Volkswagen Passat Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Own a Volkswagen Passat? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Volkswagen Passat — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019Best | Excellent | 1 | 9 | — | — | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2018 | Excellent | 3 | 20 | — | — | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2017 | Good | 5 | 89 | 7 | 6 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2016 | Good | 3 | 98 | 7 | — | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2015 | Caution | 6 | 179 | 8 | 13 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2014 | Avoid | 8 | 414 | 20 | 16 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2013Worst | Avoid | 8 | 516 | 19 | 20 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2012 | Avoid | 10 | 337 | 10 | 5 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2011 | Excellent | — | 13 | 1 | — | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2010 | Good | 3 | 104 | 2 | — | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2009 | Good | 3 | 111 | 2 | — | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2008 | Good | 2 | 110 | 2 | 3 | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2007 | Good | 4 | 152 | 2 | — | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2006 | Avoid | 3 | 407 | 15 | 5 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
14 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Volkswagen Passat Problems
Based on 2,559 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
Passat Years to Avoid
Best Passat Years to Buy
Volkswagen Passat Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Volkswagen Passat Reliability
What year Passat has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2013 Volkswagen Passat had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 516 complaints and 8 safety recalls. See the full 2013 report for specific defects.
Is the Volkswagen Passat reliable?
The Volkswagen Passat has accumulated 2,559 owner-filed complaints and 59 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. The 2019 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Passat.
What are the most common Passat problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Air Bags (785 reports), Electrical System (286 reports), Engine (270 reports), Steering (185 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my Passat has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Volkswagen Passat VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free Volkswagen Passat VIN Report →No account required · Instant results · Updated daily