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2004 Volkswagen Passat Problems and Repair Histories

2004 Volkswagen Passat  Problems:

2004 Volkswagen Passat problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys

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2004 Volkswagen Passats for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2004 Volkswagen Passat problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.

For 2004 Volkswagen Passat problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2004 Volkswagen Passat problems and repair histories that follow it.

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Non-members can see only ten 2004 Volkswagen Passat problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.

Repair costs are in local units.

2004 Volkswagen Passat

Engine not specified

Volkswagen Passat in Alabama, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2012 52000   First odometer entry
Feb 2012 52000 900 All four motor mounts were worn. Thought this was odd since one was replaced only a week before. After driving away from the dealership the original problem was noted namely that the car jerked when downshifting on automatic transmission. 

 

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2004 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2010 45000   First odometer entry
Dec 2010 45000 200 The brakes had issue when I purchase my car. When 2 years ago major mantainace test drive, dealer did not found it. Last year when major service, the rotors need change. Too short life. My Toyota Camary 10 year just charge break pads once! 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in Pennsylvania, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jun 2009 28000   First odometer entry
Jun 2010 35000 0 Ignition coil replaced under warranty 
Oct 2010 37000 450 CV joint boot destroyed. Axle replaced. Private shop fast service. Good work. Reasonable price. 
Aug 2011 41700 200 CV joint boot torn. New CV joint installed. 
Nov 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in Maryland, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2007 45000   First odometer entry
Jul 2008 62000 120 Replaced passenger axle due to a tear in the CV boot. Self install 
Aug 2008 62000 900 Plastic impeller on water pump came detached from the shaft causing engine to overheat. Full timing belt service performed since mileage was close and waterpump runs off timing belt. 
Dec 2008 66000 500 Both front wheel bearings replaced due to vibrations and noise. Verified from replacement, they were the issue. 
Feb 2010 89500 100 just a rear brake job. Original pads lastest 90K. rotors replaced due to mileage. 
Jan 2011 106000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2011 104000   First odometer entry
Jun 2011 106000 1200 Coolant reservoir snapped at point where a hose connected, rendering the entire cooling system useless. both axels replaced due to worn/destroyed CV boots. 
Jul 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2004 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Passat in North Carolina, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2012 114000   First odometer entry
Apr 2013 120000 120 Bad turn signal stalk switch. 

 

Volkswagen Passat in Colorado, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2007 50000   First odometer entry
Oct 2009 69000 68 2 Coil Packs replaced. Known issue on 1.8T engines. Car started shuddering, running really roughly, CEL light on (flashing) and a strong burning smell. Classic symptoms!! 2 coil packs purchased and installed within 1 hour, car now running correctly. 
Sep 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in Saskatchewan, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2011 64480   First odometer entry
May 2011 65100 1600 Water pump impeller broke. I had replaced the timing belt 1 month earlier. Water pump should have been replaced then. 
Apr 2012 75640 250 Check engine light lead to a faulty ignition coil. It would periodically idle rough. 
May 2012   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in British Columbia, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2007 34100   First odometer entry
Apr 2008 40920 250 Replace CV boot. 
Mar 2009 49600 600 Fuel pump. 
Feb 2010 63240 350 replace front axle 
Jan 2011 77500 500 replace right axle 
Jul 2011 78120 200 thermostat 
May 2012 79980 200 replace engine thermostat 
Mar 2013 84940   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2004 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

270-horsepower 4.0L W8 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Volkswagen Passat in Oregon, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2010 48000   First odometer entry
Aug 2010 52000 0 fuses blowing when using cigarette lighters. turned out to be a faulty phone adapter. No charge because dealer didn't notify us of estimate to repair before doing work (around $105). occasional hard shift under power. dealer documented but could not replicate. Didn't deny problem existed, just couldn't replicate. 
Oct 2010 55000 800 Brake pads were worn. Needed rotors and pads. AC needed a reprogram/reset. Pollen filter replaced. 
Dec 2010 58000 0 Shop seems to not be able to find issue - AC oscillates in intensity without reason. 
Feb 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2004 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Georgia, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Aug 2007 35000   First odometer entry
Nov 2007 36000 0 rear brake light switch stuck causing lights to stay on 
Apr 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2004 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Volkswagen Passat in West Virginia, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2004 0 Replaced brake rotors due to warping and vibration. Replaced brake switch which caused reverse lights and right side mirror to activate. 
Aug 2004 0 Right rear turn signal lamp socket replaced. Complained of transmission jerking. Waiting for firmware update. Still under warranty. 
Aug 2005 0 Transmission software updated to fix jerking at low speeds. Under warranty. 
Apr 2006 0 Ignition switch would not turn with key. Had to be replaced. Under Warranty. 
Jun 2007 649 Fuel Pump failed. Repaired at purchasing dealership. 

 

Volkswagen Passat in Oregon, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2012 130000   First odometer entry
Jan 2013 130000 15 Car won't start. CEL with P2180 and P3081. Magic 8 ball (ODBII scanner ELM327 mini) says all symptoms point to bad coolant temp sensor (black version) or related wiring. Checked wiring, sensor. Replaced sensor w/green version. 

 

Volkswagen Passat in Iowa, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Aug 2012 104000   First odometer entry
Dec 2012 108000 327 Power steering whine. Shop noted the fluid was low. No leaks found. Fluid topped off and a vacuum was attached to purge the system of any air. New break pads and rotors re-finished where done also. Parts app 120. Labor 174. 
Mar 2013 112000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2004 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2008 59000   First odometer entry
Nov 2009 72000 850 Oil leaking from gaskets on spark plugs. Subject of recall. Also did 85,000 service while there. 
Apr 2010 75000 298 Interior vinyl panels on front doors came loose and had to be reglued 
May 2010 78000 850 ESP light came on display.  While being repaired was told motor mounts were leaking. Replaced.  Told that trunk lid hinges could not be lubricated to close more easily. Declined expensive replacement. Dealer missed weak headlight. 
Nov 2010 81700 900 The Stop Engine light came on and the oil was down over 2 quarts. The local VW dealer in Austin, Texas identified the problem as a leak in the oil reservoir thus mixing oil with radiator fluid. Cost to repair was over $900. with a 10 % discount.  
Jul 2011 86000 600 Water hose running into a housing that feeds back to radiator was leaking at flange.  Dealer also notice that a lubrication boot was leaking on one front suspension component but repair was declined 
Mar 2013 110000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2009 77000   First odometer entry
Jan 2010 80000 0 Cleaned the PCV system because the condition of it prior to my ownership was unknown. 
Apr 2013 126000 50 Coolant flange o-ring degradation. 

 

Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2009 86000   First odometer entry
Aug 2009 87000 135 flex pipe in exhaust system replaced due to leak 
Jan 2010 90300 360 check engine came on - discovered to be due to a leaking valve cover. Replaced seal, valve cover, and all spark plugs. 
Aug 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in Illinois, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2008 40000   First odometer entry
Jun 2008 42000 0 head light out. 
Jan 2009 48000 200 Ignition Coil 
May 2009   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2008 22000   First odometer entry
Mar 2009 30000 273 Torn right outer cv boot. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in Pennsylvania, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2007 34000   First odometer entry
Apr 2008 46000 0 Coil pack cylinder 3. 
May 2008 49000 185 Right CV boot 
Nov 2008 61000 350 Left CV boot Vacuum hose 
Mar 2009 67000 200 Crankshaft sensor. 
Sep 2009 77000 321 ignition 
Feb 2010 84300 250 Water pump leaking 
Nov 2010 100000 420 Down pipe exhaust 
Jan 2011 105000 100 coil packs  
Apr 2013 127000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in New Jersey, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2007 45000   First odometer entry
Oct 2007 46000 500  
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in Florida, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2005 0 Drivers side headlight replaced after burning out. 
Feb 2006 0 Drivers-side seatbelt re-tract replaced. 
Aug 2007 0 Ash tray damper replaced. 
Sep 2007 52000 0 Defective ashtray dampener. 
Aug 2008 58000 800 Replaced bad CV boot and re-lube. 
Dec 2009 73000 100 Some kind of plate was loose under the car which caused a rattle. 
Feb 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2008 56000   First odometer entry
Aug 2008 58000 180 A leaking seal in the rear differential. 
Nov 2008 61000 334 The car went in for its 60K mile service. They noticed a torn front CV boot and I had it replaced. There was also a burnt out driver's side fog light bulb that I had replaced. The aforementioned burnt out bulb in the driver's side fog light. 
Jun 2009 64000 250 My W notice a check coolant light. Friends "helped" by putting non-synthetic coolant in the car. VW found the coolant reservoir was leaking.  
Sep 2009 66000 140 A check engine light came on, and the car smelled of exhaust.  The gasket around the base of the antenna had cracked and fallen off. 
Feb 2010 70000 0 Car started to barely run - it would not idle and die. We had received a recall notice from VW notifying us of the coils going bad, and that proved to be the problem. 
Aug 2010 76000 153 We kept getting a low coolant warning light.  Rear passenger window came out of its track. Motor was rough when idling. A bad motor mount was discovered. They noticed clunking in the suspension - upper suspension arms were replaced. 
Aug 2011 86700 113 Split CV boot was discovered by dealer. Elected not to pay them $220. Retired mechanic father in law replaced whole axle assembly for $113.  
Oct 2011 89000 273 90K mile service. Also had them check a creaking drivers door and other sounds the car is making. They lubed the door and recommended rear brake pad replacement and timing belt replacement. 
Nov 2011 89500 99 Replaced a front lower grill that fell out, a hood strut that had lost the charge, and the whip antenna whose base had disintegrated. 
Dec 2011 90000 170 Got a CEL the said the thermostat was bad. Took it back to VW, pissed that they didn't think to replace the thermostat when the did the timing belt & water pump. 
May 2012 95500 344 Rear passenger window no longer would go down. Dealer found plastic clip was broken, replaced it, and charged me $260 to take apart the door. Also had oil change done. 
Jan 2013 103000 0 We have started smelling fuel when the car is full of gas. My father in law pulled the rear seat out, opened the access panels and found a fuel leak on the top of the tank. I have a case # from VW, but no promise from them for any help. It started getting hard to start the car, so I knew it was time for a new battery. I purchased one and replaced it myself. 
Feb 2013 103500 180 In looking over the gas tank issue, my father-in-law also noticed the outer left CV boot was tore. He replaced the whole axle assembly. 
Mar 2013 104000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2004 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Kentucky, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2008 70000   First odometer entry
Dec 2010 109000 0 Check coolant warning came on; antifreeze was below minimum, so we filled it. Couple days later, same warning, and temp gauge going all the way to red. Replaced water pump, thermostat, timing belt. 
Feb 2011 110300 50 Headlights/taillights 
Sep 2011 117000 350 Coolant leak-flange replaced 
Nov 2011 119000 100 New battery 
Dec 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in Ohio, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2007 44000   First odometer entry
Mar 2009 82000 450 Wheel bearing replaced. Axle replaced. 
Nov 2009 98000 860 timing belt was due for replacement under normal schedule. 
Jul 2010 118000 149 Car stalled and had to be towed to a repair shop, which was not open on the weekend. I got a fuel pump and installed it, solving the issue. 
Oct 2010 123000 320 Power door lock switch and module failed and was replaced. 
Jan 2011 125000 0 After a long trip, I noticed a strange smell. I popped the hood and noticed that the coolant reservoir was dark. It contained oil. Taking the auto to a mechanic revealed a cracked block. I elected not to attempt repairs due to high cost. 
Feb 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2009 76000   First odometer entry
Feb 2010 85500 1129 Complete Timing Belt job including water pump, accessory belts, thermostat, and tensioner. Passenger CV Joint Outer Boot ripped and needed replaced. 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2004 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 134hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2007 0 Replacement brake light switch failed - replaced again under warranty 
Jun 2008 50000 340 Drivers side CV boot torn and spewing grease; cost of replacing CV boot only equal to cost of installing rebuilt half-shaft. Shop installed half-shaft. 
Dec 2010 77000 250 Independent shop replaced glow plugs with non-standard glow plugs in order to "fool" engine computer and clear "Check Engine" light. VW has still not made software update available. 
Jan 2013 105000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2004 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Florida, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2008 33000   First odometer entry
Sep 2008 36000 914 Check engine light on; diagnosis was bad water temp sensor and bad thermostat. All replaced. Parts were $86; labor$830.  
Apr 2009 45000 510 During routine maintenance mechanic discovered right front CV boot cracked and leaking. CV boot replaced. 
Dec 2009 55000 370 Brakes became ineffective without pumping of pedal multiple times. Master cylinder failed. 
Jun 2010 61000 202 Intermittent A/C cooling notice during hot days. Systems was purged to remove air and other contaminants. System was properly dried and freon replaced. Cools like it was new! 
Sep 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2008 48000   First odometer entry
Dec 2008 53000 300 Replaced 4 ignition coils. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in Ohio, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2008 25000   First odometer entry
Apr 2009 29000 0 Throttle sticks wide open if kicked down. (Dangerous- run away acceleration). Throttle linkage would stick when fully opened. Freed it up at the throttle shaft ball joint so the problem would no longer occur. This should be reported to authorities. 
Oct 2009 37000 220 pin fell out of power window.  Clips fell out of engine splash shield, shield fell off. 
Aug 2010 49000 70 replaced both drive axles- bad cv joints right & left 
Mar 2011 51000 1400 multiple times multiple shops denied there was a braking problem. Caused accident. Will not do hard braking, as if grease were on rotors. Pads & rotors like new, but repl anyway. Port Valve, then ABS replaced. Each helped some.  
Jul 2011 53000 130 Outside temp sensor intermittently reading "---", or from -140 deg F to +110 deg F; often outside temp was really 95 deg, but since sensor often reported less than 30 deg, AC would not run. Repaired wire shorting on bumper. 
Jun 2012 69000 30 not cooling. Added refrigerant. 
Dec 2012 69000 2000 Bad coolant leak. Need new water pump; also timing belt deteriorated. 
Mar 2013 70000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in Quebec, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Aug 2008 54560   First odometer entry
Sep 2008 55800 0 Very big noise from engine when I push on the gas. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jun 2009 46000   First odometer entry
Jul 2009 47000 161 ECT Sensor had to be replaced. Replaced with newer "green body color" ECT sensor 
Jun 2012 62000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in Alberta, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2009 34720   First odometer entry
May 2009 35340 2000 timing belt replacement as recommneded by dealer due to sign of premature cracking 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in Pennsylvania, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2010 58000   First odometer entry
Jan 2011 75700 525 Both CV joint boots were torn and were replaced. There may be damage to joint as there is still some noise. May mean axle will need to be replaced if noise gets worse. 
Oct 2011 91000 844 Bad alternator - replaced. 
Mar 2012 102000 1100 Timing belt and water pump replaced. 

 

Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2010 68000   First odometer entry
Dec 2010 69000 2400 Fuel intake and gas cap was faulty.  Engine mounts were leaking. 
Jan 2011 69000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2004 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Volkswagen Passat in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2004 0 Transmission Software Update 
Oct 2005 0 Broken Door Handle 
Dec 2007   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in Iowa, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2007 0 Replace instrument cluster 
Sep 2007 0 Replace brake light switch 
Dec 2007 0 Replace vacuum line 
Feb 2008 0 Replace engine temperature sensor 
Dec 2008 800 Replace fuel pump 
Apr 2010 300 Replace tie rod ends 
Apr 2011 140500 293 Replace left valve cover gasket 
Oct 2011 146000 27 Driver's side outside rear view mirror lens fell off without owner action. Replacement mirror glass ordered from local glass shop and replaced by owner. 
Jan 2013 168700 30 Right outside rear view mirror lens fell off. Purchased new lens via the internet & owner installed. 
Mar 2013 170000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Passat in Missouri, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2007 64000   First odometer entry
Jan 2008 74000 0 Driver's side heated seat heating element recall Passenger's side heated seat switch recall 
Nov 2008 85000 65 Trunk lock actuator motor was intermittently seizing and overdrawing electrical current, which then sometimes blew the comfort-functions fuse killing interior lights and windows. Replaced actuator with new part from dealer as well as the fuse. 
Feb 2009 87000 85 Fan clutch bracket(accessory driven pulley and mounting bracket) replaced due to bearing noise. 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2004 Volkswagen Passat 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Volkswagen Passat in Arizona, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2010 46000   First odometer entry
Apr 2010 47000 258 The AC module needed to be replaced. AC worked but only after 30 minutes. Once car was turned off it required another 30 minutes to start working. Once it worked it was great. 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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Volkswagen in Massachusetts, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2007 30000   First odometer entry
Aug 2007 32000 0 Pin holding left rear window to regulator came out so that window would not go down even though the regulator was working. It was replaced at no charge but has since happened again. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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Expert 2004 Volkswagen Passat Repair Advice

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