NHTSA Data Explorer

Volkswagen Passat

Data refreshed June 23, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Volkswagen Passat.

Complaints

7,875

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

301

Top reported issues — Volkswagen Passat

Click a category to expand its values.

Condition issue

1,955

Reporting mechanism

1,774

Operating state

1,643

Safety restraint issue

1,087

Engine behavior

905

Driver assistance issue

785

Fluid issue

774

Thermal issue

675

Noise

660

Performance issue

577

Braking behavior

371

Access/entry issue

344

Lighting behavior

335

Starting behavior

305

Vibration/harshness

286

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

250

Electrical issue

215

Smell

180

Safety restraint behavior

171

Steering behavior

171

HVAC behavior

165

Recent change

118

Infotainment behavior

89

Powering on/off behavior

83

Wiper/washer behavior

65

Ride/handling behavior

54

Communication/network issue

21

Charging behavior

1

Electrified system issue

1

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2014 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Filed Jun 16, 2026


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…

2014 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Filed Jun 11, 2026


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.

2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Filed Jun 8, 2026


Fire

I am requesting that Volkswagen open a formal case regarding a fire involving my 2021 Volkswagen Passat. On May 6, 2026, at approximately 9:30 PM, after driving about seven miles, I came to a complete stop and the vehicle began smoking before catching fire. The vehicle has been declared a total loss and is currently being stored at a salvage yard pending investigation. I am requesting that Volkswagen investigate the cause of the fire and advise whether an inspection of the vehicle will be…

2018 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Filed Jun 3, 2026


A major engineering and material design failure occurred involving internal fluid containment seals, resulting in a severe electrical safety hazard. Pressurized engine coolant breached an internal component seal and began migrating internally directly through the vehicle's engine wiring harness via capillary/siphoning action. The fluid used the sealed wiring loom as a literal pipeline, traveling inside the wire insulation to bypass all outer weather seals and completely flood the Engine…

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…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated June 23, 2026. Refreshed nightly.