Top 5 Failures 1998-2005 Passat B5/B5.5

We jump back in to Failed VW Parts. This time we are talking about the common problems with VW Passats. We cover 1998-2005 Passat 1.8t, V6, W8, and TDI failures. Plus a rapid fire of recalls and a lot of other issues

For full show notes visit the blog at ~

Join me as we breakdown:

~This is one of the most expensive VWs to own
~Passat Oil leaks
~Passat Water leaks
~Passat Suspension links failing
~1.8t Passat Engine sludge
~Passat Rear brake wear
~Rapid fire ~ Passat Recalls
~Rapid fire ~ A lot of other issues
~I LOVE my B5.5 Passat
~and more

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GOOD STUFF ON AMAZON

[ajc]

Got my B5 01 V6 GLX 5speed in high school…sheesh 10 years ago now. 220k on it now, original clutch and honestly very few issues. None that you mentioned other than oil leaks which I took care of early on and haven’t had an issue since, water as well has never been an issue. I owe a lot to the first owner, he really cared for it well and it’s truly never been abused. I’ve leaned over the years how to really get the max out of it without hurting it, lots of fun memories and still making more. Best money I ever spent.

[damonp]

I have had my 1.8 99 wagon since the day I learned to drive, she's still going strong at 338k and can still get to 120mph no problemo

[Antto]

My dad bought new a B5 1.9 TDI (euro) and I bought it from him. I totally loved that car. All I remember what parts that car needed was fan clutch, MAF sensor, brake pads and discs, two upper control arms and others were just regular scheduled maintenance like oils and filters. It had 15k kilometer service interval for oil change. That car was late 2000's model and my honest opinion is that car was pretty low maintenance required than compared to my current Audi A6 C6.

[janneheikkila]

Just got the verdict this morning. My 2004 2.0 Passat wont make it through next inspection. 460'000 kilometres. I've grown in to the seat so bad, that other cars just feel wrong. I'm just not willing to spend 2k€ to fix a 200€ car.

[mobileradiofitter]

I agree I love my B5.5 wagon. It drives so nice. Changing the entire control arm set and front shocks this weekend. Got a little over fuelling issue too so a good look at this too. All worth it because it's such a great drive. 1.9tdi 2004. Just gone over 200k great video

[joes.]

What I've done to my b5 Passat in the first year of ownership.

Timing service/water pump
Coils
Plugs. Copper bkr7e ngk
Both CV shafts
Upper control arms
Outer tires rods
Rear calipers/rotors/pads
Exhaust downpipe and 3" test pipe
Serpentine belt/tensioners
New silicone vacuum lines/forge valve
Cone filter and custom heat shield
Pcv valve
2 window regulators.
Boost guage
Stage 1.5 Malone software

So yeah. Extremely upside down in my investment. No regrets. I learned a lot and have a reliable fun manual transmission sedan now. But yeah. If your not a mechanic you might want a Corolla instead. Lol.

[crotalus_horridus]

Just bought my first car; 01 1.8 wagon at 118k miles. Replaced rear breaks, vacuum hose, spark plugs, both front end tire rods, new windshield, even the antenna. Best part was the valve cover gasket. Brittle hard, disintegrating and leaking oil. All is fine and well now. Hope to get to at least 230k with her.

[Rheainstoun]

1.9 TDi is legendary engine. I have the 1999 wagon version with 342 000 km. I bought it last year and it is my first car. I love it, very comfortable, reliable and has some punch with that engine upgrade to some 160 bhp. I can only recommend this car for new drivers that drive often long distances, we are going to Italy this summer for holidays, I know it won't let me down. Great video too!

[taylamorris]

I have a 2000 VW passat. It gives me so many problems, especially electrical, but I love my baby and gold she handles. I've also owned mine longer than any other car. Even when I get a newer car, I still want to keep her to toy around with.

[drennernst]

My 2000 1.8 Passat experienced every single issue you covered. Damn.

[joes.]

MY advice to any VW owner. Stay away from the brand "URO". I've had two of their parts fail out of the box within one month. The last time stranding me and my two-year-old daughter. A belt tensioner.

I learned my lesson. Only quality or OE parts from here on out

[mjmorrill]

2000 B5 wagon, ATW. Apparantly they had an issue with dodgy ignition coils. I got tired of replacing them on a yearly basis. I purchased the next generation coils and adapter plate from ECS, no issues for years now. I highly recommend swapping them out. Keeps the pesky blinking CEL away!

[Moto_Medics]

Just inherited one today, surprise! Hope I can figure it out makes me feel better hearing you own one

[rastolauf]

Thank you for being honest about the industry.

[TheRoybert]

This is a great post.
I've had all these things and fixed much of it myself. 2000 passat V6 30v. Engine mounts and transmission mounts caused transmission bucking on acceleration which got repaired. Clicking left front was the axle and not the tie rod. My newest issue is seemingly a stuck shut thermostat which evidently is only accessible behind the timing belt on the 2.8l. I need a tune up and new spark plugs. Starting is not immediate. 200k plus miles. My mechanic only solves problems. No upselling.

[Happy-Me.]

I've had mine 11 years and still going strong. Not one bit of rust on her! She's so well made. Definitely over engineered and if I won the lottery I would keep her. I'd also buy a Porsche 911 of course!!😉👍

[TheHatchet]

Just replaced the Thermostat and did a coolant flush on my 03 1.8L 5 speed manual. Sitting at 169k miles and expecting to replace the rear shocks soon. I love how it drives. The guy who had it before me took great care of it.

[asherq]

I bought a 2004 1.8t 5 speed for 800$. Car has 340, 000 (mi) on it. Only issues so far are rear brakes, flex pipe after first cat rusted out, and one of the old boost hoses has cracked since I bought it(currently use the car 4-5 hours daily WITH this still broken ).Other than that, car runs like a top ! Strong cars. The transmission shifts perfectly it’s almost nuts how smooth it is for the mileage.

[diverwil]

Great vid!!! I've had my 2001 passat 2.8l v6 30 valve for about a couple of months now. Apart from my punch list (Valve cover leakage and so on), I think it has a lot of potential.

[coldcarnival]

I had a 2001 v6, great car but was a nightmare in repairs