Volkswagen

Passat (NMS)

2012-2022 · Midsize Sedan ยท 7 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (4.1)
2,337 NHTSA Complaints
27 Recalls
13 Fire Reports
88 Crash Reports
Includes data from: PASSATPASSAT TDI
View all 2 generations of the Volkswagen Passat → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (10.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

2.0-I4-Gas

2.0L 4-cyl / 200 hp
โœ… Recommended (4.1)
43 complaints 7.2 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
13
electrical
11
safety systems
8
fuel system
8
steering
5

Known Issues

Engine Issues (13 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (11 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (8 complaints)

Same engine used in

+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)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)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)VOLKSWAGEN Tiguan (2018-2025)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)CHEVROLET Cruze (2011-2019)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)

TSI

1.8L 4-cyl Turbo / 170 hp
โœ… Recommended (3.6)
66 complaints 16.2 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
17
safety systems
17
electrical
13
engine
9
transmission
6

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (17 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (17 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (13 complaints)

Volkswagen Passat Unidentified Engine

โš ๏ธ Caution (3.1)
153 complaints 21.9 per year
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
60
electrical
24
engine
22
other
19
fuel system
14

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (60 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (24 complaints)
Engine Issues (22 complaints)

EA390 VR6

3.6L 6-cyl / 280 hp
โš ๏ธ Caution (3.1)
63 complaints 10.5 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
39
electrical
11
engine
6
exterior
5
transmission
4

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (39 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (11 complaints)
Engine Issues (6 complaints)

2.0-I4-Diesel

2.0L 4-cyl / 140 hp
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.2)
522 complaints 130.5 per year Diesel
4 fire reports
View details

EA855 BGP/BGQ

2.5L 5-cyl / 170 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.7)
809 complaints 152.8 per year Gasoline
4 fire reports 2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
583
electrical
122
steering
76
engine
47
exterior
40

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (583 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (122 complaints)
Steering Issues (76 complaints)
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

1.6-I4-Diesel

1.6L 4-cyl / 67 hp
โœ… Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Diesel
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

1.8T

1.8L 4-cyl / 170 hp
โœ… Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1
electrical
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Volkswagen Passat regardless of engine variant.

Safety Systems Issues (1,200 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Electrical System Issues (385 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (318 complaints)
engine serious
Fuel System Issues (191 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Steering Issues (178 complaints)
steering critical

Recalls (27)

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.

21V812000Oct 14, 2021serious
Wheels

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Passat vehicles. The front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.

21V321000May 4, 2021serious
Unknown Or Other

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

20V561000Sep 15, 2020serious
Unknown Or Other

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

20V533000Feb 8, 2020serious
Air Bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Passat vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

19V679000Sep 24, 2019serious
Unknown Or Other

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

19V389000May 21, 2019serious
Exterior Lighting

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

19V218000Mar 19, 2019serious
Air Bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.

19V014000Oct 31, 2019critical
Air Bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015 Passat, 2015-2016 Eos, 2015-2017 CC, 2016-2017 TT Roadster, TT Coupe, 2017 Audi R8 Coupe, and R8 Spyder vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

19V862000Apr 11, 2019critical
Air Bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

18V329000May 15, 2018serious
Unknown Or Other

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

18V536000Aug 14, 2018serious
Service Brakes

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.

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.

18V369000Jan 5, 2018serious
Service Brakes

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.

17V309000Nov 4, 2017serious
Engine & Cooling

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Passat vehicles, equipped with diesel engines and Direct-Shift Transmissions (DSG). The vehicle's underbody heat shield may not be long enough to protect the right half-shaft grease boot from heat, potentially resulting in a grease leak.

17V075000Aug 1, 2017serious
Service Brakes

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Passat vehicles. Brake fluid may leak slowly from the some of the brake line connections, resulting in a low brake fluid level.

16V171000Mar 23, 2016serious
Electrical System

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical connectors of the sensor, causing an electrical short.

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.

16V403000Jun 5, 2016serious
Fuel System

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jetta vehicles manufactured October 31, 2015, to January 21, 2016, 2016 Passat vehicles, equipped with 1.8T engines manufactured November 13, 2015, to December 9, 2015, and 2016 Golf vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to November 11, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the fuel rail may detach from the cylinder head and result in a fuel leak.

15V705000Oct 25, 2015serious
Engine & Cooling

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.

15V028000Jan 22, 2015serious
Fuel System

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.

15V373000Jun 14, 2015serious
Service Brakes

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Passat vehicles manufactured May 18, 2015, to May 21, 2015. The affected vehicles have a brake line at the left rear wheel area that may not have been properly tightened.

15V483000Apr 7, 2015serious
Air Bags

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.

14V670000Oct 23, 2014serious
Seats

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Jetta and Passat vehicles manufactured September 23, 2014, to October 9, 2014, and equipped with manual front seatback recliners. In the affected vehicles, the seatback recliner retaining bracket may not engage correctly, resulting in unexpected movement of the seatback.

14V125000Mar 16, 2014serious
Exterior Lighting

Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Passat vehicles manufactured January 2011 through November 2012. In the affected vehicles, the low beam headlight bulb may become loose and lose electrical contact.

14V182000Apr 14, 2014serious
Powertrain

Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the transmission may leak fluid.

12V146000May 3, 2012serious
Fuel System, Diesel

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PASSAT VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 1, 2011. DURING ASSEMBLY, THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DIESEL FUEL FILTER ELEMENT THAT MAY NOT SEAL CORRECTLY.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2012-2022 Volkswagen Passat problems?

The 2012-2022 Volkswagen Passat has accumulated 2,337 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Electrical System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Volkswagen Passat engine is most reliable?

The 2012-2022 Volkswagen Passat was offered with 9 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 2012-2022 Volkswagen Passat a good used car?

The 2012-2022 Volkswagen Passat can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,337 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 2012-2022 Volkswagen Passat have?

The 2012-2022 Volkswagen Passat has 2,337 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 2012-2022 Volkswagen Passat?

There are 27 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2012-2022 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” 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, Electrical System, Engine, 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.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Passat?

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 3 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (10.7% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,337 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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