Used car guide · 1981–2026

Volkswagen Passat common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Volkswagen Passat, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 570,379 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

The 1984 Volkswagen Passat

Our MOT figures start with cars first registered in 1990. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Volkswagen Passat as a whole.

16on the UK register at the end of 2025
ProbablyMOT-exempt (40+ years old), unless substantially changed
Dieselmost common fuel (also plug-in hybrid)
What to check on a 1984 car
  • Rust and structure

    Look underneath at the sills, floor, chassis rails and jacking points. Rust in the structure costs far more to fix than paint bubbles.

  • MOT-exempt isn’t roadworthy

    Cars over 40 don’t need an MOT, but they must still be safe. A voluntary MOT or a specialist inspection is worth the money.

  • Paperwork

    Old MOT certificates, bills and restoration photos show how it has been looked after. Check the logbook matches the car’s VIN and engine number.

  • Originality

    Changes from standard affect value and insurance. Ask what has been replaced or modified.

  • Insurance

    Classic insurance is often cheaper but may limit mileage and use. Get a quote before you buy.

Other years

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

2026202520242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990198919881987198619851984198319821981

Generation guides: Volkswagen Passat B7 (2010–2014) · Volkswagen Passat B8 (2014–2023)

What usually goes wrong with a Volkswagen Passat?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

  • Starter motor recall

    Cars registered 2011–2014

    A recall covered starter motors that could fail and, in rare cases, catch fire.

    At the viewing: Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

    Source: Parkers: buying a used VW Passat B7

  • Early 7-speed dry-clutch DSG

    Cars registered 2011–2014 · 7-speed DSG automatic

    Early seven-speed DSG automatics use a dry clutch, which is more fragile than the later wet-clutch gearboxes.

    At the viewing: Check for smooth, quick gear changes from a standstill and in slow traffic. Judder or slipping is a warning.

    If it needs doing: Gearbox sensor or solenoid, about £200–£500. ClickMechanic

    Source: Parkers: buying a used VW Passat B7

  • Power steering

    Cars registered 2015–2023 · All engines

    Check the power steering is even and quiet.

    At the viewing: Turn lock to lock at a standstill and listen.

    Source: What Car?: used VW Passat Estate 2015-on advice

  • DSG automatic

    Cars registered 2015–2023 · DSG automatic

    The DSG automatic is a possible concern. It needs its oil changing on time.

    At the viewing: Pull away gently several times and check for judder.

    If it needs doing: Gearbox sensor or solenoid, about £200–£500. ClickMechanic

    Source: What Car?: used VW Passat Estate 2015-on advice

  • Accelerator that doesn’t respond

    Cars registered 2005–2010 · All engines

    A faulty accelerator pedal or its wiring can stop the engine responding and turn on the EPC warning light.

    At the viewing: Make sure the EPC light goes out and the car responds smoothly to the pedal.

    Source: Haynes: VW Passat common problems (2005-2010)

  • Oil leak from the oil filter housing (diesel)

    Cars registered 2005–2010 · Diesel

    The oil filter housing or its cover can leak on many diesels, leaving oil under the car.

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where it’s parked for oil.

    Source: Haynes: VW Passat common problems (2005-2010)

  • Electronic parking brake warning

    Cars registered 2005–2010 · All engines

    The parking brake warning light can come on for no reason because of a faulty control unit.

    At the viewing: Apply and release the parking brake and make sure no warning stays on.

    Source: Haynes: VW Passat common problems (2005-2010)

  • Water pump failure (2.0 TDI)

    Cars registered 2011–2014 · 2.0 TDI diesel

    The water pump is a known failure on the 2.0 TDI diesel.

    At the viewing: Look for coolant leaks and check the coolant level.

    If it needs doing: Water pump, about £115–£375. ClickMechanic

    Source: Parkers: buying a used VW Passat B7

  • Worn suspension from towing

    Cars registered 2015–2023 · All engines

    Estates that have towed or carried heavy loads can have tired suspension.

    At the viewing: Look for a towbar and listen for knocks over bumps.

    If it needs doing: Shock absorbers (pair), about £200–£300. ClickMechanic

    Source: What Car?: used VW Passat Estate 2015-on advice

  • Rattle from a worn engine mount (diesel)

    Cars registered 2005–2010 · Diesel

    A faulty right-hand engine mount lets the engine move too much and rattle.

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks when pulling away and changing gear.

    Source: Haynes: VW Passat common problems (2005-2010)

3 more known faults

  • Humming when cornering

    Cars registered 2005–2010 · All engines

    Old gearbox oil can cause a hum from underneath on corners.

    At the viewing: Listen for humming on bends.

    Source: Haynes: VW Passat common problems (2005-2010)

  • Rattle from the air con compressor

    Cars registered 2005–2010 · Cars with air con

    Play in the air con compressor pulley causes a rattle from the front of the engine. The fix needs the air con system draining and refilling.

    At the viewing: Listen at idle with the air con on and off.

    Source: Haynes: VW Passat common problems (2005-2010)

  • Diesel emissions recall

    Cars registered 2011–2014

    Many diesels were part of the emissions recall that followed the 'dieselgate' scandal.

    At the viewing: Ask a VW dealer to confirm the emissions fix was done.

    Source: Parkers: buying a used VW Passat B7

Common Volkswagen Passat MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints

    up to 2.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints

    up to 3.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

  • Shock absorbers

    up to 5.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

    Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

  • Brake discs

    up to 2.1× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

  • Suspension arm

    up to 9.8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints

    up to 2.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Volkswagen Passat MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2015 Volkswagen Passat did best (78% passed first time, 4 points above all 2015 cars) and the 2022 did worst (87%, 2 points below all 2022 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
202395%92% +3303 (small sample)
202287%89% -22,641
202187%87% +07,471
202088%87% +117,869
201986%85% +122,325
201885%83% +232,683
201782%80% +242,116
201680%77% +345,648
201578%74% +447,117
201471%70% +144,943
201369%67% +236,717
201266%64% +241,982
201165%62% +349,171
201063%60% +333,814
200963%59% +433,877
200861%57% +428,334
200759%57% +224,515
200657%56% +116,565
200559%57% +212,036
200459%57% +29,761
200358%57% +18,277
200258%58% +05,264
200157%60% -33,085
200055%61% -61,441
199959%63% -41,160
199857%65% -8835
199763%65% -2272 (small sample)
199668%66% +2157 (small sample)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Volkswagen Passat

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Has the starter motor recall been done?
  2. Has the steering had any work?
  3. When was the DSG oil changed?
  4. Has the water pump been replaced, ideally with the cambelt?
  5. Has it been used for towing?
  6. Has the diesel emissions update been done?

Looking at a Volkswagen Passat?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score