DecodedCars2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan RWD /4.2 V8, 4dr Sedan RWD /6.0
- Engines
- 4.2L 8-cyl, 6.0L 12-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- 203.5 in
- Curb weight
- 5,194–5,399 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 16 MPG combined, 12% below the 2005 large car average of 18.1 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is a large car offered with 2 engines (4.2L 8-cyl and 6.0L 12-cyl) and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 204 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,194 lb (4dr Sedan RWD /4.2 V8).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 21 highway), 12% worse than the 2005 large car average of 18.1 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan RWD /4.2 V8 | 203.5 in | 74.8 in | 57.1 in | 118.1 in | 62.2 / 63.8 in | 5,194 lb | 55/45 |
| 4dr Sedan RWD /6.0 | 203.5 in | 74.8 in | 57.1 in | 118.1 in | 62.2 / 63.8 in | 5,399 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phaeton | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -12% | $5,150 | 555 |
| Phaeton | 6.0L 12-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -28% | $6,300 | 684 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Maybach 57 | 13 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Maybach 62 | 13 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 162,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Phaeton years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Phaeton | 16 | 203.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →