Volkswagen Passat 2006+

weiland

'06 Passat 2.0 T owner here wondering if any other fellow owners have experienced the door lock and unlock buttons bubbling like a cheep window tint job? I have never left windows open in the rain or applied anything other than Armoral to the door panel. The buttons look like they have a layer of plastic coating cracking and seperating from the button itself. Still under warranty but wanted some more info before heading into the dealer next week. Thanks!

wahoobill

I've had the same issue and got it fixed by the dealer--so far so good-- It happened on 3 of the four doors on my 06 passat 2.0T-- BTW they dont recommend you use armoral on any material as it contains petroleum products which eventually will cause the material to crack-- its a great advertising campaign, but not really a good product-- just plain soap and water or a non petroleum product will get you the same results...

Hope this helps..

sda

Anyone know if I can change the 12v outlet in ashtray to turn off when car is off and key is removed? Currently it is always live. I have a navigation system, and I have to unplug it anytime I am going to be out of the car for an extended period of time. A minor thing, but a hassle.

isinglow

I got a great deal on a Wolfsburg lease lately but, when I took delivery, the sales guy took some delight in telling me that this car actually had bi-xenon lights on it. I already had a confirmed price for a car I assumed wouldn't have the lights on so just said "cool." When I checked out the window sticker, I didn't see the lights listed as an option.

I don't think I have them. Can someone tell me a quick way for me to tell the difference b/w the bi-xenon lights and regular lights (besides irritating oncoming traffic--- :surprise:

twweber

I had the same question. From looking at VW.com on build a passat, the bi-xenon lights have two sets of lights on each side not one like the normal set.

I will check mine out tonight when I get off the train to see.

autoboy16

When they say bi-xenon lights, they mean that both high and low beams use xenon lights.

Xenon lights are great because they allow you to see things better at night in a bigger field of view. Not all cars shine lights in drivers eyes. Cars like the Acura TSX come with xenon lights that have a cutoff line. Its hard to explain the cutoff line but thats exactly what it is.

The cutoff line is the uppermost visible line (literally a bright white trip at the top) that prevents the lights from shining in drivers eyes or blinding pedestrians. Also in the TSX, the xenon lights have excellent view because they can show 3 lanes over in light.

Adaptive xenon lights are the ones that swivel when the steering wheel is turned usually on Lexus cars(or the old tucker) but popping up on many newer cars like the acura RL.

Here is a video that goes into detail about xenon lights.

-Cj

taepo518

Just purchased a Passat Wolfsburg. Test drove both the Camry and the Passat on the same day. I wanted a GTI, so I didn't really have a preference, so my wife was going to do the driving/deciding. I just followed along, pouting.

She thought she would love the Camry, since she heard so much about the smooth ride. However, even though it was smooth, she said it felt unsubstantial. She also hated the cheap dashboard plastics.

Then went a few blocks away to VW, drove the Passat. She thought it felt MUCH more upscale and luxurious. I didn't tell her the seats were leatherette until later - she thought they were leather. Even though the ride wasn't as soft, she thought the Passat felt solid over the bumps.

We got a good deal on the Passat, so we just bought it right there (invoice -cashback).

We are just PRAYING our car isn't unreliable though. Still debating on whether to purchase the extended warranty. Any advice on this?

anemoneii

Has anyone installed a remote start on a 2006 or 2007 Passat?

Dealer says it won't work?

autoboy16

You won't regret in at all!! Yes there will be usual things to get mad over like more expensive to repair but that comes with buying a german car.

IMO regarding the ride, the passat is like the accord when compared to the camry. The camry is soft and comfortable, but the passat is sporty and everything is where it needs to be, Except for the lights on the dash... But many new cars are doing that now anyways.

Remember to chime in how it goes at Oil change time, and any problems or questions

Congrats!!
-Cj

82usma

Hi Z

I got my 06 passat with 2.0T FSI engine in Nov'05. Up until about a week ago I had no problems with oil consumption. I would need to add a quart about once every 10K miles.

Last week my oil pressure warning came on while entering the highway on-ramp. The light went off as soon as I got off the ramp. When I got home, I found that my oil was 2.5 qts low! This morning, I checked my oil again and found that I was 1.5 qts low. I had only driven ~500 miles.

There are no signs of any external leaks or smoke from the tail pipe. Does anyone know why I should be using so much oil all of a sudden?

82usma

Hi all,

I've got a strange problem.
Every few days I get a warning message that one of my front Marker lights (RH or LH) are burnt out. If I cycle the ignition a few times the warning light will go out and the bulb will start working again.

Does anyone have any ideas?
I've already checked the bulbs and they're not loose.

motorboy

hands up who's tried on leather trousers

http://www.midlifecrisisretreat.com/

take the midlife crisis test

http://www.midlifecrisisretreat.com/diagnosis

i scored 7 out of 23
"You've done ok but you're starting to show signs of deterioration
You may find yourself wanting to wear bandanas, or you could get the urge to have your ears pierced."

cdnpinhead

I got a 2 out of 23. Thanks for the amusing break.

lserve

I don't have advice, but am looking at a Passat myself and am debating the same thing on the warranty. What prices did they give you for the mileage/year options?

-L

monty56python

I bought a 2006 Passat 6 speed on 12/31/05, and have driven it over 23,000 miles. I had been worried about reliability as well, based on stories I had heard about the prior generation.

The reassuring thing about the stories was that the problems were nuisances, but generally able to be remedied. Friends with Passats have gone well over 100K without problems.

The good news is that I have had very few problems with my Passat. At my last service, the dealer handled a couple of recall issues without my having to ask -- and at no charge, of course. I had not noticed any driveability or comfort issues.

I have found the Passat smooth, comfortable, fun to drive and astoundingly economical. I just got back from a 1,500 mile trip that involved some city driving, and overall mileage was 35.3 mpg. On the trip home, which was largely highway driving, I got 36.7 mpg for 700 miles.

If your experience is anything like mine, you definitely made the right choice!

My Passat is my only car without leather. The leatherette is every bit as comfortable, and requires less care.

taepo518

Didn't even inquire about the extended warranty actually. My finance guy was too shady and aggressive, I didn't even bother - I just told him I didn't want or need any extras.

This is after he secretly added a $250 tire/wheel protection pkg that was 'mandatory'. Of course I took care of that and told him where to go.

I'll probably wait a few years and then get price quotes for the extended. Despite what the dealer might say, you can opt for the extended anytime before your factory warranty ends.

autoboy16

2.0T or 3.6?

-Cj

lserve

Thanks, I may do the same. They seem unwilling to discuss price unless you meet with their finance staff. I'm not willing to consider it unless I can get pricing up front prior to any purchase. I have heard that at one dealer they were starting near $2500 which seems steep, but understandable given the higher cost of VW repairs.

-L

klafollette

Had the same issue with my '06 Passat 2.0T. The dealer replaced all of the buttons with new model ones under warranty.

klafollette

This is my third VW. I previously had a '99 Wolfsburg Jetta (totalled in an accident-not my fault) and loved the car so much, I bought an '00.

I now have a 2006 Passat 2.0T with 24K miles..and it has got to be a lemon. We have had it in and out of the VW shop since we have had it. Here is the list of issues I have had so far:

1. A/C no longer working
It started out sporatic, not blowing out cold air the first 5 minutes, then it would kick in. Sometimes it would work, other times not. Here in Florida, it was a hot ride home 20+ minutes today with air that felt like a blow dryer hitting my face the entire time. I made an appointment at the shop for Friday.

2. Trunk not shutting
This was only happening when it was cold. I would attempt to close the trunk and it would pop back open (one time while riding down the road). The trunk was completely empty, but you would have to slam it 10-15 times before it would stay shut. Took it in to dealer to look at - they said they couldn't duplicate the problem. It now is doing it when it is 98 degrees outside...so cold air isn't the issue.

3. Shake and Bake
My car has a shimmey that usually occurs when coasting between 40 and 55 mph. I have taken it to VW at least 3 times for the same issue. They balanced the tires (by putting an abnormal amount of tire weights on one tire), but they told me its the tires. They told me to take it to Goodyear, who in turn says there are too many weights on the tire, and informs me it is the rim...and back and forth. Meanwhile, when I am in the front passenger seat, it feels like I am getting shaken to death.

4. Lock and Unlock Buttons
Buttons bubbled (got replaced). Seems okay for now.

5. Vanity mirrors
Light keeps going out (driver side replaced already), needs the passenger one replaced now.

I am 2 years into ownership of this car...and am about $4700 upside down. When I can afford to take the upside down hit, I am trading in this car!!! Never Ever Ever getting a VW again.

goodieshannon

I experienced the same A/C problems with a 2007 2.0T Wagon that we purchased last summer along with other problems it got to be so iritating that we traded up to a 3.0T All Motion Wagon and experienced and are still having other problems, such as: tire pressure too low light is on all the time; brakes not stopping smoothly (on two occasions they barely stopped me at all) dealer replaced under warranty; the steering column makes this really loud noise when I back up or turn the wheel tightly left or right (but not consistently) have taken it in for this noise several times and they say they can't hear it so they can't fix it! This being our first step into VW was the worst experience and once we are not top heavy we will get out and NEVER go VW again! I tell anyone that asks, DO NOT GO TO A VW - their quality control SUCKS!!!!

600kgolfgt

As painful as it may sound, here's a bit of advice that my father gave me regarding any make of automobile:

Never buy any car early in the production cycle.

I find it amazing how many people make this mistake time and again. This is where one's ego will get you in trouble.

This applies whether you are buying a Honda, VW, Toyota, etc. etc. Don't take my word for it - take a stroll through some of the other discussion boards - and you will find that on this issue - the grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side...

This being our first step into VW was the worst experience and once we are not top heavy we will get out and NEVER go VW again! I tell anyone that asks, DO NOT GO TO A VW - their quality control SUCKS!!!!

Regarding the above statement:

Every VW I’ve owned (over the past 25+ years) has gone at least 200,000 miles (my 1987 Golf has gone 624,000 miles). The secret - they are properly MAINTAINED. I also bought these cars because I knew what I was buying instead of listening to advertising jargon from a bunch of marketing-droids peddling the latest bells and whistles. I also avoided buying cars early in their production cycle.

With the exception of my first VW, a 1975 Scirocco, every VW that I’ve owned were purchased near the end of the production cycle (after all the bugs are worked out). I prefer letting others volunteer as guinea pigs by being the first on the block to own a brand-new fresh-out-of-the -factory 1st-year production model.

Sorry to be harsh - but life really isn't as easy as the marketing/advertising droids on Madison Avenue will lead everyone to believe. The reality will bite you hard if you're not careful.

klafollette

My steering wheel also squeaks (rubber on rubber sound) when I turn it, but only when it is cold outside. Being that I live in Florida, it only occurs 3 or 4 months out of the year. It is very irritating to say the least.

When I talked to the service department about it, they said that they were getting a lot of the same reports on the car, but that if they replaced the gaskets or whatever was causing the problem, it would still do it again.

By the way, my car is still in the shop for the A/C issue. I guess it was a compressor that is bad, which is on national back order. It has been a week today that they have had my car.

klafollette

You definitely have a point. I will wait at least a year after a new model has come out before purchasing it. One thing I do know for sure though, is that my next purchase will not be a VW.

goodieshannon

I definitely hear you, point taken! I still will not purchase VW again. I will go back to what worked for us and still works - NISSAN (owned for over 20 yrs and they last and last) as you said, we are high on maintenance!! Thanks.

autoboy16

On the Passat 3.6, whats the difference between the sport and luxury trims other than the the usual Aluminum vs Wood? Is the Luxury a good car? I think that the passat is a great car with that addictive engine note, Mocha brown exterior, maccicatio(Sp?) brown interior and wood. Saw that combo but with black interior on the sport model today. Both are visually appealing but I feel like more comes with the luxury for the same price.

BUT I CANT GET OVER THAT EXHAUST NOTE!! Like a gargle and roar mix... Ok bad example but you get the point...

-Cj

goodieshannon

we have a 3.6T All Motion Wagon with Luxury - the only drawback to the tan interior is that it shows every bit of dirt (even after we have the leather treated with the protectant) as for the ROAR....of the engine...my husband says he can hear me coming down the street when i give it gas..i just love that sound..make sure you test drive the car you want to purchase....there is a noise problem in the steering column that no one seems to hear when i take it in (and believe me it has been back several times for that noise!!!!) good luck

bvdj84

I really like the passat, I actually have not test drove one, but considering the passat, because I will trade in my 06 accord closer to the end of contract. The 08 accord will be overpriced for awhile, so either attempt getting the 08 accord or the passat, but will I encounter a huge price jump, from accord to Passat.

vdubs06

Klafolette- I am experiencing the same A/C problem with my 2006 VW Passat 2.0T. Can I ask you what the resolution was or if they ever were able to resolve your a/c issue?

I first noticed the problem today. I'm someone who uses my A/C OFTEN. I've had my car about 10mos now and the A/C has been REALLY impressive...until today when I noticed that on both my way to and from work the car took LONGER than the norm to pump out cold air- like 10/15mins. It was pumping out cool/tepid air. Usually when I start the car in the AM it already starts coming out cold and then when I leave work, it immediately starts up cold bc I keep the car in a dark, usu cooler parking garage. It took a while for the car to start pumping out cold air today. I mean ONCE it did, the air was ICE cold...but it still took longer than the norm. Everyone knows their car best and this was NOT customary for my car. I was hoping maybe you might have some advice for me. I'm kind of disappointed about it and have an appt w/my VW dealer first thing in the AM tomorrow.

autoboy16

I hate noises like this. Its almost as annoying as the noise when you first turn a tv on or like a dog whistle...

But most likely, you are describing a different noise! My car is developing squeaks, pops, and rattles but thats ok since its 12years old and mostly trouble free in the year I've owned it. Its just the minor problems that causes us to get angry !!

BTW, good luck finding and fixing that noise! Hopefully the dealer can locate the problem. I've noticed that this is a common trend in vw dealers... Luckily my friends dad is the head mechanic at the vw dealer nearest me !

-Cj

sdoo25

The Sport package has 18" wheels, lowered suspension, 3 spoke steering wheel, sport seats and all aluminum interior trim. The luxury package has 17" wheels, 4 spoke steering wheel, comfort seats and wood/aluminum interior trim.

potvin

It's the same situation in Quebec. The VW dealer seems to don't know how to deal with that? All pieces are always BO in North America. I'm very disappointed of VW.

potvin

The service guy told me that my A/C was contaminated! They change all the system. Water was entering in the system. big expectation for the winter!

winesnob1

I am having the same A/C problem with My 2005 Passat TDI. What did the dealer find when you took it in for repair?

vdubs06

I have a 2006 Passat 2.0. And in websurfing, I discovered a TSB (technical service bulletin) indicating that the compressors on several of the '06 VW models (including Passats) were faulty. After the dealer had already had the car several days and hadn't fixed anything, I called them and faxed them the bulletin (as IF they weren't already aware of it!) and told them I WANTED a new compressor in the car. I mean the car was only 10mos old at that point. I stood firm on it bc I didn't want to have the same problem several months from now again. I wanted the problem resolved right then and there. They agreed but the part was on national backorder and it took approximately 2.5wks until they received it and installed it in the car. EVER since then, the A/C has been working REALLY well again (knock on wood). And I use it FREQUENTLY. I'm a big fan of A/C. I think I put it on the minute it goes above 65 so I've been using it EVERYDAY since then and so far, so good.

Instead of the A/C, MY MOST RECENT problem is that my Window LOck button doesn't work and the driver side visor light is out (which the dealership informed me they have seen on quite a few cars!). I made them put it on record until I get the chance to bring the car in for the next oil change (that's providing EVERYTHING else in the car remains okay until then!).

I LOVE the car, the way it looks, the feel of it, the ride, how smooth and quiet it is, the quick pickup, but I JUST WISH it would ALL come together and ALL the parts would function properly!!!!!!!!!

I wish you ALL the best with your car! Keep me posted! Stay on top of the dealership and do NOT let them give you the run around!!! Make VW stand by their cars!!!

verdugo

There's a new patch. And this time VW has made it a recall. It's called the OJ patch (don't ask me why it's called that).

I had it done it today and it's great so far. The only downside is that you lose the gear indicator when you're in auto (still get it in triptonic). Oh well. Small price to pay. I'm happy.

birdboy

My 2006 passat 2.0 just hit the 21,000k mark . So far I am very pleased with it and have had no problems with it except for last winter. Although we had little snow in New York city , I seemed to have had traction problems driving up my driveway with as little as 4 inches of snow. A technician at the dealership told me today that I could throw 2 m+s tires on the front and it will help. I was under the belief that I needed to have all 4 tires match. I really do not wish to spend $600.00 on tires as I am hoping the the upcoming Tiguan compact suv in June 08 will be right for me. Can anyone suggest what I should do regarding snow traction. As always, thanks for your help

cosmo

$600-700 for a set of 4 studless winter tires mounted on steel wheels is cheap life insurance. And you are right, you do need 4 winter tires to be safe. Keep in mind that not being able to get up your driveway is just a cold inconvenience. Not being able to stop or corner on ice could be more than just inconvenient. If you do trade for a Tiguan next year, you can probably recoup some of the money spent on protecting your life, the lives of your family members, and your Passat by selling the set or negotiating for a trade allowance. Also, there is the possibility the winter wheels and tires will fit the Tiguan. I happily discovered last year that the steel winter wheels for our 2004 Passat fit our 2006 Jetta.

verdugo

I just checked 16" tires at tirerack. Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60 are $107 each. You don't even have to buy new wheels. Last winter I had two sets of tires, and only one set of wheels. It was a $50 or so to change them. A lot less than it would've cost to buy new 17" rims (I have a Passat Wagon).

If you go for the 15" (and smaller/skinnier tires are better for snow), they have a special on Dunlop Winter Sport M3 for $85 each.

Like Cosmo said, small price to pay for your life.

shipo

Buying new rims costs considerably less in the long run and tears up the bead of the tires a whole lot less too. Also, while Blizzaks have very good snow and ice traction when new, they degrade fast and are pretty squishy when encountering the twisties. Other winter tires from makers such as Michelin and Pirelli are usually thought to be less of a compromise for dry roads and handling.

Best Regards,
Shipo

birdboy

Thanks for the winter tire guidance and info..I jinked myself, my check engine light went on today.. So it is 21,005 trouble free miles.

mt5670

I have a 2007 Passat wagon and noticed that the paint on the interior door handles and on the dash area between the center console and glove box is peeling and chipping. Has anyone else noticed this on any of the newer Passat's? I'm trying to get the dash replaced via warranty so the more ammo, the better my case.

600kgolfgt

Sorry to hear about the interior.

Looks like the work of the friendly neighborhood, cost-cutting, bean counters at VW at work again. Word has it that the upper management at VW Group directed VW to cut back on some of the quality materials for the interior so the Passat doesn't run the risk of cannibalizing sales from Audi's A4 and A6.

Case in point - My wife has a 2003 Passat GLS with the leather interior. After 75,000 miles, the interior looks just as good as when the car was purchased new. While at the dealership getting an oil change, my wife and I took a look at the new Passat in the showroom. Just by glancing at the interior, we can tell that some cost-cutting was made. Sitting in the car and examining the materials used in the dash alone confirmed our suspicions. The seats were much harder and less comfortable than those in the 2003.

We're going to hang on to the Passat until my wife finishes law school. Then we will upgrade to an Audi or Mercedes. This current Passat lost a bit of the upscale edge that the previous generation Passats had.

Hopefully your dealer will resolve this issue to your satisfaction...

cosmo

This will certainly be the dumbest response you will get to your question, but I gotta ask. Are you sure the peeling and chipping is paint, or is it the protective plastic coating that VW uses on chrome and brushed aluminum parts? The dealer is supposed to remove that coating during dealer prep, but I found a few chrome pieces still coated when I bought my 2004.

If this response doesn't help, feel free to laugh at me.

marsha7

Actually, cosmo, even tho I don't own a Passat, that is worthwhile advice...sometimes protective plastic that really fits well (why don't the actual components ever fit that well???) may stay on for some time and nobody notices until it starts peeling...

I just bought a new Citizen watch, and I was looking for the plastic on the watchback and could not find it...until a tiny little edge started to peel from moisture on my wrist, and with that little tag I was able to use a tweezer to remove the plastic...could happen on a car, too...

au1994

Thought I would give everyone a report after 6k with an 07 2.0T wagon. It is the pkg 1 with nav and 6 disc changer, sunroof, tip tronic in Candy White with Tan Leatherette.

This is our first VW and I am impressed. The motor is a perfect blend of power and economy and is very smooth. Cruises on the highway great and the ride is just right between firm and soft. The functionality of the wagon has been handy and love the power hatch. Plus I think it looks great!!

This is the first nav system we have had and honestly we have not taken the time to learn all of the functions. We used it going to Florida and then went to use it on the same route back and it took us in a totally different direction. Again, we had not read up on it so it could have been operator error.

Only compliant is some squeaks and rattles where the console and dash meet. I have some time off at the holidays and plan on getting it to the dealer for a look and to catch up on a few other TSB's I have found.

awaretek

I am considering purchasing a new 2008 Passat 2.0T Lux with Nav.

I don't particularly like the key fob. I'm interested in hearing from anyone out there who has a Passat with a key fob. Does it grow on you? Does it ever get stuck in the ignition? Are there any other downside issues? Anyone really like it?

Ron

awaretek

I am considering purchasing a new Passat 2.0T Lux with Nav.

I read in an old thread that a couple of people were unhappy with the air conditioning on the Passat. They felt it didn't cool as well as air conditioning on other cars, and not well enough or fast enough.

Can anyone comment on a relatively new model Passat, whether you are satisfied with the air conditioning or not?
Ron

au1994

After the first week, it becomes second nature. I don't mind it at all now.

au1994

We have an 07 wagon and have no complaints. We had a hotter than normal summer for our area and it performed just fine.