Volkswagen

Passat (2007)

2007 · Midsize Sedan · 3 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.1)
273 NHTSA Complaints
7 Recalls
6 Fire Reports
4 Crash Reports
View all 8 generations of the Volkswagen Passat → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

EA390 VR6

3.6L 6-cyl / 280 hp
⚠️ Caution (3.1)
52 complaints 52.0 per year Gasoline
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Complaint Breakdown

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

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (21 complaints)
Engine Issues (21 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (13 complaints)

Volkswagen Passat Unidentified Engine

Avoid (1.7)
38 complaints 38.0 per year
2 fire reports
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Complaint Breakdown

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

Known Issues

Engine Issues (14 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (10 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (9 complaints)

2.0-I4-Gas

2.0L 4-cyl / 200 hp
Avoid (1.4)
183 complaints 164.0 per year Gasoline
4 fire reports
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Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Volkswagen Passat regardless of engine variant.

Safety Systems Issues (111 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Engine Issues (60 complaints)
engine critical
Fuel System Issues (39 complaints)
fuel_system serious
Electrical System Issues (28 complaints)
electrical serious
Cooling System Issues (22 complaints)
cooling critical

Recalls (7)

24V834000Oct 29, 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 17, 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.

18V148000Jun 2, 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 15, 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.

16V078000Oct 1, 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.

06V472000Dec 11, 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 11, 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 problems?

The 2007-2007 Volkswagen Passat has accumulated 273 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Engine, Fuel System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Volkswagen Passat engine is most reliable?

The 2007-2007 Volkswagen Passat was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.6L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2007-2007 Volkswagen Passat a good used car?

The 2007-2007 Volkswagen Passat can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 273 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007-2007 Volkswagen Passat have?

The 2007-2007 Volkswagen Passat has 273 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2007-2007 Volkswagen Passat?

There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2007-2007 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Volkswagen Passat?

Before buying a used Volkswagen Passat, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Engine, Fuel System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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: 2026-07-12.

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