VW Passat
EA211 in the eHybrid. System output 150 kW (204 hp) or 180 kW (245 hp GTE). 13 kWh battery for approximately 60–70 km electric range.
Heavy and complex
The PHEV concept makes the Passat considerably heavier. With a depleted battery the system feels strained in pure combustion mode — high technical complexity, low driving pleasure.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The DGEB PHEV in the Tarraco (245 hp system output) shares the known HV coolant circuit problem of the VAG PHEV platform. Defective heat exchanger between A/C and HV cooling causes coolant loss and pressure issues. Repair approx. 400 euros plus fitting.
Symptoms: Red warning triangle, hybrid fault message, vehicle will not start, HV coolant reservoir level dropped
Individual HV battery cells can fail prematurely and deactivate the battery. Skoda started voluntary service action 93P7 in September 2022. Primarily model year 2021.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, vehicle unresponsive to throttle for 2–3 seconds, HV battery warning, vehicle must be towed
In the DGEB PHEV Tarraco there is no alternator. The 12V battery is supplied through the HV system. With purely electric use and no regular combustion engine operating phases, the 12V battery can be drained.
Symptoms: Keyless entry failure, starting difficulties, 12V battery warning, pre-conditioning not working
The Tarraco with DGEB occasionally shows hybrid ECU errors leading to warnings and electric drive failure. Software update or ECU replacement required. HV work only at certified Level 3 workshops.
Symptoms: Hybrid drive drops out, fault message on display, vehicle drives in combustion-only mode
The 12V starter battery drains through faulty control unit software (BEM/gateway), especially on early vehicles 2020–2021. Multiple system errors are triggered by undervoltage.
Symptoms: Vehicle activates itself overnight, numerous simultaneous ADAS errors, vehicle will not start
After the 8-year/160,000-km warranty expires, HV battery replacement costs approx. 12,000 euros at the Skoda dealer. Real long-term degradation data is not yet available.
Symptoms: Noticeably reduced electric range (below 70% of original range), battery capacity display declining
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
The MIB3 infotainment system on B8 FL models (from 2019) responds slowly or freezes completely. Restart required; software updates often only solve the problem temporarily. Same pattern as on the Golf 8.
Blocked drain hoses in the A-pillars lead to water entering the interior. According to the service manual, drains must be cleaned at every service — if missed, water backs up and runs into the car.
The TÜV Report flags unusually frequent axle suspension and damper damage on the Passat B8. As a fleet vehicle with high mileage, shock absorbers wear out earlier than on privately owned cars.
The 7-speed DSG DQ381 (wet clutch) occasionally shows rough gear changes at low-speed manoeuvring and stop-and-go. Regular oil changes every 60,000 km are essential — if missed, follow-up costs increase sharply.
The electric luggage compartment blind no longer opens or jams. Tailgate motor and sensor also fail. Mainly affects estate models with the optional electric tailgate.
The reversing camera shows no image or only produces a signal at certain temperatures. Corroded connectors in the rear area or a defective camera module are often the cause.
TÜV notes unusually frequent worn brakes on the B8. As a typical company car with lots of city driving and motorway braking, discs and pads wear significantly faster than in private use.
Older B8s with high mileage show rust formation on underbody areas, particularly on brake lines and bolt heads. As a former company car, professional underbody treatment is often missing.
The optional digital instrument cluster (Active Info Display) freezes or shows artefacts. Mainly affects early facelift examples. Cause often a software fault or defective display module.
Climate control sensors (sun sensor, temperature sensor) fail, causing irregular cooling or heating. Window regulator control units are also known failure candidates.
Reports & Tests
36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2019–2024). Most reported: Engine (8), Brakes (7), Electrical (7).