KNOWN FAULTS · Volkswagen

Volkswagen Passat B5 / B5.5 1.8 T common problems.

2000–2005 · Petrol

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

Applies if: Only the 1.8 T.

Ignition coils on the 20-valve 1.8 TEngine

Engine / equipment: 20-valve 1.8 T: Golf IV, Bora, Passat B5, Audi A3 8L and A4 B5, Seat León
Period mentioned: Approx. 2001–2003
Symptoms: Misfires, hesitation and the engine light; the engine runs on one cylinder fewer.
Possible cause described: The individual coils on 1.8 T engines from those years failed frequently. The German guide quotes about €100–200 for coils and leads.
Check for the garage: Read the per-cylinder misfire codes and replace the affected coil (preferably with a revised one).
Cost cited in the source: Approx. €100–200 for coils and leads (German guide).A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

Water in the brake servo and engine from blocked drains (Passat B5)Known weak points

Engine / equipment: Volkswagen Passat B5 and B5.5 (petrol and diesel)
Period mentioned: 1996–2005
Symptoms: Water building up below the windscreen (ventilation plenum) that rusts the brake servo from inside: a hard brake pedal, less braking or failure; if the diaphragm perforates, the engine sucks in water (emulsion under the oil cap) and can hydrolock. Also damp carpets from blocked air-conditioning or sunroof drains.
Possible cause described: Uncleared ventilation-plenum drains. In 2007 the VAG group issued a bulletin (TSB 51B8) to check the drains; replacing the servo, pipes and vacuum pump cost about £980.
Check for the garage: Clear the drains below the windscreen; look for water there and emulsion under the oil cap; feel the carpets.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.