2013 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.
Diesel and Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2013 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.
Starter motor recall
A recall covered starter motors that could fail and, in rare cases, catch fire.
At the viewing: Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
- 7-speed DSG automatic
Early 7-speed dry-clutch DSG
Early seven-speed DSG automatics use a dry clutch, which is more fragile than the later wet-clutch gearboxes.
At the viewing: Check for smooth, quick gear changes from a standstill and in slow traffic. Judder or slipping is a warning.
If it needs doing: Gearbox sensor or solenoid, about £200–£500. ClickMechanic
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% |
| 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% |
| 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 |