Passat (2010)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Volkswagen Passat Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 200 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
EA390 VR6
3.6L 6-cyl / 280 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.8-V6-Gas
2.8L 6-cyl / 190 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Volkswagen Passat regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (4)
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.
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 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2010-2010 Volkswagen Passat problems?
The 2010-2010 Volkswagen Passat has accumulated 170 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 2010-2010 Volkswagen Passat was offered with 4 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2010-2010 Volkswagen Passat a good used car?
The 2010-2010 Volkswagen Passat can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 170 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 2010-2010 Volkswagen Passat have?
The 2010-2010 Volkswagen Passat has 170 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 2010-2010 Volkswagen Passat?
There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2010-2010 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 2010 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. 170 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-07-12.