Owners have filed 788 complaints
about the 2014 Volkswagen Passat with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 30 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Passat. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 38
7.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 62
36% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2014 compares with every other Volkswagen Passat
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
174.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
349.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
5915.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
8522.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
9324.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4411.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3910.4%
150,000+ miles
51.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2013peak 28Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2014 Volkswagen Passat
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel...
RQ17009Opened 13 Nov 2017Closed 4 May 2018AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel...
PE15010Opened 24 Mar 2015Closed 28 Sep 2015AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of steering wheel clock spring/steering column control module (SCCM) failures in model year (MY) 2012 Volkswagen Passat and CC models.The SCCM is a module within the steering column that incorporates a spiral conductor (a ribbon cable) to electrically connect the steering wheel to the vehicle's electrical system while allowing for the turning of the steering wheel.Complainants alleged that that the clock spring failed while driving and without warning.When the SCCM fails electrically, an air bag war...
Recalls on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
24V834000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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 degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
19V862000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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 inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
19V389000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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 to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
18V148000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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 pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk: 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 injury or death.
17V309000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
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 boot from heat, potentially resulting in a grease leak.
Risk: 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.
16V171000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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 connectors of the sensor, causing an electrical short.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the electrical connectors of the sensor to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
16V078000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: 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 injury or death.
15V483000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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 contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202464918,995 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Volkswagen will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the driver-front airbag. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 2020353132,432 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the warning label for the engine block heater cable is written in English only. As a result, a French user may not receive important safety information about how to use the engine block heater. A label that is not provided in both official languages could create confusion. Safety Risk: User confusion could increase the risk of injury when trying to use the block heater. Corrective Actions: The company will mail each owner a new label for the block heater cable. If you would like help installing the label, you can contact a dealer for assistance.
Recall 201924251,987 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: Certain vehicles were built with headlights that may allow horizontal adjustment. This is not allowed under Canadian regulations. Safety Risk: Headlights that are not properly adjusted could cause reduced visibility or glare for oncoming drivers, and could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the headlights. A blocking cap will be installed on the horizontal adjusters as necessary.
Recall 201811137,197 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Additional Note: This recall supersedes the Volkswagen brand vehicles subject to recall 2016-064 (Volkswagen Recall 69M9). Volkswagen vehicles completed under the previous 2016-064 recall require repair under this recall, as the previous recall remedy was an interim repair. Interim repair parts must be replaced with final repair parts.
Recall 201725610,106 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, an underbody heat shield may not be long enough to protect the right drive half-shaft grease boot from heat. Over time, this could lead to a grease leak from the boot. If leaking grease comes into contact with heated surfaces of the exhaust system and/or diesel particulate filter (DPF), it could lead to a fire potentially causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a revised heat shield and certain vehicles will have the upper boost hose replaced.
Recall 201613211,693 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles may have been equipped with an underbody sensor containing an improperly assembled seal which could allow water to penetrate and corrode the electrical terminals. This could lead to an electrical short causing the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to illuminate in the vehicle and cause the circuit to overheat, increasing the risk of fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the affected connector.
Recall 201606464,660 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the front driver airbag inflator. Note: This campaign only affects the Audi A5 and Audi S5 Cabriolet models.
Recall 201534441,308 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the steering wheel clock spring could become contaminated with long hair or long fibers which may cause a displacement of the internal guide loops. When the guide loops are dragged out of position, they may apply tension to the internal flat cable and cause it to tear. Should the cable tear, the electrical connection to the driver's front airbag may be lost, causing the airbag monitoring indicator light to illuminate. Failure of the driver's airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will install a cover of a different design to help prevent clock spring contamination caused by hair or other fibers. In instances where the vehicle has an airbag light on (and diagnosis confirms the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement), dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Atlanta, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while stopped at a yield sign, the contact was rear-ended by another vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags partially deployed upon impact which resulted in the contact hitting her head on the steering wheel. The contact later went to the hospital where she was treated for whiplash and a concussion. A police report was filed. Due to the failure, the contact could not use any of the electrical features on the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that her air bag failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000(Air Bags); however, once the recall was serviced, the contact was informed that the recall was related to the air bag inflator, not the actual air bag. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11635649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, NECrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
In 2022 I was in an accident on the highway; a dear hit my car while I was traveling at 70 MPH. My airbags did not deploy and I ended up hitting my head on the driver side window really hard and it gave me a concussion and I injured one of the disks in my back. I almost got hit by semi trucks traveling behind me as well. Again, my airbags didn’t deploy after this and I’ve seen many recalls on the 2014 VW Passat specifically about the vehicles airbag deployment being that they’re also Takata airbags that had major recalls too. They should’ve deployed on a head on collision. My insurance didn’t total my car but I have proof that the entire frame was bent from the accident and my entire front headlight, fender and bumper are smashed in and wires for my transmission were severed. I still haven't settled this claim yet. I’m considering getting a lawyer about it.
NHTSA complaint #11526897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, NECrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
In 2022 I was in an accident on the highway; a dear hit my car while I was traveling at 70 MPH. My airbags did not deploy and I ended up hitting my head on the driver side window really hard and it gave me a concussion and I injured one of the disks in my back. I almost got hit by semi trucks traveling behind me as well. Again, my airbags didn’t deploy after this and I’ve seen many recalls on the 2014 VW Passat specifically about the vehicles airbag deployment being that they’re also Takata airbags that had major recalls too. They should’ve deployed on a head on collision. My insurance didn’t total my car but I have proof that the entire frame was bent from the accident and my entire front headlight, fender and bumper are smashed in and wires for my transmission were severed. I still haven't settled this claim yet. I’m considering getting a lawyer about it.
NHTSA complaint #11526897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, OHCrashFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hi , My 2014 Passat driven by a family member struck a parked truck. Luckily, nobody was hurt! The parked car was not occupied and the driver of the Passat was able to exit the vehicle unharmed. The speed was about 35 mph and the air bags deployed. This front collision resulted in a major fire that totally destroyed the car. The insurance company (Progressive) is currently in the possession of the car. And one other important thing to note is that, about 2 years ago, this car was also involved in a different accident when it reared a car. That collision did not result in the deployment of the air bags but caused lots of damage. The radiator and lots of the plastic in the front needed replacement at that time. I don't recall the exact amount for the damage, but we ended up paying the full 2k deductible to get the car back.
NHTSA complaint #11502721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, OHCrashFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hi , My 2014 Passat driven by a family member struck a parked truck. Luckily, nobody was hurt! The parked car was not occupied and the driver of the Passat was able to exit the vehicle unharmed. The speed was about 35 mph and the air bags deployed. This front collision resulted in a major fire that totally destroyed the car. The insurance company (Progressive) is currently in the possession of the car. And one other important thing to note is that, about 2 years ago, this car was also involved in a different accident when it reared a car. That collision did not result in the deployment of the air bags but caused lots of damage. The radiator and lots of the plastic in the front needed replacement at that time. I don't recall the exact amount for the damage, but we ended up paying the full 2k deductible to get the car back.
NHTSA complaint #11502721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, OHCrashFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Hi , My 2014 Passat driven by a family member struck a parked truck. Luckily, nobody was hurt! The parked car was not occupied and the driver of the Passat was able to exit the vehicle unharmed. The speed was about 35 mph and the air bags deployed. This front collision resulted in a major fire that totally destroyed the car. The insurance company (Progressive) is currently in the possession of the car. And one other important thing to note is that, about 2 years ago, this car was also involved in a different accident when it reared a car. That collision did not result in the deployment of the air bags but caused lots of damage. The radiator and lots of the plastic in the front needed replacement at that time. I don't recall the exact amount for the damage, but we ended up paying the full 2k deductible to get the car back.
NHTSA complaint #11502721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Las Vegas, NV
AIR BAGS
Clockspring Recall. Horn not working, buttons on steering column not working, when turning steering wheel it makes a clicking noise, sounds like spring being pulled, driver side air bag light is illuminated on dash.
NHTSA complaint #11753037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
STEERING
Clockspring Recall. Horn not working, buttons on steering column not working, when turning steering wheel it makes a clicking noise, sounds like spring being pulled, driver side air bag light is illuminated on dash.
NHTSA complaint #11753037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Clockspring Recall. Horn not working, buttons on steering column not working, when turning steering wheel it makes a clicking noise, sounds like spring being pulled, driver side air bag light is illuminated on dash.
NHTSA complaint #11753037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesWest View, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 that the engine heater core had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on three different occasions. The engine heater core was replaced four times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no assistance was available due to the mileage on the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11744586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesWest View, PA
ENGINE
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 that the engine heater core had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on three different occasions. The engine heater core was replaced four times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no assistance was available due to the mileage on the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11744586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boise, ID
AIR BAGS
I was driving and the airbag light randomly came on out of the blue. While trying to parallel park I noticed my steering wheel clicking. We ran codes on the car and we are confident that the clock spring failed. My horn and cruise control also no longer work.
NHTSA complaint #11743564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boise, ID
STEERING
I was driving and the airbag light randomly came on out of the blue. While trying to parallel park I noticed my steering wheel clicking. We ran codes on the car and we are confident that the clock spring failed. My horn and cruise control also no longer work.
NHTSA complaint #11743564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boise, ID
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I was driving and the airbag light randomly came on out of the blue. While trying to parallel park I noticed my steering wheel clicking. We ran codes on the car and we are confident that the clock spring failed. My horn and cruise control also no longer work.
NHTSA complaint #11743564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raymore, MO
AIR BAGS
Early in 2024 my VW Passat TDI SEL the airbag light would not go off after starting and operating the car. The steering wheel controls were also operation incorrectly -- the horn didn't work, nor did the cruise control, wiper controls, etc. I took the car to my local VW dealership, where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel clock spring was defective and needed to be replaced. The dealership reported the component was on a serious back order, and they would call me when it was available. This presented a clear safety issue, since the airbag was non-functioning, and the horn did not work, and the other steering wheel controls were not operating correctly. I requested a loaner car until such time as the repair could be effected, but was told they would not provide me with one. Many months later, the part became available and in September 2024 the faulty steering wheel clock spring was replaced, and I paid for it. Late in 2025, VW mailed me a notice that they were utilizing an extended warranty coverage for the steering wheel clock spring replacement that I had done. I emailed my application to them, according to all of their guidelines, and 4 month later, after receiving on reply to my application, I contacted VW and was told my submission had been overlooked, but I would receive action within a few days. A few days later, the email I received from VW denied that the faulty clock spring replacement was covered by the warranty coverage for which they had mailed me to apply.
NHTSA complaint #11738014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle experienced repeated catastrophic engine failures, including failure of a replacement engine. Approximately six months after purchase and at around 80,000 miles, the engine failed and required a complete engine replacement through Volkswagen and the MaxCare service contract. Approximately one to one and a half years later, at around 120,000 miles, the replacement engine also failed. The vehicle developed rough idle conditions, check engine light warnings, timing chain and camshaft-related issues, lubrication-related concerns, and severe engine performance problems. Volkswagen later recommended another complete engine rebuild or replacement along with additional engine-related repairs. The vehicle became non-operable and could no longer be safely or reliably driven. The repeated failure of both the original engine and replacement engine suggests an ongoing defect-related condition rather than normal wear or an isolated mechanical failure. The problems were confirmed and documented by Volkswagen service personnel. Similar engine-related concerns involving oil consumption, lubrication issues, timing system concerns, and engine performance problems are also reflected in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletins involving this type of engine.
NHTSA complaint #11737686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ENGINE
The vehicle experienced repeated catastrophic engine failures, including failure of a replacement engine. Approximately six months after purchase and at around 80,000 miles, the engine failed and required a complete engine replacement through Volkswagen and the MaxCare service contract. Approximately one to one and a half years later, at around 120,000 miles, the replacement engine also failed. The vehicle developed rough idle conditions, check engine light warnings, timing chain and camshaft-related issues, lubrication-related concerns, and severe engine performance problems. Volkswagen later recommended another complete engine rebuild or replacement along with additional engine-related repairs. The vehicle became non-operable and could no longer be safely or reliably driven. The repeated failure of both the original engine and replacement engine suggests an ongoing defect-related condition rather than normal wear or an isolated mechanical failure. The problems were confirmed and documented by Volkswagen service personnel. Similar engine-related concerns involving oil consumption, lubrication issues, timing system concerns, and engine performance problems are also reflected in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletins involving this type of engine.
NHTSA complaint #11737686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle experienced repeated catastrophic engine failures, including failure of a replacement engine. Approximately six months after purchase and at around 80,000 miles, the engine failed and required a complete engine replacement through Volkswagen and the MaxCare service contract. Approximately one to one and a half years later, at around 120,000 miles, the replacement engine also failed. The vehicle developed rough idle conditions, check engine light warnings, timing chain and camshaft-related issues, lubrication-related concerns, and severe engine performance problems. Volkswagen later recommended another complete engine rebuild or replacement along with additional engine-related repairs. The vehicle became non-operable and could no longer be safely or reliably driven. The repeated failure of both the original engine and replacement engine suggests an ongoing defect-related condition rather than normal wear or an isolated mechanical failure. The problems were confirmed and documented by Volkswagen service personnel. Similar engine-related concerns involving oil consumption, lubrication issues, timing system concerns, and engine performance problems are also reflected in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletins involving this type of engine.
NHTSA complaint #11737686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a recurring engine defect in a 2014 Volkswagen Passat that has resulted in repeated engine failure and loss of power while driving. Approximately six months after purchase, the vehicle required a complete engine replacement. One to two years after the replacement, the vehicle began exhibiting the same engine-related failures and has since become inoperable again. Manufacturer-issued Technical Service Bulletins addressing these engine defects were issued prior to the sale of the vehicle, indicating the condition was known. The repeated engine failures create unsafe driving conditions, including the risk of sudden loss of power during vehicle operation.
NHTSA complaint #11713396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ENGINE
I am reporting a recurring engine defect in a 2014 Volkswagen Passat that has resulted in repeated engine failure and loss of power while driving. Approximately six months after purchase, the vehicle required a complete engine replacement. One to two years after the replacement, the vehicle began exhibiting the same engine-related failures and has since become inoperable again. Manufacturer-issued Technical Service Bulletins addressing these engine defects were issued prior to the sale of the vehicle, indicating the condition was known. The repeated engine failures create unsafe driving conditions, including the risk of sudden loss of power during vehicle operation.
NHTSA complaint #11713396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Barberton, OH
POWER TRAIN
1) Transmission vehicle is not able to be driven Driving on the highway taking kids to school as my vehicle would not accelerate put me the kids and all that were on the road that morning at risk because all i could do is coast to get off on the side of the highway. I had it towed to independent center No warning signs, lights or messages nor any other symptoms. 2)also faulty steering wheel clock spring all of the controls stopped working airbag light is on and when turning the wheel it clicks and rubs.
NHTSA complaint #11711051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Barberton, OH
STEERING
1) Transmission vehicle is not able to be driven Driving on the highway taking kids to school as my vehicle would not accelerate put me the kids and all that were on the road that morning at risk because all i could do is coast to get off on the side of the highway. I had it towed to independent center No warning signs, lights or messages nor any other symptoms. 2)also faulty steering wheel clock spring all of the controls stopped working airbag light is on and when turning the wheel it clicks and rubs.
NHTSA complaint #11711051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Topsham, ME
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (AIR BAGS) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local unknown dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
NHTSA complaint #11693624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrence, KS
AIR BAGS
The Volkswagen dealership advised they could not fix the airbag recall. They said that the parts are on extreme back order, they can’t schedule an appointment for me to get it fixed, and they have no time estimate on when it can be fixed. I’m very concerned since the airbag recall lists that the driver airbag can explode and cause severe injury or death.
NHTSA complaint #11688613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windermere, FL
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received a recall letter related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was placed on a waiting list. The contact called another local dealer, Orlando Volkswagen South (1406 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32809); and was added to the waiting list, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not contacted or made aware of the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11686573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesLos Angeles, CA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was occasionally illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #11684810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Clara, CA
AIR BAGS
Components failed, Nitrogen Oxide Sensor, codes P2201 NOx sensor "Circut" bank 1 P20EE NOx catalytic Reduction P205B Reductant tank temperature " Circut" implausible signal
NHTSA complaint #11682641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Clara, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Components failed, Nitrogen Oxide Sensor, codes P2201 NOx sensor "Circut" bank 1 P20EE NOx catalytic Reduction P205B Reductant tank temperature " Circut" implausible signal
NHTSA complaint #11682641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Clara, CA
ENGINE
Components failed, Nitrogen Oxide Sensor, codes P2201 NOx sensor "Circut" bank 1 P20EE NOx catalytic Reduction P205B Reductant tank temperature " Circut" implausible signal
NHTSA complaint #11682641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that two dealers had been contacted since April 2025; however, the dealers confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11680653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
League City, TX
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000(Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11677239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.