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VW · Wagon · 2014–2019

VW Passat B8 Variant

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.7 / 5.0 · Based on 6 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

239 PS

2.0L TDI BiTurbo Diesel

Bi-turbo diesel with bite

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

239 PS

2.0L TDI BiTurbo Diesel

5 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The VW Passat B8 Variant is available with 5 engine variants — from 105 to 239 hp.

1.6L TDI · Diesel· 105 PS
2014 2016
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2.0L TDI · Diesel· 150–190 PS Engine Change
2014 2019
Be Careful 11 weaknesses
2014 2019
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2.0L TDI BiTurbo · Diesel· 239 PS
2014 2018
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
1.4L TSI ACT · Benziner· 150–156 PS
2014 2018
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
1.8L TSI · Benziner· 179 PS
2015 2018
Be Careful 9 weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Infotainment System and Reversing Camera Failure

Electronic faults top the fault list on the Passat B8. MIB2 infotainment freezes or restarts, reversing camera shows no image. Particularly frequent on early build years 2014–2016.

Symptoms: Black screen on the nav/radio system; reversing camera no longer shows image; Bluetooth connection drops
from 60,000 km
Medium
Electric Tailgate Opens/Closes Incorrectly

The electric tailgate on the Passat B8 estate only opens partially, does not close fully, or does not respond to the remote control command. Defective locks or coding errors are often the cause.

Symptoms: Tailgate only opens 25% of its travel; beeping when opening; luggage compartment blind doesn't retract
from 70,000 km
Medium
ACC and Camera Assistants Prone to Faults

The adaptive cruise control (ACC) and camera-based assistance systems on the Passat B8 show malfunctions, especially in bad weather or after screen cleaning. Software problems on early build years.

Symptoms: ACC brakes for no apparent reason; lane-keep assist unresponsive; camera image obscured; warning message on display
from 50,000 km
Medium

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the VW Passat B8 Variant have? +
The VW Passat B8 as Variant has 57 known weaknesses, 11 vehicle-related.
Which engine is recommended? +
Be Careful: CZDA (1.4L TSI ACT), CRKB (1.6L TDI), DFGA (2.0L TDI), CJSA (1.8L TSI), DFHA (2.0L TDI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'.
Is the VW Passat B8 Variant worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the VW Passat B8 Variant — 1 of 6 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'.

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee

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