Is the Volkswagen Passat Reliable?
2006–2019 reliability analysis based on NHTSA safety recalls and owner complaints.
Reliability Score
Own a Volkswagen Passat? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Volkswagen Passat Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 9 | — | — | 94 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 2 | 20 | — | — | 89 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 5 | 90 | 6 | — | 71 | Good |
| 2016 | 4 | 98 | — | — | 77 | Good |
| 2015 | 5 | 179 | 13 | — | 64 | Fair |
| 2014 | 7 | 422 | 16 | — | 48 | Fair |
| 2013 | 5 | 517 | 20 | — | 51 | Fair |
| 2012 | 8 | 337 | 5 | — | 56 | Fair |
| 2011 | 0 | 13 | — | — | 95 | Excellent |
| 2010 | 1 | 104 | — | — | 89 | Excellent |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Passat Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Passat scores 1 points above the average sedan — a strong result.
Known Volkswagen Passat Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 1789 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Volkswagen Passat reliable?+
The Volkswagen Passat scores 73/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 38 recall campaigns and 1789 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Passat is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2011 Passat achieved the highest reliability score of 95/100 with 0 recalls and 13 complaints.
How many miles does a Passat last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Volkswagen Passat owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Passat will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Volkswagen Passat Research
Check a Specific Volkswagen Passat VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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