VW Quality and Reliability (or not!)

Apart from the TF we have 2 other main drives; one is a Shogun which has been bullet proof and the other is our 06 Passat Variant.

On the Passat at around 75k we started to have a problem engaging 2nd gear, checked all the usual (linkage adjustment etc.) so we used to short shift 1st to 3rd, then 1st became a problem of poor engagement and syncro loss. I drained the oil only to find bits of steel and parts of a brass syncro ring and slipper pads.

Went to our local VW garage but no warranty (3 years or 60k) We struggled to find a service exchange box as it was a relatively new model and now mounted transversely unlike the previous model. Finally I found a gearbox in a salvage yard with only 25k on the clock.

I also had been advised by our local VW garage that the cause of the gearbox failure could be the dual mass flywheel not dampening properly, they said at around 60k they start to fail.

Only wanting to do the job once and properly I fitted a new dual mass flywheel, full clutch kit together with the gearbox, Job done and a thousand pounds lighter.


Now 4 years on and at 1003k the same gear engagement problems; so last week I dropped the oil only to find plenty of metal, bits of gear teeth and a round steel disc about the size of a pound coin, at first I thought it looked like it could have been a magnet out of the drain plug, but it was non-magnetic.
I removed and stripped the gearbox to find that they now rivet the crown wheel onto the diff carrier and three of the rivet heads (2 on one side and 1 on the other side) had snapped off, obviously as they travel around they get ground up by the gears and snap off the odd tooth and the larger parts of metal get in-between the syncro ring and hub preventing gear selection.


After a bit of internet research I find that this is a widespread problem not only to VW but also Skoda and some Seat models that use the same drive line.


Anyway found another box from a salvage yard and it’s now fitted.


We have had quite a few problems over the years, it has been called back for some can-bus issues relating to the central locking and keyless system, part of the wiring harness in the engine bay that feeds the common rail injectors had to be changed (apparently a few had caught fire) and software changes for the electronic parking brake plus about 3 park brake switches; the park brake still gives problems but we have given up and live with it (just leave it in gear)

All in all the quality and reliability of our VW has been a disaster, as a comparison we have had the Shogun for about the same mileage and apart from tyres, brake pads, a battery and a set of glow plugs it’s been spot-on.

I have lost faith in the Passat and my daily drive is now the reliable old easy and cheap to fix MG TF.

I had a seven seater Shogun when I was a dog handler. Huge and brilliant. It drove well and was built like a Swiss watch. In fact, if it did more than 10mpg I might still have it now. :dry:

my daily drive is now the reliable old easy and cheap to fix MG TF

Now you've gone and said it! :lol: Seriously, VW ain't what they used to be. :nonod:

Now 4 years on and at 1003k the same gear engagement problems...

1 million miles?? Respect! :lol:

Seriously, a workmate had exactly the same issue with his 05 Passat, doing some research in several forums showed a huge number of entries. Seems to be a very common problem...

Bertl wrote: Now 4 years on and at 1003k the same gear engagement problems...

1 million miles?? Respect! :lol:

Seriously, a workmate had exactly the same issue with his 05 Passat, doing some research in several forums showed a huge number of entries. Seems to be a very common problem...

I suspect a stray 0 there.
My brother has a Skoda with a VW turbo Diesel engine. Despite low mileage and main dealer servicing it has just spat the contents of the turbo into the cylinders. New turbo was I think over £800. New engine £3000.

Thought I would give the Passat a run to work today and give the TF a day off, a couple of miles up the road it just cut out.

Lifted the hood all looked fine, would just turn over but not fire, Got a tow home and had a look; plugged in the diag (vag k+can) in the dtc's only one error No. 4 glow plug open circuit, so not that.

Opened the top of the fuel filter and it was empty, found the fuel pump "eventually" (lift the rear seat; under a hatch, tried to check for voltage but there are 5 wires and no wiring diagram.

I removed the sender/pump assembly and checked the pump "open circuit"

Just ordered one off the net, hopefully will arrive Thurs or Fri.

When its done it's up for sale!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sell it? Brian, you're not inspiring anybody to buy it on here.

Lifted the hood? I don't remember a Passat cabriolet?

Vag cars do have issues these days, but no more than other euro fodder.

We run a 98 golf cabriolet as our sensible main car. Bought trade for pennies, it sails through mots, has finished depreciating, just uses tyres and brakes, oil change twice a year.
has the old 2.0l gti lump in it.

:pop:

Secretly got a soft spot for VW's after owning a Mk1 golf for 8yrs. :drive:

Saw the price that a good example of the old 'Clipper's go for nowadays and regret selling mine. :slapme: