Common 2006-2010 Volkswagen Passat Problems

Some of the worst issues 5th generation Passat owners have to deal with.

  1. Defective Timing Chain

    Volkswagen’s EA888 2.0-liter engine has a history of tensioner problems that can lead to a loose timing chain and catastrophic engine failure. A series of lawsuits eventually led to a settlement that offers an extended warranty and potentia…

    Continue reading article "Defective Timing Chain" Gold timing chain in a VW engine

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.

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

5th Generation (2006–2010) Passat Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 216 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 45th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 46 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 5th Generation Passat Owners

  • Settlement

    Coffeng, et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America,  Inc.

    3:17-cv-01825-JD
    1. Settlement

      A VW water pump class action settlement has been reached for these Volkswagen and Audi vehicles equipped with 2-liter EA888 TSI or TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder multi-valve engines with codes CCTA, CAEB, CAED and CBFA.

    2. Case Filed

      The VW water pump class action was filed over the primary engine water pump driven off one of the balance shafts, not the electric auxiliary water pump. According to the lawsuit, the pump consists of the thermoplastic water pump module that includes the water pump, thermostat and integrated sensors.

    Settlement
    Filing deadline is April 29, 2020.
    Class Vehicles
    • 2008-2014 GTI
    • 2008-2014 Jetta
    • 2009-2014 EOS
    • 2009-2014 CC
    • 2009-2014 Tiguan
    • 2008-2010 Passat
    • 2012-2014 Beetle
    Location
    California

Recent 5th Generation (2006–2010) Passat News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. There’s an important deadline coming up for VW owners who previously paid for repairs to their timing chain system or damage to their engine from a timing chain failure, and want the automaker to pick up the tab.

    A recently approved timing chain settlement benefits thousands of owners by providing them with an extended “new vehicle limited warranty” for any future repairs, plus conditional reimbursements for any previous repairs.

    The extended warranty is applied automatically if you own or lease one of the affected vehicles and didn’t opt out of the class-action.

    Owners who want to be eligible for reimbursements must file a claim by January 25th, 2019. More information is available at TimingChainLitigation.com.

    How to Submit a Claim

    1. Use the VIN lookup tool to check your eligibility
    2. Gather the documents requested by the Claim Administrator
    3. Submit your claim before 11:59 PST on January 25th, 2019
    keep reading article "Upcoming Deadline for Timing Chain Reimbursements"
  2. Owners and lessees of certain 2008-2014 VW and Audi vehicles may soon be eligible to receive benefits for their engine’s defective timing chain.

    On November 19, 2018 a judge will rule on a proposed settlement that would either reimburse owners for previous repairs or fund future work on the timing chain tensioner system.

    This decision has been a long time coming. Even snails are embarrassed by how slowly this case has crept along.

    keep reading article "It’s the Final Countdown for VW’s Timing Chain Class-Action Settlement"
  3. It appears Volkswagen is close to settling 7 lawsuits regarding defective timing chains and the threat of engine damage.

    The proposed settlement includes all consumers who purchased or leased certain 2008-2014 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles that will be determined by the vehicle identification numbers (VINs).

    According to the terms, reimbursement amounts will be determined based on the age of the vehicle, how many miles are on the odometer and if the timing chain tensioner, timing chain or engine was replaced."

    Reimbursement amounts are highly favoriable to owners who get work done at an authorized VW dealership. Our advice – if something goes wrong with your timing chain or tensioner and you're covered under this settlement, skip your local mechanic and go to an authorized dealer.

    keep reading article "VW Owners to Receive Reimbursements for Busted Timing Chains and Tensioners"