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Volkswagen Passat 1998–2005 problems by year and mileage
B5 / B5.5 · PL45 (VW B5, longitudinal engine, shared with Audi B5 A4)
NHTSA data through 24 September 20263,641 complaints, 2,469 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
- 199880kmedian
- 199975kmedian
- 200069kmedian
- 200160kmedian
- 200250kmedian
- 200359kmedian
- 200471kmedian
- 200571kmedian
The 1998 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 331
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 1998
- Suspension90 reports
- Hydraulic brake circuit70 reports · median 88,000 mi
- Steering52 reports
4 recall campaigns name the 1998: Fuel system, gasoline — storage; Steering — linkages; Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 1999 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- 75,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 664
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 1999
- Hydraulic brake circuit184 reports · median 87,000 mi
- Suspension118 reports · median 62,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system86 reports · median 77,000 mi
5 recall campaigns name the 1999: Fuel system, gasoline — delivery; Fuel system, gasoline — storage; Steering — linkages. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2000 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- 69,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 507
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2000
- Hydraulic brake circuit160 reports · median 72,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system94 reports · median 60,000 mi
- Electrical system43 reports · median 74,000 mi
3 recall campaigns name the 2000: Fuel system, gasoline — delivery; Fuel system, gasoline — storage. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2001 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- 60,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 432
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2001
- Engine and its cooling system93 reports · median 62,000 mi
- Electrical system74 reports · median 41,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit48 reports · median 68,000 mi
3 recall campaigns name the 2001: Fuel system, gasoline — delivery; Fuel system, gasoline — storage. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2002 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- 50,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 643
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2002
- Electrical system220 reports · median 15,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system135 reports · median 55,000 mi
- Fuel system55 reports · median 80,000 mi
3 recall campaigns name the 2002: Fuel system, gasoline — delivery; Tires; Fuel system, gasoline — storage. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2003 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- 59,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 631
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2003
- Fuel system137 reports · median 60,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system131 reports · median 62,000 mi
- Seats98 reports · median 46,000 mi
6 recall campaigns name the 2003: Air bags — frontal; Fuel system, gasoline — delivery; Exterior lighting — brake lights. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2004 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- 71,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 285
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2004
- Engine and its cooling system59 reports · median 75,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline38 reports · median 34,000 mi
- Seats34 reports
3 recall campaigns name the 2004: Fuel system, gasoline — delivery; Exterior lighting — brake lights; Fuel system, diesel. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2005 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- 71,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 148
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2005
- Engine and its cooling system50 reports · median 79,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline13 reports
- Seats13 reports
3 recall campaigns name the 2005: Fuel system, gasoline — delivery; Exterior lighting — brake lights; Fuel system, diesel. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
Each tile shows the median mileage at which that model year’s failures were reported. The 1998 reports latest and the 2002 earliest, but part of that gap is age: the 1998 has had 4 more years on the road to accumulate mileage.
The short answer
“Is the 1998–2005 Volkswagen Passat reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 66,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 128,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 2,469
- Recalls
- 13
Most reported
- Engine and its cooling system18.9% of complaints · median 66,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit15.2% of complaints · median 74,000 mi
- Electrical system15.0% of complaints · median 42,000 mi
Owners filed 3,641 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998–2005 Volkswagen Passat; the engine and its cooling system leads with 18.9% of them, and half of the 2,469 that record an odometer reading came by 66,000 miles. A count like this can’t rate reliability on its own: NHTSA records what owners chose to report, not how many of each car were sold.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 40,000 and 95,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 1998–2005 Volkswagen Passat last?
Complaint records can’t measure how long a car lasts; they show when reported failures happened. On the 1998–2005 Volkswagen Passat, half of the 2,469 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 66,000 miles and 90% by 128,000 miles.
134 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 21 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Passat reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Volkswagen Passat 1998–2005 · 2,469 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 138 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 21 complaints (0.9%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 15,000
- 25%
- 40,000
- Median
- 66,300
- 75%
- 95,000
- 90%
- 128,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 93 | 3.8% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 75 | 3.0% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 69 | 2.8% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 68 | 2.8% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 64 | 2.6% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 72 | 2.9% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 76 | 3.1% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 78 | 3.2% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 104 | 4.2% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 100 | 4.1% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 133 | 5.4% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 138 | 5.6% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 125 | 5.1% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 122 | 4.9% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 108 | 4.4% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 114 | 4.6% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 126 | 5.1% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 85 | 3.4% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 100 | 4.1% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 87 | 3.5% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 82 | 3.3% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 46 | 1.9% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 44 | 1.8% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 40 | 1.6% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 50 | 2.0% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 31 | 1.3% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 36 | 1.5% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 26 | 1.1% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 30 | 1.2% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 13 | 0.5% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 26 | 1.1% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 18 | 0.7% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 17 | 0.7% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 5 | 0.2% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 12 | 0.5% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 12 | 0.5% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 7 | 0.3% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 8 | 0.3% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 4 | 0.2% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 4 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 21 | 0.9% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Common Passat problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Volkswagen Passat 1998–2005
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Electrical system547 reports42,00013,000–84,000Electrical system: 547 reports, median 42,000 miles, middle half 13,000 to 84,000 miles.
- Transmission and driveline209 reports49,00021,000–86,000Transmission and driveline: 209 reports, median 49,000 miles, middle half 21,000 to 86,000 miles.
- Seats191 reports55,00032,000–91,000Seats: 191 reports, median 55,000 miles, middle half 32,000 to 91,000 miles.
- Suspension298 reports61,00045,000–78,000Suspension: 298 reports, median 61,000 miles, middle half 45,000 to 78,000 miles.
- Engine and its cooling system687 reports66,00044,000–90,000Engine and its cooling system: 687 reports, median 66,000 miles, middle half 44,000 to 90,000 miles.
- Fuel system328 reports68,00049,000–98,000Fuel system: 328 reports, median 68,000 miles, middle half 49,000 to 98,000 miles.
- Hydraulic brake circuit552 reports74,00056,000–98,000Hydraulic brake circuit: 552 reports, median 74,000 miles, middle half 56,000 to 98,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and its cooling system | 687 | 18.9% | 66,000 | 44,000–90,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 552 | 15.2% | 74,000 | 56,000–98,000 |
| Electrical system | 547 | 15.0% | 42,000 | 13,000–84,000 |
| Fuel system | 328 | 9.0% | 68,000 | 49,000–98,000 |
| Suspension | 298 | 8.2% | 61,000 | 45,000–78,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 209 | 5.7% | 49,000 | 21,000–86,000 |
| Seats | 191 | 5.2% | 55,000 | 32,000–91,000 |
| Visibility equipment | 182 | 5.0% | 57,000 | 30,000–82,000 |
| Steering | 181 | 5.0% | 59,000 | 43,000–85,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 153 | 4.2% | 60,000 | 35,000–84,000 |
System by system, in words
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 66,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The engine and its cooling system accounts for 18.9% of complaints (687 reports, 477 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 66,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 44,000 and 90,000 miles.
The hydraulic brake circuit accounts for 15.2% of complaints (552 reports, 396 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 74,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 56,000 and 98,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 15.0% of complaints (547 reports, 375 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 42,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 13,000 and 84,000 miles.
The fuel system accounts for 9.0% of complaints (328 reports, 257 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 68,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 49,000 and 98,000 miles.
The suspension accounts for 8.2% of complaints (298 reports, 142 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 61,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 45,000 and 78,000 miles.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 5.7% of complaints (209 reports, 125 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 49,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 21,000 and 86,000 miles.
Known problems with the 1998–2005 Passat
Engine 1998–2004
1.8T oil sludge / oil gelling. Undersized oil drainback passages plus conventional oil and long intervals let sludge form, starving the turbo and bearings and destroying the engine. VW issued an extended warranty and settlement covering 1.8T engines from roughly 1997-2004.
Ignition 2001–2005
Ignition coil pack failure causing sudden misfire and limp mode; multiple VW recall and extended-coverage campaigns.
Body
Window regulator cable failure — the glass drops into the door. Extremely high-frequency complaint.
Engine (W8) 2002–2004
W8 timing chain and chain tensioner complexity with very high repair cost and low parts availability; four camshaft chains driven off the crank.
Powertrain (mid-Cycle Note)
The mid-2000 B5.5 facelift (US MY2001.5 onward) brought a new dashboard, revised body panels and engine changes on the same PL45 platform. Enthusiast sources treat B5 and B5.5 as separate; the platform did not change, so it is one generation here.
Before you buy a 1998–2005 Passat: the 3-minute check
Generated from 2,469 mileage-tagged complaints, 13 recall campaigns, 5 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 13 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check engine on 1998–2004 (1.8T) cars. 1.8T oil sludge / oil gelling. Undersized oil drainback passages plus conventional oil and long intervals let sludge form, starving the turbo and bearings and destroying the engine. VW issued an extended warranty and…
- Check ignition on 2001–2005 cars. Ignition coil pack failure causing sudden misfire and limp mode; multiple VW recall and extended-coverage campaigns.
- Check body. Window regulator cable failure — the glass drops into the door. Extremely high-frequency complaint.
- Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 40,000 and 95,000 miles, with a median of 66,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the engine and its cooling system and the hydraulic brake circuit are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The engine and its cooling system in particular shows a median failure mileage of 66,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
Passat problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer reading, or read the common mileages in the table. Your marker lands on the timing chart above and on the curve below.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi43% below | At 90k mi71% below | At 120k mi87% below | At 150k mi95% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and its cooling system | 44,000–90,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 56,000–98,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 13,000–84,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel system | 49,000–98,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Suspension | 45,000–78,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 21,000–86,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Seats | 32,000–91,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Volkswagen Passat 1998–2005 · 2,469 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 43% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 71% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 87% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 95% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it above
The staircase tops out at 99%: the remaining 0.9% of reports (21) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
1998–2005 Volkswagen Passat recalls (13)
NHTSA records 13 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around the fuel system (5), the steering (2), the airbag system (1). Several campaigns against one area can mean a remedy that did not hold, or separate defects in parts filed under the same heading; the summaries below name each defect.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Jun 2018 · 2003 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2003 Volkswagen Passat sedan, Jetta, Jetta wagon, Golf, EuroVan, EuroVan Camper Van and EuroVan Chassis vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or…
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at…
Apr 2008 · 1999–2005 · Fuel System, GasolineA heat shield that may contact the exhaust system can result in a vehicle fire.
The defect. Volkswagen is recalling 412,000 my 1999-2005 Passat (5th generation) vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and produced after june 14, 1999. These vehicles may have an underbody heat shield that can become damaged. In addition, affected vehicles with…
What can happen. A heat shield that may contact the exhaust system can result in a vehicle fire. In addition, a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can…
The free fix. Dealers will install additional underbody heat shields on vehicles with automatic transmissions to cover the possibly damaged areas and flash all 1.8T engines with a precautionary software update.…
Aug 2007 · 2003 · Fuel System, GasolineIf fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a…
The defect. On certain vehicles equipped with 1.8L turbo, 2.8L v6, or 3.0L engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall.
What can happen. If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.
The free fix. Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on september 28, 20007. Owners may contact vw at 1-800-222-8987 or Audi at 1-800-822-2834. This recall is a supplement to a…
Feb 2007 · 2003–2005 · Exterior LightingThe brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on.
The defect. On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
What can happen. The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
The free fix. Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on april 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through september 21, 2007. Vehicles…
Jan 2006 · 2003 · Fuel System, GasolineIf fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a…
The defect. On certain vehicles produced from september 2002 - march 2003, equipped with 1.8L turbo, 2.8L v6, or 3.0L engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to…
What can happen. If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.
The free fix. Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on april 10, 2006. Owners may contact vw at 1-800-222-8987 or Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Dec 2004 · 2004–2005 · Fuel System, DieselFuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.
The defect. On certain passenger vehicles, the high pressure diesel pumps were produced with an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape from the pump.
What can happen. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began on february 8, 2005. Owners should contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Apr 2003 · 2002 · TiresThese vehicles should have been equipped with tires having the load rating index 97h.
The defect. Certain sedans and station wagons equipped with 4.0L w8 engines fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." The affected vehicles are equipped with tires of the maximum load rating index…
What can happen. These vehicles should have been equipped with tires having the load rating index 97h.
The free fix. Dealers will replace all four tires with the proper size tires. Owner notification began september 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and…
Jan 2002 · 1998–2003 · Fuel System, GasolineFuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.
The defect. On some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates.
What can happen. Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will fit Passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. Jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion…
May 2001 · 2000–2001 · Fuel System, GasolineRunning out of fuel without warning while the fuel gauge indicates that there is sufficient fuel in the tank…
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Sulfur in fuel interacts with certain additives found in widely available gasoline causing sulfur to become deposited on the contact points of three fuel sending units mounted inside the fuel tank. This could cause the…
What can happen. Running out of fuel without warning while the fuel gauge indicates that there is sufficient fuel in the tank lead to safety problems.
The free fix. Dealers will remove the existing fuel level sending units and replace them with fuel level sending units using a new alloy composed of gold, silver, and a small amount of nickel, which will not…
Dec 2000 · 1999 · SteeringIf moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time…
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.
What can happen. If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Sep 1999 · 1998–1999 · SteeringIf moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time…
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.
What can happen. If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the tie rods.
May 1999 · 1998–1999 · Service Brakes, HydraulicThis condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.
What can happen. This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
The free fix. Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.
Jun 1998 · 1998 · Engine and Engine CoolingScreen pieces could enter the intake air flow system and prevent the throttle plate from returning to its…
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the engine backfires during a cold-start, an air screen which is loosely seated in the air flow meter can become damaged.
What can happen. Screen pieces could enter the intake air flow system and prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position.
The free fix. Dealers will install a retaining ring to hold the air screen in place.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 3,641 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 85 (2.3%)
- Fires
- 234
- Injury reports
- 124
- Fatality reports
- 5
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Passat problems by model year
The 1999 drew the most complaints of this generation, 664, most of them about the hydraulic brake circuit, and the 2005 the fewest, 148. A typical year drew about 470.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 331 | 126 | 80,000 | Suspension (90) | 4 |
| 1999 | 664 | 391 | 75,000 | Hydraulic brake circuit (184) | 5 |
| 2000 | 507 | 346 | 69,000 | Hydraulic brake circuit (160) | 3 |
| 2001 | 432 | 281 | 60,000 | Engine and its cooling system (93) | 3 |
| 2002 | 643 | 463 | 50,000 | Electrical system (220) | 3 |
| 2003 | 631 | 516 | 59,000 | Fuel system (137) | 6 |
| 2004 | 285 | 223 | 71,000 | Engine and its cooling system (59) | 3 |
| 2005 | 148 | 123 | 71,000 | Engine and its cooling system (50) | 3 |
What Passat owners reported
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
2003 · 133,000 miles · Fuel system
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, coolant leaked onto the front passenger’s side floorboard. The contact stated that the coolant leak was underneath the glove compartment area. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was…
2003 · 72,000 miles · Engine and its cooling system
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that there was gasoline leaking in his driveway where the vehicle was parked, after he had refueled the vehicle the day before. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic informed the contact that it was a known failure related to…
2004 · 97,000 miles · Fuel system
I purchased a used 2003 vw Passat from a private dealer drove the car five months and the timing belt came off while i was driving. I almost got into an accident but avoided it. This particular vehicle and ones like it was recalled in 3/7/2014 for engine and engine cooling engine problems that causes the timing belt…
2003 · 180,000 miles · Electrical system
Built from 2,469 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-09-26 · open data · how it is built
Other Passat generations
- Passat 2006–2010 937 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- Passat 2012–2022 1,190 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system