2022 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

0 recalls — 15 complaints — 239 TSBs — 4/5 safety rating

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

15 total complaints

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SERVICE BRAKES	3
STEERING	2
POWER TRAIN	2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	2
ENGINE	2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK	1
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING	1
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST	1

Incident date: Mar 6, 2026

I am reporting what appears to be a serious, chronic safety issue with this vehicle (not just this particular car, but all M/Y 2020~2022 (and possibly 2012~2019 as well if they use the same brake components). Since new, my car has had chronic brake problems and these ongoing issues keep arising, po... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2025

Manufacturers defect. Known excessive oil consumption of the 2.0 Turbo 4 cylinder engine.

Incident date: Nov 8, 2024

In May of 2023, I reported that the driver side rear brake caliper appeared to be sticking as one pad at that corner was completely worn down and making contact with the rotor, while the other pad at that same corner had no visible wear. Dealer replaced the rear left rotor under warranty (40,805 mil... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2024

While driving car began to jerk and had odd smell. Stopped at a Midas to have car looked at and all of the transmission fluid leaked out. Techs at Midas state the gasket that hold the fluid in came out and caused all the fluid to leak out. Had no issues while driving previous to this, this just happ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 20, 2023

I keep adding oil and the dealership says there’s nothing wrong. For electric problems the speakers have static noise and the screen goes black and turns on hours later. I took in my recently they said there wasn’t any problems with the car but I literally deal with it everyday. I told them my c... Read more

Incident date: Dec 20, 2023

Incident date: Sep 22, 2023

Brakes are on this care are failing well in advance of typical cars. My car's rear brakes are measuring at a 2 with just over 20,000 miles on the vehicle. When we asked the dealership about this, they said the Passat is just "hard on rear brakes." We had a previous Passat and did not experience th... Read more

Incident date: Apr 18, 2023

Since owning the vehicle, the lane assist is very aggressive. It will pick up tire marks or tar in the road and jerk the car out of the lane that I am in. I’ve contacted the dealership and they told me that there is nothing they can do to turn the sensitivity down. It has done it several times and... Read more

Incident date: Apr 18, 2023

Incident date: Nov 15, 2021

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle was parked, all 4 doors would automatically unlock. There were no warning lights on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and diagnosed with no failure being found. The vehicle was not rep... Read more

Incident date: Nov 15, 2021

Incident date: Oct 16, 2021

The steering tightens up at times when decelerating between 30 - 42 mph. This has occurred three times now since purchase of the vehicle new. My vehicle database feedback notes no repairs needed; just check of vehicle at 20,000 miles and oil change at 10,000 miles. I am subscribed to the vehicle... Read more

Incident date: Oct 16, 2021

NHTSA Safety Ratings — 2022 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

2022 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash	3 / 5 ★★★☆☆
Frontal Crash — Driver	3 / 5 ★★★☆☆
Frontal Crash — Passenger	3 / 5 ★★★☆☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash — Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash — Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	10.7%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy — 2022 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	24.0	36.0	28.0	Regular	$2,150

CO2 Emissions: 315.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins — 2022 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

239 manufacturer communications from 171 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	31
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	27
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	18
350000 EQUIPMENT	17
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	16
061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION	12
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL	12
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	10

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VW Engine oil quality standards

138500 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REFRIGERANT HOSES AND FITTINGS

Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the R1234yf Refrigerant Circuit (U.S. Only) updated to adjust Flush machine filter pricing.

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the R1234yf Refrigerant Circuit (U.S. Only) updated to adjust Flush machine filter pricing.

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

VW Engine oil quality standards

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

VW Engine oil quality standards

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VW Engine oil quality standards

138410 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:COMPRESSOR:CLUTCH

A/C Compressor leak diagnosis

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

A/C Compressor leak diagnosis

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Addressing Cybersecurity or Vehicle Hack concerns

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Airbag / Pyrotechnic Safety Belt Deployment Inquiries, update to contact information due to retirement.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Paint inspection during Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI)

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

VW Engine oil quality standards

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VW Engine oil quality standards

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Reporting procedure for A/C compressor replacement regardless of the reason for failure. Update to model year applicability and new warranty GFF labor operation number

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

VW Engine oil quality standards

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

VW Engine oil quality standards

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000VAS Charger. Update Tool terminology

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Helpline & Parts Dept. contact information.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

Brake repair or replacement instruction.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

Brake Disc (rotor) instruction for resurfacing following Volkswagen Warranty Policy & Procedure Manual.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Brake Disc (rotor) instruction for resurfacing following Volkswagen Warranty Policy & Procedure Manual.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Brake Disc (rotor) instruction for resurfacing following Volkswagen Warranty Policy & Procedure Manual.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Diagnostic assistance for excessive static current draw

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Battery Testing and Charging using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000 Vas Charger

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery Testing and Charging using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000 Vas Charger

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Software Version Management (SVM) instruction.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Correct engine oil level during Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI)

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Automatic Transmission Fluid Requirements

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards, updated to include model year 2024.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine Oil Consumption Measurement Instruction and Work sheet.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Engine Oil Consumption Measurement Instruction and Work sheet.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards, updated to include model year 2024.

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

Gasoline quality information in regards to gasoline engine performance.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Gasoline quality information in regards to gasoline engine performance.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Gasoline fuel additive

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Diagnostic Aid for engine misfire.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Noise Diagnostic for Manual Transmission vehicles.

102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Noise Diagnostic for Manual Transmission vehicles.

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Notifying customers they can take advantage of complimentary safe and secure after their complimentary software update

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Customer states MIL-on, P0442 stored in ECM memory Customer states MIL-on, P0322 stored in ECM memory Customer states MIL-on, fault P2402 stored in ECM memory Customer states MIL-on, fault P0456 and/or P0442 stored in ECM memory Noise f

220000 SEATS

150000 SEAT BELTS

123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Introduce new engine coolant compatible with all models and all model years.

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Customer states MIL-on, P0442 stored in ECM memory Customer states MIL-on, fault P2402 stored in ECM memory Customer states MIL-on, fault P04F0 stored in ECM memory Customer states MIL-on, fault P0456 and/or P0442 stored in ECM memory N

220000 SEATS

150000 SEAT BELTS

123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

150000 SEAT BELTS

220000 SEATS

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

150000 SEAT BELTS

Customer states MIL-on, P0442 stored in ECM memory Customer states MIL-on, fault P2402 stored in ECM memory Customer states MIL-on, fault P0456 and/or P0442 stored in ECM memory Noise from front end while driving Customer states MIL-on/

220000 SEATS

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Battery adaptation procedure when battery label is missing.

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Battery adaptation procedure when battery label is missing.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Customer states MIL-on, P0442 stored in ECM memory Customer states MIL-on, fault P2402 stored in ECM memory Customer states rattle from beneath the vehicle Customer states MIL-on, fault P0456 and/or P0442 stored in ECM memory Noise from

010000 STEERING

This Document was revised. The model year chat was removed for VWP-18-11 for the Steering Wheel Clock Spring Limited Warranty Extension

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

074000 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (PWS)

150000 SEAT BELTS

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Customer states MIL-on, fault P0456 and/or P0442 stored in ECM memory Customer states MIL-on, fault P2402 stored in ECM memory Customer states rattle from beneath the vehicle Customer states MIL-on, fault P0456 and/or P0442 stored in ECM

061610 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards

112000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Generator Replacement

140000 AIR BAGS

150000 SEAT BELTS

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

EVAP components available separately or as an assembly.

160000 STRUCTURE

Strut or Shock leak assessment.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This Document informs dealers on VWP-23-01

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments (excludes Routan & ID.4).

150000 SEAT BELTS

VW contact when reporting a Airbag or Pyrotechnic safety belt deployment. Update to model year applicability.

140000 AIR BAGS

VW contact when reporting a Airbag or Pyrotechnic safety belt deployment. Update to model year applicability.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Water migration underneath transportation covering (RAPGARD).

220000 SEATS

Driver Seat, Memory Set procedure.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments (excludes Routan & ID.4).

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Required Alignment Submission form.

123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Taillight Cluster Condensation. Updated to include additional model year applicability.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments (excludes Routan & ID.4).

118520 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:PARKING ASSIST:SENSORS

Park Assist Sensors Providing False Warnings. Updated to include additional model year applicability.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Update model year applicability to include 2023.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.

263000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

ACC Calibration Process

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

A/C requirements, update to model year applicability.

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

A/C requirements, update to model year applicability.

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Cleaning of R1234YF Refrigerant Circuit. Updated to include additional model year applicability and front bumper R & I clarification.

Showing 100 of 239 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations — VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA — Closed — Model Year: 2001

Engine Compartment Fire

In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW... Read more

PE — Closed — Model Year: 2003

Engine Compartment Fire

ODI has received 11 complaints alleging that a fire started in the engine compartment of the vehicle that may be related to ignition coil failure, and 9 complaints of ignition coil failure that did not result in a fire.Reports state that the vehicle hesitated or lost power, and the check engine or d... Read more

PE — Closed — Model Year: 2009

TRANSMISSION FLUID HOSE CHAFE

ON MAY 4, 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATIONS (ODI) OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE09-022 TO INVESTIGATE AN OWNER COMPLAINT (ODI NO. 10260517) ALLEGING CONTACT BETWEEN THE ATF COOLING LINE AND THE RADIATOR FAN BLADES.THE COMPLAINT INDICATED THAT THE CONTACT RESULTED IN RAPID ATF FLUID LOSS W... Read more

EA — Closed — Model Year: 2004

PASSENGER ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA ON 04-APR-08 THAT A SAFETY RECALL ACTION WOULD BE INITIATED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE.IN JUNE 2008, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (CODE 26E5/R5) REGARDING THE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES TO BE EMPLOYED IN THIS CAMPAIGN.VEHICLE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS WERE ... Read more

PE — Closed — Model Year: 2003

PASSENGER/ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

MANY OF THE FIRE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE FIRE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO IGNITION COIL FAILURE.VW PROVIDED ADDITIONAL DATA REGARDING ITS ANALYSIS OF VEHICLE FIRES AND A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE THREE DIFFERENT ENGINES AND IGNITION SYSTEMS FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODIFINDS THE NEED TO FURTHER INVES... Read more

PE — Closed — Model Year: 2002

WATER/ICE IN BRAKE BOOSTER

DURING THIS INVESTIGATION, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA (VW) IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM WITH WATER ACCUMULATION IN THE FRESH AIR PLENUM THAT COULD, IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKE POWER ASSIST IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 PASSAT VEHICLES.VW INDICATED THAT PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY LEAVES AND OTHER DEBRIS... CLOGGING THE PLENUM DRAINS, WHICH MAY RESULT IN WATER FILLING THE PLENUM TO THE LEVEL OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER AIR INTAKE.THE BOOSTER AIR INTAKE IS LOCATED IN THE FRESH AIR PLENUM IN THE MY 2002 PASSAT VEHICLES, BUT NOT IN THE MY 2001 OR 2003 VEHICLES WHICH DRAW BOOSTER AIR FROM THE CABIN.VW TESTING SHOWED THAT BRAKE ASSIST COULD BE REDUCED IF WATER ENTERS THE BOOSTER AND FREEZES.VW IS ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM WITH A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, WHICH BEGAN IN AUGUST 2007.THE FRESH AIR PLENUM IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS AN ENCLOSED SPACE AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD FROM WHICH THE VEHICLE VENTILATION SYSTEM DRAWS THE FRESH AIR SUPPLY VIA A POLLEN FILTER.RAIN WATER THAT FLOWS OFF THE WINDSHIELD INTO THE PLENUM IS DRAINED THROUGH TWO VALVES LOCATED BELOW THE BATTERY AND BRAKE BOOSTER.STRAINERS AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND IN THE PANEL COVERING THE TOP OF THE PLENUM BLOCK LEAVES, PINE NEEDLES AND OTHER DEBRIS.OVER TIME, DEBRIS MAY ENTER THE PLENUM THROUGH OPENINGS IN THE PLENUM PANEL OR AROUND THE HOOD HINGES.IF CLOGGED DRAINS ALLOW APPROXIMATELY 3-4 GALLONS OF WATER TO ACCUMULATE IN THE PLENUM, THE WATER MAY ENTER THE BOOSTER THROUGH THE AIR INTAKE.WATER ACCUMULATION IN THE PLENUM MAY ALSO RESULT IN COMPLAINTS OF WET CARPETS IN THE VEHICLE INTERIOR IF THE WATER REACHES THE LEVEL OF THE FRESH AIR INTAKE/POLLEN FILTER. VW STATED THAT ITS TESTING SHOWED THAT BRAKE PERFORMANCE AND ACTUATING FORCE (I.E., PEDAL EFFORT) ARE NOT AFFECTED WHEN THE BOOSTER IS FILLED WITH THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF WATER POSSIBLE (UP TO THE HEIGHT OF THE BOOSTER ENGINE VACUUM CONNECTION, THROUGH WHICH WATER DRAWN INTO THE BOOSTER IS EVACUATED).VW'S TESTING SHOWED THAT BRAKE PERFORMANCE AND ACTUATING FORCE COULD BE AFFECTED BY WATER FREEZING IN THE BOOSTER.HOWEVER, WHEN TESTED WITH RELATIVELY LOW VOLUMES OF FROZEN WATER IN THE BOOSTER, VW SHOWED THAT THE EFFECTS WERE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS SEVERE THAN FOR CONDITIONS THAT RESULT IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF VACUUM ASSIST.WHILE VW INDICATED THAT THE EFFECTS WOULD BE MORE SEVERE WITH GREATER VOLUMES OF FROZEN WATER, IT MAINTAINED THAT THE CHANCES OF THIS OCCURRING WERE REMOTE AND WOULD BE READILY DISCERNABLE TO THE DRIVER UPON THE INITIAL BRAKE APPLICATION AFTER VEHICLE START-UP.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOWED DISPROPORTIONATE CONCENTRATIONS IN WINTER MONTHS AND IN NORTHERN STATES WITH COLDER WINTER CLIMATES. ODI IDENTIFIED THREE MINOR CRASHES RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN MY 2002 PASSAT VEHICLES.TWO OF THE CRASHES OCCURRED INGARAGES/DRIVEWAYS AND THE THIRD OCCURRED IN A DEALER SERVICE GARAGE.THERE WERE NO INJURIES ALLEGED IN THE CRASHES BUT A FOOT INJURY WAS ALLEGED IN A FOURTH INCIDENT WHERE EXCESSIVE BRAKE EFFORT REQUIRED DURING A HARD STOP. VOLKSWAGEN IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REMEDY THIS CONDITION IN MY 2002 PASSAT AND AUDI A4 AND A6 VEHICLES.THE REMEDY PROCEDURE REQUIRES VW DEALERS TO INSPECT, CLEAN AND MODIFY THE AIR PLENUM DRAIN, AS WELL AS MODIFY THE SUNROOF DRAIN (IF EQUIPPED) AND INSTALL AN IMPROVED SEAL FOR THE POLLEN FILTER.IN ADDITION, VW HAS AGREED TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO ODI1. QUARTERLY COMPLETION REPORTS FOR ONE YEAR; AND 2. PROMPTLY REPORTING ALL CRASHES ATTRIBUTED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT. THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED BASED UPON THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY VW.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CRead more

DP — Closed — Model Year: 1999

ALLEGED PREMATURE TIE ROD FAILURE

ON AUGUST 2, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION SUBMITTED BY MS. MIRIAM SCHNEIDER OF OLNEY, MD, REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGEDLY DEFECTIVE TIE RODS IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT VEHICLES NOT INCLUDED IN TWO PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS (IDENTIFIED HENCEFORTH AS THE SUBJECT... VEHICLES).IN A SEPTEMBER 1999 LETTER, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT AN UNDETERMINED PERCENTAGE OF MY 1998-1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT AND AUDI A4, A6, AND A8 VEHICLES CONTAINED A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT AFFECTING ALUMINUM TIE ROD ENDS IN THE STEERING SYSTEM.VW INDICATED THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE RODS WOULD NOT SEAL PROPERLY WHICH COULD ALLOW MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES TO ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, RESULTING IN PREMATURE WEAR.THE APPROXIMATELY 22,200 VOLKSWAGEN AND 29,700 AUDI VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NO. 99V-248) WERE BUILT FROM JANUARY 1998 THROUGH JULY 1998 AND FELL WITHIN A SPECIFIC VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) RANGE.IN NOVEMBER 2000, VW CHOSE TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NO. 00V-414) AFTER IT DETERMINED THAT SOME POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE ALUMINUM TIE ROD ENDS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN AN ADDITIONAL 44,000 VOLKSWAGEN AND 39,000 AUDI VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1998 THROUGH APRIL 1999.THESE SUBJECT RECALL ACTIONS WERE NOT INFLUENCED BY ODI.INSTEAD, VW MADE AN INDEPENDENT DETERMINATION TO CONDUCT A RECALL AFTER GERMAN VEHICLE INSPECTION AUTHORITIES NOTIFIED IT OF ?WORN? TIE RODS AND FACTORY INSPECTION OF SOME ?WORN? TIE RODS REVEALED IMPROPER SEALING.ACCORDING TO A DECEMBER 2004 REPORT, THE PETITIONER BROUGHT HER MY 1999 PASSAT TO AN AUTHORIZED VOLKSWAGEN DEALER FOR AN UNRELATED RECALL REPAIR WHERE SHE WAS NOTIFIED BY SERVICE PERSONNEL THAT, AFTER 59,000 MILES TRAVELED, THE TIE RODS ?HAVE TOO MUCH PLAY,? AND THE RECOMMENDED REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE HER VIN (WVWNA63B1XE499116) WAS OUTSIDE THE RECALL RANGE.IN JUNE 2005, AFTER 65,400 MILES TRAVELED, THE PETITIONER PAID $588.59 TO REPLACE WORN INNER AND OUTER TIE ROD ENDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.THE PETITION LETTER SPECIFICALLY REQUESTS THAT THE SCOPE OF VW?S RECALL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE AND THAT SHE BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIRS.THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 191 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND VW THAT ALLEGE PREMATURE WEAR OF EITHER ONE OR BOTH OUTER TIE ROD ENDS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.AS OF NOVEMBER 18, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS OF TIE ROD SEPARATIONS RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, CRASH OR INJURY IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED ON JUNE 8, 1999 USING REVISED STEEL TIE ROD ENDS AND THEREFORE WAS ALREADY EQUIPPED WITH THE TIE ROD ENDS USED TO REMEDY DEFECTIVE VEHICLES IN THE SUBJECT RECALLS.ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND WITH RESPECT TO THE STEEL TIE ROD ENDS USED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THEREFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA?S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY?S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.Read more

EA — Closed — Model Year: 1998

STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE

VWOA HAS RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 28,300 MY 1998-99 A6 VEHICLES IN COLD WEATHER STATES THAT EXPERIENCED THE HIGHEST RATE OF THROTTLE ICING INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (04V-495).THE FAILURE RATE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES IS MUCH LOWER THAN IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR... Read more

EA — Closed — Model Year: 2002

PASSENGER AIR BAG LID FAILURE

THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) LID UTILIZED IN MY 1998-2002 VW PASSAT.THE PSIR LID MAY DETACH FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMIN... Read more

PE — Closed — Model Year: 2000

PASSENGER SIR DOOR MOUNTING STUD FAILURE

ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-021) BASED ON TWO REPORTS OF FAILED BOLT STUDS THAT ATTACH THE PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) DOOR COVER TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP) ON THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSAT (MODEL YEARS 2000, 2002).VW HAS INDICATED TO ODI THAT IT HAS NO ADDITIONAL... Read more

PE — Closed — Model Year: 1996

LIGHTS AND/OR WINDSHIELD WIPER OBSCURED

There is no summary currently available

RQ — Closed — Model Year: 1998

POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM BY-PASS

There is no summary currently available

PE — Closed — Model Year: 1993

FOG LAMP FIRE

ALLEGED THAT THE FOG LAMP HOUSING CATCHES FIRE DURING USE

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT across all model years (1988–2021).

185 Total Recalls

10,492 Total Complaints

13 Investigations

329 Reported Crashes

365 Reported Fires

15 Reported Deaths

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2022 (current)	0	15
2021	2	26	View
2020	3	24	View
2019	1	18	View
2018	4	62	View
2017	15	173	View
2016	6	175	View
2015	8	388	View
2014	18	776	View
2013	17	1,025	View
2012	19	658	View
2011	0	27	View
2010	4	226	View
2009	4	211	View
2008	4	240	View
2007	14	341	View
2006	14	779	View
2005	4	172	View
2004	4	348	View
2003	7	823	View
2002	4	772	View
2001	4	557	View
2000	5	625	View
1999	6	854	View
1998	5	476	View
1997	1	105	View
1996	1	185	View
1995	1	142	View
1994	1	36	View
1993	3	90	View
1992	1	60	View
1991	1	30	View
1990	2	50	View
1989	1	0	View
1988	1	0	View

Other VOLKSWAGEN Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
JETTA	249	14,075	View
GOLF	190	2,084	View
BEETLE	157	3,629	View
GTI	116	1,926	View
ID.4	115	1,606	View
ATLAS	101	2,700	View
TIGUAN	78	3,173	View
ATLAS CROSS SPORT	73	701	View