2002 Volkswagen Passat Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 3%of 636 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,995miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Volkswagen Passat, 3% of the 636 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,995 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I am writing to complain about the control arms on the vw 2002 Passat. I recently replaced an upper and lower control arm on the right and now have been told that I need to replace three of the four control arms on the left side. I fell these are a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10272547, filed 2009-06, 72,000 miles“I have my oil changed every 5000 miles as suggested. At 48,880 miles my oil was changed with know problems. At 53880 miles my oil change again. But at this change I was told that the front axel boots were cracked and needed to be changed. I asked since it was just 3,000 miles past warranty if this would be covered. Both the dealer and volkswagan said no. I had the axel boots fixed. But after speaking to many people no one has ever heard of axel boots breaking at 53,000 miles. I believe this must be defect with the car, since both axel boots broke at the same time.”
NHTSA complaint #10121150, filed 2005-05, 53,995 miles“I had problems with the faulty ignition coil two times and the second time, they replaced all the coils. Here in texas, when the temperature goes down below 28 f ( which is very rare) I am afraid.I can be stuck in the road. Hope the coil problem wont happen again. I also have problem with the brakes. Its making creaking sounds with the parking brake / hand brake. The technition told me that its natural..I cant beleive that. I gues I have to spend lot of money in near future to replace all those brake parts. Also the metal beeding on the roof is coming up. …”
NHTSA complaint #10072566, filed 2004-05, 15,000 miles“Headlight pigtails have melted ,fuel pump has gone ,and the plastic reservoir peice from my coolant pump has melted off driver side wiper arm bar has malfunctioned”
NHTSA complaint #11122958, filed 2018-08, 174,000 miles“Broken left front suspension coil spring - spontaneously broken - car left undriven in closed private garage for ~2 weeks, found after ~2 weeks listing at left front corner with left front coil spring broken.”
NHTSA complaint #10321559, filed 2010-03, 82,010 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | 4% |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 16 | 7% |
| 2014 | 6 | 1% |
| 2013 | 13 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2011 | 1 | 6% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 8 | 1% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 10 | 2% |
| 2002 | 16 | 3% |
| 2001 | 25 | 6% |
| 2000 | 36 | 7% |
| 1999 | 118 | 18% |
| 1998 | 90 | 27% |
| 1995 | 5 | 5% |
| 1994 | 1 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 5% |
| 1990 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2002 Volkswagen Passat
220 complaintsEngine cooling
135 complaintsFuel system
73 complaintsBrakes
72 complaintsExterior lighting
32 complaintsBody and structure
30 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsEquipment
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsSeats
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology