- Home
- Volkswagen
- Passat 2012–2022
Volkswagen Passat 2012–2022 problems by year and mileage
NMS (North American Passat)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20262,393 complaints, 1,190 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
- 201259kmedian
- 201351kmedian
- 201449kmedian
- 201548kmedian
- 201634k†median
- 201732k†median
- 2018—too few
- 2019—too few
- 2020—too few
- 2021—too few
- 2022—too few
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- 59,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 484
- Recalls naming this year
- 11
Most reported on the 2012
- Airbag system296 reports · median 62,000 mi
- Electrical system95 reports · median 60,000 mi
- Steering46 reports · median 68,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Exterior lighting — headlights · Other or unspecified
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- 51,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 748
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
Most reported on the 2013
- Airbag system382 reports · median 57,000 mi
- Engine104 reports · median 44,000 mi
- Electrical system93 reports · median 62,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Exterior lighting — headlights · Power train — driveline
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- 49,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 594
- Recalls naming this year
- 10
Most reported on the 2014
- Airbag system354 reports · median 50,000 mi
- Engine77 reports · median 52,000 mi
- Electrical system74 reports · median 48,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Exterior lighting — headlights · Power train — driveline
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- 48,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 244
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 2015
- Airbag system88 reports · median 53,000 mi
- Engine53 reports
- Electrical system48 reports · median 52,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Exterior lighting — headlights · Engine and engine cooling — engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2016 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- 34,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 106
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2016
- Airbag system25 reports
- Electrical system22 reports
- Steering19 reports
Recall areas Other or unspecified · Exterior lighting — headlights · Fuel system, gasoline — fuel injection system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- 32,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 110
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2017
- Airbag system28 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise21 reports
- Electrical system18 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Other or unspecified · Exterior lighting — headlights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 46
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2018
- Brakes12 reports
- Engine11 reports
- Electrical system10 reports
Recall areas Other or unspecified · Exterior lighting — headlights · Service brakes, hydraulic — foundation components
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2019 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 12
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2019
- Electrical system4 reports
- Brakes3 reports
- Engine2 reports
Recall areas Exterior lighting — headlights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 18
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2020
- Airbag system4 reports
- Engine4 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise4 reports
Recall areas Air bags — passenger side frontal · Exterior lighting — headlights · Air bags — side/window
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 18
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2021
- Lane departure5 reports
- Brakes5 reports
- Airbag system3 reports
Recall areas Wheels — lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2022 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 13
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2022
- Electrical system3 reports
- Engine3 reports
- Brakes3 reports
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2012; earliest: the 2017, and the 2012 is 5 years older (part of the gap is age). 5 of these years carry fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and show no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 2012–2022 Volkswagen Passat reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 49,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 107,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 1,190
- Recalls
- 27
Most reported
- Airbag system49.5% of complaints · median 55,000 mi
- Electrical system15.6% of complaints · median 55,000 mi
- Engine13.3% of complaints · median 49,000 mi
Documented problems
Owners filed 2,393 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012–2022 Volkswagen Passat; the airbag system leads with 49.5% of them, and half of the 1,190 that record an odometer reading came by 49,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 22,000 to 75,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2012–2022 Volkswagen Passat last?
On the 2012–2022 Volkswagen Passat, half of the 1,190 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 49,000 miles and 90% by 107,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
21 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 4 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Passat reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Volkswagen Passat 2012–2022 · 1,190 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 171 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 4 complaints (0.3%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 5,000
- 25%
- 22,000
- Median
- 49,000
- 75%
- 75,000
- 90%
- 107,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 171 | 14.4% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 104 | 8.7% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 81 | 6.8% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 105 | 8.8% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 145 | 12.2% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 120 | 10.1% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 99 | 8.3% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 95 | 8.0% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 75 | 6.3% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 45 | 3.8% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 39 | 3.3% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 30 | 2.5% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 32 | 2.7% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 15 | 1.3% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 13 | 1.1% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 5 | 0.4% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 4 | 0.3% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 4 | 0.3% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 3 | 0.3% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 1 | 0.1% |
| 200,000+ | 4 | 0.3% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Passat problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Volkswagen Passat 2012–2022
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Transmission and driveline114 reportsmedian 34,000middle half 10,000–81,000
- Problems owners could not categorise251 reportsmedian 43,000middle half 27,000–70,000
- Engine319 reportsmedian 49,000middle half 16,000–83,000
- Steering211 reportsmedian 51,000middle half 37,000–72,000
- Fuel and propulsion system196 reportsmedian 51,000middle half 32,000–80,000
- Electrical system373 reportsmedian 55,000middle half 37,000–80,000
- Airbag system1,185 reportsmedian 55,000middle half 39,000–82,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 1,185 | 49.5% | 55,000 | 39,000–82,000 |
| Electrical system | 373 | 15.6% | 55,000 | 37,000–80,000 |
| Engine | 319 | 13.3% | 49,000 | 16,000–83,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 251 | 10.5% | 43,000 | 27,000–70,000 |
| Steering | 211 | 8.8% | 51,000 | 37,000–72,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 196 | 8.2% | 51,000 | 32,000–80,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 114 | 4.8% | 34,000 | 10,000–81,000 |
| Brakes | 105 | 4.4% | 24,000 | 5,000–45,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 102 | 4.3% | 47,000 | 19,000–78,000 |
| Body structure | 74 | 3.1% | 43,000 | 24,000–60,000 |
Known problems with the 2012–2022 Passat
Emissions / Engine Control 2012–2015
2.0L TDI diesel defeat device. Engine control software detected emissions testing and reduced NOx output only during the test. US Passat TDI model years 2012-2015 were included in the Volkswagen emissions settlement with buyback or emissions modification; TDI sales were permanently discontinued after MY2015.
Transmission
DQ250 DSG mechatronic unit faults on TDI cars causing harsh engagement, flare and limp mode.
Electrical
ABS module and various body-control electrical faults; door wiring harness chafing.
Model Identity
Not a defect but essential for data hygiene: this vehicle is unrelated to the contemporaneous European B7/B8 Passat. US complaint data for 2012-2022 describes a distinct, simpler, US-only car.
Before you buy a 2012–2022 Passat: the 3-minute check
Generated from 1,190 mileage-tagged complaints, 27 recall campaigns, 4 documented problem areas.
- A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation. Run the VIN before you drive it home — the fix is free at an authorized dealer.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 27 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check emissions / engine control on 2012–2015 (TDI only) cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check transmission.
- Check electrical.
- Years differ here: from 12 to 748 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Passat problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi61% below | At 90k mi84% below | At 120k mi93% below | At 150k mi98% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 39,000–82,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 37,000–80,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 16,000–83,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 27,000–70,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 37,000–72,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 32,000–80,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 10,000–81,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Volkswagen Passat 2012–2022 · 1,190 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 61% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 84% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 93% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 98% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2012–2022 Volkswagen Passat recalls (27)
NHTSA records 27 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
1 of these carry a severe advisory — do not drive or park outside; check those first by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (8), problems owners could not categorise (4), the hydraulic brake circuit (4) (why one area can repeat).
Oct 2024 · 2012–2014, 2017 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.…
Oct 2021 · 2021 · WheelsThe bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Passat vehicles. The front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.
What can happen. The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the tightness of the wheel bearing bolts and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact…
May 2021 · 2016–2017 · Other or unspecifiedVehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were…
What can happen. Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
The free fix. Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is…
Sep 2020 · 2016–2018 · Other or unspecifiedVehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all…
What can happen. Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall…
Sep 2020 · 2020 · Air BagsAn incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Passat vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…
What can happen. An incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at…
Dec 2019 · 2012–2015 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at…
Sep 2019 · 2017 · Other or unspecifiedIf the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and…
What can happen. If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this…
May 2019 · 2012–2020 · Exterior LightingWithout the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail…
What can happen. Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen…
Mar 2019 · 2020 · Air BagsIn an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
What can happen. In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number…
Jan 2019 · 2015 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015 Passat, 2015-2016 Eos, 2015-2017 CC, 2016-2017 TT Roadster, TT Coupe, 2017 Audi R8 Coupe, and R8 Spyder vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious…
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Volkswagen owners may…
Aug 2018 · 2017–2018 · Service Brakes, HydraulicThe loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
What can happen. The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners…
Jun 2018 · 2018 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic do not driveA reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient…
What can happen. A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their…
May 2018 · 2012 · Other or unspecifiedIf the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles…
What can happen. If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018.…
Mar 2018 · 2012–2014 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious…
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact…
May 2017 · 2012–2014 · Power TrainIf the leaking grease contacts a heated surface, such as the exhaust system and/or the diesel particulate…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Passat vehicles, equipped with diesel engines and Direct-Shift Transmissions (DSG). The vehicle's underbody heat shield may not be long enough to protect the right half-shaft grease…
What can happen. If the leaking grease contacts a heated surface, such as the exhaust system and/or the diesel particulate filter (DPF), it could increase the risk of fire.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft heat shield, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.…
Feb 2017 · 2017 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA low brake fluid level may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Passat vehicles. Brake fluid may leak slowly from the some of the brake line connections, resulting in a low brake fluid level.
What can happen. A low brake fluid level may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake lines, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at…
Jun 2016 · 2016 · Fuel System, GasolineA fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jetta vehicles manufactured October 31, 2015, to January 21, 2016, 2016 Passat vehicles, equipped with 1.8T engines manufactured November 13, 2015, to December 9, 2015, and…
What can happen. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer…
Mar 2016 · 2012–2014 · Electrical SystemAn electrical short can cause the electrical connectors of the sensor to overheat, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical…
What can happen. An electrical short can cause the electrical connectors of the sensor to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in September. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at…
Feb 2016 · 2012–2014 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles.…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious…
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a…
Oct 2015 · 2015–2016 · Engine and Engine CoolingIf the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off…
What can happen. If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this…
Aug 2015 · 2012–2014 · Air BagsA loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may…
What can happen. A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock…
Jun 2015 · 2015 · Service Brakes, HydraulicIf the brake line was not properly tightened, it may leak brake fluid, causing a reduction in braking…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Passat vehicles manufactured May 18, 2015, to May 21, 2015. The affected vehicles have a brake line at the left rear wheel area that may not have been properly tightened.
What can happen. If the brake line was not properly tightened, it may leak brake fluid, causing a reduction in braking performance, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of crash.
The free fix. Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will tighten the brake line fitting, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.…
Jan 2015 · 2014–2015 · Fuel System, GasolineA fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles…
What can happen. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at…
Oct 2014 · 2015 · SeatsUnexpected movement of the driver's seatback may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Jetta and Passat vehicles manufactured September 23, 2014, to October 9, 2014, and equipped with manual front seatback recliners. In the affected vehicles, the…
What can happen. Unexpected movement of the driver's seatback may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the assembly of the seatback recliner retaining bracket, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners…
Apr 2014 · 2014 · Power TrainThe leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.
The defect. Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between…
What can happen. The leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact…
Mar 2014 · 2012–2013 · Exterior LightingA loss of low beam headlights may reduce the driver's visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Passat vehicles manufactured January 2011 through November 2012. In the affected vehicles, the low beam headlight bulb may become loose and lose electrical contact.
What can happen. A loss of low beam headlights may reduce the driver's visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Volkswagen notified owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holder, free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagens recall number…
Apr 2012 · 2012 · Fuel System, DieselOver time, or after certain driving distances, these vehicles are susceptible to fuel leakage.
The defect. Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012 Passat vehicles, manufactured from january 18, 2011, through june 1, 2011. During assembly, these vehicles were built with a diesel fuel filter element that may not seal correctly.
What can happen. Over time, or after certain driving distances, these vehicles are susceptible to fuel leakage. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, may lead to a fire.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the diesel fuel filter elements, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 27, 2012. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 2,393 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 94 (3.9%)
- Fires
- 15
- Injury reports
- 53
- Fatality reports
- 2
Passat problems by model year
The 2013 drew the most complaints of this generation, 748, most of them about the airbag system, and the 2018 the fewest among the 7 years with at least 20 complaints, 46. A typical year drew about 244.
That makes the 2013 stand out at roughly 3.1 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 484 | 254 | 59,000 | Airbag system (296) | 11 |
| 2013 | 748 | 403 | 51,000 | Airbag system (382) | 9 |
| 2014 | 594 | 258 | 49,000 | Airbag system (354) | 10 |
| 2015 | 244 | 133 | 48,000 | Airbag system (88) | 7 |
| 2016 | 106 | 54 | 34,000† | Airbag system (25) | 5 |
| 2017 | 110 | 51 | 32,000† | Airbag system (28) | 7 |
| 2018 | 46 | 17 | under 30 reports | Brakes (12) | 4 |
| 2019 | 12 | 11 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (4) | 1 |
| 2020 | 18 | 4 | under 30 reports | Airbag system (4) | 3 |
| 2021 | 18 | 4 | under 30 reports | Lane departure (5) | 1 |
| 2022 | 13 | 1 | under 30 reports | Electrical system (3) | 0 |
What Passat owners reported
The contact owns 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, with the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated, the vehicle failed to detect another vehicle and the vehicle was involved in a crash. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injuries sustained. A Police…
2017 · 114,000 miles · Forward collision avoidance
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer refused to perform the repair until the contact paid for a diagnostic test…
2012 · 185,000 miles · Airbag system
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the Check Engine warning light illuminated, and there was no heat coming from the front passenger’s or driver’s side air vents. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed…
2014 · 130,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the infotainment screen failed to respond to touch commands, preventing the contact from viewing the GPS feature. The contact performed a hard reset on the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not…
2018 · 70,000 miles · Electrical system
Built from 1,190 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Passat generations
- Passat 1998–2005 2,469 reports with mileage, most about the engine and its cooling system
- Passat 2006–2010 937 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system