2021 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.
Known faults on every 2021 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
Power steering
Check the power steering is even and quiet.
At the viewing: Turn lock to lock at a standstill and listen.
- DSG automatic
DSG automatic
The DSG automatic is a possible concern. It needs its oil changing on time.
At the viewing: Pull away gently several times and check for judder.
If it needs doing: Gearbox sensor or solenoid, about £200–£500. ClickMechanic
- All engines
Worn suspension from towing
Estates that have towed or carried heavy loads can have tired suspension.
At the viewing: Look for a towbar and listen for knocks over bumps.
If it needs doing: Shock absorbers (pair), about £200–£300. ClickMechanic
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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% |
| 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% |
| 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 |