I had a simular problem with my 2003 passat. I wasn't diligent forcing the dealer to replace it while it was under warrenty, didn't think it was a big deal. They improperly diagnosed it as a faulty dimmer switch and replaced that. It didn't fix the problem. I called them to complain and was asked to bring it back in, in the mean time my brother totaled his car and needed some wheels so I lent it to him. I brought it back four days after the warrenty and suddenly the gauge cluster needs to be replaced at a cost of $1400!!!
I just turned it off in the menu (press and hold down arrow) Now I don't have gas milage or temperature displayed - boo hoo...

Good luck.