2019 Volkswagen Passat

The 2019 Volkswagen Passat is a mid-size sedan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and user-friendly technology. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. What people often appreciate about the Passat is its generous rear legroom, smooth highway cruising, and simple infotainment system. Common criticisms include a somewhat uninspired driving experience compared to some rivals and a design that, while handsome, lacks a cutting-edge feel.

Engine

2.0L TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners report higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warning lights and potential engine damage if left unaddressed.
  • Solution: Monitor oil levels frequently and address any leaks. In severe cases, piston ring replacement or engine replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+ depending on the severity and required repair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises from the engine bay, and potentially the check engine light illuminating.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or delayed shifts, particularly when accelerating from a stop or during gear changes at lower speeds.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and software update may resolve the issue. In some cases, valve body replacement or transmission rebuild/replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 for fluid flush, $800 - $2,000+ for valve body, $3,000 - $6,000+ for rebuild/replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen may freeze, become unresponsive, or spontaneously reboot.
  • Solution: Software updates may address the issue. If the problem persists, the head unit may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 if software update resolves the issue, $500 - $1500+ for head unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain, especially if the car sits for an extended period. May require frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Check for parasitic drains from aftermarket accessories or faulty modules. A new battery may be needed, or troubleshooting the electrical system to find the source of the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$300 for a new battery, $100-$500+ for diagnostics and repair of parasitic drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sunroof Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin from the sunroof, especially during heavy rain.
  • Solution: Clearing the sunroof drain tubes and ensuring proper sealing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Volkswagen Passat generally presents relatively minor issues, with the most prevalent complaints revolving around the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. The most commonly reported engine issue is excessive oil consumption, which can be costly to remedy if it progresses to piston ring or engine damage. Transmission issues manifest as rough shifting, potentially requiring a fluid flush or more significant repairs. Electrical glitches primarily involve infotainment system freezes and battery drain. Although these issues can be frustrating, most are not catastrophic if addressed promptly. The severity of the issues ranges from moderate to potentially severe (engine damage from oil consumption), and the cost to fix can vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the specific problem and its extent.