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Volkswagen Passat 2012–2022 problems by year and mileage
NMS (North American Passat)
NHTSA data through 24 September 20262,391 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
- 483
- Recalls naming this year
- 11
Most reported on the 2012
- Airbag system295 reports · median 62,000 mi
- Electrical system95 reports · median 60,000 mi
- Steering46 reports · median 68,000 mi
11 recall campaigns name the 2012: Air bags — frontal; Exterior lighting — headlights; Other or unspecified. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
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
9 recall campaigns name the 2013: Air bags — frontal; Exterior lighting — headlights; Power train — driveline. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
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
10 recall campaigns name the 2014: Air bags — frontal; Exterior lighting — headlights; Power train — driveline. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
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
7 recall campaigns name the 2015: Air bags — frontal; Exterior lighting — headlights; Engine and engine cooling — engine. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2016 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- 34,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 106
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
At least 40% of the complaints about the 2016 were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. The median here rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.
Most reported on the 2016
- Airbag system25 reports
- Electrical system22 reports
- Steering19 reports
5 recall campaigns name the 2016: Other or unspecified; Exterior lighting — headlights; Fuel system, gasoline — fuel injection system. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- 32,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 110
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
At least 40% of the complaints about the 2017 were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. The median here rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.
Most reported on the 2017
- Airbag system28 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise21 reports
- Electrical system18 reports
7 recall campaigns name the 2017: Air bags — frontal; Other or unspecified; Exterior lighting — headlights. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 45
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2018
- Brakes12 reports
- Engine11 reports
- Electrical system10 reports
4 recall campaigns name the 2018: Other or unspecified; Exterior lighting — headlights; Service brakes, hydraulic — foundation components. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
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
1 recall campaign names the 2019: Exterior lighting — headlights. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
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
3 recall campaigns name the 2020: Air bags — passenger side frontal; Exterior lighting — headlights; Air bags — side/window. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
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
1 recall campaign names the 2021: Wheels — lugs/nuts/bolts/studs. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
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
Each tile shows the median mileage at which that model year’s failures were reported. † marks a year whose median likely understates the mileage: much of its reporting came after 2020, when most complaints stopped recording an odometer reading. The 2012 reports latest and the 2017 earliest, but part of that gap is age: the 2012 has had 5 more years on the road to accumulate mileage. 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 2,391 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. A count like this can’t rate reliability on its own: NHTSA records what owners chose to report, not how many of each car were sold.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 22,000 and 75,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2012–2022 Volkswagen Passat last?
Complaint records can’t measure how long a car lasts; they show when reported failures happened. 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.
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
Complaints per 10,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 171 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 4 complaints (0.3%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 5,000
- 25%
- 21,755
- Median
- 49,220
- 75%
- 75,416
- 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. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Common Passat problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Volkswagen Passat 2012–2022
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Transmission and driveline114 reports34,00010,000–81,000Transmission and driveline: 114 reports, median 34,000 miles, middle half 10,000 to 81,000 miles.
- Problems owners could not categorise251 reports43,00027,000–70,000Problems owners could not categorise: 251 reports, median 43,000 miles, middle half 27,000 to 70,000 miles.
- Engine319 reports49,00016,000–83,000Engine: 319 reports, median 49,000 miles, middle half 16,000 to 83,000 miles.
- Steering211 reports51,00037,000–72,000Steering: 211 reports, median 51,000 miles, middle half 37,000 to 72,000 miles.
- Fuel and propulsion system196 reports51,00032,000–80,000Fuel and propulsion system: 196 reports, median 51,000 miles, middle half 32,000 to 80,000 miles.
- Electrical system373 reports55,00037,000–80,000Electrical system: 373 reports, median 55,000 miles, middle half 37,000 to 80,000 miles.
- Airbag system1,184 reports55,00039,000–82,000Airbag system: 1,184 reports, median 55,000 miles, middle half 39,000 to 82,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 1,184 | 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 | 73 | 3.1% | 43,000 | 24,000–60,000 |
System by system, in words
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 49,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The airbag system accounts for 49.5% of complaints (1,184 reports, 373 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 55,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 39,000 and 82,000 miles.
A single system taking 49.5% of all complaints is a concentration worth noting. It means that for this generation, most of what owners reported came back to one area of the car rather than being distributed across many small faults.
The electrical system accounts for 15.6% of complaints (373 reports, 232 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 55,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 37,000 and 80,000 miles.
The engine accounts for 13.3% of complaints (319 reports, 206 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 49,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 16,000 and 83,000 miles.
Problems owners could not categorise accounts for 10.5% of complaints (251 reports, 144 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 43,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 27,000 and 70,000 miles.
The steering accounts for 8.8% of complaints (211 reports, 124 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 51,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 37,000 and 72,000 miles.
The fuel and propulsion system accounts for 8.2% of complaints (196 reports, 115 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 51,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 32,000 and 80,000 miles.
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. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- 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; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check emissions / engine control on 2012–2015 (TDI only) cars. 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…
- Check transmission. DQ250 DSG mechatronic unit faults on TDI cars causing harsh engagement, flare and limp mode.
- Check electrical. ABS module and various body-control electrical faults; door wiring harness chafing.
- Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 22,000 and 75,000 miles, with a median of 49,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the airbag system and the electrical system are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The electrical system in particular shows a median failure mileage of 55,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
Passat problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer reading, or read the common mileages in the table. Your marker lands on the timing chart above and on the curve below.
| 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
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 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 staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it above
The staircase tops out at 100%: the remaining 0.3% of reports (4) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
2012–2022 Volkswagen Passat recalls (27)
NHTSA records 27 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
1 of these carry a severe advisory — NHTSA's do not drive or park outside warnings, which the agency applies only when it considers the risk immediate. If you own one of these vehicles, that is the first thing to check by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (8), problems owners could not categorise (4), the hydraulic brake circuit (4). Several campaigns against one area can mean a remedy that did not hold, or separate defects in parts filed under the same heading; the summaries below name each defect.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
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
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 2,391 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 94 (3.9%)
- Fires
- 14
- Injury reports
- 53
- Fatality reports
- 2
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
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, 45. A typical year drew about 244.
That makes the 2013 stand out at roughly 3.1 times a typical year. A count like this follows how many cars of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as how often they failed, so it is not by itself evidence of a worse year; what each year's reports name, in its card and row, is the useful part.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 483 | 254 | 59,000 | Airbag system (295) | 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 | 45 | 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 2026-09-26 · 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