Passat (2006)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 200 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
EA390 VR6
3.6L 6-cyl / 280 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Volkswagen Passat Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
1.8-I4-Gas
1.8L 4-cyl / 150 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Volkswagen Passat, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2006 Volkswagen Passat
On a used 2006 Volkswagen Passat, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (148), the engine (130) and the steering (112). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 148 owner complaints on the 2006 Volkswagen Passat about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 130 owner complaints on the 2006 Volkswagen Passat about the engine, all engines combined.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 112 owner complaints on the 2006 Volkswagen Passat about the steering.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 86 owner complaints on the 2006 Volkswagen Passat about the electrical system.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 66 owner complaints on the 2006 Volkswagen Passat about the cooling system, all engines combined.
Recalls (7)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L ENGINE WITH 147 KW MAY HAVE A VACUUM LINE THAT MAY FRACTURE AND BECOME DISCONNECTED AT LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.
Show 2 older recalls
ON CERTAIN '6' GENERATION PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DURING HEAVY RAIN DUE TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE ENTERING THE WIPER MOTOR. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE WIPERS CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD SECURING NUT MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TORQUED.
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2006-2006 Volkswagen Passat complaints?
Owners have filed 576 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006-2006 Volkswagen Passat. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the engine and the steering.
Is the 2006-2006 Volkswagen Passat a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 576 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006-2006 Volkswagen Passat. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006-2006 Volkswagen Passat have?
NHTSA has 576 owner complaints on file for the 2006-2006 Volkswagen Passat as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2006-2006 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls covering some 2006-2006 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Volkswagen Passat?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the engine and the steering, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Passat have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2006 Volkswagen Passat. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 576 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.