Volkswagen Passat TDI Reviews

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Volkswagen Passat TDI
★★★★☆
3.5
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Latest Reviews

“Car is very unreliable”

★☆☆☆☆

written by jackputz on 20/04/2014

I have a 2013 Passatt tdi which has been in the dealers garage more than my garage. I have had it for 18 months, have 45000 miles on it, and it has been in the shop four different times. The Ad Blue system has broke down twice (I live in MN, if the avg temp is <12, the car will have problems). The turbo blew once (13 days in the dealer's garage), got it back, then three days later the engine seal gave way? It has been at the dealer now for the past 6 days with no estimate as to how long this will take. I asked for a free loaner since it's been in the shop so much, they offered me one for $25 per day. Wouldn't you think that with the lemon they sold me, that they would at least let me drive a loaner for free? I do have to say that when it is working, it rides nice. That being said, it is too unreliable and would highly recommend to not purchase this car.

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“Passat 110 bhp 2011 2ltr”

★★★☆☆

written by on 25/07/2012

Well so disappointed in this Car i had a 1999 110 BHP tdi before wonderful fuel economy was amazing regular 60 + mpg so obviously bought a newer model as supposed to be better. The car has only done 20000 took it for service as not happy it had service 3 months ago when i bought from Motor point Derby but as going on long touring trip over 3000 miles decided to have another service at main Agent and have it Checked out. They say all is fine nothing at wrong so why am i only getting around 36 MPG almost half of what i got out of old car. If this is how Volkswagen have now gone from being in my mind the very best to below average their reputation will not last long at all. After only owning it 3 months after our touring Holiday trip will be looking for another Car with decent fuel economy. Volkswagen Tamworth seemed to think it was average for this fuel economy i don't in this day and age and high fuel prices. Only wish i had kept my old car but thought best to Change as 178000 miles on clock never let me down and in 5 years all i did was service it twice a year wash and wax it the only thing i had to buy was tires front Brake pads.

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Waynesarahburns's Comment

Written on: 21/04/2013

Because the old Passat trip computers are not at all accurate! I still have a 1998 19tdi and it does around 15mpg less than the reads out. I got actual calculated 44mpg from cornwall to south Wales at 70mph (actual, 74-75 on speedo), I didn't check but trip would have read between 55 and 60mpg. I get mid to late thirties regularly with medium driving.

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Stumpy_Si's Comment

Written on: 09/06/2013

I run a 59 plate 2.0TDI 110bhp blue motion and return mid to high 60s to the gallon on distance runs easily achieving 1000 miles to a tank full through careful driving of course. local runs see around 50 to 55 mpg.

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Hank.ron's Comment

Written on: 09/06/2013

Mine will not get near that max 570 miles I don't go by trip I Phil mine to the top and then on refill work out consumption.
Car has now done 30000 on last long trip through UK France Netherlands Belgum Germany Poland then Lithuania and back to UK taking it easy as on touring Holiday we averaged 52 MPG

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“VW Passat 2.5 V6 Estate”

★☆☆☆☆

written by levelheadedsteve on 15/06/2012

Easily the most expensive car to run that I have ever owned. 2002 model bought in 2004 (50k), here is the sorry tale:- 1) Very flat in low rev range. 2) Always blew black soot during hard acceleration 3) New rear fuel pump at 60k 4) Engine under tray constantly falling off 5) New clutch (genuine) at 80K (known fault with early duel mass clutches) 6) Another new clutch at 82k due to faulty replacement 7) Both headlights replacement due to misting from broken seals 85k 8) Another new rear fuel pump 90K 9) Sensor in drivers door replaced (common fault) 10)Cambelt pulley problem resulted in belt slip and caused bent valves (car sold as scrap) 110K Handling was also poor (quite a long car) On a positive note the car accelerated well at higher revs and was comfortable on long motorway runs. If everthing was as reliable as my Volkswagon, I would have very few possesions that actually worked.

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“my 2001 130 tdi estate has done 203000 miles,I have...”

★★★★★

written by on 15/04/2011

my 2001 130 tdi estate has done 203000 miles,I have never had any major issues.She has full service history,only main dealer up to 100 000 miles there-after by myself and a local specialist.
I have always used genuine parts and have serviced her at the correct intervals.
I have a slight suspension knock now,but must admit that I hit a kerb in the snow earlier on this year,which could have caused this problem.

I would definately buy another,but want to drive this one until it dies.(could be some time though).

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“if you ever have turbo problems or lack of power just...”

★★★★★

written by on 17/02/2011

if you ever have turbo problems or lack of power just put a bit of leki tape over your numberplate and waz it down the motarway at midnight and it wont do anything for a muinet but then the blockage will suddenley dissapear and it feels like someone has just pushed a nitros oxide button it throws you back in the seat and hay presto its fixed theese cars were built for motarway crusing not city and town driving but door electronics on vw's are not the best admitidley but they are the only problems apart from cv boots.

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“I have had my Passat 130 TDI from brand new (Cardiff...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by chandan1sharma on 04/01/2011

I have had my Passat 130 TDI from brand new (Cardiff VW supplied), spent £16000.00 buying it, it had a irritating whistling sound coming from the front door seal, which took 4 visits to reduce not eliminate and I had to learn to live with it. The passanger side wing mirror LED failed, was told by one dealer not covered under warranty, then another replaced it under warranty. The brake switch assembly failed in 07 (out of warranty £130.00), the welding opened on the radiator (£370.00 new radiator), the very next day when the coolant alarm came on again it turned out to be the sensor however Martin's of Camberley did not accept it was probably damaged during repair of the radiator, so another £110.00 for that, followed by the alternator failing in 2010 (51000 miles on the clock), £422.00 for a reconditioned unit. I have advised that the drive shaft boots have cracked and should be replaced (some astronomical amount), front brake disks have been replaced and then every service there is brake fluid service (add £140.00 to normal service cost). It costs an arm and a leg to keep on the road, VW will screw you every which way and you will find yourself praying that some would nick it or write it off on your behalf.

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“i have a x reg passat tdi 115 bhp,its now done 195...”

★★★★☆

written by on 07/08/2010

i have a x reg passat tdi 115 bhp,its now done 195 thousend miles.
the best car i have ever had, am gutted though as for about 6 months the turbo was cutting out at 2000revs, if you turn the ignition off then back on it would work again, now its as if it has stopped alltogether :-(
but if i could sort the problem i would defo.
very reliable, good mpg and quick (when turbo working!)
any ideas???

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Cassp003's Comment

Written on: 08/11/2012

i have a 2002 TDI 100 bhp and thesame problem cropped up a few months ago at 120,000 kms. The soluton was cleaning the turbo charger diaphram from excessive carbon buil-up. The engine is now responding pristinely as when it was new.

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Scooterboy67's Comment

Written on: 03/03/2013

limp mode problem very common many potential causes but can be easily fixed go to ukpassats for plenty of good advice

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“In a word, this car is magnificent. Fantastic to drive...”

★★★★★

written by on 25/06/2010

In a word, this car is magnificent. Fantastic to drive and very economical. Most of my driving is motorway and i am getting between 50 - 56 mpg actual. This car has fantastic acceleration, even in 5th and 6th gear and pulls superbly. With a caravan in tow, on A roads i was still getting 33mpg. If i were to pick faults i would say it is a little noisier than i'm used to but overall it is pure quality

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“Hi iv had 2 vw passat tdi and know a lot of people who...”

★★★★☆

written by hows vw on 24/03/2010

Hi iv had 2 vw passat tdi and know a lot of people who have got them ,they are real good cars mine have been both second hand an about six years old when i bought them ,but i must warn you they prone to eletric window faults where most times you got to change the who pannel around 80 pounds for the parts, the turbos are prone to a build up of carbon if you dont change the oil at recomendid times and only short journeys this means the turbo will shut down when you put you foot down, and only reset when the engine is switch of then this cycle reocures until fixed there are other valves with cause this as well so its a process of elimanation i have gone through supention arms a lot to i bought copy arms half the price and they only lasted me a year but there are a lot of speed bumps where i live. dont be put off all cars have commen faults just bear this in mind when buying second hand and keep a few pound back just in case, good luck H

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“i bought this car 2 years ago i have had it serviced...”

★★★★☆

written by on 14/03/2010

i bought this car 2 years ago i have had it serviced at all recomended miles .top car fast very good on diasel super lux loads ov spec total looker regards ian

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“had my 2002 100 tdi from new what a great car its been...”

★★★★★

written by andy rob on 12/02/2010

had my 2002 100 tdi from new what a great car its been done 79000 now no problems looks new still

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“Bought my 130 passat about 2months ago, fantastic...”

★★★☆☆

written by on 02/12/2009

Bought my 130 passat about 2months ago, fantastic car... very easy on d diesel but this week its starting make funny noises when u rev it and let it drop back to normal level again...its very annoying...the clutch is not sliping and no loss of power dont know wot it is....also when u turn it off it makes the same noise...any ideas wot dis mite b??very strange

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“So, I got my R reg tdi se think so;) two years back,...”

★★★☆☆

written by on 18/11/2009

So, I got my R reg tdi se think so;) two years back, after a week, front suspension arms had to be changed, amount of sound car was making was scaring everyone on a roads;) oil service etc.. then, turbo gone off, new one - 250, well good thing that i will fit parts;) wonder how much labour for fitting turbo or front suspension arms, all of them!! 2 days it took me, and i was not on my own;) then, car just stoped listening and wont start at all in the mornings;( got sacked for that from my nice job at legal practice, not telling where cause someone will go and set fire to it;)) well, car was braking that much, one day on my way to work, after pushing car trough car park to start it, gear box went off, well good end for my lovely tdi;) just wanted to set fire to it by myself;) tdi had good luck, but not me, in the same week, i had disciplinary hearing, mate of mine was giving me a lift in his taxi to work, one he failed, day before disciplinary hearing;) gues what? got sacked next day because car trouble;) well done HR Manager;) she even asked me why i can't get myself better car;) for what? i spend all my savings to make it going and i still need about £700 to make it going again;) well, people who have money dont care about your financial, car, life troubles. specially when you make for them 100000 a month;)) well passat going now better then ever, and I'm unemployed without support from uk, well never worked full 12 months in UK;) don't get me wrong, live here for the last 5 years, but have not completed 12 months of continuous labour;) maybe that's good that I'm not claiming benefits;) other people there who need that money, in my vw passat;)) little love that car is now, there was a time i was praying for an accident, and when i had it, light one, i said to the man that i can not be like that, claiming when nothing happened to me, well u will say, u should, but no, if you are not injured, don't claim nothing, let the man who cause you loss pay for that, it will teach him more then his premium raising of 10 a year, ok, that's it from me. Just one more, when I was a teenager i always wanted one of them, now i don't. GERMAN NATION MADE THAT CAR so they will EARN MONEY FROM THE services!!! have u seen price for one injector? 150 + vat, set of susp arms about 300 cause not originals;)) well aluminium equals aluminium;) but vw and Audi don't, Audi prices are cheaper, and same parts;) little advise, buy audi parts, they cheaper, and in same catalogues;)

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“Absolutely the worst car that I have ever owned....”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 02/10/2009

Absolutely the worst car that I have ever owned. Bought used from the dealer with 60k on the clock. In 4 months, the turbo has failed, the clutch has failed, the parking brake has failed and the dashboard squeaks like a take-away kebab box.

The car is prone to stalling, has horrendous turbo lag making pulling out of busy junctions almost dangerous. It drinks oil like a fish and has an incredibly boring driving experience.

You can't get children out of the rear doors when it is raining, they'll get soaked. I have to get them to clamber out of the front doors.

It has good interior space. Fuel economy is quite good.

Other than that rubbish, plain and simple. A modern day Morris Marina.

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“Volkswagen Passat Estate SE140PS TDi. I bought this...”

★★★★☆

written by Ken0104 on 22/03/2009

Volkswagen Passat Estate SE140PS TDi. I bought this car from pre-reg with 24 miles on the clock. I love the car, I think the shape is very pleasing. Packed with features including cruise control, on board computer, auto-hold (automatic handbrake). The ride is very smooth, engine torque is excellent. The car feels very light - you could park it with one finger. The interior is very spacious, both front and rear, there is bags of storage. One feature I love is the compartment within the glovebox specifically for the manual - brilliant. Overall, I give the Passat Estate an 8/10. Superior handling, excellent torque and a decent combined fuel consumption of around 45mpg make this car a good investment. The boot space is outstanding, well designed storage space and pleasing on the eye mean that each and every morning when I sit behind the wheel I am thankful I made the investment. Three bad points really - the CD player often cuts off due to the heat from the fan. Removing the disc, it is red hot.

The Auto-Hold sometimes plays funny, not releasing. It has to be switched off in order for you to move.

The fabric seats catch very easily on clothing etc and they appear worn. Disappointing for an otherwise excellent vehicle.

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Bmw E30's Response to 449244_Ken0104's Review

Written on: 19/08/2009

What year is your passat Ken? I'm looking at a VW or Seat/Skoda Octavia in TDI guise, but i think the passat looks very nice around the 52-reg/age. Do you have any idea what it does on a journey/motorway speeds mpg? Has it been quirk free, ie not starting every so often, lumpy idle, alarm playing up, etc etc. I had a Ford Focus and also a Ford Puma with these common faults.

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“Overall the Passat by far overshadows rivals like the...”

★★★★☆

written by on 25/01/2009

Overall the Passat by far overshadows rivals like the Mondeo and Vectra for build and performance. 600 miles to a tank on long journeys but In the real world expect to get more like 42-43 mpg combined rather than the claimed 48.

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“I have a 2001 Volkswagen passat 1.9tdi 130bhp i loved...”

★★★★☆

written by Barry93 on 05/01/2009

I have a 2001 Volkswagen passat 1.9tdi 130bhp i loved the car untill the air problem and would love to keep it if new how to fix, but generally a very good car Very good suspension, good for roundabouts the 130bhp very fast cars, good gearbox.

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467153_Gaz70's Response to 429708_Barry93's Review

Written on: 15/06/2009

THE AIR FLOW METER IS A COMMON FAULT, I REPLACED A METER ON MINE, IT COST ME &pound;75 AND HALF AN HOUR OF MY TIME, BUT SOLVED THE SAID POWER LOSS ISSUES.

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“My VW Passat 2001 TDI 130Bhp, now 6 years old, had...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 12/11/2008

My VW Passat 2001 TDI 130Bhp, now 6 years old, had suspension problems (not expensive to fix, but it's anoyng), broke itself 2 front electric windows, one by one after couple month. Have to change shocks. Looks like my previous Mazda 626 1992 had less problems in 2 years.

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Biffobear's Comment

Written on: 26/10/2009

I found this review not helpful because...it stated the obvious and said that his mazda had less problems, well i'm not interested in the mazda just the passat thanks

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“Bad choice for me to buy it. Engine major problems....”

☆☆☆☆☆

written by gv on 17/09/2008

Bad choice for me to buy it. Engine major problems. Cylinder head replaced after 59000 km.
engine vibrations and major underpower after repare. dealer dont know what is the problem.

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“I have a tdi 130 VW Passat I have covered 298k and...”

★★★★★

written by on 22/08/2008

I have a tdi 130 VW Passat I have covered 298k and have had no problems so do invest in 1 as they are great. My mate has the new 140 bhp 2006 and he has had no end of problems. Does anyone know why?

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