How to replace the coolant reservoir and radiator on Volkswagen Passat?

The steps involved in substituting the radiator include first lifting the front of the car and ensuring that it rests on jackstands and then emptying the cooling system. Place the radiator support panel in an accessible location and unscrew the upper and lower hoses of the coolant through prying the clip out of shape and removing the hoses off the radiator and the fan thermo switch electrical connector. In the cases of an automatic transaxle, un-hook transmission oil cooler lines at the lower section of the radiator. In cars that have air conditioning, remove the air conditioning line retaining clamps, loosen the condenser mounting bolts and unbreech the condenser and the radiator without breaking the lines and attach it to the body using wire so that it is not held loose. The second step is to remove the radiator mounting clips and the radiator out of the support panel. Prior to fitting the new radiator, any broken hose clips and fittings should be replaced and radiator checked and cleaned in case of leaks or other cooling problems. Installation is done in reverse sequence of removal and once we have installed, fill the system with correct antifreeze mixture and remove all the air in the cooling system. To perform the expansion tank, drain the system until it is dry, disconnect the coolant recovery hoses, disconnect the reservoir mounting bolts, lift the expansion tank off the firewall, and disconnect the coolant level sensor connector, and then leave the expansion tank out of engine compartment. The reservoir must be clean and free of debris before installation, and it is done in the same order as it is removed, too.

Genuine Volkswagen Passat Radiator

Cooling Radiator

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21 Radiators found

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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 3A0-121-253-AB
$110.50 MSRP: $154.77
You Save: $44.27 (29%)
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Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1995-1996 Volkswagen Passat | GLS | 4 Cyl 2.0 L GAS
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 3A0-121-253-C
$155.15 MSRP: $217.30
You Save: $62.15 (29%)
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Product Specifications
- Replaces: 3A0-121-253-T
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1995-1997 Volkswagen Passat | GLS, GLX | 4 Cyl 2.0 L GAS, 6 Cyl 2.8 L GAS
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 8D0-121-251-N
$155.89 MSRP: $218.33
You Save: $62.44 (29%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1998-2005 Volkswagen Passat | 4 Motion, GL, GLS, GLS 4 Motion, GLX, GLX 4 Motion | 6 Cyl 2.8 L GAS
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 8D0-121-251-BC
$159.01 MSRP: $222.70
You Save: $63.69 (29%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Replaces: 8D0-121-251-M
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1998-2005 Volkswagen Passat | GL, GL TDI, GLS, GLS 4 Motion, GLS TDI | 4 Cyl 1.8 L GAS, 4 Cyl 2.0 L DIESEL
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 8D0-121-251-P
$160.65 MSRP: $225.00
You Save: $64.35 (29%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1998-2005 Volkswagen Passat | GL, GLS, GLS 4 Motion | 4 Cyl 1.8 L GAS
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 8D0-121-251-BB
$197.41 MSRP: $276.49
You Save: $79.08 (29%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Replaces: 8D0-121-251-L
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1998-2005 Volkswagen Passat | 4 Motion, GL, GLS, GLS 4 Motion, GLX, GLX 4 Motion | 6 Cyl 2.8 L GAS
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 1K0-121-251-EB
$209.90 MSRP: $293.99
You Save: $84.09 (29%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Radiator Assembly
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2012-2014 Volkswagen Passat | TDI SE, TDI SEL, TDI SEL Premium | 4 Cyl 2.0 L DIESEL
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 3B0-121-253-B
$197.24 MSRP: $276.25
You Save: $79.01 (29%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2002-2004 Volkswagen Passat | W8 | 8 Cyl 4.0 L GAS
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 1K0-121-212-C
$219.09 MSRP: $306.85
You Save: $87.76 (29%)
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Auxiliary Radiator
- Replaces: 1K0-121-212-B
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2006-2008 Volkswagen Passat | 3.6, VR6 | 6 Cyl 3.6 L GAS
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 321-121-253-B
$215.02 MSRP: $301.15
You Save: $86.13 (29%)
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Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1990 Volkswagen Passat | GL | 4 Cyl 2.0 L GAS
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 1K0-121-251-AB
$255.55 MSRP: $349.11
You Save: $93.56 (27%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Replaces: 1K0-121-251-BK, 1K0-121-251-N, 1K0-121-251-EH, 1K0-121-251-DM
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2006-2008 Volkswagen Passat | 2.0T, Komfort, Lux, Turbo, Value Edition, Wolfsburg Edition | 4 Cyl 2.0 L GAS
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 823-121-251-D
$227.09 MSRP: $318.05
You Save: $90.96 (29%)
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Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1990 Volkswagen Passat | GL | 4 Cyl 2.0 L GAS
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 5K0-121-251-AA
$326.17 MSRP: $445.57
You Save: $119.40 (27%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Radiator Assembly
- Replaces: 5K0-121-251-J, 1K0-121-251-L, 1K0-121-253-L
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2008-2010 Volkswagen Passat | Komfort, Lux, Turbo | 4 Cyl 2.0 L GAS
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 5K0-121-251-Q
$329.53 MSRP: $450.17
You Save: $120.64 (27%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2015 Volkswagen Passat | TDI SE, TDI SEL Premium | 4 Cyl 2.0 L DIESEL
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 5C0-121-251-K
$332.89 MSRP: $454.76
You Save: $121.87 (27%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Radiator Assembly
- Replaces: 5C0-121-251-H
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2014-2022 Volkswagen Passat | Limited Edition, R-Line, S, SE, SE R-Line, SEL, SEL Premium, Sport, Wolfsburg Edition | 4 Cyl 1.8 L GAS, 4 Cyl 2.0 L GAS
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 1K0-121-253-BJ
$341.80 MSRP: $466.92
You Save: $125.12 (27%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2012-2014 Volkswagen Passat | TDI SE, TDI SEL, TDI SEL Premium | 4 Cyl 2.0 L DIESEL
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 5K0-121-251-S
$356.44 MSRP: $486.92
You Save: $130.48 (27%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Auxiliary Radiator
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2015 Volkswagen Passat | TDI SE, TDI SEL Premium | 4 Cyl 2.0 L DIESEL
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 5K0-121-253-F
$366.51 MSRP: $500.70
You Save: $134.19 (27%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Replaces: 5K0-121-253-C, 1K0-121-251-K, 1K0-121-253-K, 5K0-121-251-H, 5K0-121-251-AB
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2012-2018, 2006-2008 Volkswagen Passat | 3.6, GT, SE, SEL Premium, VR6 | 6 Cyl 3.6 L GAS
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 5C0-121-251-F
$381.43 MSRP: $521.08
You Save: $139.65 (27%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2012-2014 Volkswagen Passat | S, SE, SEL, SEL Premium, Wolfsburg Edition | 5 Cyl 2.5 L GAS
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Volkswagen Passat Radiator Part Number: 357-121-253-AB
$139.23 MSRP: $195.00
You Save: $55.77 (29%)
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Volkswagen's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1990-1992 Volkswagen Passat | CL, GL | 4 Cyl 2.0 L GAS

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1-20 of 21 Results

Volkswagen Passat Radiator

The Volkswagen Passat Radiator maintains engine temperature by rapidly transferring heat from the coolant stream to the airstream. Placed directly over the grille, it receives a constant flow of air whenever the car is in motion, and an electric fan assists during traffic jams. It contains, within its aluminum core, narrow coolant tubes through which coolant flows between thin fins that increase the surface area, enabling heat to escape the liquid very quickly. The hot coolant enters via the inlet tank, flows through those tubes, and exits cooler from the outlet tank, where it is able to absorb more heat in the engine block. Some early models in the long history of the Volkswagen nameplate applied copper or brass cores, but more recent models changed to lighter aluminum with plastic side tanks, reducing weight and eliminating corrosion. The design of each Radiator is based on the same convection driven principle, as opposed to pure radiation, and it uses moving air and conductive metal to achieve efficiency. Although they are reliable, the common breakdown is a leak that can begin as a small pinhole at a joint or seam, and at this point the optimal solution is replacement, since sealing is no longer dependable. Regular flushing of the coolant helps avoid sediments that may block the fins and tubes and helps maintain airflow and temperature exchange. Since all Volkswagen engines require a stable engine temperature to operate with optimal fuel economy and emission control, a sound Radiator safeguards power, mileage, and components. Owners of the new Passat appreciate that the Volkswagen cooling module remains small, yet the Radiator can handle the greater thermal loads of turbocharged engines.

Choose OEM Radiator for superior quality and long-lasting durability. They match the Volkswagen's factory specifications exactly and pass strict quality control. If you plan to replace Radiator on your Passat, put OEM at the top of your list. You'll get the right fit, reliable performance, and peace of mind. We stock an extensive inventory of genuine Volkswagen Passat parts. It is easy to find what you need. You will love our competitive prices that help you save. No more hassle with returns or guesswork. Every part includes a warranty straight from the manufacturer. Get trusted quality, strong durability, and real value today.

Volkswagen Passat Radiator Parts and Q&A

Radiator
3B0-121-253-B
Q: How to replace the coolant reservoir and radiator on Volkswagen Passat?
A:
The steps involved in substituting the radiator include first lifting the front of the car and ensuring that it rests on jackstands and then emptying the cooling system. Place the radiator support panel in an accessible location and unscrew the upper and lower hoses of the coolant through prying the clip out of shape and removing the hoses off the radiator and the fan thermo switch electrical connector. In the cases of an automatic transaxle, un-hook transmission oil cooler lines at the lower section of the radiator. In cars that have air conditioning, remove the air conditioning line retaining clamps, loosen the condenser mounting bolts and unbreech the condenser and the radiator without breaking the lines and attach it to the body using wire so that it is not held loose. The second step is to remove the radiator mounting clips and the radiator out of the support panel. Prior to fitting the new radiator, any broken hose clips and fittings should be replaced and radiator checked and cleaned in case of leaks or other cooling problems. Installation is done in reverse sequence of removal and once we have installed, fill the system with correct antifreeze mixture and remove all the air in the cooling system. To perform the expansion tank, drain the system until it is dry, disconnect the coolant recovery hoses, disconnect the reservoir mounting bolts, lift the expansion tank off the firewall, and disconnect the coolant level sensor connector, and then leave the expansion tank out of engine compartment. The reservoir must be clean and free of debris before installation, and it is done in the same order as it is removed, too.