2011 Volkswagen Passat Reliability Score: 8.6 out of 10

15 NHTSA Complaints

0 Recalls

1 Fire Reports

3 Crash Reports

Reliability Score

8.6 / 10

Reliability score

Fewer 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 7 powertrain complaints. A typical midsize sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 16.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.2 points in the typical case.

Breakdown

Complaints overall7 complaints against about 16 for similar vehicles

8.6

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

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

2.0-I4-Gas

2.0L 4-cyl / 200 hp

12 complaints 12.0 per year Gasoline

1 fire report 1 fatality

View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine

fuel system

electrical

safety systems

transmission

Same engine used in

CHRYSLER 300 (2011-2023)BMW X3 (2018-2024)HYUNDAI Elantra (2011-2016)FORD Crown Victoria (2000-2011)TOYOTA Supra (2020-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Cabrio (2000-2002)

+119 more

AUDI A5 (2018-2025)BMW 5 Series (2024-2026)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)BMW X3 (2011-2017)KIA Sorento (2016-2020)SUBARU Impreza (2017-2023)AUDI Q7 (2017-2025)FORD Focus (2000-2007)HYUNDAI Tiburon (2003-2008)AUDI A5 (2008-2016)KIA Forte (2014-2018)JEEP Wrangler (2007-2018)VOLKSWAGEN Passat (2012-2022)FORD Escape (2001-2007)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2006-2009)BMW 3 Series (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)DODGE Dart (2013-2016)BMW 4 Series (2014-2020)BMW X3 (2025-2026)NISSAN Sentra (2007-2012)BMW 2 Series (2022-2025)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)HYUNDAI Elantra (2017-2020)BMW X1 (2013-2015)DODGE Caliber (2007-2012)FORD Edge (2007-2014)BMW 5 Series (2011-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)PORSCHE Macan (2015-2024)NISSAN Sentra (2013-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class (2015-2019)AUDI A3 (2006-2013)AUDI A6 (2012-2018)BMW 5 Series (2004-2010)BMW X2 (2018-2023)CHRYSLER Crossfire (2004-2008)FORD Edge (2015-2024)BMW X4 (2015-2018)CHEVROLET Tracker (2000-2004)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Escape (2008-2012)AUDI A4 (2009-2016)VOLKSWAGEN New Beetle (2000-2010)CHRYSLER 200 (2011-2014)BMW 2 Series (2014-2021)BMW X4 (2019-2025)INFINITI Q60 (2017-2022)DODGE Ram (2002-2008)BMW 3 Series (2019-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2019-2025)JEEP Patriot (2007-2017)AUDI A4 (2006-2008)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2000-2005)HYUNDAI Tucson (2005-2009)JEEP Compass (2007-2017)SUBARU Crosstrek (2018-2023)MERCEDES-BENZ Metris (2016-2023)FORD Escape (2013-2019)BMW 4 Series (2021-2025)AUDI TT (2000-2006)BMW 5 Series (2017-2023)VOLKSWAGEN Tiguan (2018-2024)HYUNDAI Tucson (2016-2021)FORD Focus (2012-2018)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)AUDI Q3 (2019-2025)KIA Sportage (2005-2010)AUDI Q5 (2009-2017)BMW X1 (2023-2025)HONDA Civic (2001-2005)AUDI A3 (2015-2020)AUDI Q3 (2015-2018)BMW Z4 (2019-2025)AUDI A4 (2017-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2006-2010)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)DODGE Neon (2000-2005)AUDI TT (2016-2023)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)DODGE Intrepid (2000-2004)CHEVROLET Malibu (2008-2012)BMW Z4 (2009-2016)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)BMW X2 (2024-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2022-2025)FORD Escort (2000-2003)VOLKSWAGEN Routan (2009-2014)MERCEDES-BENZ SLC-Class (2012-2020)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2000-2006)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2010-2014)VOLKSWAGEN Eos (2007-2016)DODGE Durango (2004-2009)VOLKSWAGEN Beetle (2012-2019)FORD EcoSport (2018-2022)FORD Transit Connect (2014-2023)HYUNDAI Elantra (2007-2010)FORD Fusion (2013-2020)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2015-2021)VOLKSWAGEN Tiguan (2009-2017)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2011-2018)FORD Maverick (2022-2025)CHRYSLER PT Cruiser (2001-2010)FORD Focus (2008-2011)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)AUDI TT (2008-2014)VOLKSWAGEN Arteon (2019-2023)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2000-2006)VOLKSWAGEN CC (2009-2017)HYUNDAI Elantra (2001-2006)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)BMW X1 (2016-2022)AUDI A4 (2002-2005)LINCOLN MKC (2015-2019)AUDI Q5 (2018-2025)FORD Escape (2020-2025)

Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data

These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

EA855 BGP/BGQ

2.5L 5-cyl / 170 hp

2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline

View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems

Same engine used in

VOLKSWAGEN Passat (2012-2022)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2006-2009)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2000-2005)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2006-2010)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2010-2014)VOLKSWAGEN Beetle (2012-2019)

+2 more

VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2011-2018)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2000-2006)

Volkswagen Passat Unidentified Engine

1 complaint 1.0 per year

View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering

safety systems

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.

Engine: 6 owner complaints

Safety Systems: 5 owner complaints

All Generations

B52000-2005 20062006 20072007 20082008 20092009 20102010 20112011 NMS2012-2022

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Lexus

2013-2018

9.8/10

3 engines / 209 complaints

4 engines / 35 complaints

3 engines / 178 complaints

Lexus

2019-2025

9.6/10

4 engines / 135 complaints

Lexus

2012-2020

9.6/10

5 engines / 99 complaints

2 engines / 134 complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2011-2011 Volkswagen Passat complaints?

Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011-2011 Volkswagen Passat. The systems they name most often are the engine, the safety systems and the fuel system.

Is the 2011-2011 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 15 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011-2011 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 2011-2011 Volkswagen Passat have?

NHTSA has 15 owner complaints on file for the 2011-2011 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 2011-2011 Volkswagen Passat?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2011-2011 Volkswagen Passat.

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 engine, the safety systems 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 2011 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. 15 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: low. Last updated: 2026-09-29.