2010 Volkswagen Passat Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 45 4 crash 2 injury

“AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN HIGHWAY ACCIDENT”
NHTSA complaint #10967514, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The car was hit broadside on the passenger side front door, spun around and hit head in to a power pole. With all this happening none of the airbags deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #11440541, 2021 · crash

“I HAD A WRECK ON OCT. 28 2013 ON 1-26 IN USA SOUTH CAROLINA. A DEER RAN INTO MY CAR(2010 PASSAT) PASSENGER SIDE AND RIGHT FRONT OF CAR. NO AIRBAGS CAME OUT. MY INSURANCE COMING FIXED CAR AT VW GARAGE. THEY TOLD ME AT THAT TIME MY AIRBAG PART WAS NOT ON HAND THEY HAD TO ORDER IT AND THEY WOULD CALL ME WHEN IT CAME IN. NEVER HEARD FROM VW AGAIN. I GOT A RECALL NOTICE AFTER THAT,STATEING THAT MY CAR NEEDED TO BE BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS NOT SAFE AND THEN DID NOT HAVE A PART TO FIX IT YET. MY CAR HAD 53,000 MILES ON IT . I HAD RETIRED FROM WORKING DID NOT WANT ANOTHER CAR AT THAT TIME. CAR…”
NHTSA complaint #11052300, 2016 · crash

Engine 41

“I purchased a used vehicle but have found out the oxygen sensor is feeding false error codes to the main OBC causing leaks into driver compartment causing engine to stall while auto in motion and most importantly causing steering wheel to lock, have spoken with VWoA but they have no direct influence with VW or dealerships even if a warranty issue because all parties are independent contractors and all they are able to do is try and help. My name has not been transferred to registration because of smog requirements so you may call me [XXX] my telephone number is [XXX] my case# with VWoA is [X…”
NHTSA complaint #11621633, 2024

“The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a strong fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted while the vehicle was parked and turned off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the strong fuel odor had caused her to have headaches while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module had failed, causing the fuel pump to leak. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start…”
NHTSA complaint #11579270, 2024

“Drove the car to and from work that day with no problems. Also, went back to work a 2nd side job that evening with no issues. Got home, shut the car off and when my wife and I went out to go to work the next morning at 5 a.m., the car wouldn't start at all. Wouldn't even click. Did a lot of research because I had the starter replaced about 2 weeks before and knew it couldn't be the starter and also had bought a new battery when I had the starter replaced as well, so knew it wouldn't be the battery. After a lot, I mean a lot of research online, finally came to the decision it was the timing cha…”
NHTSA complaint #11534164, 2022

Power Train 34

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND GOING UPHILL, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. AN AUDIBLE SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. THE CONTACT WAS THEN UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN…”
NHTSA complaint #11339307, 2020

“VW FOUND OUT THAT THE TIMING CHAIN IS DEFECTIVE IN THEIR VW CC 2.0 T ENGINE. THIS PART CAN GO OUT AT ANYTIME. IF YOU ARE TRAVELING AT A HIGH SPEED YOU CAN BE FATALLY INJURED IF THIS TIMING CHAIN GOES OUT. IT HASN'T HAPPENED BUT I WAS WARNED. WITH THE SOLUTION OF A 3800.00 REPAIR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11323419, 2020

“THE VEHICLE IS DISPLAYING ERRATIC SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS AS WELL AS SLIPPING WHILE IN GEAR IN BOTH DRIVE AND MANUAL DRIVE MODE. THE TRANSMISSION FUNCTION IS PUSHING THE GHG EMISSIONS PAST THE PER DETERMINED LIMIT. THE CALIBRATION SOFTWARE V1979 DOES NOT APPEAR COMPLIANT WITH ITS EMISSIONS CERTIFICATION PER CERTIFICATE NUMBERS AVWXV02.02UA-005 AND AVWXV02.03UA-006 AND I CANNOT FIND A RECALL OR TSB ADDRESSING SOFTWARE V1979. MODE9 : CALIBRATION IDENTIFICATION TYPE 02 - VIN : [XXX] (ADDRESS E8) TYPE 04 - CALIBRATION ID : 06J906026DA 6987 (ADDRESS E8) TYPE 04 - CALIBRATION ID : 02E300051P…”
NHTSA complaint #11309950, 2020

Fuel/Propulsion System 25 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND WITHIN A MOMENT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE QUINCY FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE FUEL LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY DESTROYED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYS…”
NHTSA complaint #11322817, 2020 · fire

“My 2010 Volkswagen CC became completely inoperable because of the active fuel pump control module recall (NHTSA 17V509). The vehicle stalled and nearly caused an accident. The check engine light came on just before I noticed a burning smell coming from the backseat of my car immediately after smelling that the car suddenly stalled out in the middle of a busy intersection and the engine would not start back up. I had to push it to a gas station parking lot across 3 lanes of traffic. I lifted up the backseat and found that the fuel control module was overheated and melting on top of the fuel pum…”
NHTSA complaint #11724256, 2026

“I was in my car driving , as soon as I go for a turn my car stalled on me infront of everyone , almost causing a wreck.”
NHTSA complaint #11503514, 2023

Electrical System 21

“My 2010 Volkswagen CC became completely inoperable because of the active fuel pump control module recall (NHTSA 17V509). The vehicle stalled and nearly caused an accident. The check engine light came on just before I noticed a burning smell coming from the backseat of my car immediately after smelling that the car suddenly stalled out in the middle of a busy intersection and the engine would not start back up. I had to push it to a gas station parking lot across 3 lanes of traffic. I lifted up the backseat and found that the fuel control module was overheated and melting on top of the fuel pum…”
NHTSA complaint #11724256, 2026

“As the trunk hatch opens and closes, the wiring to the hatch wears down, frays, and then shorts or breaks. This killed our rear view camera, which is a safety issue. This also can cut off light to the license plate. The rear hatch also cannot then be opened from the rear of the car, as the handle is electrical and gets disconnected, possible causing another safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11535909, 2023

“Replaced cracked fuel pump 3 times. Electrical problem to fuel pump ; also all were cracked from pressure. Thx !! Dr.”
NHTSA complaint #11535981, 2022

Steering 13

“I purchased a used vehicle but have found out the oxygen sensor is feeding false error codes to the main OBC causing leaks into driver compartment causing engine to stall while auto in motion and most importantly causing steering wheel to lock, have spoken with VWoA but they have no direct influence with VW or dealerships even if a warranty issue because all parties are independent contractors and all they are able to do is try and help. My name has not been transferred to registration because of smog requirements so you may call me [XXX] my telephone number is [XXX] my case# with VWoA is [X…”
NHTSA complaint #11621633, 2024

“VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. I HAD DRIVEN ABOUT 1 BLOCK ON THIS STREET AFTER HAVING TURNED ONTO IT FROM ANOTHER STREET. WHEN THE CAR DIED, "STEERING WHEEL LOCKED" DISPLAYED ON DASH PANEL. CAR WOULD NOT START, STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T MOVE BEYOND ABOUT 1" TO THE RIGHT. MESSAGE WOULD DISPLAY "STEERING WHEEL STILL LOCKED" OR "MOVE STEERING WHEEL." AFTER 40 MINUTES OF THIS ROTATION OF MESSAGES AND TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE, MOVED THE STEERING WHEEL UP AND DOWN. CAR FINALLY STARTED BUT ONLY FOR 3 SECONDS. BATTERY LIGHT WOULD COME ON. WAS ABLE…”
NHTSA complaint #11301347, 2020

“AFTER REPLACING MY CAR BATTERY ON 2010 VW CC, THE RED STEERING WHEEL ICON APPEARED ON THE DASH FOLLOWED BY 3 CHIMES TO MAKE KNOWN OF PROBLEM. THE STEERING WHEEL LOST ALL POWER STEERING. PRIOR TO OCCURANCE THERE WAS NEVER ANY WHINING NOISE, ABNORMAL SHAKING THAT COULD POINT TO A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING RACK. AFTER RESEARCHING I FOUND OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND NO EASY FIX BUT TO TOW TO THE SHOP AND GET A RIDICULOUS QUOTE ON PARTS AND LABOR FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING RACK.”
NHTSA complaint #11265767, 2019

Unknown Or Other 13

“My 2010 Volkswagen CC became completely inoperable because of the active fuel pump control module recall (NHTSA 17V509). The vehicle stalled and nearly caused an accident. The check engine light came on just before I noticed a burning smell coming from the backseat of my car immediately after smelling that the car suddenly stalled out in the middle of a busy intersection and the engine would not start back up. I had to push it to a gas station parking lot across 3 lanes of traffic. I lifted up the backseat and found that the fuel control module was overheated and melting on top of the fuel pum…”
NHTSA complaint #11724256, 2026

“I purchased a used vehicle but have found out the oxygen sensor is feeding false error codes to the main OBC causing leaks into driver compartment causing engine to stall while auto in motion and most importantly causing steering wheel to lock, have spoken with VWoA but they have no direct influence with VW or dealerships even if a warranty issue because all parties are independent contractors and all they are able to do is try and help. My name has not been transferred to registration because of smog requirements so you may call me [XXX] my telephone number is [XXX] my case# with VWoA is [X…”
NHTSA complaint #11621633, 2024

“faulty timing chain tensioner caused catastrophic engine failure. resulting in ~$4000.00 repair cost. i have read about alot of other Volkswagens having this same issue. VW has redesigned this part several times, i did not recive a TSB stating there was an issue with an internal component of my engine even though VW knows this issue will result in engine failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11427926, 2021

Fuel System 8

“The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a strong fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted while the vehicle was parked and turned off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the strong fuel odor had caused her to have headaches while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module had failed, causing the fuel pump to leak. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start…”
NHTSA complaint #11579270, 2024

“The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the thermostat. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V509000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but the VIN was not included. The manu…”
NHTSA complaint #11567604, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER DAUGHTER HAD HER FUEL PUMP REPLACED ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. AFTER THE MOST RECENT FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO SCHUMACHER VOLKSWAGEN OF WEST PALM BEACH (3001 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409) WHERE THREE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE; NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V483000 (AIR BAGS), 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), AND 18V148000 (AIR BAGS). DESPITE THE RECALL REPAIRS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR. TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11355341, 2020

Exterior Lighting 4

“As the trunk hatch opens and closes, the wiring to the hatch wears down, frays, and then shorts or breaks. This killed our rear view camera, which is a safety issue. This also can cut off light to the license plate. The rear hatch also cannot then be opened from the rear of the car, as the handle is electrical and gets disconnected, possible causing another safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11535909, 2023

“There is a short in the wiring for the tail lights the short in the wires also effects the trunk wiring. The design of the wiring in the trunk bends the tail light wires and wears them out so now there is a short in the tail light, reverse light , fog light and the trunk release. It is very unsafe to have these lights not work and to have a faulty wiring.”
NHTSA complaint #11486836, 2022

“I HAVE BEEN HAVING ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THIS CAR AFTER OWNING IT FOR 4 YEARS. IT STARTED WITH THE TAIL LIGHT BULB ALWAYS BURNING OUT. I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE WINDOWS BEFORE AND HAD IT REPLACED. LAST YEAR I PAID ALMOST $2200 FOR WINDOW WHICH WON'T ROLL DOWN AND THE DOOR WHICH WON'T LOCK, WATER PUMP, OIL LEAK AND OTHER MINOR ISSUES. THE KEYPAD WILL LOCK 3 DOORS ONLY AND THE LIGHTS WON'T COME ON WHEN LOCKED BUT WHEN UNLOCKED IT'LL COME ON. I HAVE PURCHASED 3 BATTERIES THUS FAR BECAUSE THE CAR CONSTANTLY DRAINS THE BATTERY. I'VE HAD THIS CAR STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING ON MAJOR STREET…”
NHTSA complaint #10920020, 2016

Service Brakes 4

“THERE IS A GAS LEAK BY REAR TIRE. THE MECHANICS THAT CHANGED MY TIRES SAID IT WAS WATER. WENT FOR AN OIL CHANGE, AND THEY REFUSED TO DO IT BECAUSE IT'S A GAS LEAK. THEY CAN'T TELL WHERE IT'S COMING FROM.”
NHTSA complaint #11385729, 2020

“THE CAR BATTERY IS FINE, THE CAR SHUTS OFF IMMEDIATELY WHEN PUSHING ON BRAKE, LEAKS BRAKE FLUID, CANNOT KEEP RUNNING, CANNOT GET TO VW TO GET THE CURRENT 4 RECALLS TAKEN CARE OF UNLESS I CAN PAY FOR TOWING, CAN'T RUN BECAUSE OF FUEL PUMP AND THE APPARENT ISSUES VW IS HAVING ALREADY ON OTHER 2010 MODELS BRAKE SYSTEM, THIS IS THE SAME YEAR AND IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE PASSAT 2010 ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE ABS! VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT TO THE VEHICLE EVEN THE ISSUE OF INABILITY TO DRIVE IS DUE TO THE RECALL OF FUEL PUMP AND THE NOT YET RECALLED 2010 PASSAT BRAKES (ABS) , CAUSING IT TO SHUT…”
NHTSA complaint #11315861, 2019

“VOLKSWAGEN DEALER REFUSES TO FIX RECALLS”
NHTSA complaint #11123039, 2018

Structure 3 1 crash 2 injury

“AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN HIGHWAY ACCIDENT”
NHTSA complaint #10967514, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE SUNROOF CLOSED. OUT OF THE BLUE AND UNPROVOKED - THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. IT WAS NOT HIT BY ANYTHING TO CAUSE THIS. THE MAJORITY OF THE GLASS FLEW OUT, BUT HAD THE INNER PLASTIC SUNROOF MATERIAL BEEN OPEN IT CERTAINLY COULD HAVE INJURED THOSE INSIDE. ADDITIONALLY OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT FEW DAYS I DID FIND DARK GLASS SHARDS IN MY HAIR THAT HAD CLEARLY COME FROM THE SUNROOF. MY STORY IS LUCKY, BUT EASILY COULD HAVE ENDED IN INJURY TO DRIVER FROM THE GLASS OR FROM INJURIES TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD CAUSED BY AN ACCIDENT PROMPTED BY THE SHOCK OF UNPROVOKED S…”
NHTSA complaint #10661192, 2014

“I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2010 VW PASSAT WHICH HAS A CHROME BEZEL AROUND THE SHIFTER. THE CHROME BEZEL REFLECTS LIGHT INTO THE DRIVER'S EYES WHEN THE SUN IS DIRECTLY OVER HEAD BLINDING THE DRIVER DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. I CONTACTED THE VW HELP DESK ABOUT 10 DAYS AND FILED A COMPLAINT. I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM VW YESTERDAY AND THEY TOLD ME NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHO SEEMED TO BE PRETTY RECEPTIVE IN GETTING THIS MATTER RESOLVED. THEY ORDERED A NEW BLACK ON BLACK SHIFTER WHICH WAS THE ONLY OTHER REPLACEMENT PART AND IT IS TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10335183, 2010

Vehicle Speed Control 3 1 crash

“The contact owned a 2010 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving slowly towards a stop sign, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and drove forward causing another vehicle to crash into the driver’s side of the vehicle. There were no injuries reported. A police report was filed. Neither the local dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000. The vehicle was destroyed.”
NHTSA complaint #11423625, 2017 · crash

“108K MILES. GOT OFF OF WORK AND I WENT TO START THE VEHICLE. I STARTED THE VEHICLE THE BATTERY LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED FLASHING I JUST DID A QUICK LOOP AND PUT IT RIGHT BACK INTO THE PARKING SPOT THAT I WAS IN. I TOOK IT INTO A SHOP THEY FOUND THAT THE STARTER WAS GETTING WAY TOO HOT. THEY TOOK THE STARTER OUT AND PUT IN A NEW ONE AND WHEN THEY WENT TO START THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE SEIZED”
NHTSA complaint #11394790, 2021

“CAR STALLED AND STOPPED FROM FULL MOTION TO REDUCED SPEED.”
NHTSA complaint #11121998, 2018

Suspension 2

“COMPLAINT #11046964 WAS FILED 11/17/2017 AND MORE PROBLEMS HAVE SURFACED SINCE THEN. THE HORN STOPPED WORKING, ALL THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL DO NOT WORK - THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN TRACED TO THE WRONG AIR BAGS REPLACED BY RECALL BY THE DEALER . THE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG IS THE WRONG AIR BAG AND IT HAS THE OTHER CONNECTIONS NOT WORKING.”
NHTSA complaint #11096580, 2017

“MY WIFE BOUGHT A 2008 TOUAREG FROM A LOCAL DEALER WITH ABOUT 16,000 MILES ON IT AND SHE SELDOM DRIVES THE VEHICLE (TO AND FROM WORK). AFTER ABOUT 3 OR 4K MILES THE TIRES BEGAN TO MAKE ALOT OF NOISE. I NOTED FEATHERING/CUPPING ONLY ON THE INSIDE REAR TIRES. THE TIRES WITH NEW ONES AND AFTER ABOUT 8,000 MILES (W/ROTATIONS) THE REAR TIRES BEGAN TO FEATHER?CUP AGAIN. I HAVE A 2010 PASSAT THAT HAS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. WHEN THE TIRES BEGIN TO FEATHER/CUP THE NOISE SOUNDS LIKE SNOW TIRES.THIS IS THE REAR TIRES ONLY AND ON THE INSIDE TREAD. I CAN'T ROTATE THE TIRES CAUSE WHEN YOU DO, IT SOUNDS LIK…”
NHTSA complaint #10563990, 2013

Visibility 2

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE SUNROOF CLOSED. OUT OF THE BLUE AND UNPROVOKED - THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. IT WAS NOT HIT BY ANYTHING TO CAUSE THIS. THE MAJORITY OF THE GLASS FLEW OUT, BUT HAD THE INNER PLASTIC SUNROOF MATERIAL BEEN OPEN IT CERTAINLY COULD HAVE INJURED THOSE INSIDE. ADDITIONALLY OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT FEW DAYS I DID FIND DARK GLASS SHARDS IN MY HAIR THAT HAD CLEARLY COME FROM THE SUNROOF. MY STORY IS LUCKY, BUT EASILY COULD HAVE ENDED IN INJURY TO DRIVER FROM THE GLASS OR FROM INJURIES TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD CAUSED BY AN ACCIDENT PROMPTED BY THE SHOCK OF UNPROVOKED S…”
NHTSA complaint #10661192, 2014

“BLINDING GLARE PROBLEM: I PURCHASED 2010 VW PASSAT KOMFORT 2 WEEKS AGO WHICH HAS A SILVER SHINY PLATE AROUND THE SHIFTER. WHEN SUNSHINE HITS THIS PLATE, IT RADIATES LIGHTS INTO DRIVER'S EYES. IF YOU HAPPEN TO LOOK AT IT, YOU GET BLINDED FOR A FEW SECONDS LIKE SOMEONE POINTED THE BRIGHT FLASH LIGHT INTO YOUR EYES. I AM STILL KEEPING THE ORIGINAL PLASTIC COVER TO REDUCE THE BRIGHTNESS BUT EVENTUALLY IT WILL PEEL OFF. I CANNOT PAINT IT IN A DARK COLOR SINCE IT WOULD VOID MY WARRANTY. THE OTHER PART THAT PRODUCE GLARE IS THE SILVER PORTION OF DASHBOARD WHICH IS SLIGHTLY TILTED. WHEN THE SUN IS B…”
NHTSA complaint #10339627, 2010

Wheels 2

“NOTICED EXCESSIVE WEAR ON ALL FOUR TIRES. WENT TO DEALERSHIP TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THEY SAID THE EXCESSIVE CUPPING AND FEATHERING WAS NOT A VOLKSWAGEN PROBLEM. I JUST NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ALL FOUR TIRES AT MY OWN EXPENSE. I WENT TO MY OWN MECHANIC AND THE EXCESSIVE CUPPING AND FEATHERING WAS NOT AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM OR PROBLEM INHERENT IN THE TIRE. THE WEIGHT IN THE REAR WAS TOO LIGHT. PROBABLY WHEN THE MANUFACTURER USED A LIGHT WEIGHT SMALL SPARE, THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE CHANGED AND CAUSED THE EXCESSIVE CUPPING AND FEATHERING. I ADDED A 40LB BAG OF PLAY SAND IN THE TRUNK OVER THE SMAL…”
NHTSA complaint #10615234, 2013

“I BOUGHT A USED 2001 VW PASSAT FOR MY DAUGHTER IN AUGUST OF 2009. IT KEPT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH LOOSING TIRE PRESSURE AND I FOUND CRACKS ON THE BACK SIDE OF ALL FOUR RIMS WHERE THE BEAD OF THE TIRE SEALS. I THEN REPLACED ALL FOUR WHEELS WITH THE SAME OEM VW WHEEL, PART # 69745, ABOUT A YEAR AGO WITH RECONDITIONED RIMS OFF EBAY; THE SUPPLIER TOLD ME THEY CANNOT RECONDITION WHEELS WITH CRACKS. LAST WEEK I CHECKED A LOW TIRE ON THE CAR AND AGAIN FOUND A CRACK ON THE NEW RIM AT THE SAME LOCATION. AS FAR AS MY DAUGHTER KNOWS, SHE HAS NOT IMPACTED ANYTHING AGAINST THE WHEEL . I HAVE TO BELIEVE THERE…”
NHTSA complaint #10370817, 2010

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1 1 crash 2 injury

“AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN HIGHWAY ACCIDENT”
NHTSA complaint #10967514, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Parking Brake 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND GOING UPHILL, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. AN AUDIBLE SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. THE CONTACT WAS THEN UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN…”
NHTSA complaint #11339307, 2020

Seat Belts 1

“COMPLAINT #11046964 WAS FILED 11/17/2017 AND MORE PROBLEMS HAVE SURFACED SINCE THEN. THE HORN STOPPED WORKING, ALL THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL DO NOT WORK - THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN TRACED TO THE WRONG AIR BAGS REPLACED BY RECALL BY THE DEALER . THE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG IS THE WRONG AIR BAG AND IT HAS THE OTHER CONNECTIONS NOT WORKING.”
NHTSA complaint #11096580, 2017

Seats 1

“THE SEAT FRAME ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT FAILED IN MY CAR. THE STEEL HAD POOR WELD POINTS AND BROKE IN HALF. IT LOOKED LIKE CHEAP STEEL AND HAD IT HAPPENED IN A WRECK, IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT STEEL WOULD HAVE IMPALED THE DRIVER.”
NHTSA complaint #11151688, 2017

Tires 1

“NOTICED EXCESSIVE WEAR ON ALL FOUR TIRES. WENT TO DEALERSHIP TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THEY SAID THE EXCESSIVE CUPPING AND FEATHERING WAS NOT A VOLKSWAGEN PROBLEM. I JUST NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ALL FOUR TIRES AT MY OWN EXPENSE. I WENT TO MY OWN MECHANIC AND THE EXCESSIVE CUPPING AND FEATHERING WAS NOT AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM OR PROBLEM INHERENT IN THE TIRE. THE WEIGHT IN THE REAR WAS TOO LIGHT. PROBABLY WHEN THE MANUFACTURER USED A LIGHT WEIGHT SMALL SPARE, THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE CHANGED AND CAUSED THE EXCESSIVE CUPPING AND FEATHERING. I ADDED A 40LB BAG OF PLAY SAND IN THE TRUNK OVER THE SMAL…”
NHTSA complaint #10615234, 2013

Visibility/Wiper 1

“As the trunk hatch opens and closes, the wiring to the hatch wears down, frays, and then shorts or breaks. This killed our rear view camera, which is a safety issue. This also can cut off light to the license plate. The rear hatch also cannot then be opened from the rear of the car, as the handle is electrical and gets disconnected, possible causing another safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11535909, 2023