DecodedCars2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 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
- 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 2006 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), 11% worse than the 2006 large car average of 17.9 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Phaeton — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Phaeton →
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 | -11% | $5,150 | 555 |
| Phaeton | 6.0L 12-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -27% | $6,300 | 684 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Maybach 57 | 13 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Maybach 62 | 13 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Phaeton years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Phaeton | 16 | 203.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →