 40 mph took his foot off the accelerator and clutch and car was driving on its own at 25mph on 4th gear.
23-05-2017:
Report of DMF failure and also leak from transmission of 2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.0TDI Bluemotion at 32,000 miles. Assumption that failure of DMF led to damage to transmission casing or shaft seal.
02-06-2017:
Mixed bag of problems reported with 2012 VW Passat 2.0TDI. Went in for NOx emissions fix in August 2016 and soon after stop/start stopped wortking. VW dealer eventually fixed at no charge and even apologised for the inconvenience. Then on 2nd June 2017, owner started car and 4 warning lights in orange all came on together. One says Stop/start error on dash, electric parking brake stopped working, ABS and traction lights are on along with a sterling wheel symbol.
20-09-2017:
Report of 84,500 mile 2013 VW Passat 1.6TDI catching fire whilst being driven. Woman driver heard a crackle and thought it was the radio which in turn she turned off and in an instant smoke started to pour into the cabin via the air vents on drivers side and from fuse box.
16-10-2017:
Report of failure of a/c compressor of 2013 VW Passat, serviced independently since local VW dealer closed down.
27-10-2017:
Futher report of more problems with 84,500 miles 2013 VW Passat 1.6 TDI, owned for less than 6 months. Car returned repaired on 19-10-2017 and everything thing seemed fine until the wipers stopped working , lights started to appear on the dash and countless other problems, then on 26th October (a week after its return) the car refused to start.
31-10-2017:
Report of engine management light flashing on dash of 2011/61 VW Passat 1.6TDI EA189 that had not had the NOx emissions fix. Turned out to be a carboned up EGR valve. Dealer quoted £1,040 to replace it, not covered by issues consequential to the emissions fix. But these EGRs have always been highly prone to carbing up so owner should at least be due some goodwill towards the cost.
24-04-2018:
Report of failure of ECU of 2013 VW Passat 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech Highline Estate at 47,000 miles. First showed a number of warning lights and error messages relating to Traction Control not working, Electronic Braking system not working, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System not working, cruise control not working etc. Booked into VW servicing dealer and on the day would not start and had to be recovered to the dealer who diagnosed that the ECU unit had failed and needed replacing at a cost of £1,642 (parts and labour). VW failed to offer any contribution to the replacement cost of the ECU.
04-05-2018:
Report of transmission bearings failing on 2012 VW Passat estate at 30,000 miles. Car purchased from independent garage.
23-05-2018:
Report of 2014 VW Passat 2.0TDI needing new front brake discs and pads due to corrosion pitting of the discs at 24,000 miles. VW dealer quoted £750 for the job (nearly twice what it should cost).
25-07-2018:
Report of a/c compressor failure on 2013 VW Passat 2.0TDI soon after EGR failed and was replaced after the NOx emissions update. Quoted £800 to replace.
13-08-2018:
Report of automatic brake auto hold of 58k mile 2013 VW Passat B7 intermittently not working. Shuts off whilst driving then comes back on then off and on, etc. When it goes off the dashboard fills with various amber warning signs which suggest low tyre pressure, ABS deactivated and steering fault. Owner told it might be caused by a dirty Mass Airflow Sensor sending the wrong signals to the ECU so it does not realise the car has been braked to a standstill. We wonder if it might be the brake light switch.
25-08-2018:
Report of intermittent 'shudder' for a few seconds (a little like a misfire) when 2013 VW Passat B7 Alltrack 2.0TDI is under very light throttle (just enough to maintain speed), or backing off very light throttle into deceleration. Car has 106,000 mioes, had the NOx emissions software update and a new EGR that failed 2 months after the update. Recently had cam-belt and water pump changed. Has always been regularly serviced and run on Super-diesel. Problem seemed to have worsened since the cam-belt change, but owner had that re-checked by the garage (a very good reputable independent) and timing etc is all OK. Fuel consumption is unchanged and fine (c. 44 mpg on a run) and the car pulls and runs well under normal acceleration. Local VW dealer then had it for a week running numerous tests to try and identify / eliminate possible causes. Turned out to be what they described as a ‘back-flow’ issue on three of the injectors. They were replaced (at eye-watering cost) and the car is now running better than ever.
14-04-2019:
Report of engine management light of 2011 VW Passat 2.0TDI estate intermittently coming on, seemingly from the EGR: Code P0403. Not affecting performance. More than 2 years since EA189 NOx fix. Quoted £700 for replacement EGR.
01-08-2019:
Report of failure of clutch slave cylinder in VW Passat 2.0TDI Bluemotion at 46,000 miles.
06-08-2019:
Report of failure of No 1 injector in engine of VW Passat 1.6TDI Bluemotion 6 months after the NOx emissions fix. Should be covered under VAG's 'Trust Building Measure'.
08-08-2019:
Report of two failures of a/c compressor of 2013 VW Passat 2.0TDI DSG; first time after 4.5 years; 2nd time 14 months later. Dealer replacing it FoC. Might be due to the belt being too tight. Another report of the a/c bracket failing on a Tiguan.
09-09-2021:
Reader reports that both their Volkswagen Passats (2013 and 2014) have needed new clutches with slave cylinders and dual mass flywheels at around 45,000 miles. Local garage says it's a common problem.
October 2010
The 'new' Passat was revealed
Powering the new Passat is a range of advanced and highly efficient petrol and diesel engines. The petrol line-up comprises a 1.4-litre TSI engine developing 122PS, a 1.8-litre TSI unit with 160PS, a 2.0-litre TSI 210PS engine and a range-topping 3.6-litre V6 producing 300PS.
The refined and frugal diesel range starts with the most efficient engine, the 1.6-litre TDI unit producing 105 PS. Equipped with this engine and the BlueMotion package of changes including aerodynamic modifications, Stop/Start and battery regeneration, the new Passat can achieve a combined 68.8 mpg while emitting just 109 g/km of CO2. This equates to a theoretical range of over 1000 miles on a single tank of diesel. Joining the 1.6-litre TDI is a 2.0-litre TDI engine available in two power outputs – 140PS and 170PS. Each of the engine ranges can be specified with a choice of manual or DSG gearboxes.
As with previous Passat models, the Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) incorporates Trailer Stabilisation when a factory fitted towbar is specified. Promising enhanced dynamics, the new Passat can be specified with the acclaimed XDS electronic transverse differential for the first time. The system, which is standard on the Golf GTI, acts to reduce understeer and improve traction in slippery conditions making the new Passat feel more responsive as a result.
Other new optional convenience systems include an innovative boot opening system for the saloon model: on vehicles specified with keyless entry, so long as you’re carrying the key fob on your person a simple foot motion at the back of the car is enough to activate sensors that open the boot automatically – a useful function when your hands are full.
Both the saloon and Estate models are due to go on sale in the UK around the middle of October at which time pricing and specification details will be announced. First customer deliveries will take place in early January 2011.
November 2010
New Passat pricing
Saloon |
Engine |
CO 2 emissions (g/km) |
Price (RRP, on the road) |
S |
1.4 TSI 122 PS 6spd manual BMT |
138 |
£18,470.52 |
S |
1.4 TSI 122 PS 7spd DSG BMT |
135 |
£19,782.60 |
S |
1.8 TSI 160 PS 6spd manual |
160 |
£19,528.96 |
S |
1.8 TSI 160 PS 7spd DSG |
162 |
£20,826.35 |
S |
1.6 TDI 105 PS 6spd manual BMT |
114 |
£19,231.98 |
S |
2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd manual BMT |
119 |
£20,495.10 |
S |
2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd DSG BMT |
135 |
£21,907.40 |
|
|
|
|
SE |
1.4 TSI 122 PS 6spd manual BMT |
138 |
£19,655.31 |
SE |
1.4 TSI 122 PS 7spd DSG BMT |
135 |
£20,957.60 |
SE |
1.8 TSI 160 PS 6spd manual |
160 |
£20,703.96 |
SE |
1.8 TSI 160 PS 7spd DSG |
162 |
£22,001.35 |
SE |
1.6 TDI 105 PS 6spd manual BMT |
114 |
£20,470.63 |
SE |
2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd manual BMT |
119 |
£21,562.40 |
SE |
2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd DSG BMT |
135 |
£23,082.40 |
|
|
|
|
Sport |
1.8 TSI 160 PS 6spd manual |
160 |
£22,143.33 |
Sport |
1.8 TSI 160 PS 7spd DSG |
162 |
£23,440.73 |
Sport |
2.0 TSI 210 PS 6spd manual |
170 |
£23,736.46 |
Sport |
2.0 TSI 210 PS 6spd automatic |
180 |
£25,088.75 |
Sport |
1.6 TDI 105 PS 6spd BMT |
114 |
£21,924.69 |
Sport |
2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd manual BMT |
119 |
£23,016.46 |
Sport |
2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd DSG BMT |
135 |
£24,521.77 |
Sport |
2.0 TDI 170 PS 6spd manual BMT |
125 |
£24,118.02 |
Sport |
2.0 TDI 170 PS 6spd DSG BMT |
139 |
£25,623.33 |
New Passat Estate pricing
Estate |
Engine |
CO 2 emissions (g/km) |
Price (RRP, on the road) |
S |
1.4 TSI 122 PS 6spd manual BMT |
142 |
£19,743.75 |
S |
1.4 TSI 122 PS 7spd DSG BMT |
138 |
£21,119.16 |
S |
1.8 TSI 160 PS 6spd manual |
160 |
£20,860.63 |
S |
1.8 TSI 160 PS 7spd DSG |
165 |
£22,162.91 |
S |
1.6 TDI 105 PS 6spd BMT |
116 |
£20,509.79 |
S |
2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd manual BMT |
120 |
£21,831.66 |
S |
2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd DSG BMT |
135 |
£23,243.96 |
|
|
|
|
SE |
1.4 TSI 122 PS 6spd manual BMT |
142 |
£21,006.88 |
SE |
1.4 TSI 122 PS 7spd DSG BMT |
138 |
£22,294.16 |
SE |
1.8 TSI 160 PS 6spd manual |
160 |
£22,035.63 |
SE |
1.8 TSI 160 PS 7spd DSG |
165 |
£23,337.91 |
SE |
1.6 TDI 105 PS 6spd BMT |
116 |
£21,768.02 |
SE |
2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd manual BMT |
120 |
£22,874.48 |
SE |
2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd DSG BMT |
135 |
£24,418.96 |
|
|
|
|
Sport |
1.8 TSI 160 PS 6spd manual |
160 |
£23,475.00 |
Sport |
1.8 TSI 160 PS 7spd DSG |
165 |
£24,777.29 |
Sport |
2.0 TSI 210 PS 6spd manual |
172 |
£25,073.02 |
Sport |
2.0 TSI 210 PS 6spd auto |
183 |
£26,420.42 |
Sport |
1.6 TDI 105 PS 6spd BMT |
116 |
£23,261.25 |
Sport |
2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd manual BMT |
120 |
£24,353.02 |
Sport |
2.0 TDI 140 PS 6spd DSG BMT |
135 |
£25,858.34 |
Sport |
2.0 TDI 170 PS 6spd manual BMT |
126 |
£25,454.57 |
Sport |
2.0 TDI 170 PS 6spd DSG BMT |
139 |
£26,955.00 |
*BMT denotes BlueMotion Technology
June 2011
Volkswagen launched the new Passat BlueMotion
With a claimed average of 68.9mpg and emissions of just 109g/km, the same as the Peugeot 508 1.6HDI e-drive. It has the familiar 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine, producing 105PS and a six-speed manual transmission. The new Bluemotion is also available in estate form, providing 65.7mpg and pumping out 113g/km CO2. Features include stop-start, aerodynamic tweaks, lower suspension and low rolling-resistance rubber.
October 2012
Highline model replaces SE for both saloon and estate. Additional equipment over SE included RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation unit, front and rear parking sensors, 2Zone climate control and stylish 17-inch ‘Sao Paolo’ alloy wheels. Together, they add £1,680-worth of value, yet the Passat Highline commands a premium of just £500 over the SE, with prices starting at £20,970 (RRP OTR) for the 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS.
The RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation system, previously a £750 option, includes a full-colour screen and traffic monitoring. As with all media systems in the Passat, it also features a multi-device interface, to allow connection of MP3 players and iPods (there is also a built-in Bluetooth music streaming facility, for those who prefer wireless links).
Front and rear parking sensors, previously £430, offer both an audible and visual guide (via the screen of the RNS 315), and also mean that Volkswagen’s Park Assist system, which allows the Passat to park itself in spaces parallel or perpendicular to the road, is now available as a great-value £195 option.
A 2Zone climate control system (worth £500) allows precise control of the temperature of each side of the cabin, down to half-degree increments. The driver and front seat passenger simply select the desired temperatures and the system automatically regulates the heating, air conditioning and air flow to achieve these.
The Passat Highline and Passat Estate Highline are available with a range of engines including 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS and 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS petrols, and 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS and 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS diesels. Gearboxes include five- and six-speed manuals and six- and seven-speed DSG units. The Passat Highline can be ordered from Volkswagen Retailers now, with some vehicles in stock for immediate delivery. The Passat range starts at £20,970 on the road.
May 2013
Passat R-Line introduced and new more-efficient 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine
The R-Line trim brings a bespoke bodykit. At the front, the bumper includes fog lights with cornering function, while 15mm lower sports suspension, side skirts and distinctive rear bumper and 18-inch ‘Kansas’ alloy wheels, wrapped in low-profile 235/40 tyres and a bootlid spoiler complete the look. Chrome trim on the bumpers and window surrounds is offset by dark-tinted rear windows, while standard bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED taillights help the R-Line to stand out, day and night.
The Passat R-Line’s equipment is based on the Passat S, and includes Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, DAB digital radio and a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel (with gearshift paddles on DSG models).
The R-Line is available with a 1.6-litre 105 PS TDI diesel engine with six-speed manual gearbox, a 2.0-litre 140 PS TDI diesel engine with six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes and a new turbocharged and supercharged 1.4-litre 160 PS TSI engine with either six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes. All R-Line models feature BlueMotion Technology modifications with Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems.
The 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS engine is also available in Passat Highline models and the Volkswagen CC, and replaces the 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS unit, while offering lower CO 2 emissions and better fuel economy.
The Passat R-Line is now open for ordering, with the first deliveries expected in June. The R-Line bodykit (bumpers, side skirts and spoiler) is also available for the Passat Highline and Sport, at £900 RRP including fitting.
Model |
CO 2 , g/km |
Urban mpg |
Extra -urban mpg |
Combined mpg |
Price, £ RRP OTR |
Saloon |
|
|
|
|
|
1.4-litre TSI 160 PS BMT 6spd manual |
144 |
34.4 |
56.5 |
45.6 |
22,470 |
1.4-litre TSI 160 PS BMT 7spd DSG |
142 |
36.7 |
54.3 |
46.3 |
23,970 |
1.6-litre TDI 105 PS BMT 6spd manual |
114 |
54.3 |
74.3 |
65.7 |
22,115 |
2.0-litre TDI 140 PS BMT 6spd manual |
119 |
50.4 |
70.6 |
61.4 |
23,230 |
2.0-litre TDI 140 PS BMT 6spd DSG |
135 |
44.8 |
62.8 |
54.3 |
24,970 |
Estate |
|
|
|
|
|
1.4-litre TSI 160 PS BMT 6spd manual |
144 |
34.4 |
56.5 |
45.6 |
23,880 |
1.4-litre TSI 160 PS BMT 7spd DSG |
144 |
36.2 |
53.3 |
45.6 |
25,385 |
1.6-litre TDI 105 PS BMT 6spd manual |
116 |
53.3 |
70.6 |
64.2 |
23,490 |
2.0-litre TDI 140 PS BMT 6spd manual |
120 |
50.4 |
70.6 |
61.4 |
24,620 |
2.0-litre TDI 140 PS BMT 6spd DSG |
135 |
44.8 |
62.8 |
54.3 |
26,385 |
January 2014
Executive and Executive Style trims launched
The Executive sits above the entry level S and BlueMotion models in the Passat range, and comes with a comprehensive standard specification. They replace the Highline, Sport and R-Line trims in the line-up.
On the outside, new 17-inch ‘Michigan’ alloy wheels (a full-size alloy spare is also included) are complemented by exterior chrome trim, along with matt black roof rails on the Estate. Inside, the S’s standard DAB radio, MDI multi-device interface with USB and iPhone cables and Bluetooth connectivity are added to with Volkswagen’s RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation system. The leather-trimmed multifunction wheel and gear lever are enhanced by Vienna leather upholstery, including heated front seats, and electric adjustment for the driver’s seat.
Standard 2Zone climate control helps to keep the cabin at the perfect temperature for both driver and front passenger, while automatic lights and wipers ensure vision is optimised at all times, as does the auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror. Cruise control is also fitted, along with front and rear parking sensors, with both audible output and optical display.
In total, the Passat Executive comes with over £1,700-worth of equipment versus the Highline model that it replaces, for a premium of just £200, meaning on the road prices start from £20,235. The Executive Style builds on the Executive, but as the name suggests, it comes with a more distinctive look. Hunkered down on 15 mm lower sports suspension, the Executive Style comes with 18-inch ‘Kansas’ alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, front fog lights, and tinted rear glass together worth more than £2,000 for just £995 over the Executive.