Volkswagen has long be a leader in the automotive industry worldwide and has been a popular import in the US for several decades. Known globally for their affordable compact cars, VW also makes a reliable midsize sedan called the Passat. While VW enthusiasts appreciate these cars, originally known as NMS or New Midsize Sedan, there have been some problems reported in the past.
Some Passat owners have complained that the exterior door handles of their cars cease to function properly. In some cases one handle will fail followed by a second handle in short succession. Obviously, this can be a very frustrating problem. Some Passat owners who have experienced this problem attest to the fact that this only occurs after the door handle has been pulled too hard when it was locked. After the door is unlocked, it fails to catch and open. The fix, as it were, is too open the door from the inside, slam it shut and try again and then try to be more careful in the future.
If indeed the problem is as simple not pulling too hard on a locked door, then the solution is simple and inexpensive. However, it could also be a sign of another problem with the door handle or locking mechanism and you may need to have the problem looked into more thoroughly.
One way to protect yourself from future maintenance costs is through VW's carefree maintenance. This coverage plan protects your vehicle for two years and 24,000 miles or three years and 36,000 miles. If you are outside these parameters you can save some money by taking your Passat to a nearby German maintenance expert for repair and replacement parts.
Search for a local, independent Volkswagen repair shop with Volkswagen mechanics that have dealer-level expertise at a fraction of the expense.