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2002 Volkswagen Passat

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2002 Passat.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2002 Volkswagen Passat is a passenger‑car sedan that requires 3.9 qt of engine oil, with approved viscosities of 5W‑40, 5, 5W‑30 or 0W‑40. It was subject to four recalls and, according to owner data, logged 652 total complaints, the most frequent of which it uses. It was subject to four recalls and, according to owner data, logged 652 total complaints, the most frequent of which involved the electrical system. Compared with the broader Passat lineage from 1990 to 2022, the 2002 model’s complaint total falls well below the peak of 747 complaints seen in 2013 and above the low of just 11 complaints recorded for the 2022 model. This positions the 2002 Passat as a mid‑range year in terms of reliability within the model’s long‑term history.

Model year2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2002

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity3.9 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-40 / 5W-30 / 0W-40OEM · verified

Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 · 540 CCA battery, OE oil filter 078115561J. Note the factory front wiper blades and serpentine belt are now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 48 · 540 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP195-65HR15OEM · verified

Wheel / rim7-J inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	078115561J alt 068115561B
Engine air filter	058133843
Fuel filter	1H0201511A alt 441201511C
Spark plug	101905607 alt 101000035HJ
Battery	000915105AG
Front wiper blades	3A1955425A discontinued · alt 8D1955427
Serpentine belt	06B903137E discontinued · alt 06B260849B
Thermostat	038121119B alt 078121113G
Cabin air filter	1H0819644B alt 8D0819165B

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	185 in
Overall width	68.9 in
Overall height	57.5 in
Wheelbase	106.3 in
Curb weight	3322 lb
Track (front / rear)	59.4 / 59.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	62/38

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Passat of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.8–7.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.80 sec — 2002 W8 4Motion Sedan

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2002	W8 4Motion Sedan 4.0L W8	6.80 sec	15.20 sec	270 hp	AWD
2002	W8 4Motion Sedan 4.0L W8	6.90 sec	15.40 sec	270 hp	AWD
2002	W8 4Motion Sedan 4.0L W8	7.20 sec	15.60 sec	270 hp	AWD
2002	W8 4Motion Sedan 4.0L W8	7.70 sec	15.90 sec	270 hp	AWD
2001	GLX V6 Sedan 2.8L V6	7.30 sec	15.60 sec	190 hp	FWD
2001	GLS 1.8T Sedan 1.8L Turbo I-4	7.50 sec	15.70 sec	170 hp	FWD
2001	GLX V6 4Motion Wagon 2.8L V6	8.10 sec	16.40 sec	190 hp	AWD
2003	W8 4Motion Sedan 4.0L W8	6.40 sec	14.45 sec	270 hp	AWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 3.9 qt of 5W-40 / 5W-30 / 0W-40 engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-4 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 22.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-3-6-2-5. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 4
Differential Gear Oil	SYNTHETIC · 75W-90 · GL-4
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	1.7 Pints
Engine Coolant	USE G012ABG-A1 COOLANT
Engine Oil	5W-40 · 5W-30 · 0W-40
Engine Oil Capacity	3.9 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · 5W-40 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	9.0 qt

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	7 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	18 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	22.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	22.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	22.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	7 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	89 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	15.0 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	85 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order	1-4-3-6-2-5
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	870 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	20 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	800 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	60 rpm

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	Models w/Denso 7SB-16C, 1.31; models w/Denso 7SEU16 compressor, 1.13 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	Except models w/W8 engine, 8.45; models w/W8 engine, 6.76. oz
Standard BCI Group Number	48
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	540 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	48 Ex. 4 Motion

Service checks

Injector Primary Resistance	13-19 ohms
Engine Oil Pressure	29 psi @ Idle, 43.5-79.7 psi @ 2000 rpm. psi
Engine Oil Pressure	29 psi @ Idle, 43.5-65.3 psi @ 2000 rpm psi
Intake Valve Lash	Hydraulic in
Exhaust Valve Lash	Hydraulic in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	89 ft-lbs / 19 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	89 ft-lbs / 140 ft-lbs
Other	WITH HP2 16 inch WHEELS
Torque Caliper to Bracket	25 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	70 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	25 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	70 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.276; Rear: 0.276 specification

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45

4 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

74 ft. lbs., step 2: 90

74 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	44 ft. lbs.	44 ft. lbs
3	90 degrees.	90 degrees
4	90 degrees.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	44 ft. lbs.	44 ft. lbs
2	90 degrees.	90 degrees
3	90 degrees.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat bolt head washers and threads with clean engine oil

1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	37.0 ft. lbs.	37 ft. lbs
3	90 degrees	90 degrees
4	90 degrees	90 degrees

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

74 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

74 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

44 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

44 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 5,000 mi; spark plugs every 40,000 mi.

At 5,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 5,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 10,000 mi	Battery (inspect electrolyte level) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Shift Interlock Solenoid (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
At 20,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 20,000 mi	CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 40,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Power Steering System (inspect fluid level) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Sunroof Assembly (inspect)
Every 80,000 mi	Drive Belt (replace)
At 105,000 mi	Timing Belt Tensioner (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

In 2002 the vehicle generated 652 complaints, exceeding the 447 complaints recorded in 2001 and the 641 complaints recorded in 2003. Recalls numbered 4, matching the 2001 figure but fewer than the 7 recalls in 2003. Investigations totaled 9, higher than the 7 investigations in 2001 and the 6 in 2003. Crash‑related complaints were 13 and fire‑related complaints were 47, with the top complaint areas being electrical system (181) and engine & engine cooling (111). Because complaint volume is near the recent peak while recall activity remains modest, 2002 is not the optimal year to purchase a used Passat.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

240

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

652

Owner complaints

13 involved a crash · 47 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01’02’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’22

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 652 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System181

Engine & Engine Cooling111

Fuel System, Gasoline47

Service Brakes, Hydraulic37

Visibility18

Power Train17

Structure16

Service Brakes15

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

14E007000Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineReported 07/03/2014

The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and… Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.

08V156000Fuel System, Gasoline:DeliveryReported 07/04/2008

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 412,000 MY 1999-2005 PASSAT (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND PRODUCED AFTER JUNE 14, 1999. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD THAT CAN BECOME… Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELDS ON VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS TO COVER THE POSSIBLY DAMAGED AREAS AND FLASH ALL 1.8T ENGINES WITH A PRECAUTIONARY…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 240 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
V171901201285565	2023-08-21	Engine And Engine Cooling	Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
V171901201285562	2023-05-30	Engine And Engine Cooling	Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V171901201285560	2023-04-24	Engine And Engine Cooling	Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V941901201152119	2022-12-12	Equipment	Update model year applicability to include 2023.
V271901201189422	2022-12-06	Electrical System	Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Passat. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 48 battery Vehicles taking 3.9 qt Engine oil filter 078115561J Engine air filter 058133843 Fuel filter 1H0201511A Spark plug 101905607

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2002 Passat take?

3.9 qt of 5W-40, 5W-30 OR 0W-40 MEETING VW SPECIFICATION VW50200, per the factory manual.

Does the 2002 Passat have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.