2004 Passat 1.8T tiptronic automatic harsh down shifts

My 2004 Passat 1.8T 4motion has the same problem. Took it to the dealer. I thought it might be a software issue as there was a service bulletin for a similar issue registered at the NHTSA.gov website. They claimed they did all the sensor checks and found nothing. Then they said the tranny was shot and for a mere $5,000 I could have a new one. I begged to differ so I called VW itself and described the issue. Their customer service rep was not even up to the type of car this was and had no idea about what I was inquiring. Those people are trained to be obstructionists by VW. I tried to get this problem elevated to a higher level and was told they were the end of the line. Sadly we're on are own with this manufacturer. They simply deny, deny and deny. I'd suggest you lodge the problem with the NHTSA under defect investigation. Maybe some day they'll find it was a design or manufacturing flaw, just like their coil issue.

I would say check the tranny fluid first to make sure it is full. Remember it measures in quarts. Also check the color of the fluid. It should be a bright redish clor. If it is dark oe bronish I would say change the filter and fluid. Let me know how it turns out. Please be kind on the thumbs up. Raz

OMG !!! NO, NO, NO RED !!! VW and AUDI tranny fluid is light Brown NOT red !!! affter 96