⚙️Transmission Fluid
Volkswagen Passat Transmission Fluid
Find the correct transmission fluid type and capacity for your Volkswagen Passat. Covers automatic and manual transmissions for all years.
Quick Answer
The Volkswagen Passat transmission fluid type depends on your transmission — automatic models typically use ATF WS, Dexron, or manufacturer-specific fluid. Manual transmissions use gear oil. See the year breakdown below.
2019-2024
2019-2024Automatic Fluid TypeATF WS, Dexron VI, or manufacturer-specific (varies)
Auto Drain & Fill3.5 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil or MTF (if equipped)
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles (auto), 30,000 - 60,000 (manual)
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Many modern transmissions are "sealed" — fluid checks require removing a fill plug underneath
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
2013-2018
2013-2018Automatic Fluid TypeATF WS, Dexron VI, or manufacturer-specific (varies)
Auto Drain & Fill3.5 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil or MTF (if equipped)
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval60,000 - 100,000 miles (auto), 30,000 - 60,000 (manual)
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Many modern transmissions are "sealed" — fluid checks require removing a fill plug underneath
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
2007-2012
2007-2012Automatic Fluid TypeDexron III/VI or manufacturer-specific ATF
Auto Drain & Fill3.0 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval30,000 - 60,000 miles
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
2001-2006
2001-2006Automatic Fluid TypeDexron III/VI or manufacturer-specific ATF
Auto Drain & Fill3.0 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval30,000 - 60,000 miles
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
1995-2000
1995-2000Automatic Fluid TypeDexron III/VI or manufacturer-specific ATF
Auto Drain & Fill3.0 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval30,000 - 60,000 miles
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
1989-1994
1989-1994Automatic Fluid TypeDexron III/VI or manufacturer-specific ATF
Auto Drain & Fill3.0 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval30,000 - 60,000 miles
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
1983-1988
1983-1988Automatic Fluid TypeDexron III/VI or manufacturer-specific ATF
Auto Drain & Fill3.0 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval30,000 - 60,000 miles
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
1977-1982
1977-1982Automatic Fluid TypeDexron III/VI or manufacturer-specific ATF
Auto Drain & Fill3.0 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval30,000 - 60,000 miles
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
1973-1976
1973-1976Automatic Fluid TypeDexron III/VI or manufacturer-specific ATF
Auto Drain & Fill3.0 - 4.0 quarts
Auto Total Capacity7.0 - 12.0 quarts
Manual Fluid Type75W-90 gear oil
Manual Capacity2.0 - 3.0 quarts
Change Interval30,000 - 60,000 miles
Notes
- →Use ONLY the manufacturer-specified fluid — wrong ATF can damage the transmission
- →Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature
- →Dark, burnt-smelling fluid indicates overheating — change immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
- What transmission fluid does a Volkswagen Passat use?
- The Volkswagen Passat transmission fluid type depends on the year and transmission. Automatic transmissions use ATF WS, Dexron VI, or manufacturer-specific fluid. Manual transmissions use 75W-90 gear oil. See below for your specific year.
- How much transmission fluid does a Volkswagen Passat take?
- A drain-and-fill on the Volkswagen Passat automatic transmission typically takes 3.5-4.0 quarts. The total system capacity is 7-12 quarts. For a complete fluid exchange, you'll need the full capacity amount.
- How often should I change transmission fluid in my Volkswagen Passat?
- Change your Volkswagen Passat automatic transmission fluid every 60,000-100,000 miles under normal conditions. For severe duty (towing, mountain driving, hot climates), change every 30,000-60,000 miles.
- Does the Volkswagen Passat have a transmission dipstick?
- Many 2010+ Volkswagen Passat models have sealed transmissions with no dipstick. Fluid level is checked via a fill plug underneath the vehicle. Older models typically have a traditional dipstick under the hood.
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