2005 Volkswagen Passat: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 148 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (35% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 148 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“It just died and I lost brakes, power steering, and only know what else stopped working. Come to find out the splines wear off of the oil pump shift after the counter balance and chain goes out. This is so common a problem that when you Google what happened there are numerous videos and complaints about this issue, with ways to stop it from happening. Korea has already recalled them and Europe has recalled them, why are we so far behind on this. Not only is it expensive, but also a major safety issue because this stops the brakes from working and the car does not have stopping power with the motor dead. NOT EVERYONE KNOWS TO REPORT TO NHTSA!”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2022
“My 2005 passat has developed a fuel leak under the tank. My vehicle looks like new and only has 72000 miles on it. This leak/smell occurs after when the car is moving as well as when the car is sitting in the driveway. Seems very dangerous to me and I've read many complaints describing this exact scenario. Why is vw not forced to recall and inspect for this situation.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen passat. While driving 25 mph, the engine began to overheat and drain the coolant. The failure occurred multiple times and the contact had to continuously replace the coolant over a couple of weeks. The check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the thermostat and housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen passat. Upon starting the vehicle or driving various speeds, the contact noticed a fuel odor inside the vehicle. In addition, the check engine and anti-slip regulator warning indicators illuminated. The contact called momentum volkswagen of clear lake at (844) 894-5461 (15100 gulf fwy, houston, tx 77034) and was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 91,628.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2018
“Car had intermittent starting issues for about 6 months. Engine cranks but does not turn over. Will eventually restart anywhere from 15min - 5 hrs later. Length seems to be dependent on how long was driven before turning off. Code said the cps was faulty. Replaced it. But still having random problems and code still says cps is faulty. Cannot get it fixed because can't recreate problem at mechanics. Car does not die when driving. There does seem to be fluctuations in speed while driving. And does seem to be worse in rainy weather. Car doesn't run hot. Anybody else have the same probs? How did you fix?”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2016
“Car was started at 9:30am at home- last driven night before locally. Car was driven @ 1 mile, parked, engine turned off, doors locked and left in parking lot. At 9:49 the local police called me to alert me that my car was on fire. There is footage of the fire on youtube. Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqbndfdjpag the engine ignited for unknown reason. This car in un-repairable, there is no insurance claim. Receipts for work performed on this vehicle at the time of purchase and recent repair documentation is available. Car purchase bill of sale, receipt for title and registration and cost for insuring this vehicle since time of purchase are all available.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2016
“This is the 4 th time I have had the check engine light come on along with misfire issues. Each time costing me at least 2000.00 to correct only for a short time. Have changed oil pump, plugs, injectors just to name a few. I love my car but this has been a money pit from day one. Vw needs to be held responsible for these issues. Oil sludge, is a big problem too. I just had the timing belt replaced with injectors and a new gasket set up and ran good for two months and now I'm back in the same position of needing the same repairs once again. Car was driving began to shutter trying to stall. Help!”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen passat. While driving approximately 70 mph, the seat heater burned a hole in the passenger seat and the passenger's coat. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. Updated 02/23/16*lj the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired. Updated 03/30/16.*jb”Owner report · Seats · Dec 2015
“Driving home from work and smell gas comeing from vent inside cab next day drove it again and still smell gas even on outside of driverside. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2015
“Vehicle engine made unusual noise and stopped running. Steering and brakes became very difficult. Could not restart engine and heard loud banging from engine when starter was turning engine. Had to have vehicle pushed out of roadway. Inspection of engine revealed that the crankshaft had broken. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HIGH PRESSURE DIESEL PUMPS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPER FASTENER, WHICH COULD ALLOW DIESEL FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE PUMP.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIESEL PUMP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 8, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 412,000 MY 1999-2005 PASSAT (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND PRODUCED AFTER JUNE 14, 1999. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD THAT CAN BECOME DAMAGED. IN ADDITION, AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY HAVE A FUEL LINE (1.8T ENGINES ONLY) OR FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE (4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE ONLY) THAT CAN LEAK DUE TO FRACTURE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELDS ON VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS TO COVER THE POSSIBLY DAMAGED AREAS AND FLASH ALL 1.8T ENGINES WITH A PRECAUTIONARY SOFTWARE UPDATE. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT AND ADJUST THE FUEL LINE ROUTING ON 1.8T VEHICLES AND THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE ON 4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES, AND REPLACE COMPONENTS IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2005 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Passat by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
NHTSA has 148 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Volkswagen Passat. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (35% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Volkswagen Passat problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 71,000 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Volkswagen Passat have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.