2016 Volkswagen Passat

2016 Volkswagen Passat

The 2016 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize sedan that offers a comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and plenty of features. It is available with a variety of engine and transmission options, including a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Owners generally praise the Passat for its handling, fuel efficiency, and interior space. However, some have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior.

Engine

1.8-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

• Intake Valve Deposits
  • Description/Symptoms: Buildup of carbon deposits on the intake valves can cause reduced engine power, rough idling, and increased fuel consumption.
  • Solution: Clean the intake valves and replace the PCV valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5-liter Naturally Aspirated Five-Cylinder

• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the timing chain tensioner can cause the timing chain to skip, resulting in engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner and timing chain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: VW Service Bulletin 2018528/1

Transmission

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Mechatronic Unit Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the mechatronic unit can cause shifting problems, loss of power, and transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replace the mechatronic unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the front suspension strut mount can cause clunking or knocking noises when driving over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the front suspension strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Faulty Battery Sensor
  • Description/Symptoms: A faulty battery sensor can cause the battery to drain prematurely, leading to starting problems.
  • Solution: Replace the battery sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: VW Recall 79G4

Exterior

• Rear Bumper Cover Peeling
  • Description/Symptoms: The paint on the rear bumper cover may peel or flake off.
  • Solution: Repaint the rear bumper cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: VW Recall 76A1

Interior

• Power Window Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power window switch may fail, causing the windows to become inoperable.
  • Solution: Replace the power window switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Volkswagen Passat has received mixed reviews from owners. While some have reported issues with the engine, transmission, and other components, others have praised the vehicle’s handling, comfort, and fuel efficiency. The severity and cost of the issues vary, but it is important to be aware of potential problems before purchasing a used Passat.