Two problems related to gas recirculation valve (egr valve) have been reported for the 2009 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Volkswagen Passat based on all problems reported for the 2009 Passat.
Found out there was a timing chain issue with the vehicle where it jumped 22 degrees. After research have found on a number of forums that this is a widespread issue with this engine in both vw and Audi vehicles. Vw will not issue a recall, the claim is, due to it being too widespread and extremely expensive. Under most circumstances from what I have read, it causes catastrophic engine failure. Luckily, mine did not jump that far, but it still was an expensive repair that shouldn't have had to happen. Well now I have had $4200 in repairs made to my engine due to this issue and I think vw should have paid for it.
Initial failure occurred whike accelerating onto main thoroughfare. Vehicle lost all engine power and stalled out. Vehicle was send to vw dealer for repair where some warranty repairs were made as well as preventative maintentice that was advised. The car was returned as "repaired" and after driving home experienced the exact same failure while the car was idiling in the driveway. Car was returned again and experienced the same failure a second time while I was traveling on i275 in detroit. The car stalled out and I again lost all power. I was forced to the side of the road where the car then failed to start. I was forced to sit for three hours in 20 degree weather with a twice in 2 weeks repaired issue as my car was buried in snow on the interstate. This is a major safety hazard!.