2009 Volkswagen Passat diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Volkswagen Passat diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Volkswagen Passat diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usual
  Volkswagen Passat

  23.5% All 2009 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Sub-frame1.8× usual
  Volkswagen Passat

  10.4% All 2009 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Engine warning light3× usual
  Volkswagen Passat

  6.5% All 2009 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2× usual
  Volkswagen Passat

  8.3% All 2009 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.6% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Suspension arm2.2× usual
  Volkswagen Passat

  6.8% All 2009 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 2009 Volkswagen Passat diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Volkswagen Passat diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% 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.

• Tyres
  40% 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.

• Brakes
  28% 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 electrics
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Driveshafts and joints
  8% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Known faults on the 2009 Volkswagen Passat diesel

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.

• Accelerator that doesn’t respond

  All engines

  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.

  Source: Haynes: VW Passat common problems (2005-2010)

• Oil leak from the oil filter housing (diesel)

  Diesel

  The oil filter housing or its cover can leak on many diesels, leaving oil under the car.

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where it’s parked for oil.

  Source: Haynes: VW Passat common problems (2005-2010)

• Electronic parking brake warning

  All engines

  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.

  Source: Haynes: VW Passat common problems (2005-2010)

• Rattle from a worn engine mount (diesel)

  Diesel

  A faulty right-hand engine mount lets the engine move too much and rattle.

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks when pulling away and changing gear.

  Source: Haynes: VW Passat common problems (2005-2010)

• Humming when cornering

  All engines

  Old gearbox oil can cause a hum from underneath on corners.

  At the viewing: Listen for humming on bends.

  Source: Haynes: VW Passat common problems (2005-2010)

• Rattle from the air con compressor

  Cars with air con

  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.

  Source: Haynes: VW Passat common problems (2005-2010)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Volkswagen Passat diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2009 Volkswagen Passat diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2009 Volkswagen Passat diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2009 Volkswagen Passat diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?