Volkswagen Passat B5 1998-2005 5th Generation Review

The B5 Volkswagen Passat received a facelift for the 2002 model year, and it was a substantial one, so much so that VW gave it an intergenerational B5.5 model code, not just regarding it as a mildly refreshed B5, but something halfway to a B6. In fact, the facelift arrived late in the 2001 model year and is referred to as the 2001.5 Passat, to be completely accurate.

The front was completely revised with a brand-new bumper¹ with subtle chrome strips on either side², a bigger chrome-slatted smiley-face grille³, and new headlights with twin round pods behind clear lenses making for a considerably more upmarket appearance⁴. The side marker lights move from the light clusters to the bumpers.

The side turn signals were integrated into the side-mirror housings¹.

The VW Passat B5 sedan's rear end received brand-new taillights that no longer wrap around the sides, with round motifs for the red tail- and brake lights, and clear combination turn signal/backup lights squeezed between them. The taillights are no longer flat-topped but pointed, reaching all the way up to the tops of the rear fenders¹. A new rear bumper echoes the new front one². The wagon's rear sheet metal is unchanged, but it benefits from the same bumper changes and similar new taillights occupying the same slots as the old light clusters.

From the side, the more bulbous new bumpers with their thinner protective strips and integrated side marker lights are also easy to spot¹, as well as the new headlights and reprofiled front fenders to accept the new lights². In profile, it is immediately apparent that the sedan's taillights no longer wrap around into the fenders³ but even on the wagon, which retains the old wraparound taillight outline, the new lens layout can be spotted.

New alloy-wheel styles are visible¹, as well as the turn signals integrated into the side mirrors².

The interior remains mostly unchanged, simply because there was very little wrong with it in the first place. The gauge cluster was restyled with new graphics and graduation marks, with chrome rings around the dials¹.

The Monsoon audio system became standard on the GLS¹. Wood trim forms part of the optional Leather package².

The VW Passat B5 was launched in 1998 in the US with a 1.8-liter turbocharged gas engine with 150 hp in GLS trim mated to either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, in either sedan or wagon body styles. From launch, the GLS V6 trim came only in a sedan and used a 2.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 gas engine with 190 hp, mated to either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The top GLX V6 trim was only available with the automatic. All these trims were front-wheel drive. The five-speed automatic is ZF's 5HP19FL (FWD) or 5HP19FLA (AWD) unit.

The lineup was expanded to manual and automatic FWD V6 wagons for 1999 and a pair of automatic AWD V6s in 2000 - a sedan and a wagon. In 2001, the 1.8 T was boosted to 170 hp. In 2002, the novel 270-hp 4.0-liter W8 engine was launched in either sedan or wagon, with only the five-speed automatic and AWD. The following year, six-speed manual derivatives of both became available. It took until 2004 for a 134-hp 2.0 turbo-diesel to arrive, only with the five-speed automatic transmission. 2004 was also the last model year for the slow-selling W8s, and the first year AWD versions of the 1.8 T models became available in both manual and automatic and in both body styles.

The engines in the 1998-2005 Volkswagen Passat 5th generation are commendably efficient, and most can deliver at least 20 mpg or better on the combined cycle, with the 1.8 T with the manual transmission being the most efficient gas unit with a combined estimate of 23 mpg and the diesel the most efficient overall, with 27 mpg, which is, perhaps, not quite a big enough improvement over the gas engine to recommend it. Even the W8 is not too bad, managing 18 mpg overall. With a gas-tank capacity of 16.4 gallons, the thriftiest diesel can travel up to 550 miles on the highway.

* Real-world mpg and MPGe figures are provided by the EPA. Once a car has been on sale for a significant period of time, the EPA gets real-world figures directly from the customer base. These figures are then provided on the EPA website. Real-world figures are not available for certain models due to a lack of sales, or not enough people partaking in this after-sales survey.

Safety-wise, the 1998 Passat was well-equipped at launch, and standard features include four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, traction control, halogen headlights, daytime running lights, side-impact door beams, and four airbags. The GLX also has an auto-dimming rearview mirror. It doesn't sound like much, but it was the '90s, and ABS wasn't even a given on all cars. Standard curtain airbags appeared on the 2001.5 facelift. The 2002 W8 gets standard stability control, and all sedan trims gain a trunk-escape release handle. From 2003, all trims below the W8 gained access to optional stability control and brake assist. Stability control is standard on the 2004 GLX.

The VW Passat 5th generation was never crash-tested by the NHTSA, but the IIHS did perform limited tests on it. It scored a best Good score for the moderate-overlap frontal impact and Poor for headrests and seats.

The 5th-gen B5 VW Passat started off for the 1998 model year with the GLS trim with the four-cylinder 1.8 turbo-gas engine and the GLS V6 and GLX V6 sedan trims. 4Motion AWD became available on the GLS V6 and GLX V6 trims in 2000 in sedan or wagon guises. The 4.0-liter W8 trim arrived in 2002 with either body style in automatic and gained a manual for 2003 and 2004. In 2003, a base GL trim is added, inheriting the 2002 GLS specification; at the same time, the GLS was upgraded with more equipment. 1.8 T models finally became available with 4Motion AWD from 2004, the same year automatic-only FWD GL and GLS diesels were added in both body styles. 2004 was the W8 trim's last model year.

Here is a summary of the main annual range-wide changes:

2000:

• All models gain heated front seats
• A coded anti-theft key becomes standard on all trims
• All models get a brake-wear indicator
• A dash-mounted CD player becomes optionally available as a dealer fitment
• 4Motion all-wheel drive becomes available

2001:

• The power output of the 1.8 T engine is boosted by 20 hp to 170 hp
• Front and rear curtain airbags are made standard across the board

2001.5:

• Comprehensive exterior facelift is applied to the B5 - becomes B5.5
• The steering wheel gains telescoping adjustment

2002:

• 4.0-liter 270-hp W8 gas engine launches with AWD only

2003:

• Base GL trim is launched
• Stability control becomes optional on all trims below W8

2004:

• 2.0-liter 134-hp TDI diesel engine becomes available with the autobox and FWD only
• 4Motion all-wheel drive expanded to 1.8 T trims
• Minor exterior styling changes

2005:

• W8 engine discontinued
• Passat B5.5's last model year
• 17-inch alloys become optionally available on GLS and GLX trims

The below trim descriptions should be read with the understanding that every higher trim already contains all the equipment mentioned in the previous trim unless otherwise indicated.

The interior of the B5 Passat is a genuinely nice place to spend time. In terms of style and the quality of materials, it is very Audi-like. Its body is also larger than the A4 it's based on and might just be the ticket for someone looking for something just a little roomier than the tight A4 but not quite as big as an A6. In terms of front legroom, the 41.5 inches on offer is basically the same as both Audis, but its rear legroom of 35.3 inches beats the A4's by an inch and the 15-cubic foot trunk is a handy two cubes larger than the A4's, too, placing it neatly between the A4 and A6 in size.

Highly strung and precisely engineered European cars don't do well when neglected, and so it proves with the B5 Passat. Given fresh full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles and sticking to the service schedule should see it do great mileages, regardless of the engine, but finding one that has been looked after that well might be challenging. We cannot stress enough how important this is on the 1.8 T gas engine. It shouldn't use gallons of oil, and anything less than full-synthetic oil being kept topped up religiously will shorten the engine's life. Insist on a full service history and study it closely for gaps.

On all the engines, minor lube services happen every 5,000 miles, and the fuel filter and cabin air filter should be replaced every 20,000 miles. On the 1.8 T, this 20,000-mile service works out to around $600 at VW or $360 at an independent shop. On the 2.0-liter diesel, these amounts are $700 and $430, respectively; on the 2.8 V6 they are $620 and $380, respectively, and on the W8, they will cost around $640 and $400.

Every 40,000 miles, it's the turn of the spark plugs and the engine's air filter; of course, the diesel doesn't have spark plugs, and its glow plugs last a lot longer. The expected amounts for this service at either VW or an independent shop are $900 and $620 on the 1.8 T, $770 and $500 on the diesel, $1,000 and $710 on the V6, and $1,200 and $880 on the W8.

At 50,000 miles, have the brake fluid replaced. Don't postpone the automatic transmission's oil change beyond 60,000 miles - the approximate cost of $300 is worth it in the long run. 60,000 miles will mean big expenses on the 1.8 T engine because a prudent owner would have the lubrication system cleaned out - including the sump and oil pickup - and have the water pump, thermostat, and timing-belt assembly replaced at the same time. While the V6 will need its ignition coils replaced at 60,000 miles, it is a little more lenient on the other items, and the water pump, thermostat, and timing belt can wait until 75,000 to be replaced. As long as it's received fresh oil every 5,000 miles, the V6 won't need the invasive lubrication system cleanup of the 1.8 T either.

The basic lube service calls for 3.7 quarts of full-synthetic oil on the 1998 and 1999 AEB-coded 1.8 T gas engine and 4.3 quarts on the later ATW/AUG engines at least every 5,000 miles. If you are going to perform this service yourself, you'll pay around $75-$90 for the oil and filter, but if you're going to have it done at VW, it should cost around $130 - or $95 at an independent shop. An air filter costs around $25, and a set of four spark plugs around $70.

The ATQ 2.8-liter gas V6 takes 5.3 quarts of oil with AWD and 6.3 with FWD, and with a filter, this will cost you between $110 and $125 to buy. An Audi dealer will charge around $175 for this service, and an independent shop probably around $130. An air filter will set you back approximately $25, and a set of six spark plugs around $80.

The BHW 2.0-liter diesel engine takes only 3.8 quarts of oil, which should cost around $90 with a filter. VW will do the service for around $140 and an independent shop for around $100. Its air filter costs $25. The diesel's glow plugs are long-life items and not routine service items.

The BDP 4.0-liter W8 engine has an oil capacity of nine quarts and, together with a filter, this should cost around $155. VW will charge around $180 for the lube service, and an independent shop probably $140. An air filter costs $25, and a set of eight spark plugs $110.

This is the complete list of 1998-2005 Volkswagen Passat recalls that are still applicable today:

• 1998-2000 Passats were recalled to replace non-compliant replacement headlights and amber reflectors.
• 1998-2003 Passats were recalled to have a new wheelhouse liner fitted to prevent a rear tire that goes flat from contacting and damaging the fuel-filler pipe. This is one of the only known problems with tires on the 1998-2005 VW Passat.
• Tens of thousands of VW Group products, including 1998 and 1999 B5 Passats, were recalled to replace the steering assembly's tie rods, which may admit moisture and impurities, wear out, and lead to diminished steering control
• 1998 and 1999 Passats with automatic transmissions were recalled due to a valve in the brake booster's that may not develop sufficient vacuum, leading to insufficient braking assistance. This fault may produce the P1479 OBD-II error code.
• 1998 Passats were recalled to have the intake screen in the airflow meter properly secured with a retaining ring because it can become damaged and impinge the throttle plate's movement. In such a case, you may see the error code P1565 on a 1998-2005 VW Passat. The P1558 error code may also be produced in case of a throttle actuator malfunction, and P1579 is a throttle control unit error.
• 412,000 1999-2005 B5 Passats with automatic transmissions were recalled to add an additional underbody heat shield because the existing one may become damaged. In addition, some 1.8 T models were recalled to replace a fuel line and/or tank ventilation valve that can fracture and leak fuel.
• Only a few 2000-2005 Passats that may have been fitted with aftermarket replacement Tru-Flow water pumps were recalled because the pulley/sprocket turning the pump can damage the timing belt can cause it to fail, causing extensive engine damage and the engine dying while driving. This is the only VW engine stalling problem that led to a recall of the Volkswagen Passat B5.
• 2000 and 2001 Passats were recalled to replace their fuel-level sending units because these may malfunction and indicate the wrong fuel level on the dash gauge.
• The 2003 VW Passat B5 airbag recall covered a few thousand Passats from that model year that fell prey to the worldwide Takata airbag recall in which airbag inflators may explode.
• There were some 2003 Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon fuel pump problems, and models from that model year were recalled to replace a fuel pump that may fail and cause a stall. P1664 is a typical OBD-II error code triggered by a faulty fuel pump control module.
• 2003-2005 B5 Passats were recalled as part of a VW Group recall of more than a million vehicles to replace faulty brake-light switches that may not illuminate the brake lights. This was the only brake-related one, and there was otherwise no other recall on the VW Passat's ABS system or braking system in general, despite various reports of ABS module failure.
• 2004 and 2005 B5 Passats with the diesel engine were recalled to replace diesel pumps that may leak diesel fuel.

If you troubleshoot your B5 Passat with an OBD-II scanner, here are some of the error codes you may encounter:

• P0010, P0011, P0012, P0021, P0022, P0340, P0341, P0342, P0343, P0345, P0346, P0348, P1142, P1340, P1347, P1519, P1522, P1529, and P1531 are all error codes associated with the camshaft position. P1111 is an error associated with the intake valve timing control solenoid.
• P1113 is an intake resonance switchover valve circuit error.
• P0030, P0036, P0050, P0056, P0103, P0130, P0135, P0139, P0140, P0141, P0144, P0150, P0155, P0159, P0161, P0170, P0171, P0172, and P0174 are all error codes associated with the oxygen sensors, their readings, and related parameters such as the fuel trim, mixture richness, and catalyst efficiency. P0420, P0421, P0422, P0430, P0431, P0432, P1114, P1118, P1127, P1131, P1136, P1137, P1138, P1140, P1176, P1177, and P1435 are also error codes received from one or more oxygen sensors. P1497 on a 1998-2005 Passat may indicate an intake leak.
• Related to the above is the evaporative emissions (EVAP) control system that may produce the P0441, P0442, P0455, P0456, P1425, and P1475 error codes.
• P0401, P0402, and P0487 indicate problems with the exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) system.
• P0411, P0412, P0413, P0491, P0492, P1411, and P1423 are error codes related to the secondary air-injection system.
• P0101 and P0102 are error codes from the mass air-flow (MAF) sensor.
• P0106, P1129, and P1292 are error codes from the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor.
• P0112 and P0113 are error codes from the intake-air temperature (IAT) sensor.
• P0117, P0118, and P1624 are error codes from the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor, and P1122 is an error associated with the coolant flow control valve's position. P1296 refers to a cooling-system malfunction.
• P0183 is a fuel-temperature sensor error code.
• P0229 and P1287 are turbocharger-related error codes. P0339 is a turbo boost-pressure regulator control error, and P1287 is a turbo bypass valve error.
• P0300 is a random misfire code. If the last digit is not zero, it refers to the number of the misfiring cylinder, so P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0307, and P0308 on a VW Passat refer to misfires in cylinders one through eight, respectively. P1300 and P1361 is also a misfire code, often due to a too low fuel level. P0201 is for a misfire caused by fuel injector number one not delivering enough fuel. P1394 and P1395 are misfire codes for a coil malfunction.
• P0321, P0322, and P0727 are engine-speed sensor error codes.
• P0328, P0331, P0332, and P0333 mean that there are problems with a knock sensor.
• P0501 is an error code from the vehicle speed sensor (VSS).
• P0507 is an idle-speed error.
• On a 1998-2005 VW Passat, P0600, P0606, P0688, P1517, P1602, P1609, P1613, P1628, and P1648 are all engine control module (ECM) related error codes. P0600 and P0606 are relatively rare serial link communications errors, and P0688 is an ECM relay circuit error. P1517 is a main relay error code. P1602, P1609, and P1613 are also ECM error codes. P1628 is an ECM temperature pullup resistor error.
• On a 1998-2005 VW Passat, P0706, P0711, P0730, P0734, P0741, P1128, P1625, P1626, P1739, P1747, P1778, P1813, P1820, P1824, P1848, and P1850 are automatic transmission error codes. P0706 is a range sensor error, P0711 is a transmission-fluid temperature code, P0730 is an incorrect gear ratio error, and P0734 is a first gear ratio error. P0741, P1128, P1747, P1813, and P1850 are solenoid errors, and P1625 is a transmission control module (TCM) error. P1739 is a third clutch pressure switch error, and P1778 electro valve output malfunction. On AWD cars, P1820 is a transfer case shift relay coil circuit error, P1824 is an AWD clutch relay circuit failure, and P1848 is a transfer case contact-plate short circuit.
• P1250 is an error code indicating a low fuel level.
• On a 1998-2005 VW Passat, P1537 indicates a faulty fuel cut-off valve.
• On any 1998-2005 VW Passat, P1569 indicates a cruise control system (CCS) switch error. P1597 may also point to a fault in the speed control system.
• P1570 usually points to a faulty key or immobilizer.
• P1603 indicates a faulty sensing diagnostics module (SDM).
• P1857 is a load signal error code.

A relatively minor problem in the bigger scheme of things is the tendency for the HomeLink transceiver to detach from the visor. Owners have resorted to taping it to the visor because replacing the visor costs around $300. There have been a few problems with the Volkswagen Passat's Climatronic climate control's heater/air-conditioner, with heating and air-conditioning - or AC issues after 100,000 miles. Usually, the heater fails to work, so test all the HVAC functions on a test drive. The issues were minor and caused serious concern or prompted a VW Passat B5 AC recall. Several seat heaters overheated and burnt the upholstery, but there was never a seat-heater recall for this issue. There have been some instrument cluster problems on the 1998-2005 Volkswagen Passat, the fuel gauge that's inaccurate (fixed under recall), and the digital display in the cluster that may fail, requiring a replacement, so check that the information display works perfectly, with no dead areas.

There were some problems with the Volkswagen Passat's sunroof, but it has more to do with blocked drains than a physical malfunction. Unclog the sunroof's drains frequently, because if water cannot drain away, it can enter the vehicle and cause a lot of damage to the trim and electrics. If the transmission's oil cooler fails, it can ruin both the transmission and engine due to the transmission fluid and coolant mixing. A flawless maintenance record with frequent transmission-fluid and coolant replacements should avert the problem. Brake or ABS problems on any VW or 1998-2005 Volkswagen Passat B5 sedan and wagon aren't common, but some shudders and vibrations due to warped rotors have been noted by some owners.

The multi-link front suspension's upper and lower control-arm bushings may wear out after 100,000 miles, leading to clunking, squeaking, and tracking issues. Some owners have reported that CV-joint boot failure accompanies the bushing failures, suggesting that the additional movement places strain on the CV boots.

While there are various areas of concern, the following system and subsystems have proven to be quite reliable:

• There aren't really all that many problems with the 1998-2005 B5 Volkswagen Passat sedan or wagon's electrical system's ECU, ECM, door locks, alarm, ignition switch, head- or taillights, central locking, power driver seat, so the VW's electric window failures that we mentioned earlier do stand out a bit, as do the brake-light switches, for which there was a recall.
• There aren't many issues with batteries running down and resultant problems with the Volkswagen Passat's engine startup or intermittent starting, but something as simple as fouled spark plugs due to excessive oil consumption can cause this and may trigger the P1297 OBD-II code.
• Besides the engine issues listed earlier, there aren't too many other systems that cause underhood problems on the 1998-2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS or GLX, like the auxiliary air pump, camshaft-position sensor, secure location of the crank sensor, or the power steering.
• Safety systems work as expected and besides the Takata airbag recall, there aren't other major safety issues or problems with the VW Passat's seat belts or other restraint systems.

The 1.8 T power unit is a great little engine with good performance and very good economy, but the 1998 and 1999 AEB engines with the low oil capacity will almost certainly have developed oil sludge and perhaps further damage due to it. We'd avoid them. You should be circumspect of the 2000-2005 1.8Ts as well, because even with the enlarged oil capacity, 4.3 quarts is skimpy and unless you can find one that's had oil changes with full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles and had its lubrication system cleaned out every 60,000 miles at least, avoid it too. The diesel is not worthy of consideration either, because its good economy is undermined by the unreliability of those balancer shafts and oil pump shaft.

In terms of trims, there isn't a dud in a lineup, and although the earlier GLS - and the later GL that supplanted the initial base GLS - are decently enough equipped, they do look a little drab on their steel wheels. If safety is important to you, keep in mind that up to 2002, stability control wasn't available on models below the W8 at all. And if you simply must have that quirky W8, avoid the 2002 and all automatic models, for they exhibited the most problems - as well as anything without a flawless maintenance record.

As car enthusiasts with a love for wagons, we have little hesitation in choosing a VW Passat B5 station wagon in 2003 GLS V6 manual spec - a delightful combination of a sonorous and acceptably reliable V6 engine, an interactive manual transmission, and a cavernous cargo area out back. You'll be sure to have the only one on your block, if you can find one. 2003 was also the last year the V6 could be had with a manual transmission. But in truth, any V6s are nice, but we would go for one with the optional stability control fitted - a feature only available from 2003. Of course, if you have deep pockets for maintenance, repairs, and fuel, the W8 is as novel, weird, and collectible as VWs come and it sounds absolutely amazing. You can even have it with a manual transmission, which is the one we'd undoubtedly go for - and in a wagon, no less. In the case of all models, a full service history and proof of 5,000-mile oil changes are a must.

The fifth-gen VW Passat sold far better in the US than its underwhelming and undermarketed predecessor. It has stylishly understated looks, a premium Audi A4 platform, excellent build quality, decent equipment levels, and good safety. Pound for pound, the best engine is the 1.8 T, but it is very sensitive to maintenance and best avoided. There is no shortage of quirky and unusual drivetrain and body combinations and you can have anything from an automatic FWD V6 sedan to a six-speed manual W8 wagon. Just take note of the sticking points in this review and you can drive away with a remarkably plush and solid mid-sized Volkswagen at a bargain price.