2005 Volkswagen Passat: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2005 Volkswagen Passat
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Accelerator that doesn’t respond
A faulty accelerator pedal or its wiring can stop the engine responding and turn on the EPC warning light.
At the viewing: Make sure the EPC light goes out and the car responds smoothly to the pedal.
- All engines
Electronic parking brake warning
The parking brake warning light can come on for no reason because of a faulty control unit.
At the viewing: Apply and release the parking brake and make sure no warning stays on.
- All engines
Humming when cornering
Old gearbox oil can cause a hum from underneath on corners.
At the viewing: Listen for humming on bends.
- Cars with air con
Rattle from the air con compressor
Play in the air con compressor pulley causes a rattle from the front of the engine. The fix needs the air con system draining and refilling.
At the viewing: Listen at idle with the air con on and off.
Looking at a Volkswagen Passat?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Volkswagen Passat compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 287 | Tyres 15% |
| 2022 | 2,624 | Tyres 28% |
| 2021 | 7,465 | Tyres 27% |
| 2020 | 17,869 | Tyres 27% |
| 2019 | 22,325 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 32,683 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 42,116 | Tyres 30% |
| 2016 | 45,637 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 47,105 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 44,943 | Suspension 37% |
| 2013 | 36,717 | Suspension 41% |
| 2012 | 41,982 | Suspension 45% |
| 2011 | 49,171 | Suspension 49% |
| 2010 | 33,814 | Suspension 52% |
| 2009 | 33,875 | Suspension 52% |
| 2008 | 28,332 | Suspension 54% |
| 2007 | 24,515 | Suspension 55% |
| 2006 | 16,564 | Suspension 59% |
| 2004 | 9,761 | Suspension 47% |
| 2003 | 8,275 | Suspension 48% |
| 2002 | 5,264 | Suspension 48% |
| 2001 | 3,085 | Suspension 50% |
| 2000 | 1,441 | Suspension 49% |
| 1999 | 1,160 | Suspension 48% |
| 1998 | 835 | Suspension 47% |
| 1997 | 272 | Suspension 49% |
| 1996 | 155 | Brakes 49% |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
| 1994 | – | Too few tests |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
| 1992 | – | Too few tests |
| 1991 | – | Too few tests |
| 1990 | – | Too few tests |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | Too few tests |
| 1984 | – | Too few tests |
| 1983 | – | Too few tests |
| 1982 | – | Too few tests |
| 1981 | – | Too few tests |