2008 Volkswagen Passat petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Volkswagen Passat first registered in 2008 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 1,619 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2008 Volkswagen Passat petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2008 Volkswagen Passat petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension38% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres33% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes21% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics19% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks14% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Exhaust and emissions12% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.
Known faults on the 2008 Volkswagen Passat petrol
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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Volkswagen Passat petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
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% |
| 2007 | 24,515 | Suspension 55% |
| 2006 | 16,564 | Suspension 59% |
| 2005 | 12,036 | Suspension 48% |
| 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 |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Volkswagen Passat cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score