NHTSA Data Explorer
Volkswagen Passat
Data refreshed May 30, 2026
Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Volkswagen Passat.
Complaints
7,871
Active records
Recalls
56
Active records
TSBs
3,220
Active records
Filing history
Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.
Reported severity
Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.
Deaths
9
Injuries
248
Crashes
228
Fires
300
Top reported issues — Volkswagen Passat
Click a category to expand its values.
Condition issue
Reporting mechanism
Operating state
Safety restraint issue
Engine behavior
Driver assistance issue
Fluid issue
Thermal issue
Noise
Performance issue
Braking behavior
Access/entry issue
Lighting behavior
Starting behavior
Vibration/harshness
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Electrical issue
Smell
Safety restraint behavior
Steering behavior
HVAC behavior
Recent change
Infotainment behavior
Powering on/off behavior
Wiper/washer behavior
Ride/handling behavior
Communication/network issue
Charging behavior
Electrified system issue
Recent filings
The 10 most recent filings for each type.
2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Filed May 15, 2026
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…
2014 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Filed May 15, 2026
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.…
2014 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Filed May 13, 2026
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…
2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Filed May 8, 2026
Passenger side headlight went out. The problem was not the bulb or fuse. This issue seems to perfectly match Safety Recall 94G8, but for some reason my car is not covered in that recall notice, even though safety recall 94G8 is for some 2012-2013 VW Passats, which is what I drive.
2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Filed May 3, 2026
The clock spring system failed, rendering all of the cars' steering wheel functions non-functional. The airbag light is on and the steering wheels airbag does not operate as well as the cars horn and auto cruise controls. The instrument cluster is malfunctioning as well. The safety risks associated with the malfunctions could result in great harm to the driver and passengers in the vehicle.
2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Filed Apr 21, 2026
currently leaking raw fuel under the hood (matching Recall 15F7) and stalling after fill-ups (matching Recall 24V110000). I am requesting a Specialized Safety Review and Goodwill Assistance to cover the repair because this is a documented manufacturing defect, not wear-and-tear. 2. Leverage the Suction Jet Pump Investigation There is a current investigation (as of early 2026) because VW’s recent fuel pump recall (24V110000) didn't include enough vehicles. IVOQ N N N N V N N…
2018 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Filed Apr 15, 2026
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 diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
2020 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Filed Mar 23, 2026
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…
2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Filed Mar 14, 2026
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…
2022 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Filed Mar 8, 2026
I am reporting what appears to be a serious, chronic safety issue with this vehicle (not just this particular car, but all M/Y 2020~2022 (and possibly 2012~2019 as well if they use the same brake components). Since new, my car has had chronic brake problems and these ongoing issues keep arising, pointing to defective brake caliper design. They have not caused an accident (for me anyway), but should be investigated because they have the potential to do so. I'll list dates, mileage and details…