Recalls: Volkswagen Mk.5 Passat
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Volkswagen Mk.5 Passat
Volkswagen Mk.5 Passat V6: increased idle speed
In July 1998, a recall was issued for Volkswagen Mk.5 Passat models with V6 engines due to backfiring when cold potentially causing the air grid – within the air flow meter – to become loose and enter the throttle housing; this could lead to an increased idle speed (PRA 1998/3600).
1998-99 model year Volkswagen Passat: track rod joint wear
In September 1999, a recall was issued for 1998 and 1999 model year Volkswagen Mk.5 Passat vehicles due to the moisture potentially entering the track rod joint sealing boot – over time, this could cause the joint to wear prematurely (PRA 1999/4080). The recalled vehicles had VINs in the following ranges:
- 1998 model year vehicles: WVW ZZZ 3BZ WE 246896 to WVW ZZZ 3BZ WE 441899; and,
- 1999 model year vehicles: WVW ZZZ 3BZ XE 000284 to WVW ZZZ 3BZ XE 120793.
1997-00 Volkswagen Passat: rubber boot for lower bearing arm
In June 2004, a recall was issued for Volkswagen Passat vehicles that year manufactured between August 1997 and January 2000. In these vehicles, the rubber boot of the lower bearing arm could deteriorate, leading to premature wear of the arm and possible failure (PRA 2004/7038).
2002 Volkswagen Mk.5 Passat: Takata airbag recall
In May 2019, recall campaign 69X3 was issued for Volkswagen Passat vehicles that were manufactured between May 2002 and October 2002. These vehicles had Takata driver’s airbags and propellant wafers inside these airbags could absorb moisture over time. In the event of airbag deployment, excessive pressure in the airbag inflator housing could cause it to rupture and metal fragments could be projected through the airbag cushion and into the vehicle’s cabin. These metal fragments posed a risk of serious injury and fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17367.
Problems and faults: Volkswagen Mk.5 Passat
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2001-02 Volkswagen B5.5 Passat: moisture could enter brake servo
In 2009, Volkswagen UK issued a ‘non-code action’ for Volkswagen Passat vehicles that were manufactured from 3 May 2001 to 8 April 2002. In affected Volkswagen Passat vehicles, moisture could enter the brake servo due to a lack of maintenance (NCA/2009/001).
Problems and faults: Volkswagen Mk.5 Passat
- For Volkswagen Passat models with 2.8-litre V6 engines, damage to the oil cooler hoses during oil changes could lead to coolant loss.
- For Passat models with 2.8-litre V6 engines, backfiring or rough idling may occur due to faulty plugs dislodging the idle control damper from the rear of the engine.
- The speakers in the doors may rattle due to loose rivets.
- The windows may suffer from stress cracks and distortion.
