What's Wrong with the 4th Generation (1996–2005) Passat?

Passat owners have made 492 complaints about the 1996–2005 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 42nd out of 46 VW generations in overall reliability, with real engine and cooling system concerns.

Compare With Other Passat Generations

Common 1996-2005 Volkswagen Passat Problems

Some of the worst issues 4th generation Passat owners have to deal with.

  1. Clock Spring Failure

    Volkswagen owners continue to have clock spring problems years after the parts were first recalled. The failed recall is under investigation, but in the meantime VW owners are staring at a disabled driver's side airbag, horn, and steering-w…

    Continue reading article "Clock Spring Failure" A steering wheel with the VW emblem in the middle

  2. Ignition Coil Failure

    Ignition coils produce a high-voltage current that fires the spark plugs. But VW coils often fail causing the engine to suddenly lose power. This can lead to shaking or hesitation and leave the driver in a vulnerable position.

    Continue reading article "Ignition Coil Failure" An ignition coil diagram over a blurred out image of a car

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

4th Generation (1996–2005) Passat Key Numbers

  1. 10 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 492 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 42nd in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 46 eligible generations.

What Passat Owners Say About This Generation

VW Clock Springs Continue to Fail After Recall

I made a left turn and heard a loud crack and all lights in the control went off. I got a message :Airbag Error, and check engine. I lost all of the steering wheel control and connection to the car. Every turn it makes a big noise and I was afraid the airbag will deploy.

2012 Passat Owner in FL

VW Clock Springs Continue to Fail After Recall

Late November 2017 horn quit working too. Got car into dealership in December 2017 for Air Bag recall and they replaced air bag, unfortunately that did not fix it. Dealership told me that it was a clock spring failure and would cost about $700 to replace clock spring. Tried to get Volkswagen to stand behind product and fix but they won't.

2013 Passat Owner

Oil Sludge in the 1.8L Turbo Engine

My car was driving perfect, no problems at all. Then all of a suden my car starts making this weird noise, then its dead? My car was in great condition, cosmetically and mechanically. Beautiful car, my first VW and i love it ... Then i looked online and found out why, i want justice!

2002 Passat Owner in NC

Oil Sludge in the 1.8L Turbo Engine

My 2003 VW Passat has an oil sludge problem. The engine died on the freeway in very heavy traffic and would not restart. Have been told I need a new engine. The dealer told me the 'sludge warranty' (I didn't even know there was one and did not know about oil sludge) was for eight years. I have owned my car for 8 years and 3 months.

2003 Passat Owner in OH