What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (1978–1980) Passat?

Passat owners have made 1 complaint about the 1978–1980 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 9th out of 46 VW generations in overall reliability, with plenty of engine concerns.

Compare With Other Passat Generations

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (1978–1980) Passat Key Numbers

  1. 3 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 1 complaint

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 9th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 46 eligible generations.