Volkswagen Passat oil contamination in cooling system suspected to be from radiator on Volkswagen Passat

Some Volkswagen Passat owners report experiencing oil contamination in the cooling system, often originating from the radiator, which can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed promptly. These owners note that identifying and repairing the root cause of the contamination—such as a blown head gasket, cracked engine block, faulty oil cooler, or failed turbo—is crucial to prevent further complications. Common signs of this issue include milky or creamy coolant, indicating abnormal fluid conditions. The presence of oil in the coolant signals a significant problem within the engine that requires immediate attention. To resolve oil contamination, some owners find it necessary to flush the entire cooling system, replace the oil cooler, and refill with fresh fluids. Regular monitoring of fluid levels and performing cooling system flushes can help mitigate these issues from escalating.