Problem Lookup › Volkswagen › Passat › 2016
Car problem report
2016 Volkswagen Passat problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Volkswagen Passat has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 5safety recalls
- 106owner complaints
- 4crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 19%fail the UK MOT
106 complaints, against an average of 227 for the other 10 Volkswagen Passat model years.
Every Volkswagen Passat model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Volkswagen Passat?
The components named most often in the 106 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Volkswagen Passat owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 106 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2016 Volkswagen Passat?21 owners · 19.8%
- Why does my 2016 Volkswagen Passat smell of fuel or gas?9 owners · 8.5% · Recall 16V403000
- Why does my 2016 Volkswagen Passat stall, lose power or shut off while driving?7 owners · 6.6%
- Why is my 2016 Volkswagen Passat burning or losing oil?4 owners · 3.8%
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2016 Volkswagen Passat?4 owners · 3.8%
- Why does adaptive cruise control not work properly on my 2016 Volkswagen Passat?4 owners · 3.8%
- Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2016 Volkswagen Passat?4 owners · 3.8% · Recall 19V389000
Has the 2016 Volkswagen Passat been recalled?
5 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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.
Risk: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
Fix: Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.
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.
Risk: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.
Exterior Lighting: Headlights 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."
Risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Fuel Injection System: Fuel Rail 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.
Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 15F7.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine 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.
Risk: If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Passat recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSATakata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement
Risk: Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Our information shows your vehicle was originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Issue: The front airbag in your VW vehicle contains an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. Risk: If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.
Fix: The front airbag must be replaced. Immediate Action Required: Stop driving your vehicle immediately. Contact the Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM to arrange your recall service.
UK DVSATakata Front airbag
Risk: The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Fix: Replace airbag
UK DVSAThe joint between the sun roof trim and sun roof frame is incorrctly bonded
Risk: A possible faulty bonded joint between sun roof trim panel and sun roof frame.
Fix: The sun roof trim panel is replaced on affected vehicles.
UK DVSAAirbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident
Risk: Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision
Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seatbelt pretensioner where necessary.
UK DVSALights may fail without warning
Risk: It has been identified that due to a programing issue with the On-Board Supply Control Unit it is possible that the failure of one of the vehicle lights (dipped beam/main beam/daytime running light/rear fog light or indicator) may not be recognised by the control unit and therefore not shown in the instrument cluster. It is also possible that vehicle lights may be shown as faulty when they are not. Furthermore a failure of a dipped beam may not trigger a replacement response (activation of side lights). A light failure without a display in the instrument cluster or without replacement response can pose a danger of an accident especially in the dark.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to reprogramme the On-Board Supply Control Unit.
UK DVSAChild lock may disengage
Risk: The door child locks may disengage without driver knowledge. Though the door remains close it is possible for the door to then be opened from the inside.
Fix: On affected vehicles inspect lock mechanism and replace where necessary.
UK DVSASunroof may injure occupants when it is closed from outside vehicle
Risk: On certain vehicles with Panorama sun roof the legally specified limits of the clamping forces for convenience opening and closing of the sun roof may not be kept. When closing the Panorama sun roof from outside with the vehicle key (convenience closing) if any body parts are in the operating area of the sun roof they can get pressed against the roof frame and possibly get injured.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and deactivate the convenience opening and closing of the Panorama sun roof. To do this the software for the on-board supply control unit and the sun roof control unit must be updated/ configured.
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it can result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it can result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateCars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general…Cars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general public. There is a possibility that certain safety systems of these cars are not correctly modified for street use.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe airbag may be faulty.Fragments can detach from the inflator housing when deployed and injure vehicle occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateCars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general…Cars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general public. There is a possibility that certain safety systems of these cars are not correctly modified for street use.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIn the event of a repair, due to an ambiguous indication in the replacement parts catalogue, the adhesive joint between the sunroof cover…In the event of a repair, due to an ambiguous indication in the replacement parts catalogue, the adhesive joint between the sunroof cover and the sliding roof may be fitted incorrectly. As a result, the sunroof cover could detach in motion and endanger the following traffic.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateSome vehicles have differences in the mixture ratio for the initiating device, which could lead to the driver and passenger airbag or…Some vehicles have differences in the mixture ratio for the initiating device, which could lead to the driver and passenger airbag or seat-belt pre-tensioner not activating in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIt is possible that the wheel bolts were not tightened with the correct torque which could result in the loss of the wheel.Also, the running direction of the tyres may not have been taken into account when the winter tyres were fitted which could have a negative effect on driving stability.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe fuel rail in the engine may leak which could lead to a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIt is possible that one or more of the pump pistons in the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) control device may become stuck.A pump piston that becomes stuck leads to diminished pressure build-up/pressure reduction in the hydraulic system. The Electronic Stability Programme's regulating capability is thus restricted.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateExcessive closing forces may be generated when the panoramic sliding/tilting sunroof is closed using the 'comfort opening and closing'…Excessive closing forces may be generated when the panoramic sliding/tilting sunroof is closed using the 'comfort opening and closing' function which could lead to crushing injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA plug has not been correctly fitted into the fuse holder of the central electrics which can cause failure of the engine, the power…A plug has not been correctly fitted into the fuse holder of the central electrics which can cause failure of the engine, the power steering and the power assisted brakes. Failure of a number of electronic components, such as the multipurpose display and the lighting equipment also occurs.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2016 Volkswagen Passat fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2016, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2016 Volkswagen Passat owners report?
12 of the 106 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The clock spring system failed, rendering all of the cars' steering wheel functions non-functional. The airbag light is on and the steering wheels airbag does not operate as well as the cars horn and auto cruise controls. The instrument cluster is malfunctioning as well. The safety risks associated with the malfunctions could result in great harm to the driver and passengers in the vehicle.
currently leaking raw fuel under the hood (matching Recall 15F7) and stalling after fill-ups (matching Recall 24V110000). I am requesting a Specialized Safety Review and Goodwill Assistance to cover the repair because this is a documented manufacturing defect, not wear-and-tear." 2. Leverage the "Suction Jet Pump" Investigation There is a current investigation (as of early 2026) because VW’s recent fuel pump recall (24V110000) didn't include enough vehicles.
The vehicle has been alerting error codes 16352 for failing to communicate with ABS module causing warning lights for ABS, brake and the ESC systems to illuminate. The brake system related vehicle stabilizing functions (ABS/ESC) is not be available, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control and could lead to a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Please reference Safety Recall Code: 45F2
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that on seven occasions, the clock spring failed while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle with the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the clock spring was replaced under warranty; however, the failure returned soon after repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a Corporate Representative was sent to the dealer to test the repair. The representative test driving the vehicle also experienced…
The fuel delivery system appears to have failed. Specifically, there is an active gasoline leak from a fuel line inside the cabin, near or under the rear seat. The source may be related to an unresolved recall involving the fuel rail detaching from the engine, which causes pressurized fuel leakage. The failed component is still present on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. The back seat was removed by a mechanic who observed gasoline actively spewing into the cabin. This defect presents an extreme fire hazard. The constant gasoline fumes in the interior have caused me to…
While driving on a residential street the VW Front Assist suddenly engaged the brakes. There was no car in front or any cars driving in the area. The car came to a complete stop. The only explanation may be that it had been recently raining in Seattle and it was also late in the day so the sun was low in the sky. There was also a metal plate on the street that appeared to be reflective with the rain. We have had incidents like this in the past while driving over the University Bridge as well which is a metal grated draw bridge in Seattle. We are extremely concerned that the brakes will engage…
Unknown my water pump failed and all out of nowhere
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating abnormally while in park(P) and had started jerking while driving. The contact stated that while driving and exceeding 70 MPH, the shaking and vibrating became worse. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil on top of the engine. The EPC warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the breather valve, oil separator, the lower and upper timing cover, all four coil pack connectors, the coolant fluid…
Air bag error light is on and steering wheel controls/horn are inoperable. Cause is most likely a clock spring failure as has been reported in numerous VW vehicle models including the 2016 VW Passat but the current recall 69L2 doesn’t appear to cover our vehicle. With recall problems on numerous other vehicles, it is hard to believe this isn’t caused by the same issue. Repair cost is estimated at $900 for an item that should be covered by VW.
During sharp turn would hear cracking sound coming from steering wheel, after some days air bag warning light appeared on dahsboard and honk and steering wheel buttons stopped working. Dealer replaced the clockspring under warranty that fixed airbag warning issue, but still had honk and steering wheel buttons persisted. Dealer recommended replacing steering wheel control button module to fix both honk and steering wheel buttons. It appears all the problems are related and should have been fixed under warranty
I own a 2016 VW Passat that I'm thinking of painting yellow and I don't like yellow. I was driving going about 75 mph on freeway in Idaho and a truck from the slow lane started merging over into my lane I went to hit horn and it didn't work. I hit my brakes and I mean hard because he obviously didn't see me and he merged over into my lane but had I not braked as hard and when I did it would of been a collision. That's how I discovered my horn didn't work. I'm not a person who pulls up to someones house and taps the horn nor do I use it if someone is sitting at an intersection after the light…
VW repaired clock spring (a recall) after airbag warning, steering wheel controls stopped working. VW returned the vehicle to me, the customer, with the clock spring supposedly repaired yet steering wheel buttons, including cruise control and others, remained broken and unusable. VW wanted several hundred dollars to fix this, despite the issue obviously being directly related to the clock spring as all buttons were in working order prior to the clock spring issue. (dates below May not be entirely accurate as this happened several years ago and still has not been repaired, however I was unaware…
Volkswagen guides on CarHooq
2016 Volkswagen Passat: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 106 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volkswagen Passat; the most common categories were air bags (25, 23.6%), electrical system (22, 20.8%), steering (19, 17.9%). There are 5 safety recalls. 4 complaints mention a crash, 3 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Passat?
Across 106 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (23.6% of complaints), electrical system (20.8% of complaints), steering (17.9% of complaints), engine (16% of complaints), service brakes (16% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat; the most recent (campaign 21V321000, 2021-05-05) concerns Unknown Or Other. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2016 Volkswagen Passat?
21 of the 106 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat (19.8%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. One owner wrote: "The clock spring system failed, rendering all of the cars' steering wheel functions non-functional. The airbag light is on and the steering wheels airbag does not operate as well as the cars horn and auto cruise controls." (NHTSA complaint 11735422, May 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2016 Volkswagen Passat smell of fuel or gas?
9 of the 106 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat (8.5%) describe a fuel or gasoline smell, or a fuel leak. A related recall exists: campaign 16V403000 (fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail). The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge. One owner wrote: "GAS LEAKING INTO BACKSEAT SOAKING CUSHIONS, Passenger door body door whole stripped and door bolt loosen which could fall off if not tightened every 3 days" (NHTSA complaint 11485010, September 2022). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2016 Volkswagen Passat stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
7 of the 106 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat (6.6%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "currently leaking raw fuel under the hood (matching Recall 15F7) and stalling after fill-ups (matching Recall 24V110000). I am requesting a Specialized Safety Review and Goodwill Assistance to cover the repair because this is a documented manufacturing…" (NHTSA complaint 11732738, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is my 2016 Volkswagen Passat burning or losing oil?
4 of the 106 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat (3.8%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "Car has low oil pressure come up. After new oil change around 2,000 mile the oil has disappeared/burned away. I had falcone check 3 different times. They see no leaks or issue. Due to this my engine Knocks" (NHTSA complaint 11502087, January 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2016 Volkswagen Passat?
4 of the 106 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat (3.8%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "The vehicle has been alerting error codes 16352 for failing to communicate with ABS module causing warning lights for ABS, brake and the ESC systems to illuminate." (NHTSA complaint 11691060, October 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does adaptive cruise control not work properly on my 2016 Volkswagen Passat?
4 of the 106 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat (3.8%) describe adaptive cruise control disengaging, braking or not working. One owner wrote: "Steering wheel began to click when turning any direction mid-trip. vehicle was in motion and had been in motion for approx 30 minutes when issue began. all steering wheel buttons, including cruise control, no longer worked." (NHTSA complaint 11231050, July 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2016 Volkswagen Passat?
4 of the 106 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat (3.8%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. A related recall exists: campaign 19V389000 (exterior lighting: headlights). The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. One owner wrote: "UNKNOWN - Looked into recall information regarding this vehicle. KBB.COM specified a headlight issue that has not been repaired on my vehicle." (NHTSA complaint 11572614, February 2024). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own Passat
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only.