Volkswagen Passat reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 2,571 complaints about the Volkswagen Passat with NHTSA since 2010, most often about airbags and electrical system. Volkswagen has filed 28 warranty extensions and 4 service campaigns for it, and there are 28 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Volkswagen Passat? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Passat a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 2,571
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 28
- Filed by Volkswagen
- Service campaigns
- 4
- Filed by Volkswagen
- Safety recalls
- 28
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Passat with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 13 | Electrical system (23%) | 0 | 4 |
| 2021 | 18 | Lane keeping (28%) | 1 | 3 |
| 2020 | 18 | Engine (22%) | 3 | 3 |
| 2019 | 12 | Electrical system (33%) | 1 | 3 |
| 2018 | 46 | Brakes (26%) | 4 | 3 |
| 2017 | 110 | Airbags (25%) | 7 | 4 |
| 2016 | 106 | Airbags (24%) | 5 | 3 |
| 2015 | 243 | Airbags (36%) | 7 | 2 |
| 2014 | 594 | Airbags (60%) | 10 | 5 |
| 2013 | 748 | Airbags (51%) | 9 | 9 |
| 2012 | 484 | Airbags (61%) | 11 | 12 |
| 2011 | 16 | Engine (38%) | 0 | 5 |
| 2010 | 163 | Airbags (28%) | 4 | 14 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Passat model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Volkswagen
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Volkswagen filed with NHTSA for the Passat, in its own words. A warranty extension means Volkswagen pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionSep 2025· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010
This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement.
- Warranty extensionMay 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2022
Volkswagen has extended the Warranty coverage for the Evap Leak Detection Pump (LDP) to 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicles original in-service date, for certain 2022 Model Year Volkswagen vehicles.
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Automatic emergency braking and collision warning· model years 2016–2022
These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Automatic emergency braking and collision warning· model years 2016–2022
These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement
- Warranty extensionApr 2023· Steering· model years 2010–2022
This Document was revised. The model year chat was removed for VWP-18-11 for the Steering Wheel Clock Spring Limited Warranty Extension
- Warranty extensionApr 2021· Fuel system· model years 2010–2011
Warranty Extension for Intake Manifold & Fuel Injectors Certain 2008-2011
- Warranty extensionApr 2021· Fuel system· model years 2011
Warranty Extension for Fuel Injectors Certain 2011 Model Year Volkswagen
- Warranty extensionDec 2019· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010
This Document informs dealers on the the new Water Pump Limited Warranty Extension
- Warranty extensionDec 2019· Engine· model years 2010
This Document informs dealers on the the Frequently Asked Questions for the new Water Pump Limited Warranty Extension
- Warranty extensionAug 2019· Fuel system (diesel)· model years 2012–2014
This document informs dealers of an "Extended Emissions Warranty" Limited Warranty Extension for certain 2.0L TDI GEN 2 vehicles. Added clarification on totaled vehicles and loaners.
- Warranty extensionAug 2019· Fuel system (diesel)· model years 2015
This document informs dealers of a revision to the claim coding for the "Extended Emissions Warranty" Limited Warranty Extension for certain 2.0L TDI GEN 3 vehicles. Added clarification on totaled vehicles and loaners.
- Warranty extensionJan 2019· Engine· model years 2010
The Vehicle Maintenance Declaration has been added back to WISE for the Timing Chain Warranty Extension.
- Warranty extensionAug 2018· Engine· model years 2010
This document advises dealers regarding the Timing Chain/Timing Chain Tensioner Limited Warranty Extension
- Warranty extensionFeb 2017· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2011
This technical bulletin was updated per powertain team and warranty team.
- Warranty extensionOct 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2012–2014
This bulletin informs dealers of a warranty extension on the AdBlue heater.
- Warranty extensionJun 2016· Visibility· model years 2013–2014
Customer notificaiton letter - heater core warranty extension
- Warranty extensionJun 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2013–2014
This bulletin informs dealers of a warranty extension on the heater core.
- Warranty extensionNov 2015· Fuel system· model years 2012
On certain vehicles, a warranty extension has been issued for high pressure fuel pump. Model 2009-12 Touareg, 2012 Passat.
- Warranty extensionJun 2015· Fuel system (diesel)· model years 2010, 2012
Warranty Extension for High-Pressure Fuel Pump: Volkswagen informed customers of a decision to extend the warranty for the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) in the TDI® Clean Diesel engine vehicle under specific conditions to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from…
- Warranty extensionJun 2015· Fuel system (diesel)· model years 2010–2012
Warranty Information (Policies and Procedures Bulletin): Volkswagen has extended the warranty for the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) under specific conditions to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's original in-service date, for certain 2009 -…
- Warranty extensionJul 2014· Engine and cooling· model years 2012–2013
Warranty Information (Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension): Volkswagen has extended the Emissions Control Systems Warranty for the turbocharger under specific conditions to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle?s original in-service date, for…
- Warranty extensionJul 2014· Engine and cooling· model years 2012–2013
Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension
- Warranty extensionAug 2013· Fuel system· model years 2013
Volkwagen Note (Warranty Extension for Intake Manifold & Fuel Injectors Certain 2008-2011 Model Year Volkswagen Vehicles with 2.0 TFSI Engine (Engine Codes CBFA & CCTA)): As part of Volkswagen?s ongoing commitment to our environment, and in cooperation with the United States…
- Warranty extensionAug 2013· Equipment and accessories· model years 2013
Volkwagen Note (Warranty Extension for Intake Manifold & Fuel Injectors Certain 2008-2011 Model Year Volkswagen Vehicles with 2.0 TFSI Engine (Engine Codes CBFA & CCTA)): As part of Volkswagen?s ongoing commitment to our environment, and in cooperation with the United States…
- Warranty extensionJun 2013· Engine· model years 2012
Secondary Air Pressure Sensor Limited Warranty Extension. Volkswagen has extended the Emission Control Systems Warrantly for secondary air pressure sensor replacement under specific conditions to 10 years or 120,000 miles whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's original…
- Warranty extensionJun 2013· Engine and cooling· model years 2012
Secondary Air Pressure Sensor Limited Warranty Extension
- Warranty extensionMar 2013· Engine and cooling· model years 2010, 2012
Engine Exhaust Flap Limited Warranty Extension
- Warranty extensionNov 2010· Engine and cooling· model years 2010
There is a warranty extension on hard start conditions for customers who had an earlier campaign addressed on their vehicles.
- Service campaignJul 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2017
Closure of the campaign.
- Service campaignApr 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2012
Working with Service Campaigns that have Over-the-Air (OTA) Capability
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Passat model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Airbags1,235 (48%)
- Electrical system398 (15%)
- Engine365 (14%)
- Other or unspecified266 (10%)
- Steering224 (9%)
- Fuel and propulsion220 (9%)
- Transmission and drivetrain111 (4%)
- Brakes81 (3%)
Safety recalls
28 recalls cover at least one Passat model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.
These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale.
These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale.
The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force.
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed.
An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
And 13 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- EA18003Engineering analysis· opened Apr 2018, still open· Airbags· model years 2010–2014
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
- RQ17009Recall query· opened Nov 2017, closed May 2018· Airbags· model years 2010–2014
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
- PE15010Preliminary evaluation· opened Mar 2015, closed Sep 2015· Airbags· model years 2010, 2012–2014
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Led to recall 15V483000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2025 Volkswagen Passat has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Volkswagen Passat reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 2,571 owner complaints, 28 warranty extensions and 4 service campaigns Volkswagen filed, and 28 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2013 (748), 2014 (594), 2012 (484). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Volkswagen Passat?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name airbags (48%), electrical system (15%), engine (14%). Volkswagen has filed 28 warranty extensions covering the Passat, listed on this page.
Which Passat model years have the most complaints?
2013 (748), 2014 (594), 2012 (484). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Passat with each other rather than with other models.
Has Volkswagen extended the warranty on the Passat?
Yes: transmission and drivetrain (model years 2010); other or unspecified (model years 2022); automatic emergency braking and collision warning (model years 2016–2022), and 25 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Passat?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 28 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.