Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Volkswagen Passat owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that her vehicle was a lemon when she purchased it in 2002. Water enters the vehicle from the sun roof whenever it rains. She received a recall notice, but the vehicle was not repaired according to the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer more than fifteen times, but it has never been repaired. The failure mileage was 500 miles. Updated 8/24/09 the consumer was told the water leak was coming from the after market speaker. The headlight tail light and fog light bulbs were replaced. The check engine light illuminated and the coolant bottle had a hairline crack. The heat in the vehicle was not working properly. The technician discovered the heater core had a blockage. The water pump was leaking. Both outer cv boots were replaced. There was a large EVAP leak at the purge valve which was replaced. …
There is a crack in windshield starting in front of driver below wiper blade, up 5 inches and over 3 feet. The crack appeared when the car was parked in direct sun on a hot day in a parking lot pointed away from other moving vehicles. There is only one shared of glass missing from behind the wiper that is perhaps 1/4 inch long and 1/8 inch deep. Vw maintains this is an impact point as determined by running a ballpoint pen along the crack. My position is that this is a defect. The heat and expansion caused the crack. In order for this to be impact related, a tiny stone would have to hit behind the wiper from directly overhead. The laws of physics rules out that an object with so little mass could have had enough energy to cause this much damage.
This is the second time that the window regulator has gone out on my 2002 vw Passat 4motion glx. The first time this happened the drivers window regulator failed due to a corroded cable in the assembly. The most recent just happened to the rear passenger regulator, but this time the plastic assembly that holds the glass window broke and and the window fell down in traffic. I am very mechanically inclined and have fixed both of these problems on my own time, at my own expense. Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing these problematic issues. Thank you, darin.
Nar 3-10-03 with the consumer vehicle having less than 7000 miles, many problems occurred, the front and rear windows froze from the inside, the vehicle began to stall, the ignition coil needed to be replaced, the glove compartment flooded when it rained or snowed, also the carpets and pollen filter were damaged due to the flood. The consumers was very disappointed and suggested that a full refund be given or have Volvo to give them a new 2003 Passat, equally equipped as the 2002 at the same purchase price.
The headlight lens on my Passat have become "clouded" over time resulting in reduced brightness from the headlamps and creating an unsafe driving condition at night. In discussing the issue with other Passat owners, it's clear that this is a common problem. The reduced brightness has become a true safety hazard over time as visibility at night is severely affected. The lens is actually opaque at this point. Volkswagen denies responsibility as the car is out of warranty.
Four ignition coils defective - replaced defective ignition - key stuck in car for over nine days defective stereo - replaced twice to date defective electrical - windows and locks go up and down while driving, gas cap pops open unexpectedly computer problem - computer blacks out at times defective wheel bearing - replaced at 17,952 miles defective motor blower - replaced defective rear wheel lining - replaced
Dt*: the contact stated the passenger side floor board flooded. Then while traveling at 35 MPH, numerous warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where it was determined the sunroof drains had clogged, causing the flooding and a short in a module in the wiring system. The debris in the drains was blown out. Updated 6/19/2006 - this has continued to be a problem.
2002 vw Passat plastic lens cover over the head lights are so filmy, cloudy can hardly see at night..the lens covers have been cloudy for years, I notice lots of cars with cloudy lens cover not just vw...should be safety recall..... Do we wait like we did on no doc loans until we admit we have a problem.........no exact incident but I'm sure they have happened.
2002 Volkswagen Passat defective sunroof. Consumer states that she didn't drive the vehicle for one week and when she started driving it, there was a sloshing noise. She noticed the entire rear floorboard was flooded with water. The dealer informed the consumer the problem was inherent and there was definitely a defect in the sunroof design.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen Passat. While driving on the highway at 70 MPH the sun roof exploded. Fragments of glass fell all over of the vehicle. A representative from the manufacturer stated that they are not aware of this type of failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Passat years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2002 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2002 Volkswagen Passat, 4% of the model year's 643 complaints. The component named most often is sun/moon roof assembly (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Volkswagen Passat window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2002 Volkswagen Passat, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Volkswagen Passat window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 41% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.