How do I fold in the wing mirrors on my 2017 Volkswagen Passat?

From what I can gather, the 2017 Passat in its Australian-delivered configuration doesn’t include the ability to automatically fold its mirrors in when you lock the doors. Certainly, you can do this manually for when you tackle an automatic car-wash, but that becomes tedious if you want the mirrors folded every time you lock and leave the car. But what’s interesting is that the car in other markets does, in fact, incorporate this feature, so it’s entirely possible, since your car already has the hardware) that the function is buried away deep, deep inside the set-up menus with a series of incomprehensible steps required to enable the function. Modern cars are subject to numerous hacks like this one, and a VW dealer might be able to point you in the right direction. It’s a handy feature and one that is valued highly by those who park on narrow streets each night. Actually, that’s why European versions of the Passat have the function in the first place, but it seems a bit mean that VW would drop it for our market.

Volkswagen Passat 2012: What does the flashing wrench indicator mean?

Hi Chloe, the wrench symbol is the service indicator light on this generation of Passat. I would take the car to your nearest licenced mechanical repairer and have them read the fault codes logged in the ECU, which is basically your car’s brain. Basically, when a part of your car stops working properly it sends an error message to the ECU, which has an error code it can display when the mechanic plugs their scan tool into the computer. This model Passat had an issue where the service light would come on, requiring the ECU’s software to be updated by the dealer. I’d take the car in and see what error codes come up as the first job.

Volkswagen Passat 2013: Is my car safe after a transmission failure?

There is little chance of anything else being damaged as a result of the transmission failure. I understand your concern about the safety of the car given your experience when the transmission failed and left you in a precarious situation, but the chances of it happening again are pretty slim now it has been repaired.

Volkswagen Passat: Key replacement cost

You can go to your dealer to get your key fob replaced, but without more information about your vehicle I can't guarantee how cheap it will be. If you don't want to go to your dealer to get your key fob replaced, check out this article for more options.

Volkswagen Passat 2006: Oil pressure dropping after top up?

It’s not related to the oil, the oil you used was correct. It shouldn’t lose oil pressure so quickly, if it does there is something going on within the engine that needs addressing. If the engine is making a bad sound, don’t drive it, and get a mechanic to check it.

Is the DSG gearbox good in a Volkswagen or Skoda wagon?

The DSG is a brilliant idea, but it was affected by a couple of issues that soured the experience for a lot of owners. The latest DSG is not affected by the problems of the older units; there have been a lot of improvements made to overcome the issues it had. You can buy one with confidence.

What's a good mid-sized wagon to buy?

You’re buying a used car, it’s not new, so you have to expect some wear-and-tear issues. The older the car, the greater the wear-and-tear, and the more likely it is to have suffered mechanical failures or even a crash. That means you have to thoroughly check the car before purchase, and you have to rely on the honesty of the vendor. If the car has had clutch problems it should be recorded in the service book. It’s the same with the others you’re looking at, check them thoroughly, and if you’re uncertain have an expert check them for you. Of the three others you are considering I would avoid the Passat as a potential money pit, and go for the i40 in preference to the Commodore.

What's a good mid-sized wagon to buy?

You’re buying a used car, it’s not new, so you have to expect some wear-and-tear issues. The older the car, the greater the wear-and-tear, and the more likely it is to have suffered mechanical failures or even a crash. That means you have to thoroughly check the car before purchase, and you have to rely on the honesty of the vendor. If the car has had clutch problems it should be recorded in the service book. It’s the same with the others you’re looking at, check them thoroughly, and if you’re uncertain have an expert check them for you. Of the three others you are considering I would avoid the Passat as a potential money pit, and go for the i40 in preference to the Commodore.

Volkswagen Passat 1999 Problems

No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Volkswagen Passat 1999 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used Volkswagen Passat review: 1995-2014

12 Mar 2015 · by Ewan Kennedy

Volkswagen Passat is a medium-large car aimed at those looking for a solid machine that should stand the test of time. Stylish it's not, but that's the way VW does its shapes, intending them to be ...

Used Volkswagen Passat review: 1995-2012

15 Mar 2013 · by Ewan Kennedy

Passat is a medium-large German car that appeals to those who refuse to pay big dollars for a similar car from one of the more prestigious marques from the same country. Audi won’t thank us for ...

Used Volkswagen Passat review: 1998-2002

30 Jan 2009 · by Graham Smith

When you’re known for building cars that everyone can afford and little else it can be hard to shed that working class image when it inevitably fades and needs renewing. So entrenched was the Beetle ...

Mini oil crisis

Answered by CarsGuide 13 Jan 2006

ALL engines use oil. It's the rate at which they use oil that can cause concern. VW engines have a reputation for using oil. There have been warranty claims from people running their engine low on oil and causing serious engine failure. They assumed modern engines don't use oil so didn't check the level. At 250ml/1000km I wouldn't be concerned, but I would be if it were using 1 litre/1000km. The point about the 15,000km service intervals is a good one. At the rate of 250ml/1000km your engine will consume almost four litres of oil between oil changes, which is close to a full engine fill. At 1 litre/1000km you would go through 15 litres between oil changes. Makes you wonder why you'd bother changing the oil.

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Volkswagen Passat 1999 Problems

Used Volkswagen Passat review: 1995-2014

Used Volkswagen Passat review: 1995-2012

Used Volkswagen Passat review: 1998-2002

Mini oil crisis

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