KNOWN FAULTS · Volkswagen

Volkswagen Passat B6 2.0 FSI / TFSI common problems.

2005–2010 · Petrol

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

3 known faults with sources

2.0 TFSI EA113 high-pressure pump followerInjection / high-pressure pump

Engine / equipment: 2.0 TFSI EA113 (Golf V GTI, A3/S3 8P, A4 B7, TT 8J, Leon Cupra, Octavia RS, Passat B6, Eos)
Period mentioned: 2004–2013
Symptoms: Power loss or hesitation at full load, fuel pressure codes, high-pressure pump noise; fuel smell in the oil and a rising level if the pump leaks; misfires.
Possible cause described: A follower between the camshaft and the high-pressure fuel pump wears through and damages the cam lobe and the pump; Audi hardened the cam in 2006. The pump can leak fuel into the oil. There is also carbon build-up on the intake valves and coil pack failures.
Check for the garage: Check the high-pressure pump follower at every service, smell the oil and watch its level, and read fuel pressure with a diagnostic tool.
Cost cited in the source: Follower: approx. €250–900 depending on damage; far more if the camshaft or pump is damagedA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Mileage cited in the database: from 90,000 km. This is not a maintenance interval and does not predict a failure.

Applies if: Only if fitted with the air conditioning system described.

A/C not cooling: N280 valveClimate control

Engine / equipment: Air conditioning with clutchless compressor and N280 regulating valve (combustion VW, Audi, Seat, Cupra and Skoda from 2006)
Period mentioned: 2006–2026
Symptoms: The air does not cool or cools intermittently (for example only at motorway speed), and sometimes the compressor rattles with the A/C on. Codes 01232 (N280 valve), P2612 or 00898.
Possible cause described: The compressor regulates its output with the N280 solenoid valve, its most common failure point. Audi issued technical bulletins over a manufacturing fault in this valve on Sanden compressors. Its connector can also become brittle and corrode (especially without the engine undertray), or the wiring fails.
Check for the garage: Read the codes and N280 control current with VCDS or ODIS, measure its resistance (about 10 ohms) and check the connector and wiring before replacing parts. If the valve or compressor is replaced, the whole circuit must be flushed.
Cost cited in the source: N280 valve: a cheap part (about 30 dollars) where sold separately; new compressor with circuit flush: considerably moreA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Only the 2.0 FSI (not the TFSI).

Hard starting and engine management glitches from an earth point (Passat B6)Electrical and electronic systems

Engine / equipment: VW Passat B6 1.6 FSI and 2.0 FSI; the 140 PS 2.0 TDI has the same symptoms
Period mentioned: 2005–2009
Symptoms: It is hard to start and the electronic engine management plays up.
Possible cause described: According to L'argus (February 2009), on the Passat 1.6 FSI and 2.0 FSI a faulty earth point in the engine bay causes hard starting and electronic management glitches; the 140 PS 2.0 TDI has the same starting and electronic problems. Some of these Passat faults were the subject of recalls.
Check for the garage: Have the garage check and clean the earth points in the engine bay before replacing sensors or control units, and ask VW by VIN whether any recall is still open.
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.