Used Volkswagen Passat GTE 2015-2024 reliability review

What should I look for in a used Volkswagen Passat?

This isn’t a small car, so make sure to check the bodywork over carefully for scuffs, scratches and grazes where a less-than-careful owner might have had a run-in with the scenery.

Check, too, that the interior hasn’t been trashed by a careless family – look for stains on the upholstery, cracked or loose plastic fittings and worn out fabrics.

Is a used Volkswagen Passat reliable?

The Passat scored badly in the executive car category in our most recent reliability survey, finishing 19th out of 20 cars with a score of 82.2%. That placed it below the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class and all its main rivals, other than the BMW 5 Series that finished in 20th place.

Volkswagen as a brand finished in 18th place out of 31 manufacturers in the same survey with a score of 90.5%, which was an improvement on recent years. The brand finished above Audi, Jaguar and Mercedes, but below BMW, Ford and Skoda.

Used Volkswagen Passat Estate reliability: the owners’ view

In the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, Volkswagen Passat 2015–2024 owners reported mixed experiences. While many praised the Passat’s dependability in its early years, recurring issues became apparent as the vehicles aged. Common complaints included faulty sensors, persistent electrical problems and misleading warning lights. Hybrid models, meanwhile, were criticised for software glitches, whereas diesel variants were plagued by expensive and recurrent emissions system repairs.

Opinions on dealership support were mixed. Some owners highlighted efficient and supportive service for warranty-covered repairs, while others faced lengthy delays in securing parts and high out-of-warranty costs. Hybrid owners were especially vocal about dealerships lacking the necessary expertise to address the specific challenges of their models.

If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.