QUOTE (Geo @ Apr 7 2011, 06:27 PM)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>Most common issue is the dual mass flywheel, anything over 100k kms and it will be getting rattly. Budget from €750 for replacement depending on where you get it done.
The 1.9 engine is generally reliable, certainly better than the 2.0. We have seen the odd turbo problem but usually at high-ish mileage.
The electronic steering column/lock gives trouble, it used to be a massively expensive job as lots of parts had to be changed as part of the job, now it is much cheaper but still almost exclusively a main dealer job to change (unless you find someone with the VAG version of Autologic diagnostic equipment)
Wishbone bushes wear out quickly, powerflex poly replacements are a good idea.
Rear wheel bearings wear out at anything from 80k kms upwards.
Door locks give a bit of trouble, generally sticking closed.
Parking brake can stick on leaving the car stranded, usually it is just a faulty switch.
That is all I can think of at the moment. They aren't a bad car but in my opinion would be far better if VW had stuck with a normal ignition lock and handbrake.
i recently bought a 08 passat and the odd time it comes up that there is a steering column lock fault!! how do i go about getting this fixed and what does it entail?????