Reliability
Volkswagen

Passat (2007)

2007 · Midsize Sedan · 3 engines
273 NHTSA Complaints
7 Recalls
6 Fire Reports
4 Crash Reports
View all 8 generations of the Volkswagen Passat → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

4.7 / 10

Reliability score

More owner complaints than similar midsize sedans

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 110 powertrain complaints. A typical midsize sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 47.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 1.5 points better in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall110 complaints against about 47 for similar vehicles
4.7
Last three years
n/aNot enough data
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced
n/aNot enough data
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record · from NHTSA's files, not reviewed by hand

Engineering analysisEA11002
Engine compartment fire · opened 2011, closed 2012

Complaints by Engine Code

2.0-I4-Gas

2.0L 4-cyl / 200 hp
183 complaints 164.0 per year Gasoline
4 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
80
fuel system
39
electrical
28
engine
25
steering
12

Same engine used in

+124 more
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EA390 VR6

3.6L 6-cyl / 280 hp
52 complaints 52.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
21
engine
21
cooling
13
electrical
4
fuel system
3

Volkswagen Passat Unidentified Engine

38 complaints 38.0 per year
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
14
safety systems
10
cooling
9
fuel system
6
brakes
5

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.

Safety Systems: 111 owner complaints
Engine: 60 owner complaints
Fuel System: 48 owner complaints
Electrical System: 36 owner complaints
Cooling System: 32 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2007 Volkswagen Passat

On a used 2007 Volkswagen Passat, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (111), the engine (60) and the fuel system (48). 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.

  1. 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 111 owner complaints on the 2007 Volkswagen Passat about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
  2. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 60 owner complaints on the 2007 Volkswagen Passat about the engine, all engines combined.
  3. Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 48 owner complaints on the 2007 Volkswagen Passat about the fuel system, all engines combined.
  4. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 36 owner complaints on the 2007 Volkswagen Passat about the electrical system.
  5. With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 32 owner complaints on the 2007 Volkswagen Passat about the cooling system, all engines combined.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2007 Volkswagen Passat

Recalls (7)

24V834000Oct 30, 2024critical
Air Bags

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.

18V247000Apr 18, 2018critical
Air Bags

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.

18V148000Mar 6, 2018critical
Air Bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

17V509000Aug 16, 2017serious
Fuel System

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.

16V078000Feb 10, 2016critical
Air Bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Show 2 older recalls
06V472000Dec 12, 2006serious
Service Brakes

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.

06V470000Dec 12, 2006serious
Visibility

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.

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2007-2007 Volkswagen Passat complaints?

Owners have filed 273 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007-2007 Volkswagen Passat. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the engine and the fuel system.

Is the 2007-2007 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 273 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007-2007 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 2007-2007 Volkswagen Passat have?

NHTSA has 273 owner complaints on file for the 2007-2007 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 2007-2007 Volkswagen Passat?

NHTSA lists 7 recalls covering some 2007-2007 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 fuel system, 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 2007 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. 273 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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