I have a 2005 Passat, and would like to know if there is anything I can do to make the trunk lid move up and down more freely. I know that with the 06 model, VW addressed this issue, but I am stuck with a trunk lid on my 05 that is a pain to move. :cussing:

Have you thought about replacing it with an 06 trunk lid?? You might want to look into what they did to address the issue and see if you can do the same for your current lid, otherwise if it is really a problem I would look into getting one off an 06.

try greasing the hinge system real well otherwise look into getting the updated version. If the car is still under warranty you can get it change for free with just a few phone calls and a complaint

When I bought the car, the salesman told me that this was the way all of the 05's were. He even took the time to show me 6 other 05 Passats, which was all that they had left on the lot, and every one of them had the same hard to move trunk lid. He then showed me that with the 06, VW made the trunk lid easy to move. One reply here was to get a trunk lid from an 06 and put it on my 05.....problem with that is that they have changed the design of the body panels from 50 to 06 so I am for now, basically stuck.

I mentioned my hard to lift and shut trunk lid to the service write at a vw dealership when my car was there for an oil change. He told me this was a common problem with Passats. He then told me he would order new hinges, have them painted and the install would take about 20 minutes.

You can either get new hinges, or if you need a workout anyways:
1) remove the shock absorbers from the trunk lid side (and if you want the body side)
Take note * the trunk will get extremely heavy now *
2) Spray some lubricant onto the hinges
3) lift the trunk up and down, stopping to spray more lube on once in a while. Continue this for about 5 mins or until the trunk moves freely

Use that warranty, thats what it's for. I am a VW service director and I see this regularly. The only real fix is replacement.

Use that warranty, thats what it's for. I am a VW service director and I see this regularly. The only real fix is replacement.

I have decided to make plans to get the car in for a new hinge when I bring it back for the 10,000 mile check-up. Thanks for letting us know that this seems to be a common problem. I am sure there are plenty other people out there with the same issue as what I am dealing with.

I'm glad you are going to get them replaced. My father owns a dealership and we see this a lot. No need to bother with it yourself.

Well, I got the new hinges installed today, and it is like the difference between night and day. And because it was a warranty issue, it didn't cost me a dime. I am glad I was able to find this forum and that I was also able to get the answers I was looking for. Thanks everyone!!