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VW · Mid-Size · 2010–2014

VW Passat B7(3C-FL)

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.6 / 5.0 · Based on 7 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

170–184 PS

2.0L TDI Diesel

Real diesel fun

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

105–110 PS

1.6L TDI Diesel

12 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Body Variants

The VW Passat B7 is available as Limousine and Variant — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Limousine
7 Engines 5× Stay Away!
view Limousine →
Variant
7 Engines 5× Stay Away!
view Variant →

Generations

Engine Overview

The VW Passat B7 is available with 7 engine variants — from 105 to 235 hp.

1.6L TDI · Diesel· 105 PS
2011 2014
Stay Away! 12 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L TDI · Diesel· 170–177 PS
2012 2014
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2.0L TDI CR · Diesel· 136–143 PS
2010 2014
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
1.4L TSI · Benziner· 122–125 PS
2010 2014
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
1.8L TFSI · Benziner· 160 PS
2010 2014
Stay Away! 9 weaknesses
2.0L TFSI · Benziner· 211 PS
2010 2014
Stay Away! 8 weaknesses
2.0L TSI · Benziner· 211 PS
2010 2014
Stay Away! 8 weaknesses

The VW 1.6L TDI (Diesel, 105 PS) has the CAYC (1.6L TDI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 12 known weaknesses.

The VW 2.0L TDI (Diesel, 170–177 PS) has the CFGC (2.0L TDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The VW 2.0L TDI CR (Diesel, 136–143 PS) has the CFFB (2.0L TDI CR) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The VW 1.4L TSI (Benziner, 122–125 PS) has the CAXA (1.4L TSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.

The VW 1.8L TFSI (Benziner, 160 PS) has the CDAA (1.8L TFSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.

The VW 2.0L TFSI (Benziner, 211 PS) has the CCZB (2.0L TFSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 8 known weaknesses.

The VW 2.0L TSI (Benziner, 211 PS) has the CCTA (2.0L TSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 8 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Front Axle Control Arm Rubber Bushings Porous

The rubber bushings on the front axle control arms become porous and crack with age. TÜV reports cite axle suspension defects as a frequent fault. Repair of both control arms costs €400–800.

Symptoms: Cracking noises or dull banging when cornering and braking; unsteady steering; vehicle pulls slightly to one side
from 100,000 km
Ad control arm front axle Passat B7control armlager 3CKugellager front axle Passat
 Medium
!Shock Absorber Wear from 100,000 km

Shock absorbers and suspension springs are among the most frequently cited faults on the Passat B7. After 100,000 km, struts are often due. Cost per axle €300–600.

Symptoms: Poor ride comfort; vehicle dives sharply under braking; banging on cobblestones; visible oil leaks on damper
from 110,000 km
Ad shock absorber Passat B7 frontstrut 3C front axleshock absorber Passat B7 rear
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
1,993 complaints · 2010–2014
Airbags
1074 ⚠ 47
Electrical
285 ⚠ 5
Engine
266 ⚠ 3
Other
182 ⚠ 8
Fuel System
171 ⚠ 6

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (1074 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (285 complaints)
⚠ Engine (266 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 64 weaknesses have been documented for the VW Passat B7 (2010–2014) — 54 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. 5 problem engines: CAXA (1.4L TSI), CCZB (2.0L TFSI), CAYC (1.6L TDI), CDAA (1.8L TFSI), CCTA (2.0L TSI). Typical issues affect Suspension, Gearbox, Electronics, Rust.

Passat (CFFB, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: EA189 Dieselgate recall CFFB 103 kW, EGR cooler leaking (EA189), Defective clutch pressure plate. Power: 136–143 PS.

Passat (CAYC, 2011–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing belt oil pump drive wear, EGR valve wear and failure, Mandatory emissions software update (Dieselgate EA189). Power: 105 PS.

Passat (CFGC, 2012–2014) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure and water pump failure, DSG mechatronics failure at high mileage, EGR cooler leaking — coolant loss. Power: 170–177 PS.

Passat (CAXA, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing chain prematurely worn EA111, Timing chain stretched / tensioner failed, Increased oil consumption. Power: 122–125 PS.

Passat (CCZB, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: Oil consumption EA888 Gen1/2 2.0 TSI CCZB, Timing chain stretch EA888 2.0 TSI CCZB, Timing chain tensioner failure. Power: 211 PS.

Passat (CDAA, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: Increased oil consumption EA888 Gen1 — piston ring problem, Timing chain stretch EA888 Gen1, Timing chain skips. Power: 160 PS.

Passat (CCTA, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing chain rattles on cold start, High oil consumption from weak piston rings, Turbocharger wears from oil starvation. Power: 211 PS.

What to watch out for with the VW Passat? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the VW Passat B7 have? +
The VW Passat B7 has 54 known engine weaknesses and 10 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used VW Passat B7? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: CFFB (2.0L TDI CR), CFGC (2.0L TDI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the CFGC (2.0L TDI). Problem engine: CAYC (1.6L TDI) — stay away!
Which VW Passat B7 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the VW Passat B7 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 177 hp 2.0 TDI with manual is the rare but rewarding combination — strong pull, manual involvement, excellent long-distance capability.
Is the VW Passat B7 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the VW Passat B7 — 5 of 7 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the VW Passat B7? +
The VW Passat B7 is available with engine variants from 105 to 235 hp. Petrol: CAXA (1.4L TSI), CCZB (2.0L TFSI), CDAA (1.8L TFSI), CCTA (2.0L TSI). Diesel: CAYC (1.6L TDI), CFFB (2.0L TDI CR), CFGC (2.0L TDI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee