FaultScore

Volkswagen Passat suspension problems

416 of the 10,333 complaints filed about the Volkswagen Passat are about the suspension — 4% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 1999.

416

Complaints

4%

Share of all complaints

8

Crashes

2

Fires

Suspension complaints by model year

1990 Passat 5 1.2%
1992 Passat 2 0.5%
1993 Passat 1 0.2%
1994 Passat 1 0.2%
1995 Passat 5 1.2%
1998 Passat 99 23.8%

Median failure at 72,000 miles

1999 Passat 140 33.7%

Median failure at 62,000 miles

2000 Passat 42 10.1%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

2001 Passat 32 7.7%

Median failure at 52,020 miles

2002 Passat 16 3.8%

Median failure at 53,995 miles

2003 Passat 10 2.4%

Median failure at 39,800 miles

2004 Passat 2 0.5%

Median failure at 75,999 miles

2005 Passat 1 0.2%

Median failure at 33,515 miles

2006 Passat 8 1.9%

Median failure at 7,361 miles

2007 Passat 2 0.5%

Median failure at 14,525 miles

2009 Passat 4 1.0%

Median failure at 42,500 miles

2010 Passat 2 0.5%

Median failure at 64,117 miles

2011 Passat 1 0.2%

Median failure at 11 miles

2012 Passat 1 0.2%

Median failure at 2,000 miles

2013 Passat 13 3.1%

Median failure at 21,000 miles

2014 Passat 6 1.4%

Median failure at 86,000 miles

2015 Passat 17 4.1%

Median failure at 25,200 miles

2016 Passat 1 0.2%
2017 Passat 3 0.7%

Median failure at 24,000 miles

2018 Passat 2 0.5%

Median failure at 13,000 miles

What owners said

2014 Volkswagen Passat at 86,000 miles Stockbridge, MA

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that upon performing an oil change on the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact that both rear driver's side and passenger's side suspension springs were fractured and needed to be replaced. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA complaint #11662644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Volkswagen Passat at 177,000 miles Grafton, OH

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-60 MPH and driving over the roadway, the rear coil spring fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000.

NHTSA complaint #11649537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Volkswagen Passat Buffalo, NY

SUSPENSION

Rear control arm rusted through, ejecting the spring and collapsing the suspension.

NHTSA complaint #11592682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Volkswagen Passat Indio, CA

SUSPENSION

Stalling? Have to put in DRIVE in order to forward in order to get car to back up? Air bags Clock wheel has more connection to what wrong/Air bags connections is Connected to HORN (which stopped working) DRIVE? all the refuses are working fine. horn not work; Dangerous driving in CALIIFORNIA without a HORN** I just want ALL is for them to REPLACE the PARTS OF MY VW 2013 PASSAT WITHOUT ANY CHARGE Whatsoever; even an UNNECESSARY FEE** I am driving a car with DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS, TIRES HEADLIGHTS, Suspension, SEATBELTS PROBLEMS, TRANSMISSIONS PRBLEMS, steering, electrical, system THAT CAN EXPLODE LEADING TO A LETHAL SITUATION FOR MYSELF And/or my DISABLED SON NOT TO SAY SOMETIMES I HAVE MY GRANDKIDS here have been a lot of complaints other than for what these recalled products are allowed on this vehicle. I am not the only one dealing with this stalling issue/go forward. DANGEROUS what does SOMEONE have do suddenly put it in reverse to get out of another vehicle or another harmful?? Because these issues are really serious!! Especially when dealership like AUTO PLUS IN INDIO. CA. use car DEALERSHIP in vehicles like this and promising. people things about the vehicle and not true!!

NHTSA complaint #11572469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Volkswagen Passat Valley View, OH

SUSPENSION

Rear coil spring is broken. Normal driving conditions and we noticed a significant vibration. Upon inspection of rear suspension we found a broken rear coil spring. I researched this issue and found that VW recalled several other 2015 models for rear coil springs breaking. This is a major safety issue. Currently we cannot use the car due to this safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11532430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Volkswagen Passat at 25,000 miles White Plains, NY

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH or at various speeds, there was a delay while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle was also pulling to the left and the right while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the suspension was loose while driving over bumps in the roadway causing the vehicle to bounce. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA complaint #11506122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Volkswagen Passat Boyertown, PA

SUSPENSION

Vehicle has major fuel pump issue, currently at 132,000 and noticing loss of power, car shaking, and occasional stall. A code reader is unable able to detect the issue which is a major concern. I have contacted the volkswagen Manufacturer and I consistently keep getting ignored after bringing up the recall that was put out for the fuel pump. While driving on the highway my rear and front suspension failed and dropped suddenly while moving slowly during traffic. I whave only been able to repair the front shocks and struts so far, but the rear are needed as well. I would like to state that all the parts are original manufacturer parts.

NHTSA complaint #11499252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Volkswagen Passat Mansfield, MA

SUSPENSION

I noticed my car was sitting lower than normal all the way around. While driving, I heard some unusual noises coming from the rear. I took the car to a mechanic for evaluation. The mechanic said three of the four coil springs had broken (both rear and drivers side on the front. I did some research and found there is an existing recall for broken springs in Volkswagen automobiles. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5. NHTSA’s campaign number: 19V188000.

NHTSA complaint #11492028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Volkswagen Passat at 32,103 miles Salem, OR

SUSPENSION

The contact owns 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that puddles of oil could be found on the ground after parking the vehicle. The contact also stated that while making a turn in either direction the vehicle would wobble causing him to lose control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the tread in the driver’s and passenger’s side front tires were wearing excessively. The contact stated that the front tires had been replaced multiple times; however, the failure persisted. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on multiple occasions; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,103.

NHTSA complaint #11487321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Volkswagen Passat Seekonk, MA

SUSPENSION

Fractured rear coil spring on a 2015 Volkswagen Passat Limited. There is a current recall, 42J5, for various VW's from 2015 to 2019, but not for the Passat. NHTSA Campaign #19V188000 should cover rear coil springs in all VW"s for the years listed. Same defect, same dangers. I have the coil spring and will save it for a reasonable period of time if an inspection of the unit is needed. Contacted VW customer service and was told coil spring would not be covered.

NHTSA complaint #11486766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Volkswagen Passat at 124,000 miles Wisconsin Rapids, WI

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, he heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for a tire rotation, the dealer informed the contact that the front driver's side coil spring was fractured and the rear driver's side coil spring was cracked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the front driver's side coil spring was replaced. However, the part for the rear driver's side coil spring repair was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V188000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

NHTSA complaint #11479766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Volkswagen Passat Mamou, LA

SUSPENSION

noise coming from front suspension , brakes sticking once moving from a complete stop and reversing out of park.

NHTSA complaint #11477080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Volkswagen Passat New Castle, DE

SUSPENSION

Engine time chain skipped. Fuel rail leak from regulator(dangerous to drive as it can catch on fire). Suspension problem car shakes over 40mph(alignment and balance did not help), problem due to coils or other components. Mechanic shop checked car and they denied to work on it due to fuel recall.

NHTSA complaint #11435204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Volkswagen Passat Excello, MO

SUSPENSION

Rear passenger side wheel area started making a lot of noise. After tire was taken off, found rear coil spring broken and dislodged from proper location. Then looked at drivers side rear coil spring and it was still in proper location but broken. Found replacement part which also fit VW Beetle and VW Jetta which are much smaller cars than a Passat. VW does not offer heavier springs.

NHTSA complaint #11428840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Volkswagen Passat Port Saint Lucie, FL

SUSPENSION

For about 2 years my vehicle has been vibrating at the steering wheel. I have replaced the tires twice, have done multiple tire balances, rotations, road force tests, alignments, and have requested multiple inspections of all components associated with the steering assembly. All possible solutions have apparently been insufficient or they have been found inconclusive. The technicians at the dealership have been unable to identify the cause of the vibration. Due to this, my steering wheel has continued to vibrate for about 2 years. The vibration occurs around highway speeds as well as when braking. I have recorded multiple videos that show this as well as having testament from multiple people, including dealership staff. The vibration has slowly but surely gotten worse over time and I am afraid that something will break and cause me to have an accident or severe injuries.

NHTSA complaint #11426183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Volkswagen Passat at 24,000 miles Jupiter, FL Crash

SUSPENSION

THIS PAST SUNDAY, MY SON WAS DRIVING ON 95 AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL EXPLODED OFF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. HE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING, NOR DID HE GET A FLAT TIRE. THE METAL HOLDING THE TIRE LITERALLY BROKE, THE WHEEL CAME OFF THE CAR CAUSING THE CAR TO DROP ON THE FRONT AXLE WHILE HE WAS DOING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA complaint #11385567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Volkswagen Passat at 108,361 miles Cranberry Twp., PA

SUSPENSION

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN MY DAUGHTER HEARD LOUD SNAP AND CAR REAR END STARTED TO SAG

NHTSA complaint #11376798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Volkswagen Passat NEW Albany, IN

SUSPENSION

SQUEAKING IF SUSPENSION WHEN I GO OVER BUMPS

NHTSA complaint #11316739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Volkswagen Passat at 11 miles Jacksonville, FL Crash Fire 1 injured

SUSPENSION

VEHICLE MISSING ENGINE CRADLE AFTER BEING REPAIRED AT A CERTIFIED DEALER. VEHICLE MISSING SUBFRAME SCREW AFTER BEING REPAIRED AT CERTIFIED VOLKSWAGEN DESLERSHIP(STONE MOUNTAIN VW AND MARIETTA VW) BOTH LOCATIONS IN GEORGIA. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN WITH DEFECT WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE. VEHICLE HAS MULTIPLE SETTLEMENTS. DEALERSHIP IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA: O'STEEN VW, WAS CAUGHT SHREDDING RECORDS. COMPANY REFUSED TO PROVIDE VEHICLE VIN HISTORY. VEHICLE IS LOCATED AT O'STEEN VW, WITHOUT REPAIR. CAR HAS BEEN SITTING OVER 30 DAYS AND I HAVE BEEN STRANDED. PLEASE I

NHTSA complaint #11316670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Volkswagen Passat Schenectady, NY

SUSPENSION

THE BRAKES AND ROTORS WENT TO SEEN AND THE CAR IS DRIVING FUNNY.

NHTSA complaint #11311255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Volkswagen Passat problems