Hey all, I have a 2013 Passat SEL, stereo/nav started powering off/on/off/on whenever/wherever. Took it to the dealer, they pulled it and checked all connections, all were good. Said it was fixed, when I pulled off the lot and went 4 blocks...yup, back off/on/off/on TOOK IT RIGHT BACK. They broke down and said they'd replace it (under warranty). All should be advised, when VW replaces a stereo, you're getting a refurbished unit. This one did the same thing. They pulled one out of a used Passat that was on the lot, because VW wouldn't let them order another. Well, same problem with 3rd unit, but Dealer put on the last work order they will NOT look at it anymore for a stereo/nav issue, per VW.

Went to another "local" VW dealer in the next state to the South, they found a "deformed connector" and replaced it. Next morning (Friday morning), back to off/on/off/on (all on video, here's 1 of many I have: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThWZtJZxYlI&feature=youtu.be ) so it's still there right now. It's not the unit, it's an electrical problem with the car or main computer problem.? It's a safety hazard as I lose the maps, navigation, back up camera, Bluetooth, even the nav in the MMI/MFI on the in-dash display goes out. Watch the youtube video, VW says it's a normal characteristic, I think it's a crock of crap! $30k car without music and safety features, VW accepts this? I don't!

Second dealer has had the car for 7 days. Was told another stereo unit ( makes Unit #4! ) was ordered (on a Monday), was told it would arrive Tues or Wed. It's a 1 hour swap, per the first dealer, but this is Thursday night and I haven't heard a word since Monday. I asked for a daily status update, no such luck. I don't want to upset the second dealer, as I'm sure VW is hard on them already, trying to find a way out of locating and fixing the real problem. Not just their $1,800.00 unit being replaced. I need to have a dealer to take it for scheduled Service and I know the dealer is "trying".

This is my 3rd Passat over the past 12 years, but it will be my last. Beware of VW, they want you to sign and drive, but once they have your money they're pretty much done with you.

Update from Sep 8, 2017: After over 3 months at the Dealer, a "short" was eventually found in the wire harness. The system still has issues (skips, slow, etc.), but at least hasn't been turning on and off all the time.

VWoA offered Full MSRP Credit towards another VW of same/greater price, then backed out. I was to go to Court June 27, 2017 but the VW Attorney "hurt his hand" and had it pushed back to September 27, 2017. ONLY 19 MORE DAYS TO GO. Hoping to get rid of this car as other problems still continue that VW doesn't want to address. Meet with Head of Service @ the Dealer in 4 days to discuss problems/resolution.

Multiple times, the radio system would shut off by itself and reboot. A few times, the system would not turn off even after engine was turned off. Also, there would be times when none of the controls would work (volume, power off/on, navigation, bluetooth, etc). Once, the radio system was off and it just turned on by itself. Took to dealer on Jan 2015 and was told that problem could not be duplicated - all that was done was "reset to factory settings". Intermittent issue persisted and I started a log of dates (and mileage) when problems occurred. Log provided to dealer on 3/30/15. Again, dealer noted that problem not duplicated, but due to submittal of log, dealer agreed to replace radio system. Hopefully this will fix the problem. Car should be ready by 4/02/15. Will report back in a few months to provide update.

Update from Apr 29, 2016: Intermittent console (radio/bluetooth/nav sys/rearview camera) shutdown/reset issue remains. But it's infrequent enough (5x within the last year) that I haven't bothered going back to service since I'm pretty sure they again won't be able to duplicate the problem. Just hoping we get the buyback option (since this model also has the diesel emissions issue)- tired of dealing w/ VW service dept!

Problem started the day after receipt of vehicle. Took the car immediately to Cook VW in Bel Air, MD. Was told by the service technician (Mike) that another car not even sold yet had the same exact problem. His response verbatim, was "VW has responded that this is a "characteristic" of the Fender system that occurs when multiple functions are in use at once." Then proceeded to look at me like I was an idiot when I flipped out on him. This is after I had recently brought my older TDI in for a performance issue and they tried to charge me 1800.00 for a "clogged intake" which actually turned out to be a $2 vacuum hose that had worn through.

If it isn't in the manual, it isn't a characteristic, it is a FLAW. I am sure it will not be mentioned as a selling feature. Imagine, "This car has a great stereo and GPS system, and one of the characteristics is that is will randomly lock up and reboot unexpectedly rendering the unit completely useless. Ready to sign and drive!?Would you like to purchase the additional warranty with that?"

The car has plenty of get up and go, but the other features one would expect of the Passat are sorely lacking. In addition to the stereo, the fake wood accent on the dash near the light switch had imperfections and bubbles that when touched crumbled and revealed the flat black plastic underneath. First run at an American built VW in Chattanooga, TN is a flop. I will be in touch with corporate.