This bulletin applies to 2012-2019 VW Passat vehicles. Creaking noises may be heard at the front suspension when driven over speed bumps or entering an inclined surface. 

The coil spring may not be formed correctly and may rub against the strut’s spring perch. A corresponding rub mark can be found on the coil spring. 

Replace the spring, but before installing the new spring, apply touch-up paint to the contact area on the spring perch using two coats of Rustoleum Cold Galvanizing Compound # V2185838, followed by one coat of Rustoleum Flat Black spray paint # V2178838.