2002 Volkswagen Passat engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 143 complaints for the 2002 Volkswagen Passat, 19% of the complaints on file. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 143 19% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 60,000 miles 100 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 2 and 21
- Injuries and deaths
- 6 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 18 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 11 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 20 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 15 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 14 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 5 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 10 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 3 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 2 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 100 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 60,000 miles, and 49% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 2 crashes, 21 fires, 6 injuries.
What owners wrote
Driving at 60 MPH the engine completely stalled requiring an emergency maneuver to clear highway. VW mechanic says rod snapped and put hole through engine. Not oil-related.
The ignition coil has has had to be replaced three times in my 2002 passat. VW knows about the problem but due a shortage of parts, they will only fix them on a needed basis. Ts
Other problems reported for the 2002 Volkswagen Passat
- Electrical system 223 complaints
- Fuel system 78 complaints
- Brakes 77 complaints
- Lighting 36 complaints
- Body & structure 31 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 28 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 20 complaints
- Cruise control 16 complaints