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Volkswagen Passat Problems, Recalls and Owner Complaints by Model Year
Across 11 model years, NHTSA lists 58 recalls and 2,376 owner complaints for the Volkswagen Passat. Newest model year first. Data as of October 25, 2026.
Volkswagen Passat by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Volkswagen Passat | 0 | 13 | |
| 2021 Volkswagen Passat | 1 | 0 | |
| 2020 Volkswagen Passat | 3 | 18 | |
| 2019 Volkswagen Passat | 1 | 12 | |
| 2018 Volkswagen Passat | 4 | 46 | |
| 2017 Volkswagen Passat | 7 | 110 | |
| 2016 Volkswagen Passat | 5 | 106 | |
| 2015 Volkswagen Passat | 7 | 244 | |
| 2014 Volkswagen Passat | 10 | 594 | |
| 2013 Volkswagen Passat | 9 | 749 | |
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 11 | 484 |
Model years with no recall and fewer than three complaints are not listed. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. All Volkswagen models.
Volkswagen Passat: questions owners ask
Which Volkswagen Passat year has the most problems?
By owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the Volkswagen Passat model years with the most are the 2013 (749), 2014 (594) and 2012 (484). Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are naturally lower; compare years of a similar age.
Which Volkswagen Passat years have the fewest complaints?
Leaving out the newest model years (too new to compare), the fewest owner complaints were filed for the 2019 (12), 2022 (13) and 2020 (18), out of 10 model years from 2012 to 2022. A low count can also mean that year sold fewer cars.
How many recalls does the Volkswagen Passat have?
NHTSA lists recalls for 10 Volkswagen Passat model years, 58 in total when counted per model year (one recall often covers several years). The years with the most are the 2012 (11), 2014 (10) and 2013 (9). Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which Volkswagen Passat years have the most airbag complaints?
302 owner complaints across 6 Volkswagen Passat model years describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. The most were filed for the 2013 (76), 2012 (74) and 2014 (69) model years, out of 6 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Volkswagen Passat years have the most stalling complaints?
144 owner complaints across 6 Volkswagen Passat model years describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. The most were filed for the 2013 (51), 2014 (34) and 2012 (25) model years, out of 6 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Volkswagen Passat years have the most check engine light complaints?
54 owner complaints across 3 Volkswagen Passat model years describe the check engine light coming on. The most were filed for the 2013 (32), 2012 (19) and 2018 (3) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Volkswagen Passat years have the most emissions system complaints?
45 owner complaints across 2 Volkswagen Passat model years describe emissions faults such as DPF, EGR, catalytic converter, AdBlue/DEF or NOx sensor problems. The most were filed for the 2013 (29) and 2012 (16) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Volkswagen Passat years have the most headlight and taillight complaints?
31 owner complaints across 2 Volkswagen Passat model years describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. The most were filed for the 2013 (27) and 2016 (4) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
How often does the Volkswagen Passat fail its MOT?
In 2023 UK MOT tests, the Volkswagen Passat's first-time failure rate ranged from 8.1% for cars first registered in 2021 to 36.8% for 2010, across 12 registration years with at least 100 tests. Older cars fail more often. The most common failure areas were suspension, tyres, lights and electrics. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.