What is the 2008-2017 Volkswagen Passat Camshaft Adjuster (Phaser) Failure?

The intake camshaft adjuster solenoid and cam phaser on the 2.0T TSI Passat can fail, causing rattling noises and poor engine performance. The cam adjuster uses oil pressure to vary valve timing, and when the internal seals wear or the solenoid sticks, timing control is lost. Thi… Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2017 Volkswagen Passat Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (2.0T TSI)?

The Passat shares the same EA888 2.0T TSI timing chain tensioner issue as other VW/Audi models. The original tensioner design allows the chain to go slack when the engine is off, and on restart the chain can skip timing. Early revisions of the tensioner were inadequate and VW iss… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2014 Volkswagen Passat Recall 15V483000: Driver Airbag Clock Spring Contamination Can Disable the Airbag?

Volkswagen recalled certain 2010-2014 Passat sedans under NHTSA campaign 15V483000 because debris can get into the driver's airbag clock spring. The clock spring is the spiral-wound flat cable behind the steering wheel that keeps the driver's frontal airbag electrically connected… Severity: high.

What is the 2012-2015 Volkswagen Passat DPF Clogging (TDI Diesel)?

The diesel particulate filter (DPF) in TDI Passat models is prone to clogging, particularly in vehicles used primarily for short trips or city driving where the exhaust does not get hot enough for passive regeneration. A clogged DPF triggers regeneration cycles that increase fuel… Repairs typically run $300-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2012-2019 Volkswagen Passat DSG Transmission Shudder and Rough Shifting?

The 6-speed DSG (DQ250) in the 2012-2019 Passat develops shuddering during low-speed maneuvers and rough 1-2 and 2-3 shifts. The dual-clutch system's dry or wet clutch packs wear prematurely, and the mechatronic unit can lose calibration. VW recommends DSG fluid changes every 40,… Repairs typically run $300-$3,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2006-2022 Volkswagen Passat PCV Valve/Diaphragm Failure?

The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve diaphragm in the Passat's 2.0T engine tears or deteriorates over time, causing a significant vacuum leak. This leads to rough idle, misfires, and excessive oil consumption. On TSI engines, the PCV is integrated into the valve cover,… Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2006-2022 Volkswagen Passat Trunk Latch/Lock Actuator Failure?

The electric trunk latch actuator on the Passat frequently fails, leaving owners unable to open the trunk with the key fob, interior button, or exterior handle. The actuator motor burns out or the internal mechanism jams. In some cases, the trunk release cable also seizes, leavin… Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: low.

Volkswagen · Known Issues

2013 Volkswagen Passat Problems: 9 Known Issues

2013 model year · 5,100+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 5,100+ owner reports, the 2013 Volkswagen Passat has 9 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are 1.8T/2.0T EA888 Excessive Oil Consumption ($200-$4,000 repair), 1.8T/2.0T EA888 Timing Chain Stretch ($1,000-$2,200 repair), Camshaft Adjuster (Phaser) Failure ($800-$2,000 repair), Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (2.0T TSI) ($1,500-$3,500 repair), Recall 15V483000: Driver Airbag Clock Spring Contamination Can Disable the Airbag and DPF Clogging (TDI Diesel) ($300-$3,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 1.8T/2.0T EA888 Excessive Oil Consumption with 2,100 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 9 Known Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Volkswagen Passat problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 5,100+ owner reports, the 2013 Volkswagen Passat has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 1.8T/2.0T EA888 Excessive Oil Consumption, 1.8T/2.0T EA888 Timing Chain Stretch, Camshaft Adjuster (Phaser) Failure. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Volkswagen Passat reliable?

The 2013 Volkswagen Passat has 9 known issues documented across 5,100+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: 1.8T/2.0T EA888 Excessive Oil Consumption and 1.8T/2.0T EA888 Timing Chain Stretch and Camshaft Adjuster (Phaser) Failure and Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (2.0T TSI) and Recall 15V483000: Driver Airbag Clock Spring Contamination Can Disable the Airbag and DPF Clogging (TDI Diesel). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Volkswagen Passat problems?

Repair costs for known Volkswagen Passat issues range from $150 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 1.8T/2.0T EA888 Excessive Oil Consumption, typically costs $200-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2012-2019 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T/2.0T EA888 Excessive Oil Consumption?

The 2012-2019 Passat with EA888 1.8T and 2.0T engines (North American spec) suffers from excessive oil consumption, often exceeding 1 quart per 1,000 miles. The root cause is typically worn piston rings that allow oil to pass into the combustion chamber. VW released an updated pi… Repairs typically run $200-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2012-2018 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T/2.0T EA888 Timing Chain Stretch?

The EA888 1.8T and 2.0T engines in the 2012-2018 Passat can experience timing chain stretch, particularly in the Gen1 and Gen2 variants. The chain elongates over time due to inadequate tensioner design and oil starvation. This causes camshaft timing to shift, triggering check eng… Repairs typically run $1,000-$2,200. Severity: high.

All 9 Known Issues

2012-2019 Volkswagen Passat: 1.8T/2.0T EA888 Excessive Oil Consumption#

2012-2018 Volkswagen Passat: 1.8T/2.0T EA888 Timing Chain Stretch#

2008-2017 Volkswagen Passat: Camshaft Adjuster (Phaser) Failure#

2008-2017 Volkswagen Passat: Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (2.0T TSI)#

2006-2022 Volkswagen Passat: PCV Valve/Diaphragm Failure#

2010-2014 Volkswagen Passat: Recall 15V483000: Driver Airbag Clock Spring Contamination Can Disable the Airbag#

2012-2015 Volkswagen Passat: DPF Clogging (TDI Diesel)#

2012-2019 Volkswagen Passat: DSG Transmission Shudder and Rough Shifting#

2006-2022 Volkswagen Passat: Trunk Latch/Lock Actuator Failure#

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