Is the Volkswagen Passat Reliable?
2006–2019 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other sedans — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
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 | — | — | 55 | Fair |
| 2018 | 3 | 20 | — | — | 46 | Fair |
| 2017 | 7 | 92 | 6 | — | 30 | Poor |
| 2016 | 4 | 98 | — | — | 30 | Poor |
| 2015 | 5 | 180 | 13 | — | 30 | Poor |
| 2014 | 9 | 425 | 16 | — | 30 | Poor |
| 2013 | 7 | 517 | 20 | — | 30 | Poor |
| 2012 | 7 | 340 | 5 | — | 30 | Poor |
| 2011 | 0 | 13 | — | — | 55 | Fair |
| 2010 | 3 | 104 | — | — | 30 | Poor |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Passat Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Passat scores 27 points below the average sedan. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Volkswagen Passat Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 1798 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Volkswagen Passat reliable?+
The Volkswagen Passat scores 45/100 on our reliability index — rated "Fair." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 46 recall campaigns and 1798 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Passat is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2019 Passat achieved the highest reliability score of 55/100 with 1 recall and 9 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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