487 of the
10,333 complaints filed about the Volkswagen Passat
are about the transmission —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2006.
487
Complaints
5%
Share of all complaints
8
Crashes
4
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
I own a 2012 Volkswagen Passat [VIN [XXX] ] with approximately 1315xx miles. On December 17, 2025, I took the car to Rockwall County Volkswagen for three recalls. The car was running and was driven 9.5 miles to the dealership under its own power. I left the engine running when I left the it with the service advisor. When I returned to retrieve the car the following day, the service advisor informed me the car would not start. Their explanation shifted within the same conversation — first that someone had shut it off and it would not crank, then that it would crank but would not start. They claimed they had to pushed it into the service bay, replaced the airbag, and "code the computer for the clock-spring." The dealer refused to repair the no-start condition that occurred in their custody. I towed the car home at my own expense - $161. I performed my own diagnostic work using VW scan tools. The vehicle exhibited a textbook immobilizer or component protection rejection pattern: it would crank, start briefly for 1–2 seconds, then shut off, with three instrument cluster chimes and the coolant fan activating. The scan tool could not communicate with all vehicle modules, consistent with a failed module programming. After contacting the dealer's service manager, I towed the car back to the dealership [$64]. The dealer kept it from December 2025 through April 7, 2026 — approximately four months. During this time, they replaced the battery (charging me) and replaced the engine control module with a used unit they sourced and reprogrammed (charging me a total of $804.38). On April 7, 2026, I drove the car home. The vehicle was driven less than 35 miles after pickup before failing again. On April 27, 2026, my daughter — who had just undergone a serious medical procedure — was driving the car home and was stranded on the side of the road in 90+ degree Texas heat when the car suddenly stopped running with no warning or indication of impending failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)
NHTSA complaint #11738147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
While driving on the highway my car suddenly began to stall. It lost power later after that & when I got an oil change then tried to drive it later I was stopped by another driver told something is leaking. While driving to a Autozone I noticed the gears jump while shifting from 1 to 2 and I now can’t past 20 mph. I’ve already gotten the camshaft replaced and while researching I learned my cars make and model is being recalled for everything my car is going through. The vin says it’s not eligible for any recalls. Its maintenance is unkept.
NHTSA complaint #11716751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
The catalytic converter on my 2018 Volkswagen Passat failed and the vehicle has been at an authorized Volkswagen dealership since May 16, 2025. The dealership confirmed that the catalytic converter is defective and must be replaced, but the part has been on national backorder with no estimated delivery date for several months. The vehicle cannot be safely driven in its current condition and has been unavailable for all normal use. The issue has been confirmed by the dealership and the vehicle is available for inspection. There were warning lights related to emissions prior to the failure. Volkswagen has not been able to provide a timeline for repair, which has created an ongoing safety and reliability concern.
NHTSA complaint #11701576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After recall 20AE (Fuel Pump Control Module) was completed at Performance Volkswagen in Lyndhurst, NJ, my vehicle began shutting off while idling and displayed code P0087 – Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low. This issue began immediately after the recall was done. On one of the first nights after the repair, my car suddenly shut off around 4 a.m. while I was in New York City, leaving me completely stranded in the middle of the street with no assistance and no warning lights beforehand. I was panicking, stuck alone in the dark, unable to restart the car until it was jumped. The next night, it happened again under the same conditions. The vehicle stalls randomly when stopped, creating a serious safety risk for both myself and others on the road. When I returned to the dealer, they refused to fix it under the recall and forced me to pay $220 under protest. Their own technician report shows they checked the fuel pump control module (the recalled component) but still claimed it was “operating as designed.” My independent mechanic confirmed the same fault code P0087, which clearly points to low fuel pressure and a failure of the recall component. This situation has caused significant distress, fear of driving, and ongoing safety concerns.
NHTSA complaint #11697708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased in 2024 from a Used Car Dealer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated after the vehicle was driven off the dealer lot. The contact drove to the destination and restarted the vehicle and the message "Distressed Vehicle Start" was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the dealer and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was advised that there was an issue with the engine. The dealer advised the contact that parts had been ordered and she would be contacted to bring the vehicle in for the repair. The contact was not contacted, and calls were not returned. The contact contacted the warranty company for assistance with the repair. The contact stated that the timing belt was replaced, the vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle had developed other failures. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and was shaking abnormally while shifting gear. The contact stated that the failure recurred with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The warranty company was contacted, and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, a full diagnostic test was not completed, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
NHTSA complaint #11689520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle in question has a dual-clutch automatic transmission with 103,000 miles on the odometer. Transmission failed without warning while turning left onto a major highway from a standing stop -- stuck in 1st gear, it was dangerously slow to get out of other drivers' way, creating a serious road hazard concern. Vehicle had been maintained since new with fluid changes as required but still failed prematurely and without warning of any sort. Dealer inspected the car and stated the transmission needs to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11671602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle has a transmission coolant leak, which is common for some of the 2014 Passat. Not pretty sure if it is due to the faulty O-ring recalled for some of 2014 passats.
NHTSA complaint #11652865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, there was an abnormal metallic sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, there was an odor of smoke and burnt rubber. The contact was able to pull over safely. The contact stated that there was a hole in the engine. The contact stated that the transmission had exploded. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V182000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
NHTSA complaint #11636226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving car began to jerk and had odd smell. Stopped at a Midas to have car looked at and all of the transmission fluid leaked out. Techs at Midas state the gasket that hold the fluid in came out and caused all the fluid to leak out. Had no issues while driving previous to this, this just happened randomly in the middle of our drive. We did jot hit or run over anything and the road we were traveling on was in good paved condition.
NHTSA complaint #11602398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 6 separate occasions while operating my vehicle it randomly stops running. The first two were at 40 mph and I was told it was a battery issue. It happened twice less than 4 days after the battery was replaced, once at 25 mph and once at 15 mph. I then had the fuel pump replaced. Less than 4 days later it happened twice again. Once at 10 mph and another time at 45 mph.
NHTSA complaint #11589895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was unofficially diagnosed; however, the mechanic noticed that the engine was misfiring. The mechanic performed a tune-up on the vehicle, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact researched the failure and identified five unknown recall repairs with the same description of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the recall repairs had been previously completed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased new, and the contact had been the sole owner of the vehicle. The contact stated that no recall repairs had ever been completed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11589608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have had an issue with my transmission since I’ve got it. I got it with only 155,000 miles on it in Nov 2023. When i touch my brakes going slow or pull off from a red light my vehicle will make a Sharp noise and shook When i switch gears it will occasionally get stuck and shake when i pull off. I took it to Auto Plus Dealership service a couple times in 2023 where they assured me i had no transmission issue. I had other things like control arms and tires issues that i had fixed. But my car was still doing the same thing. So, i took it to various shops and Auto Plus Dealership service many times throughout the entire year of 2023. Then finally they told me there is a issue with my 02-sense kit and dual mass flywheel as well. During the time they found that issue it was only about 150, 000 miles on my vehicle. Auto Plus Dealership is known to have transmission issues so i was shocked when I was told about the recall. on the issue since my car had high miles on it and it is a known issue. It is progressively getting worse to where it is becoming a hazard and i can't continue to drive my vehicle. And now the Auto plus won't fix all this recall on my vehicle knowing how they sold the vehicle in the 1st place...
NHTSA complaint #11572467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stalling? Have to put in DRIVE in order to forward in order to get car to back up? Air bags Dealer will not fix wo $245.00 DX fee. Clock wheel has more connection to what is wrong/Air bags connections as well Connected to HORN (which stopped working) DRIVE? All fuses replaced with new ones; horn would still not work; Dangerous driving in FLORIDA without a HORN** I just want ALL of the DEEMED REPLACEMENT PART OF THIS VW 2013 PASSAT DONE WITHOUT ANY CHARGE Whatsover; even an UNNECESSARY DX FEE** I am driving a car with DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS THAT CAN EXPLODE LEADING TO A LETHAL SITUATION FOR MYSELF AND/or my DISABLED GRANDCHILD** There have been a lot of complaints online 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 to go backwards issue** DANGEROUS*** what is I have to suddenly put it in reverse to get out of another vehicle or another harmful situation?????
NHTSA complaint #11563494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While making a right turn, i attempted to accelerate only to be met with intense juddering. i was able to pull of the road and shut off the engine, but it would not restart. I called the every dealership near me and the soonest appointment was 2 weeks out and they would not tell me if they had loaner cars. The appointment comes and the dealer not only tells me to rent a car out of pocket, but the high pressure fuel pump had failed meaning a $7000 replacement of the entire fuel system. My vehicle is still within the mileage limit on the extended warranty but i was 5 months out of the time limit. I brought up the warranty, and a TSB related to this failure and they still told me i was out of luck. I still owe thousands on this car, and another vw dealer tried to gouge me stating that the only way to get out of this was to buy a new car. absolute insanity all throughout this company. And to add insult to injury, every single maintenance item was followed to the exact mileage and the fuel level wasnt even below a quarter of a tank
NHTSA complaint #11559011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH, the transmission was shifting hard, and the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound while shifting between 1st and 2nd gear. The contact drove to the residence and parked the vehicle. The contact then shifted into reverse (R) and the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound. The contact stated that the failure recurred while shifting into drive (D). The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,074.
NHTSA complaint #11554365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.