FaultScore

Volkswagen Passat other reported problems

392 of the 10,333 complaints filed about the Volkswagen Passat are about the other systems — 4% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2013.

392

Complaints

4%

Share of all complaints

18

Crashes

8

Fires

Other & Unspecified complaints by model year

1993 Passat 1 0.3%
1995 Passat 1 0.3%
1996 Passat 1 0.3%

Median failure at 92,000 miles

1997 Passat 2 0.5%

Median failure at 67,750 miles

1998 Passat 5 1.3%

Median failure at 52,050 miles

1999 Passat 11 2.8%

Median failure at 75,000 miles

2000 Passat 10 2.6%

Median failure at 69,000 miles

2001 Passat 8 2.0%

Median failure at 38,572 miles

2002 Passat 18 4.6%

Median failure at 11,500 miles

2003 Passat 12 3.1%

Median failure at 135,483 miles

2004 Passat 8 2.0%

Median failure at 74,675 miles

2005 Passat 7 1.8%

Median failure at 70,450 miles

2006 Passat 13 3.3%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

2007 Passat 8 2.0%

Median failure at 84,500 miles

2008 Passat 13 3.3%

Median failure at 118,000 miles

2009 Passat 9 2.3%

Median failure at 94,500 miles

2010 Passat 13 3.3%

Median failure at 61,899 miles

2011 Passat 2 0.5%

Median failure at 11 miles

2012 Passat 31 7.9%

Median failure at 68,000 miles

2013 Passat 77 19.6%

Median failure at 54,000 miles

2014 Passat 59 15.1%

Median failure at 39,625 miles

2015 Passat 40 10.2%

Median failure at 36,850 miles

2016 Passat 13 3.3%

Median failure at 25,604 miles

2017 Passat 20 5.1%

Median failure at 20,124 miles

2018 Passat 3 0.8%

Median failure at 40,235 miles

2019 Passat 1 0.3%

Median failure at 9 miles

2020 Passat 4 1.0%

Median failure at 2,000 miles

2021 Passat 1 0.3%
2022 Passat 1 0.3%

What owners said

2020 Volkswagen Passat Louisville, KY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2020 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0L VIN: [XXX] Complaint Summary: I am reporting a persistent and unresolved fault involving the secondary air injection system (DTC P0491 – insufficient airflow) that has resulted in repeated, conflicting diagnoses across multiple repair facilities. This raises concerns about a potential systemic defect affecting this vehicle model. Detailed Description: The issue began prior to March 2025 while the vehicle was still under warranty. The vehicle displayed a Check Engine Light associated with diagnostic trouble code P0491 (secondary air injection system insufficient airflow). On April 3, 2025, a repair facility diagnosed the issue as a failed secondary air injection pump and replaced the component. However, the Check Engine Light returned within 24 hours with the exact same fault code, indicating that the repair did not resolve the issue. A second independent diagnostic evaluation was performed later in April 2025. This inspection confirmed that: The secondary air injection pump was functioning correctly Airflow through the system was present Electrical controls and PCM commands were operating properly The fault was attributed instead to a mechanically stuck secondary air injection combination valve Despite this revised diagnosis, the issue has remained unresolved. As of 2026, a dealership evaluation has now attributed the same fault condition to a potential failure within the cylinder head assembly, indicating a significantly more serious underlying condition. Safety Concern: This issue involves the emissions and engine air management system and has resulted in: Persistent Check Engine Light Repeated failure of emissions-related components Conflicting and escalating repair diagnoses across multiple qualified service providers I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this issue for potential investigation into a systemic defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11726512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Volkswagen Passat Clearwater, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My 2010 Volkswagen CC became completely inoperable because of the active fuel pump control module recall (NHTSA 17V509). The vehicle stalled and nearly caused an accident. The check engine light came on just before I noticed a burning smell coming from the backseat of my car immediately after smelling that the car suddenly stalled out in the middle of a busy intersection and the engine would not start back up. I had to push it to a gas station parking lot across 3 lanes of traffic. I lifted up the backseat and found that the fuel control module was overheated and melting on top of the fuel pump so I carefully and properly disconnected it from the vehicle. The next day I had the vehicle towed to Lokey Volkswagen in Clearwater, FL. Today 3/14/2026 They did the recall repair and told me my vehicle is safe to drive. Today 3/14/2026 I drove the car 1 mile from the dealership when the exact same thing happened again the car stalled out, and I had to carefully maneuver to the shoulder of hwy us 19 s narrowly missing vehicles in the other lanes. The vehicle was then towed back to lokey Volkswagen. It is pretty clear that the issue was not resolved, and that this fuel control module failing may have affected other parts of the fuel system/wiring and or the fuel control module failed again. I have pictures of the fuel control module, and I gave the initial melted/failed fuel control module to the service department and they took it. The dealership service department is stating that this may be to do something other than the recall repair and that I may be liable for the diagnostic and towing charges. This is a very serious safety issue that almost cost me to get in accidents on the highway twice. I feel that they (Volkswagen) needs to be held responsible for rectification and to find out if there is a connection between this recall and the continuing failure of the vehicle to operate safely.

NHTSA complaint #11724256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Volkswagen Passat Halfmoon, NY Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle was rear-ended, lost control, traveled approximately 500 feet, and rolled multiple times. Side and curtain airbags deployed; however, the front airbags did not deploy. The vehicle was declared a total loss. The driver exited the vehicle without assistance. The vehicle is currently preserved at a tow lot.

NHTSA complaint #11713332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Volkswagen Passat Cupertino, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sunroof shattered without warning

NHTSA complaint #11708435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Volkswagen Passat Winston, OR

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

while in cruise control and going up a incline or a hill The EPC light will come on and the car will start lugging down very badly and have no power, they've said vehicle has done this for a year now and we have not been able to get any kind of acknowledgment of it from another dealership or the actual company I've said make and model of vehicle Volkswagen Passat

NHTSA complaint #11702812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Volkswagen Passat Oracle, AZ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Gas smell inside vehicle Plastic canister under back seat leaking gas smell /has cracked

NHTSA complaint #11695340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Volkswagen Passat 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.

2015 Volkswagen Passat South st Paul, MN 2 injured

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I bought a 2015 Volkswagen v6 SEL PREMIUM 15 days ago with only 37000 miles on it from car max and I hear my front windshield making a loud sound in upper left corner every morning ….so today I had my kids in car and it was bout 80 degrees we were at park and left park after hour I turned AC on and was driving when I heard a LOUD POP …looked back to my rear windshield shattered in every spot I was only 3 blocks away from home then the glass collapsed all over my kids there all cut up …these windshields do not look normal there’s no rubber surround and I had to pay 250 deductible to get a new one …clearly these Volkswagens have a weak glass issue from temp changes they were mint before this happened no chips or cracks I’m very unhappy with the quality of these I’m in fear if I drive it the front windshield will also do it !!! Not good smh …I’m more scared for winter !!!

NHTSA complaint #11679156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Volkswagen Passat Howe, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

We have been having numerous sensor issues. Sensors showing air bag malfunction and with passenger side seat belt on the front right side. We bought the car in used condition from pat lobb toyota of mckinney less than a year ago. Constantly having sensor issues with it.

NHTSA complaint #11674522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Volkswagen Passat Gladstone, MI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While backing into a parking spot there was a crunching sound in the steering column. Following this noise the air bag light came on and all steering wheel control buttons nonfunctional including the horn. I reached out to a Volkswagen dealer as I had seen recalls for the clockspring, I was told my vehicle was not included in the recall. This is a 2017 Passat and had approximately 130,000 miles when this occurred. The closest dealer is over 2 hours away, and the service department is only open Monday-Friday.

NHTSA complaint #11662117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Volkswagen Passat New Albany, IN

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Timing chain going out before 1000 miles in a 2016 VW Passat TSI

NHTSA complaint #11659401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Volkswagen Passat Puyallup, WA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I've repeatedly tried to contact manufacturers about this recall in which they state they will call back and never due , i feel this is a immediate problem and should be fixed due to it may cause harm or death

NHTSA complaint #11649841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Volkswagen Passat Fort Lauderdale, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

There has been an excessive oil consumption in this vehicle , and reading other reports there maybe an issue, also this vehicle has been part of several recalls previously and I am concerned and I don’t feel safe to drive it . I would like for VW to inspect the car free of charge for this particular issue.

NHTSA complaint #11645121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Volkswagen Passat Winchendon, MA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Def system failed- cel came on w def light stating xxx miles to no start, codes p204f & 18097, now unable to start or drive car safely, 18097 code may cause abs & steering to shut off while driving & p204f renders the car unusable. EPA mod was never performed on my car per dieselgate settlement rules- & now the manufacturer(vw) is refusing to fix their mistake car has been in shop repeatedly for 30+ days at a time since 2022 for the def system and not once was the epa mod mentioned to me VW refuses to fix the def system or do the epa required mod- meaning I was sold a stop sale car. Also claiming I’m not entitled to warranty even though per their own warranty I am the first owner that I can see other then a dealership Am now told by other TDI owners that are still under warranty that vw is refusing to fix anything to do with the p204f code

NHTSA complaint #11639689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Volkswagen Passat Pinehurst, NC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle's sunroof spontaneously imploded while driving on a 40° day going normal speeds ~60 MPH

NHTSA complaint #11636441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Volkswagen Passat Meridian, MS

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Unknown. I was driving down the interstate and car just lost power and wouldn’t get no gas. Got it to the side of the road and it wouldn’t crank back up. Took it to shop and the mechanic stated motor need to be replaced.

NHTSA complaint #11631316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Volkswagen Passat Cedar Rapids, IA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Heater core failure Have had the heater core replaced 2 times at a dealership and have had it worked on at other dealerships The heater core is a know problem with this volkswagen model due to the block being casted in sand and not being cleaned out properly This problem with the heater core is a issue i think needs to be addressed and poses a serious problem for people who live in states with freezing even negative temperatures like I do (iowa) The repair cost of the heater core is thousands of dollars

NHTSA complaint #11624451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Volkswagen Passat Los Angeles, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I purchased a used vehicle but have found out the oxygen sensor is feeding false error codes to the main OBC causing leaks into driver compartment causing engine to stall while auto in motion and most importantly causing steering wheel to lock, have spoken with VWoA but they have no direct influence with VW or dealerships even if a warranty issue because all parties are independent contractors and all they are able to do is try and help. My name has not been transferred to registration because of smog requirements so you may call me [XXX] my telephone number is [XXX] my case# with VWoA is [XXX], I myself have learned to deal with defects but should this matter be more widespread which I cannot find out because the last case regarding the sensors was sealed in an agreement made by the California ARB, EPA and VW and Audi through a settlement signed in December 2021. Once again my hands are tied from taking much more action but I believe your department whether is able to enforce this matter or not should at least investigate and issue warnings to advise people of what can happen so if they can even at own cost seek appropriate repairs before more damages accrued. Also if this sensor is effecting more models and manufacturers an appropriate temporary fix should be seeker since no long term solutions are available at this time INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11621633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Volkswagen Passat Lynnwood, WA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My son bought this used car. The STOP ENGINE light came on, got an oil change but the light did not go away. Were told that the oil pressure might be the issue so took it to the mechanic. We were told it was most likely the oil pressure switch. There were multiple codes(cones) and were cleared. The switch was replaced but the engine light's still on & the STOP ENGINE comes on but goes off. It appears it is a gas pump issue that it might be manufacture fault. Is there a recall for this issue on this 2008 Passat? It's my [XXX] 's first car, he saved & bought it but it's dangerous...he got it diagnosed & was told it's a $5,000 job. If it's an oil/gas pump manufacturer issue, is Volkswagen responsible? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11611736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Volkswagen Passat Mesa, AZ Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle was totaled but I continue to receive recall notices to the point of harassment. I have called the hotline number and notified them dozens of times. I signed the vehicle over to the insurance. It is scrapped. I don't know how else to make that more clear.

NHTSA complaint #11608870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Volkswagen Passat problems