2005 Volkswagen Passat Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the visibility of the 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 3% of the 148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The interior heater does not work correctly. We took the vehicle to a vw mechanic oasis auto center in redding, ca. He said he cleared the coil but that a valve may also be part of the problem. This occurred in november 2011. Since we live in n. California it has not been a big issue since it is warm most of the year. I did however see this is a recall item. Please advise me if we can still get this repaired under the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10492881, filed 2013-01, 130,000 miles“The motorized sunroof on my 2005 vw Passat pulls the interior sunshade open with it when it is opened electrically. While the sunroof itself has an anti pinch feature, the sunshade handles/vents represent a pinch point as the sunroof opens. The handles/vents are hard edged plastic that have the potential to mangle a fingertip. I do not know whether the anti pinch system operates in the open direction of motion, but seems not to be active (based on my bruised finger)”
NHTSA complaint #10131188, filed 2005-08, 1,000 miles“The contact stated while the vehicle was parked outside in rainy weather, water entered the vehicle through the weather stripping along the sunroof and leaked onto the floor board. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection who determined the drain line along the sunroof was clogged with debris and needed to be cleaned out. The manufacturer was alerted.”
NHTSA complaint #10170559, filed 2006-10, 21,000 miles“2005 vw Passat, repeated total failure of windshield wipers. Does not seem to be predicated on any specific events. The dealership (duke gold's speedway Volkswagen) is not familiar with the problem and does not seem to know how to fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #10152548, filed 2006-03Related service bulletins
- 10123011Jul 22, 2015Technical Bulletin (Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear): Windshield or rear window is streaked, has a snakeskin appearance, or the surface feels rough. To avoid unnecessary…
- 10122956May 8, 2015Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open…
- 10122911Apr 20, 2015Technical Bulletin (Rear Door Glass Inoperative): The rear glass cannot be opened / closed, the rear glass may slide down into the door, or the rear glass motor operates but the…
- 10242998Dec 22, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242997Dec 15, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10239541Sep 24, 2014Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)
- 10243011May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10239534Apr 18, 2014HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239533Mar 27, 2014HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 6% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2017 | 6 | 5% |
| 2016 | 3 | 3% |
| 2015 | 12 | 5% |
| 2014 | 16 | 3% |
| 2013 | 23 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 6 | 4% |
| 2007 | 8 | 3% |
| 2006 | 21 | 4% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 13 | 5% |
| 2003 | 22 | 4% |
| 2002 | 27 | 4% |
| 2001 | 31 | 7% |
| 2000 | 26 | 5% |
| 1999 | 33 | 5% |
| 1998 | 27 | 8% |
| 1997 | 16 | 43% |
| 1996 | 12 | 30% |
| 1995 | 20 | 22% |
| 1994 | 2 | 8% |
| 1993 | 17 | 25% |
| 1992 | 7 | 18% |
| 1991 | 6 | 25% |
| 1990 | 8 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2005 Volkswagen Passat
50 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsSeats
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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