Used 2015 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews

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reliable, good on gas, great commuter, plenty of room in rear, plus rear seat folds down for extra large items

Great engine and styling. Bad everything else

Got a 6M SE TDI new a few months before Dieselgate occurred. Took the settlement and kept the car. Owned it for 8 years and enjoyed it for 3. The last 5 were horrible. The pros: It looks great, totally timeless. Compare it to a 2015 Accord, the Passat looks sleeker and has a better interior. Minimalist luxury. The engine. I had issues with everything, except the engine. 40+ MPG and 600 miles a tank at least. Smooth, no whining, no burning oil. Nothing wrong. The cons: Repairs. The brake caliper on the back left had to be replaced twice for being permanently engaged twice. Once under warranty and once not. Like 1k lost. Water pump and timing belt had to be replaced twice. I guess it was made out of cheap plastic and there's a recall now. Water pump cracked so you got to replace that and the timing belt together. Noticed the first time when the engine temp would rise unless I pressed the clutch in. Few grand each. DEF lines leaking. That happened so I ran out of DEF quickly and wondered "what's up?" yep it's leaking so there we go. This was covered under warranty I think due to it being extended for diesel related parts. Clutch gave out in the low 100s, so that happened. That alone was like 3000. Sure you can blame me sucking at driving but that never happened with my old Accord. If you can find one for under 5000 and the last guy already fixed it go ahead. If not, don't. Money pit

Great car

Manual transmission. Love it. Wish the little turbo was a little bigger. 1 or 2 psi more would easily give this car more push. But it does have good power. Changed the water pump at 55K miles (warranty) and nothing else has had to be done on it. I oversized the tires (by 1 inch only) to give it better grip on the road but that has messed with the traction control on sharp curves. It seems like that system is very sensitive. Otherwise, I wish it had a screen and backup camera. This trim doesn't. Changed the DRL's to LED and it looks much newer than with the old halogen bulbs. I have had no issues with the car overall. 8/21/24 UPDATE: Still own the car. It now has 148k miles. No issues. Just changed out the front brakes and resurfaced the rotors. Recently fixed the airbag light that had been on forever and hadn't been able to reset it. Something with the passenger side seatbelt. So I pulled it out all the way and then reset the light with a scan tool and that did it. It hasn't come on since. Otherwise, no other problems with the car. It has been a great car. 2/21/25 UPDATE: Sold the car a few months ago. Had over 150K miles. Good car. No issues and the new owners love it.

Massively Underpowered

I have read the reviews and there's a lot of applause for VW's 1.8 engine. However in the Passat is much too heavy for the engine's up and down power. This problem is also hampered by a lazy transmission. The first time I took it out, I thought the parking brake was on. But it wasn't the case. By the tested numbers, the acceleration seemed decent but it doesn't describe how "wonky" the engine is. At times it seems like it's dead and at times it's going mad. My girlfriend laughed at how the gas pedal would be floored and nothing would happen. And her previous car was a slow Prius. I think the transmission is part to blame irregardless that it's a dual clutch 6spd. Lastly the brakes were simply too grabby. It was so hard to modulate. Total tested miles - 780 miles, 6400 miles on the odometer. Glad it was a rental.

Great German car made in America

I have bought the VW Passat recently with the 2015 1.8t engine. Drive quality is excellent. very good car as family sedan with lots of room. We live in Chicago which is a windy city especially balance very well in the shaky roads because of the wind. overall car is very good.

Great car, so so gas Milage

I traded in my 2001 Passat for this new Passat. Like my other, I'm pleased with the handling, low road noise, roominess in the interior and trunk and overall comfort. The only downfall so far is the gas Milage. It touts 24/36. So far I'm getting about 21 mph with my gas engine! Quite a disappoint. Overall great car.

Great car

Great value Spacious, good mileage, peppy, plenty of features

Great car, until it's not

It's a good looking car and lots of trunk space, which was nice to have as a family car. Can accommodate strollers and luggage for travel. Unfortunately the timing chain and cam shaft went at 66,000 miles. This isn't a part that is on the maintenance schedule, and being just outside of factory warranty meant we are responsible for $2k on a car worth about 8k on a good day. Buyer beware!

Worst car I’ve ever owned

I bought a 2015 Passat with the 1.8 turbo engine. Car has 47k miles. 10k miles later the problems began. Timing chain (yes the chain) and tensioners had to be replaced. $$$ Soon after the camshaft sprocket needed replacement. Now the car has been sitting in my driveway for 2 weeks due to a multitude of other problems. I’m waiting to drop it off at a VW specialist to fix it so I can sell this pile of junk. 61k miles. Buy a Toyota.

Do not buy

This car U.S. nade For city driving ! Ober 79mph it oś dancing all over The highway Update: since the car is VW certified now I had it fixed about 10 times at local VW that includes alternator, ignition switch transmission brake boost some brake valve and three times clutch down to floor requiring a tow from many places 😂 at this very moment I’m at VW dealership waiting to have my car alignment done for 5th time because while driving my steering wheel is off center to left and car is pulling to right ! 5th ! time !

I need a Chiropractor after 45 min - O, the seats!

I've owned a 2015 Passat TSI SEL for about 18 months. This is my 5th VW product over the past 40 years. Granted my other cars have been Volvos during this same period. I currently have both. Since I bought this car, I only need to drive about 45 minutes and my back is breaking. Same for my passengers. I wish VW would do something for owners of these vehicles - offer some "goodwill" or replace the seats. I think there may be an issue with DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) similar to being on an airplane. The seats are too short and therefore offer no support. The suede / leather seats are hard as a rock! Dealer told me to drive with the seat warmers on to add flexibility to the seats - pretty tough to do when it's 100 degrees outside !

VW owners beware!!

VW owners beware!! The deception/lie that Volkswagen did on the diesel cars will affect you as a regular fuel Volkswagen car owner when it comes to trading in your car for something other than the bad reputation VW now. Be prepared to be raped when you get your trade in value as the dealerships are going to give you “Auction” since no one trusts VW anymore, they are concerned that if they were deceitful with the diesel, what’s to stop VW from making false claims about the gas VW’s. I have a 2015 VW Passat Limited, in excellent condition, financed for 4 yrs at 0% financing and my trade is worth $7,500 at “Auction” per the other than VW dealerships (Dec 23, 2016), I have NEVER been upside down on trading in a vehicle before, and note, this isn’t upside down, this is rape, over $7k upside down. And NO, I don’t want another VW!! One very upset VW owner that has a worthless vehicle now due to their faults claims on the diesel.

Worst car I've ever had

My gas cap won't open, every time I go outside my trunk is open, when I try to close it, it pops back open and just beeps like I locked the car, and if you get your keys wet your SOL because they don't have key holes.

VW. BUGGGGGSSSSSSS!!!!

I really wish that I had never went to Volkswagen of Jackson, MS (Ritchie.com)! From the salesman all the way up to the GM’s, they were all liars! My car had problems before I even test drove it, and when I inquired about said problems, everybody was like, oh, “I don’t know “ or they omitted really important things. The car has electrical issues, starting/stopping issues, and a major recall that the dealership knew about BEFORE they showed it to me! DO NOT EVER BUY A VW, even with a warranty, because it will stay in the shop more than you can drive it!!! UPDATE!! I found out that VW of Jackson, Mississippi committed fraud, so they would sell that car, and I just happened to be their next victim. Please, anybody looking for a vehicle,make sure you see with YOUR OWN EYES What the amount is LISTED as your income!!!!

2nd Passat after 16 Years

Traded a 2015 Mazda 6 for my 2015 Passat Sport Manual Transmission. Love the Passat. Just had the 10000 mile service after 90 Days of ownership. Trouble free . Great gas mileage. Large Fuel allows 500 miles between fill ups. Traded the Passat for a Tiguan at 45,000 after 10 months of trouble free driving. I was tired of driving the manual transmission.

Reef Blue Heaven

We love our 2016 VW Passat. Have not had the car too long, but love every part of it. My first VW since my 1969 Bug. Never had a car this nice, have had many cars in my 66 years. Subaru's, Saab's, Chevy's, Ford's, and Chryslers. This is a top quality auto, great price, and safe car. Handles and performs well. Good looking too. My wife and I are very, very, pleased with our new Passat. Don't hesitate, go buy one.

buy again

expect a german road handling car / not a toyota cream puff ride

Love this car

I've only had this car for a week but I'm in love. Purchased mine with under 33k miles. For the most part she rides like butter. It's taking some adjustment after driving 2 manuals for the last 11 years. This car isn't at all my usual style as I normally choose a smaller, sportier car. In fact, I purchased this is lieu of the Mazda3 I'd chosen. The power and room sold me. Pros: classic and elegant looking and VERY roomy. Feels high quality yet minimalist by design. Tech and navigation are simple and adequate. Great speakers. Cornsilk leatherette and nickel interior looks high end (mine is in minty condition 3 years later). Lots of features on my TSI SE. Fast! I leave people in the dust:) I don't see tons of these on the road unlike Kia and Hyundai. Cons: Seats lack padding and are not at all plush. MPG isn't as good as I thought it would be, though not too bad. Sport mode has choppy shifting and the tranny is quirky sometimes. Hate VW dealership customer service so far. Love this car and would recommend this non diesel version.

Great buy

The fuel economy is superior and maintenance cost very low . We have 47K on the vehicle as of this review.

Remarkable Deal

Very nice comfortable driving sedan. Great gas mileage and with exception of a very few minor hardly noticeable blemishes it is in like new condition. Priced well below appraisal for quick sell. Very clean.

2015 TDI Manual

2015 brought the newest 2.0 Diesel engine with better performance and a simplified Diesel engine. I’ve owned VW diesels since 1985 and have always been a fan. After they bought me out of my 2010 during dieselgate I’ve owned 3 more but when I purchased the 2015 manual I realized this was the “ONE” to keep. You almost cannot find them anymore especially in a 2015 manual. Avg 50+ mpg in mixed driving after re-tuning which also increases HP and Torque 196k miles and all is well.

Wolf

Fun to drive . Goes like hell . Cavernous back seat. Sips fuel unless you crush pedal frequently . Extremely comfortable car . Bought mine at 35 k now at 135 k . Problem with key door lock sensor only . Dealer had to fix. Mine was the wolfsburg edition . The car had a governor on it set at like 115 mph when I bought it. My other car is a boxster s and sometimes I appreciate a governor. Front wheel drive does well in rain and snow . Very functional vehicle so far .

TDI. What a great car!!!

It is everything I hoped it would be

I wish there was a bed in here

This my first new car since 2009 I had a Camry. With this price there are no other models that come close.

Enjoyable to drive.

Great acceleration, fuel economy and extremely low road noise. Handles very well. Entertainment system is ok with very limited aftermarket options. Otherwise great vehicle!

this is an auto that fells like it will lastforeve

you will learn to love it!!!

Stay away from this junk

Unfortunately I bought an 2015 Passat 1.8 tsi , if you read this stay away from this car .it is horrible and putting hole in my pocket. Don’t be next. Still I can’t understand a car company in 80 years can’t even make a proper engines. shame shame !!! Go get a Honda or Toyota if you smart

VW-PASSAT 2015 WOLFSBURG