Two problems related to axle assembly have been reported for the 2002 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Volkswagen Passat based on all problems reported for the 2002 Passat.
The contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph and making a left turn, the rear axle broke causing the vehicle to fall onto the ground. The vehicle was unable to be driven; therefore, the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic. The contact was informed that no repairs could be made until the vehicle was inspected by the manufacturer. The contact stated that the rear axle could have caused a major crash. The failure mileage was 101,000.
Took car (2002 Volkswagen Passat) to local dealer for 65,000 mile service at which time they found a deteriorating axle problem. Informed by dealer that usually this issue is associated with a design flaw. Car out of warranty and repair was performed. In turn contacted volkswagan customer service department and was told that their was nothing they could do since the care was out of warranty. I in turn wrote a letter to the president of Volkswagen and received a phone call (I am sure he did not see it)reinforcing what their customer service department told me. If this in fact is a design issue I do not feel you should be having problems with axle's @ 65,000 miles since the car has been serviced every 5,000 miles per manufacturers recommendations and is in excellent condition. Mileage should have nothing to do with it.