Volkswagen Passat 1.4 TSI 125hp Highline common faults.

2014–2019, estate, petrol, 125 HP.

The fault list covers: CZCA engine, MQ250 transmission.

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4 fault write-ups. 2 important. 6 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

2 important faults

expensive2

MQ200 / MQ250 manual gearbox: differential bearing and synchros

expensive

The light, magnesium cased MQ200 and the MQ250, sized for higher torque, are the most widespread manual gearboxes in the transverse engine VAG models. Both have the same two weak points, and both depend on use.

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The first is the differential bearing: as it wears you first get a droning, then a whine from the thrust bearings of the output shaft. Left alone, the planetary shaft can fail and in extreme cases punch through the gearbox casing: from then on it is not a repair but a replacement.

The second is the synchros: they can start crunching at around 50,000 km with aggressive driving. This type does not like dumping the clutch or slipping it, and on a used car that is exactly what you have to listen for.

above 50,000 km

What to check

On the test drive with the window down, listen to the gearbox both off and on the throttle: droning or whining is suspect
Shift up and down quickly, especially into 2nd and 3rd: crunching means synchro wear
Try engaging 1st and reverse when cold: resistance here means wear

2 more steps in the write-up

EA211 (1.0 to 1.5 TSI): water pump and thermostat module leak

expensive

In the EA211 the water pump and the thermostat are one plastic module, and the pump is driven not by the timing belt but by a separate toothed belt behind the exhaust camshaft. There are usually two problems with it: the plastic housing warps or cracks (slow coolant loss, a sweet smell, rising temperature), or the drive belt ages (a chirping noise, then an engine left with no cooling). The housing is particularly sensitive if oil reaches it: for example from a leaking crankcase ventilation. The module has to be replaced whole: dismantling it warps it in itself.

What to check

Check the level in the expansion tank, and ask whether it needs topping up
After a cold start smell the engine bay: a sweet smell means coolant
Look for dried, whitish pink deposits on the exhaust side of the cylinder head

2 more steps in the write-up

comfort2

B8 Variant: powered tailgate

comfort

The powered tailgate of the estate is a common complaint: the lifting motors, the microswitches and the closing mechanism can all fail. The tailgate stops halfway, does not close properly, or opens again on its own.

What to check

Open and close the powered tailgate five times in a row
Watch whether it stops halfway or opens again
Try it from the key and with the gesture under the bumper too, if fitted

1 more steps in the write-up

B8: infotainment freezing and Bluetooth dropouts

comfort

The head unit freezes, restarts, or shuts down entirely; the Bluetooth connection drops regularly, and the wireless charger does not recognise the phone. It happens as early as 10,000 to 30,000 km. It is often software, but a hardware fault can be behind it too: the slow response of the navigation and the outdated map are part of the same thing. Cars built up to 2016 still have the first generation (MIB1) head unit, and most of the faults fall on the 2014 to 2016 model years. Intermittent loss of the reversing camera belongs to the same group.

What to check

Cycle the ignition three times and check whether the screen comes up every time
Pair a phone over Bluetooth and leave it connected for ten minutes during a test drive
Try the wireless charger if fitted: does it recognise the phone

2 more steps in the write-up

Official recall6 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 22 May 2019

19V389000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS22 May 2019 · NHTSA (USA)

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.

The authority's notice

A12/00188/24Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The thermal protection between the brake force booster and the emissions control device in front of the coupling support with the brake fluid reservoir may not have been correctly fitted. The coupling support could melt, leading to a leak of brake fluid, which could ignite if it comes into contact with hot components. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.