Noise in VW fan might be caused by a fan blade that starts to crack due to exposure to extreme heat. Regular checkup on it is important to ensure that the temperature is normal and that the heat is degenerated out of the engine.

I have a 2002 V6 30V Passat. It developed gear transmission problem.
Initially, the gear shifting was not smooth. Changing to second gear was abrupt and same when shifting to other gears. When vehicle is stopped and restarted, the shifting will be smooth, but as soon as car speed reaces about 40mph the same thing will come back.
However,it has worsen that when car is started it comes with a squeeky noise and when shifted into drive gear does not engage into drive gears, but will engage into reverse gear.