Volkswagen Phaeton problems
The Volkswagen Phaeton ( /ˈfeɪtən/ FAY-tən) (Typ 3D) is a full-size sedan/saloon manufactured by the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen, described by Volkswagen as their "premium class" vehicle. Introduced at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, the Phaeton was marketed worldwide. Sales in North America ended in 2006 and global sales ended in 2016.
The name Phaeton derives from Phaëton, the son of Phoebus (or Helios) in Greek mythology, by way of the phaeton auto body style and the type of horse-drawn carriage that preceded it.
Production ended in March 2016 and an all-electric second generation was slated to be produced. Starting in April 2017, the Gläserne Manufaktur Dresden began assembling the e-Golf instead.
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Volkswagen Phaeton model years
Common Volkswagen Phaeton problems
The Volkswagen Phaeton is a luxury sedan produced by Volkswagen from 2002 to 2016, designed to compete with other high-end luxury vehicles such as the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The Phaeton was built on a unique platform shared with the Bentley Continental GT and the Bentley Flying Spur, with a body made from aluminum for lightweight strength. The interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials and advanced technology features. The Phaeton was available with a range of powerful engine options, including a 3.2-liter V6, a 4.2-liter V8, a 6.0-liter W12, and a 3.0-liter V6 TDI diesel engine.
Despite its impressive design and engineering, the Phaeton was not a commercial success for Volkswagen. The high cost of producing the car, as well as its relatively unknown brand name in the luxury segment, meant that sales were sluggish. Volkswagen eventually discontinued the Phaeton in 2016, after producing just over 84,000 units over the course of its production run.
However, the Phaeton did experience a number of problems and issues over its lifetime. Some of the most common issues reported by owners include:
- Electrical problems: A number of Volkswagen Phaeton owners have reported electrical problems with their vehicles. These issues can include problems with the car's electronics, such as the air suspension system, as well as issues with the car's electrical system more broadly.
- Air suspension issues: The Volkswagen Phaeton's air suspension system has been a particular source of problems for many owners. The system can suffer from a range of issues, including leaks, failures, and other problems that can impact the car's ride height and handling. These issues can be expensive to fix, and can impact the car's overall reliability and performance.
- Transmission issues: Some Volkswagen Phaeton owners have reported transmission issues with their vehicles. These issues can include problems with the car's automatic transmission, such as slipping, jerking, or other problems that can impact the car's performance and drivability.
- Fuel pump problems: The Volkswagen Phaeton's fuel pump has also been a source of problems for some owners. These issues can include failures, leaks, and other problems that can impact the car's fuel system and performance.
Despite these issues, the Volkswagen Phaeton remains a favorite among Volkswagen enthusiasts and collectors for its unique design and advanced technology. However, it is important for Phaeton owners to keep up with regular maintenance and address any issues as soon as they arise to prevent more serious problems down the road.
Are VW Phaeton reliable?
Reliability and Safety
That means that while it hasn't actually been rated by Euro NCAP it's likely to achieve a five star rating. Reliability has so far proved to be good, with only a few owners complaining of minor electronic glitches that can be easily fixed.
Why did Volkswagen Phaeton fail?
The Phaeton died in 2016 when VW chose not to go ahead with the fully-developed second generation – one casualty of the diesel scandal, but also of disappointing sales – while Mercedes has confirmed that the current A- and B-class models won't be replaced.
Why was the Phaeton discontinued?
The Phaeton simply wasn't worth the price of admission
The U.S. version came with two powerful engine options: a 4.2-liter V8 with 335 horsepower or an even bigger 6.0-liter W12 with 420 horsepower. While both could run at a top speed of 186 mph, they were oddly maxed out at 130 mph (via Motor Trend).
What is the mileage of the VW Phaeton?
Volkswagen Phaeton Mileage
The Phaeton mileage is 12.8 kmpl.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Volkswagen Phaeton years
We have researched Volkswagen problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volkswagen Phaeton cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Volkswagen Phaeton model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volkswagen Phaeton model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Volkswagen Phaeton years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Volkswagen Phaeton car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Volkswagen Phaeton , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Structure problems
- Suspension problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Volkswagen Phaeton vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volkswagen Phaeton . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volkswagen Phaeton vehicles.
List of Volkswagen Phaeton complaints
Volkswagen Phaeton 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-03
- Date Complaint: 2017-03-19
- VIN: WVWAF63D448
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TRUNK EMERGENCY ESCAPE/ENTRAPMENT PREVENTION HANDLE NOT WORKING DUE TO DEFECTIVE TRUNK WIRING HARNESS. ONLY APPLIES TO VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRUNK.
Volkswagen Phaeton 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2011-11-14
- VIN: WVWAF03D868
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE IS AT 80,000 MILES. THERE IS A COOLANT HOSE WITHIN THE VEHICLE THAT CONNECTS THE OIL FILTER RESERVOIR TO THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE HOSE IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND CRACKS IF ANY OF THE MANY FACTORS ARE MET (RAPID CHANGE IN TEMPERATURE, HIGH COOLANT TEMPERATURE, OVER 75,000 MILES). AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE PLASTIC CRACKS AND COOLANT RAPIDLY SEEPS OUT OVER TIME. AFTER READING OVER MANY FORUMS, THIS ENGINE, THE VOLKSWAGEN/ AUDI 4.2L V8 HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR DECADES. AND MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN SPOKEN OF THE PART FAILING AROUND 75,000 MILES (NOT LONG AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES). IN ADDITION, THE REPAIR TO FIX THE $6 PLASTIC HOSE REQUIRES A FULL ENGINE DROP FROM THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A VERY COSTLY (I WAS QUOTED $2600) REPAIR. I WAS SPEAKING WITH AN AUDI PARTS DEPARTMENT, AND THEY STATE THIS REGULARLY OCCURS. THUS I FIRMLY BELIEVE THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM AND IS ACTUALLY EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO THE ENGINE, THE ENVIRONMENT, AND TO WILDLIFE. WITH A LOSS IN COOLANT, AIR ALSO SEEPS INTO THE COOLANT SYSTEM. THUS THE ENGINE MAY OVERHEAT (MINE LIKE MANY OTHERS HAVE) DUE TO A LACK OF COOLANT CIRCULATION. HOWEVER IN THE PROCESS, THE COOLANT RESERVOIR MAY STILL APPEAR FULL AS THE AIR POCKET IS TRAPPED WITHIN THE SYSTEM (THUS NOT SETTING OFF LOW COOLANT WARNINGS AND NOT LETTING THE OWNER TO INSERT MORE COOLANT) WITH AN OVERHEATING ENGINE, THIS LEADS TO A HIGH CONCERN FOR SAFETY. IN ADDITION, THE FACT THAT COOLANT IS CREATING HALF-GALLON PUDDLES AROUND MY VEHICLE AFTER EACH DAY OF WORK IS ALSO A LARGE ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN (NOT ONLY THAT, ETHYLENE GLYCOL WHICH IS THE MAIN INGREDIENT OF MOST COOLANT MIXTURES ATTRACTS WILDLIFE AS IT IS SWEET IN TASTE AND CAUSES DEATH AS THE MIXTURE IS INCREDIBLY POISONOUS). *TR
Volkswagen Phaeton 2004
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2010-04-01
- VIN: WVWAH63D448
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON WITH FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD TO PAY FOR A $3,00 DOLLAR REPAIR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE HESITATION OF THE CONVERTER ENGAGING. THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE FOR THREE YEARS AND NEVER COULD FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEMS WERE CAUSED BY. HE FINALLY HAD AN INDEPENDENT ELECTRONIC CHECK DONE AND THE PROBLEMS WERE AS FOLLOWS; THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AT ALL TIMES. THE OXYGEN SENSORS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE ESP LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING AND THE ESP SWITCH WOULD NOT TURN OFF THE LIGHT. HE ALSO COMPLAINED FOR YEARS, THAT WHEN HE TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT TOO FAST OR FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE WOULD HESITATE . THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT WAS NORMAL BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEARS. THE INTERNAL OIL SEAL FAILURE CAUSED THE PROBLEMS. A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE PROBLEM. THE RIGHT REAR UPPER CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACED. THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE RE-ALIGNED. COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR. *JB UPDATED 06/08/10.*JB
Volkswagen Phaeton 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-17
- Date Complaint: 2009-09-08
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 2004 VW PHAETON TRUNK WIRE HOUSING - THE SLEEVE OVER THE WIRE HOUSING CAME OFF AND THEN THE PLASTIC TUBE THAT COVERS THE WIRES BROKE AWAY FROM THE JOINT THAT ENABLES THE WIRES TO COMPRESS BACK INTO THE TRUNK LID WHEN IT IS CLOSED. WHEN HAVING MY TIRES ROTATED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLOSED THE TRUNK LID BUT THE PLASTIC TUBE WAS CAUGHT BETWEEN METAL AND REAR GLASS SHIELD. THE GLASS BROKE AND WAS REPLACE. 2 WEEKS LATER, WHILE HAVING THE 80,000 MILE SERVICE THE TECHNICIAN CLOSED THE TRUNK AND AGAIN THE PLASTIC PIECE WAS CAUGHT AND THE REAR GLASS BROKE. DEALER ESTIMATE TO "FIX" IS $1,300 BUT IT SEEMS LIKE A PRODUCT DEFECT. INTERNET BLOGS AND POSTING SUGGEST A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AND VW ISSUED A TECHNICAL BULLETIN TO DEALERS ON HOW TO "FIX" - TECHNICAL BULLETIN (TB) NUMBER 97-04-07. *TR
Volkswagen Phaeton 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2009-09-08
- VIN: WVWAH63D748
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONTROL ARM GASKETS CORRODED ON ALL UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS LEADING TO METAL ON METAL. *TR
Volkswagen Phaeton 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-23
- Date Complaint: 2006-04-21
- VIN: WVWAF03D168
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: FROM DAY 1 WE NOTICED THAT THIS "LUXURY" VEHICLE DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. DAY 2 WE RETURNED THE CAR TO BE SERVICED. THE DEALERSHIP KEPT THE CAR FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. WE CONTACTED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR VOLKSWAGEN AND FILED OUR COMPLAINT. THEY RESPONDED BY TELLING US THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND THAT THIS IS HOW THE VEHICLE RUNS AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR US. THEY DID NOTHING TO REMEDY THE SITUATION AND WHILE THEY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 2 MONTHS CHECKING INTO THE REPAIR WE STILL HAD TO MAKE THE CAR AND INSURANCE PAYMENTS. VERY BAD PRODUCT AND SERVICE EXPERIENCE FOR US! *JB
Latest negative Volkswagen Phaeton car reviews
Latest positive Volkswagen Phaeton car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2006
I recently test drove several luxury cars including the 2004 745LI, Audi A8L, Lexus 430, and the Phaeton. In my opinion, the Phaeton is the best car out of all of them. Although it took me four months to get over the VW emblem on a 73K car, I finally decided to lease it. I have been a proud owner of this car for three months now and have not experienced any major problems. The dealer has been fantastic in their treatment towards me. It's a shame that the management at VW had to put the VW logo on this car. It should have been a separate line. However, VW did the reverse of everyone else. While Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes keep coming up with small cars to slap their logo on, VW designed one very fine LARGE, ROOMY, SMOOTH AUTO. I have owned a BMW740IL, Mercedes E-320, and Lincoln Towncar, but this Phateon by VW is the finest auto I have ever owned.
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Vehicle year: 2004
This is such an awesome car! I'm thrilled to have replaced my BMW 740 with this Phaeton, it's an absolute joy to drive.
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Vehicle year: 2005
This car is much better than any luxury car that is not considered 'exotic'. Although it still requires some small improvements, such as a touch screen DVD navigation system, XM radio, better gas mileage, a Bluetooth phone system, and making the technology package standard. Due to its size, it also needs parktronic. The power trunk seems like a toy, but unfortunately, there is no way to close the trunk without leaving handprints on the beautiful finish. Additionally, an improved keyless access system, like the one in an Audi with touch stare, and maybe even a head-up display and sonar cruise control, would be great. Overall, VW has done a great job, and with some fine-tuning, this car could be even better!
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Vehicle year: 2006
Before purchasing the VW Phaeton, I have owned several luxury cars including Bentleys, Rolls Royces, Mercedes, Lexus, and many others. In my opinion, the VW Phaeton is just as good, if not better, than any of the others. The only drawbacks I have noticed are the poor gas mileage and the fact that the grill does not specify 'Phaeton.' However, I find it an absolute delight to drive both locally and on long trips.
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Vehicle year: 2005
I noticed that the memory settings for the seat, mirrors, and other features in my Volkswagen Phaeton V8 were a bit unpredictable, which affected my ratings for its build quality and reliability. However, I must say that my dealer has been working very hard to train me and fix the issue. I have had a great experience with my dealer so far. On the other hand, I must say that everything else about this car is amazing. It is a very nice luxury car that people often mistake for a different brand.
Are you having problems with your Volkswagen Phaeton?
Kayley Pollich 2024-10-22
Vehicle year: 2006
The Volkswagen Phaeton V8 is a large and heavy car. It may not be the best choice for driving enthusiasts, but for those who prioritize comfort and luxury, it is a great option. After driving for 8+ hours, the weight of the car can be felt, but it still provides a smooth ride. However, if you're looking for a more fun driving experience, the Audi A6, which is a class lower, might be a better fit. I recently purchased one and it definitely lives up to its reputation of being 'fun to drive'.
Andrew Block 2024-06-01
Vehicle year: 2004
Great car to drive long distances. It's extremely comfortable.
Carson Kreiger 2024-04-16
Vehicle year: 2005
The Volkswagen Phaeton V8 is a large and heavy car. It may not be the best choice for driving enthusiasts, but for those who prioritize comfort and luxury, it is a great option. After driving for 8+ hours, the weight of the car can be felt, but it still provides a smooth ride. However, if you're looking for a more fun driving experience, the Audi A6, which is a class lower, might be a better fit. I recently purchased one and it definitely lives up to its reputation of being 'fun to drive'.