What is the reason why the rear window of the Passat cannot be fully lowered?
4 Answers
The reason why the rear window of the Passat cannot be fully lowered is due to design and safety considerations. The functions of the window include: 1. Blocking wind and rain, and reducing noise; 2. Reducing wind resistance and guiding airflow; 3. Protecting the safety of passengers. Taking the 2021 Passat as an example, it belongs to the mid-size car category, with body dimensions of: length 4933mm, width 1836mm, height 1469mm, and a wheelbase of 2871mm. The curb weight is 1470kg. The 2021 Passat is equipped with a 1.4T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 150PS, a maximum torque of 250Nm, and a maximum power of 110kW. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
I also encountered this issue with my Passat where the rear window wouldn't roll down completely, which was quite annoying. At first, I thought it was broken, but after checking some materials, I learned this is a common design feature by Volkswagen. The rear door shape is designed to accommodate the wheel arch and leave safety space, so the window can only roll down about 80%. I tried cleaning the window track, thinking dust might be blocking it, but it didn't help much. Later, I asked a mechanic, who said this is intentional to prevent children from accidentally operating it and getting their hands pinched, and also to protect the internal structure of the car. Actually, there's no need to worry too much; just use it normally and avoid forcing the switch to prevent burning out the window motor. During regular maintenance, clean the window track more often to prevent dust buildup, and if it really gets stuck, take it to a shop for repair. I think this design is quite reasonable; you'll get used to it, and it doesn't affect driving safety.
As a car enthusiast, I often study automotive details. The reason the rear window of the Passat doesn't roll all the way down is primarily due to the limited door structure, narrow space near the rear wheels, and the higher position of the window lift channel. The gap is intentionally left for body strength and safety considerations. I've tried comparing with other models, and even Japanese cars have similar designs. If you suspect it's a malfunction rather than a design feature, check for aging lift motors, foreign objects stuck in the window channel, or wiring issues. It's recommended to regularly inspect the guide rails for dirt and lubricate them to prevent sticking. Avoid disassembling it yourself as it's easy to damage; professional repair is much more reliable. Such issues are common in sedans, and understanding the principle behind them eliminates unnecessary worry, making driving more reassuring.
I guess it's because safety comes first. The Volkswagen Passat's rear window was intentionally designed with a limited lowering range to prevent accidents from happening when it's rolled down too far. The manufacturer might have considered the door shape being close to the wheels, and fully lowering the window could affect the overall rigidity. Personally, I think it's a good design—it's safer in case a child tries to climb out. For daily use, it's not a big issue, so there's no need to worry too much about it.
