Used 2012 Volkswagen Passat S PZEV Sedan Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2012 Volkswagen Passat S PZEV Sedan.
Most helpful consumer reviews
What a car!
bobthebike, Desoto, TX, 03/02/2012
2012 Volkswagen Passat S PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
Having 9K miles, I just don't have anything negative to say. The mileage is utterly unbelievable as I consistently get 35+ mpg. All the electronics work as advertised and are intuitive. It racks down the road smoothly and quietly. I know the 5 cylinder has been around for awhile, but it has been really refined into a first-class powerplant. Lastly, the fit and finish (especially the … paint) of this car is believably world-class. Good job VW!
2012 VW Passat Quality Issues Are Piling Up!
prospective, Honolulu, HI, 05/30/2012
2012 Volkswagen Passat S PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
I have had all kinds of minor quality problems with my 2012 Passat... I love the car but VW doesn't do a whole lot to rectify these issues:
1. Seatbelt light and chimes even though my seatbelt is fastened and I'm the only person in the car. VW's lame excuse is that my cell phone is emitting electromagnetic waves that are setting the seatbelt light and chimes off. VW told me not to charge … my cell phone in the car and not to get my phone too close to any of the seats. LAME!
2. Front end suspension noise. I has to bring my car in to the dealer twice before they admitted the right front suspension was defective. I had to put the tech guy in my car and roll over speed bumps at low speed before he admitted there was a defect. They have since rectified the problem.
3. Drivers door. The drivers door doesn't close unless you slam it like you are angry. The door should close properly with just the weight of the door. The VW tech told me "You know, everything on a new car doesn't actually work perfectly." Another LAME!
4. Rear trunk lid. Same problem with the rear trunk lid not closing unless you slam it like you are angry. There are scratches on the inside lid latch that show the latch is not aligned properly. Tech response, "All VW's are like this." A third LAME!
5. My brakes squeek in the morning. Eveyday, when leaving my house, my brakes squeek. Tech guy: "Due to the high humidity in the Hawaiian Islands, it's normal for VW brakes to squeek in the morning." Huh, I've leased Hondas for the last 14 years and never had squeeky brakes before. This must be a VW Issue? One more time: LAME!
Some Irritating Quality Issues!
prospective, Honolulu, HI, 04/16/2012
2012 Volkswagen Passat S PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
Hey Everybody
I just leased a 2012 Passat S
Although I absolutely love driving this car, I have noticed some irritating quality issues that VW America needs to be aware of. My Passat is just over a month old and currently has just almost 1,400 miles on it. My irritations are as follows:
1. The seatbelt light and chimes come on even though my seatbelt is fastened and Im the only … person in the car. Its very frustrating to hear the chime and see the dashboard light illuminated. Ive pulled over to turn off the car and restart. Ive unbuckeled and rebuckled. Ive stopped to get out of the car and start the whole process over and nothing seems to solve this problem. Its kind of like driving down the highway and having someone ringing your doorbell every 10 seconds. My main concern is that this may be a safety issue?
2. Drivers seat rattles. with only 1,400 miles on this car, Is this a quaility issue? Keep in mind, Im not a heavy set person. It seems like the seat is just not secured properly. Im hoping this is a quality issue and not a safety issue.
3. Trunk lid is not aligned properly. I have to slam the trunk lid closed in order for the trunk lid latch to catch. You should be able to gently push the trunk lid closed in order for the latch to secure itself. I also have the same same problem with the drivers side front door. I have to slam it shut or the open door light illuminates. Both of these are frustrating as my wife thiks Im mad everytime I have to close the door or trunk. These are both very minor quality issues but the liitle issues are starting to add up. And, Im getting tired of hearing my wife say to me Whats wrong everytime we get in the car together.
4. Suspension noise from front and rear corners seems to be getting worse as the days go by. This is especially prevalent at low speeds when rolling over speed bumps or climbing the curb to pull into the driveway of my house. If this were a 1995 Ford Tauras with 120,000 miles on it, Id be more understanding. But this is a brand new 2012 VW Passat and I expect better from a German car company which touts German Engineering as its tag line.
Once again, I love driving this car
The handling, power (I have a 5 speed manual transmission), body style, bluetooth connectivity and generous back seat legroom make this car a beautiful ride. I just hope VW America understands and responds to my concerns to correct these minor but irritating quality issues. Luckily, this is only a 24 month lease, so if VW America choses not to respond to my quality claims, Its a short term relationship and I can return to a car company like Honda who has a history of solid quality control.
My concern is that after leasing Hondas over the last 10 years, Im not used to having to deal with these types pesky quality issues. I understand this 2012 Passat was built in America (which is a big reason why I chose to lease this vehicle), but it seems to have some quality issues that still need to be ironed out.
Ill be interested to see how VW America responds to these issues
Will they ignore me? Let me know these are normal inconveniences that I need to tolerate, or will VW America correct these issues to make sure I stay a loyal VW owner for years to come? Im big on long term relationships.
I dont know the answer to my questions but Ill make sure to update everyone on how this turns out!
My FAVORITE CAR :)
Natalie, Nashville, TN, 05/12/2016
2012 Volkswagen Passat S PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 5M)
Just purchased this 2012 car with 38K miles. It only had 1 previous owner and that had taken meticulous care of this vehicle. I have never enjoyed commuting in traffic for 60-90 minutes one way every day, however, this car makes me look for reasons to drive it, very smooth ride, amazingly quiet and comfortable and the bluetooth makes all your cares disappear. Absolutely my best … purchase in a car EVER! So pleased.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat S PZEV Sedan
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Roomy cabin
- Pro:available fuel-efficient turbodiesel engine
- Pro:many upscale features come standard
- Pro:high-quality cabin
- Pro:refined ride.
- Con:Below-average braking distances
- Con:lackadaisical throttle response
- Con:rearview camera not offered.
Full Edmunds Review: 2012 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2012 Volkswagen Passat in Virginia is:
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