Volkswagen CC Common Problems: Every now and then, Volkswagen goes out of their way to create something that is either completely out standing or something that follows a current trend and they feel like they have to offer the same style themselves. The Volkswagen CC is one of those cars, after Mercedes-Benz introduced their first CLS (the W219) everybody was talking about that slanted coupe-like roof that still came with four doors. The Volkswagen CC or the Passat CC as Europeans know it is a consequence of that trend. A four door sedan with a slanted coupe roof and sleek design for those consumers that simply would not settle for an ordinary Passat sedan that the CC is based on.
This article covers all the Volkswagen CC common problems ranging from those major issues you do not want to be dealing with and those smaller electronic nibbles that can be just as annoying.
Volkswagen CC Common Problems and Major Faults
- The 2.0T turbo petrol engines, offered both in Europe and USA are prone to intake manifold failures. This should not happen as most cars live their whole lives with their first intake manifold. That is why we call this a major fault. The intake manifolds on these engines mainly failed due to the faulty flap position sensors. The problems are recognized with professional diagnostics (P2015 fault code) and by random engine misfires and rough idling.
- Listing the common failures of the High-Pressure Fuel Pump as a major fault is reasonable as it will leave you stranded by the side of the road. Direct injection engines need a stream of high pressurized fuel in order to operate properly. Once the high-pressure fuel pump starts failing you might see the engine stutter, overheat or even go into limp mode.
- Like with the Audi A4 B8 we talked about before, the 2.0TDI diesel engines in the Volkswagen CC suffer from a leaky water pump. The housing of the water pump is entirely made out of plastic which under pressure and heat cracks and leaks. There was also a class action lawsuit against the VAG group for this exact problem.
- When buying a Volkswagen CC with the dual-clutch DSG transmission make sure it works as it should! Many of these cars are sold when bigger transmission issues arise. Many owners experience early transmission clutch wear (there are two “wet” clutches). Some gearboxes also fail completely if the damage and maintenance is neglected. Make sure that the vehicle has had all the transmission maintenance done.
- The CC and its 1.4TSI, 1.8TSI and 2.0TSI engines were all prone to the failing timing chain tensioners and timing chains. Some of these problems arise quickly (as soon as 20,000 miles). You can read more about the situation here. When buying these engines make sure there is no rattle at the startup and ask the seller about the previous timing chain maintenance .
Minor faults
- A common minor fault of all engines in the lineup are failing ignition coils. These usually fail due to normal wear but they do fail faster if the engine has been remapped or in other way modified. A symptom of bad ignition coils are misfires, check engine light, rough idling etc.
- Many owners report excessive wear of front tires and front suspension parts.
- N80 valve malfunction and failure. The N80 valve is necessary for managing the fuel vapors that get left in the combustion chamber. The surplus fuel vapors are sucked out by the EVAP system to be disposed of. If the N80 valve is not functioning properly the engine can alarm you by displaying the check engine light on the dashboard. You might also see a rough engine operation and bad fuel economy.
- We already talked about carbon buildup when we dissected the OM642 engine problems. Carbon is a menace in all direct injection engines, and in the case of the Volkswagen CC, the 2.0T is especially prone to carbon buildup on the valves and in the intake manifold. As a consequence, the engine is struggling to breathe, its performance drops and it can cause all kinds of issues. To prevent this issue, make sure you fill your car up with high quality fuel, drive it for occasional long trips, have the manifold and other parts regularly checked for carbon deposits and manually clean the engine if needed.
Body and interior problems
- The Volkswagen CC has seen the return of the infamous subframe rattle or clunking. This issue has been recognized by Volkswagen and in return they offered a replacement set of bolts and spacers that hold the subframe in place. The subframe rattle occurs when accelerating as the subframe itself is in motion due to bad spacers and bolts that should be keeping it down. This should be taken care of immediately!
- The RNS510 Navigation and infotainment unit used to be and still is a popular item amongst car part thieves. It is easily removed and super easy to sell as it fits other Volkswagen models.
Electronic problems
- The Passat CC is generally well made when it comes to electronics, owners only report failing tire pressure sensors. That is common and easily fixed so no worries here.
Frequently asked questions about Volkswagen CC Common Problems
What does Volkswagen CC stand for?
The CC stands for Comfort Coupe.
Are Volkswagen CC reliable despite all the Volkswagen CC Common Problems?
They are only to be considered reliable if they had all their major issues taken care of, otherwise, we would not say that the Volkswagen is the most reliable vehicle out there.
Are Volkswagen CC all wheel drive?
No, not all of them are all wheel drive. The majority are front wheel drive, only those that have the Volkswagen “4 Motion” system are all wheel drive.
Are Volkswagen CC expensive to maintain?
They are certainly not the cheapest cars to maintain. If you face a problem with the timing chain or the DSG transmission, repairs can easily cost you upwards of 1000$.
Why are Volkswagen CCs so cheap? Is it because of the Volkswagen CC Common Problems?
Because many of those cheap Volkswagen CC’s are plagued with major issues that previous owners refused to repair and pay for. We recommend avoiding the super cheap Volkswagen CCs on sale.
How many miles can Volkswagen CC last?
They will last a long time if they have their main issues sorted out. Many Volkswagen CCs on sale have an enormous amount of miles on the odometer which only speaks to their reliability when maintained properly.
Conclusion
If you are buying a used Volkswagen CC we would recommend you avoid the EA888 2.0T engine as it has the most problems of the entire engine line up. While it is the strongest and most fun to drive it is certainly not as fun to maintain and service when things go wrong. Apart from the problems we listed above, the CC is an amazing car with great looks, awesome road handling, a big boot and a great interior. Some owners do complain about its sporty and stiff suspension but we do think it suits the Comfort Coupe quite nicely as it is meant to be sportier and lower than the standard Volkswagen Passat.
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