2012 Volkswagen Passat Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 295 9 crash 9 injury

“TAKATA RECALL I LOOKED UP VEHICLES VIN AN NOTICED 6 RECALLS ON IT I HAD GOT THE ISSUE FIXED AND I NOTICED MY SENSOR IN MY TIRE WAS BLINKING I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP GUY WORKING TOLD ME ONLY A SENSOR I NEED TO PAY FOR WHICH I HAVE ALREADY LOOKED UP AN SEEN THAT IT WAS A RECALL ON THE TIRE SENSOR ON THE 24 OF FEBRUARY I'M RIDING DOWN PATTON ST IN GREENSBORO NC I NOTICED MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS BLINKING STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE RATTLED ME I PULLED OVER AND AIRBAGS DEPLOYED I BEGAN TO GET IN THE CAR I'M NOT SURE WHY THE AIRBAGS CAME OUT I HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL DUE TO THE AIRBAGS HIT…”
NHTSA complaint #11182819, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT. I WAS NOT AT FAULT, BUT I WAS T-BONED WITH ALMOST OVER $11,000 IN DAMAGE. THE CASE WAS SETTLED BUT THE VEHICLE IS STILL NOT IN GOOD SHAPE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF IN THE ACCIDENT AND I JUST RECEIVED A RECALL FOR A STEERING WHEEL ELECTRONIC CLOCK ISSUE THAT COULD PREVENT THE AIR BAGS FROM GOING OFF. I ACCRUED OVER $7,000 IN MEDICAL BILLS, AND I OWE OVER $15,000 ON THE VEHICLE. I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO BECAUSE I FEEL I AM DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT ISN'T SAFE”
NHTSA complaint #10825639, 2013 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED UNDER CASE NUMBER: 092006317. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, LEFT SHOULDER, LEFT ELBOW, AND LEFT KNEE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED AT THE TIME; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT ENTERED PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR THE PAIN FROM THE INJURIES THREE WEEKS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTUR…”
NHTSA complaint #11015980, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Electrical System 95 2 crash

“I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN A SPACE AT A LOCAL SHOPPING CENTER, AS I WAS ABOUT 18-24 INCHES FROM THE MEDIAN SEPARATING THE CARS IN THE ROW ACROSS FROM ME, MY CAR STARTED REVVING UP, JUMPED THE MEDIAN SIDESWIPED A CAR THAT WAS PARKED ONE SPACE OVER, I WAS LUCKY THERE WAS NOT A CAR OPPOSITE ME, IN THAT ROW AND WAS HEADED TOWARDS A THE NEXT ROW OF CARS. I SWIFTLY THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE CAR, SO I HAD TO QUICKLY JERK THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT, IT STOPPED 90 DEGREE ANGLE AND CUT OFF. I HAVE SINCE BEEN INFORMED THAT JUST REPAIRED A CHRYSLER CAR THAT DID SOMETHING SIMILAR. THAT CAR AND MINE HAVE A DRIV…”
NHTSA complaint #10895165, 2016 · crash

“THIS CAR HAS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND FROM DAY ONE I WASN'T UN-HAPPY WITH THE FACT THAT YOU COULD TURN THE ENGINE OFF, WITHOUT HAVING SWITCHED THE TRANSMISSION TO P. EVERY AUTOMATIC CAR I EVER HAD AND I HAVE DRIVEN MANY INCLUDING HUNDREDS OF RENTAL CARS OVER THE YEARS. I REPORTED THIS IN 2012 TO THE DEALER RIGHT AWAY WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW BUT WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS AS DESIGNED. I, IN BETWEEN, MOVED AND DID THE SAME AT 2 OTHER DEALERS AND GOT THE SAME ANSWER. IN 99% OF THE CASES I WILL NOT FORGET TO PUT THE CAR IN P, BUT OVER THE YEARS SEVERAL TIMES I DID. WHEN I LEFT THE VEHICLE AND SAW IT ST…”
NHTSA complaint #10766438, 2015 · crash

“I own a 2012 Volkswagen Passat [VIN [XXX] ] with approximately 1315xx miles. On December 17, 2025, I took the car to Rockwall County Volkswagen for three recalls. The car was running and was driven 9.5 miles to the dealership under its own power. I left the engine running when I left the it with the service advisor. When I returned to retrieve the car the following day, the service advisor informed me the car would not start. Their explanation shifted within the same conversation — first that someone had shut it off and it would not crank, then that it would crank but would not start. They cl…”
NHTSA complaint #11738147, 2025

Steering 46

“Any time it rains and the car goes through a deeper than surface level puddle/wet area where the nose of the car has to dip down (think by railroad tracks, high water retention areas with lack of drainage, etc) as soon as the car dips down into the water, the steering wheel will lock up and I am unable to turn. It's severely dangerous as there is no give at all to the wheel as it is solidly locked and if you happen to be taking a curve or changing lanes etc, you will not be able to turn the car. My husband and myself have narrowly escaped severe car accidents as this is random and there is not…”
NHTSA complaint #11543082, 2023

“The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel in either direction, there was a clicking sound was coming from the steering column. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated, with the cruise control feature inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the clockspring was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the failure was repaired on two previous occasions. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11517807, 2023

“Lost power reconnect batter n steering locked”
NHTSA complaint #11462325, 2022

Engine 40 2 fire

“2012 VW PASSAT WITH NO PREVIOUS SIGNS OF PROBLEMS BEGINS SPUTTERING/FLASHING ENGINE LIGHT. CAR WAS DRIVEN APX. 1/4 MILE BACK HOME, WHERE IT BEGAN SMOKING AND CAUGHT FIRE. ENTIRE ENGINE BURNT OUT. CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. NHTSA INVESTIGATED PASSAT'S FAULTY IGNITION COILS YET DID NOT ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL BECAUSE THERE WAS NO SAFETY ISSUE...BUT IF THE ENGINE CATCHES ON FIRE...WITH ALL THE COMBUSTIBLES IN A CAR...ONE WOULD THINK THAT WAS A LITTLE UNSAFE. GLAD MY 4 YEAR OLD WAS NOT WITH ME. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10676697, 2015 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND HEARD A LOUD POP LIKE A TIRE BLEW OR BELT BROKE OR SOMETHING, THEN I SAW A LOT OF SMOKE, SO I PULLED IN A PARTY STORE PARKING LOT AND IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES BURNT THE ENTIRE ENGINE UP TO A CRISP. I HAVE VIDEO AND PICTURES OF THIS TRAUMATIC EVENT. SO PLEASE INVESTIGATE TO SEE IF THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. I NEED ANOTHER CAR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANKS. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO VYLETEL VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP IN STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10625869, 2014 · fire

“The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking an unknown fluid underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the vacuum pump, oil pan, and the gaskets needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to contact the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 193,211.”
NHTSA complaint #11490760, 2022

Fuel/Propulsion System 32 1 fire

“MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND ALMOST KILLED ME AND MY DAUGHTER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT IT OUT BUT IT IS A TOTAL LOSS. I THINK IT COULD WELL BE THE STARTER AS MANY 2011 BUILD VW PASSATS WERE AFFECTED.”
NHTSA complaint #11208500, 2019 · fire

“I noticed a fuel smell in the cabin area that continued to get worse. After pulling the back seat I was able to visually see the fuel pump that had lots of micro cracks which was causing a fuel leak. The leak was very dangerous and caused major foam damage to my rear seat and was a major hazard had anything caused an ignition in the cabin, it certainly would have burned the vehicle. I saved the fuel pumped after having a local shop replace it.”
NHTSA complaint #11671362, 2025

“Stop on middle of the freeway twice and one on the road. Be replace the hoof 24 months ago now again dealer claim need to change the whole fuel system it’s 2012 Passat to modification done 2017. For another 6900 dollars this consumer ripoff by be. Car now is in the dealer. It’s dirito brothers volkswagon. 2020 n main st Walnut Creek. Scary to stop on [XXX] with this at night with a dog onboard. Very confused vw customer who 2 other vw. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11565707, 2024

Unknown Or Other 31 1 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“TAKATA RECALL I LOOKED UP VEHICLES VIN AN NOTICED 6 RECALLS ON IT I HAD GOT THE ISSUE FIXED AND I NOTICED MY SENSOR IN MY TIRE WAS BLINKING I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP GUY WORKING TOLD ME ONLY A SENSOR I NEED TO PAY FOR WHICH I HAVE ALREADY LOOKED UP AN SEEN THAT IT WAS A RECALL ON THE TIRE SENSOR ON THE 24 OF FEBRUARY I'M RIDING DOWN PATTON ST IN GREENSBORO NC I NOTICED MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS BLINKING STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE RATTLED ME I PULLED OVER AND AIRBAGS DEPLOYED I BEGAN TO GET IN THE CAR I'M NOT SURE WHY THE AIRBAGS CAME OUT I HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL DUE TO THE AIRBAGS HIT…”
NHTSA complaint #11182819, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND ALMOST KILLED ME AND MY DAUGHTER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT IT OUT BUT IT IS A TOTAL LOSS. I THINK IT COULD WELL BE THE STARTER AS MANY 2011 BUILD VW PASSATS WERE AFFECTED.”
NHTSA complaint #11208500, 2019 · fire

“I've repeatedly tried to contact manufacturers about this recall in which they state they will call back and never due , i feel this is a immediate problem and should be fixed due to it may cause harm or death”
NHTSA complaint #11649841, 2025

Exterior Lighting 17

“My airbag light is on. Had a test done and it also indicated airbag problem. My car was supposedly repaired of this defect some time ago, but here we are. Also when entering my VIN for any recall; it lists defective light. Previous work done by Audi/VW of Jackson, Ms. On 12/9/22 the airbag indicator light and service light is on.”
NHTSA complaint #11497112, 2022

“MY STARTER HAS BEEN NOT WORKING IVE REPLACED IT MULTIPLE TIMES WITH ORIGINAL PARTS. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC & HE TOLD ME THIS CAR HAS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH IS WHY MY STREERING WHEEL GETS LOCKED UP THAT IT DOESNT READ THE KEY. ALSO RECENTLY ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS HAVE BEEN GOING ON & OFF TELLING ME ERROR CHECK BRAKES , ERROR CHECK TIRES & MY RADIO KEEPS TURNING ON & OFF, ALSO MY LIGHTS FROM INSIDE THE CAR DONT WORK. YESTERDAY MY CAR DIDNT WANT TO PUT THE WINDOWS UP & AFTER MY CAR DIDNT WANT TO TURN ON & MY KEY WOULDNT COME OUT OF THE KEY HOLE. IT TURNED OFF ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIV…”
NHTSA complaint #11203808, 2019

“2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HEAD LAMP CONNECTOR HOUSING SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE REPAIR COMPLETED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE'S HEADLAMP CONNECTOR HOUSINGS WERE NOT UPDATED. UPDATED 09/05/2017*JS”
NHTSA complaint #11029630, 2016

Structure 17 1 crash 1 fire 3 injury

“I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT. I WAS NOT AT FAULT, BUT I WAS T-BONED WITH ALMOST OVER $11,000 IN DAMAGE. THE CASE WAS SETTLED BUT THE VEHICLE IS STILL NOT IN GOOD SHAPE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF IN THE ACCIDENT AND I JUST RECEIVED A RECALL FOR A STEERING WHEEL ELECTRONIC CLOCK ISSUE THAT COULD PREVENT THE AIR BAGS FROM GOING OFF. I ACCRUED OVER $7,000 IN MEDICAL BILLS, AND I OWE OVER $15,000 ON THE VEHICLE. I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO BECAUSE I FEEL I AM DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT ISN'T SAFE”
NHTSA complaint #10825639, 2013 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SHARP OBJECT LOCATED NEAR A HANDLE, WHICH WAS ATTACHED TO THE ROOF ON THE INTERIOR, THAT CUT HIS FINGER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED THE CUT ON HIS LEFT INDEX FINGER. THE RENTAL FACILITY WAS NOTIFIED AND REMOVED THE VEHICLE FROM ITS FACILITY. A REPORT ABOUT THE INCIDENT WAS ALSO FILED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE RENTAL FACILITY SINCE THE INCIDENT AND DID NOT KNOW WHETHER THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #10445445, 2011 · 1 injury(ies)

“2012 VW PASSAT WITH NO PREVIOUS SIGNS OF PROBLEMS BEGINS SPUTTERING/FLASHING ENGINE LIGHT. CAR WAS DRIVEN APX. 1/4 MILE BACK HOME, WHERE IT BEGAN SMOKING AND CAUGHT FIRE. ENTIRE ENGINE BURNT OUT. CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. NHTSA INVESTIGATED PASSAT'S FAULTY IGNITION COILS YET DID NOT ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL BECAUSE THERE WAS NO SAFETY ISSUE...BUT IF THE ENGINE CATCHES ON FIRE...WITH ALL THE COMBUSTIBLES IN A CAR...ONE WOULD THINK THAT WAS A LITTLE UNSAFE. GLAD MY 4 YEAR OLD WAS NOT WITH ME. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10676697, 2015 · fire

Fuel System 15

“The fuel pump design to last the life of the vehicle exploded this is a 10k fix they ( extended the warranty to 120000 miles instead of replacing the bad pumps im at 1290000 miles i don’t understand how this is acceptable given the amount of issues and occurrences the fuel pump has exploded”
NHTSA complaint #11582945, 2024

“The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power with the battery warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer who informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The ap…”
NHTSA complaint #11499015, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAG…”
NHTSA complaint #11338169, 2020

Power Train 15 1 crash

“I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2012 PASSAT TDI. I REALLY LIKED THE CAR. HOWEVER, I HAVE A SAFETY SUGGESTION THAT MAY SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE IN THE FUTURE. LET ME TELL YOU MY EXPERIENCE. I TOOK POSSESSION ON FEBRUARY 9, 2012. ON MARCH 15, I CAME HOME TO LUNCH AND PULLED IN MY GARAGE. APPARENTLY, I DID NOT HAVE THE BACK TIRES ALL THE WAY IN. OUR DRIVEWAY HAS A SLIGHT INCLINE. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR AND WAS WATERING SOME FLOWERS. IN A FEW MOMENTS MY CAR ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVE, CURVED AND WENT OFF AN EMBANKMENT AND HIT TREES ON THE WAY DOWN. IT WAS TOTALED. I HAD IT ONE MONTH AND ONE WEEK. NEEDLESS T…”
NHTSA complaint #10455240, 2012 · crash

“I own a 2012 Volkswagen Passat [VIN [XXX] ] with approximately 1315xx miles. On December 17, 2025, I took the car to Rockwall County Volkswagen for three recalls. The car was running and was driven 9.5 miles to the dealership under its own power. I left the engine running when I left the it with the service advisor. When I returned to retrieve the car the following day, the service advisor informed me the car would not start. Their explanation shifted within the same conversation — first that someone had shut it off and it would not crank, then that it would crank but would not start. They cl…”
NHTSA complaint #11738147, 2025

“MY 2012 PASSAT HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE FLYWHEEL AS IT WAS STARTING TO COME APART AND CAUSE A RATTLE NOISE LIKE AN EXHAUST PIPE RATTLING IT WENT AWAY WHEN I TOOK RPM TO A LITTLE HIGHER NUMBER HAD IT FIXED BY DEALERSHIP I WONDER WHY THERE WASN'T A RECALL ON THIS AS IT HAPPENED TO MANY PEOPLE I HAD IT REPLACED IN TIME BUT WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO CATCH IT IN TIME IF I HADN'T AND IT BROKE AS I WAS DRIVING IT WOULD HAVE STOPPED THE ENGINE CAUSING MULTIPLE PROBLEMS AND DESTROYING THE ENGINE AND AT 75 MPH COULD POSSIBLY GET INTO A SERIOUS WRECK THIS FLYWHEEL DIDN'T WEAR OUT IT WAS COMPLETELY COMING APART AN…”
NHTSA complaint #11396204, 2020

Vehicle Speed Control 14

“I was driving this particular day through a busyfour way stoplight intersection around time school was dismissing so 3:30ish PM. And I lost all power to my vehicle with just the battery light flashing once. I barely made it out of the i intersection and to the shoulder of the road as there was no power steering and i had to pump my breaks to stop. I called the local police and let them know it would be towed tomorrow morning. The tow bill was 100 dollars and i had replaced the battery thinking it was the problem. The brand new battery drained in two minutes tops after install alternator was t…”
NHTSA complaint #11453736, 2021

“I HAVE HAD TO HAVE WORK DONE ON THE THROTTLE BODY THREE TIMES BEFORE THIS REPAIR. AS I HAVE BEEN DRIVING, I HAVE HAD CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT COME ON ALONG WITH THE EPC LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. AFTER THE LIGHTS COME ON, I CAN DRIVE ABOUT A MILE BEFORE I LOOSE COMPLETE POWER AND CANNOT ACCELERATE ABOVE 15MPH. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AROUND TOWN. THE DEALERSHIP IS RECOMMENDING A FULL THROTTLE REPLACEMENT ALONG WITH THE VACUUM PUMP. I HAD A COMPLETE THROTTLE REPLACEMENT IN 2018 AND HAVE ONLY PUT 6,000 MILES ON THE CAR SINCE THAT TIME. I FEEL THAT THI…”
NHTSA complaint #11403406, 2021

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT WILL LOOSE DRIVING POWER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AS WELL AS EPC LIGHT. WHEN TAKEN TO A MECHANIC IT WAS FOUND OUT THAT THE WHOLE THROTKE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS WAS A DEALER ONLY PART, WHEN THE MECHANIC SHOP CALLED TO ORDER THE PART FROM THE DEALERSHIP THEY WERE TOLD THAT THE PART WAS ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER AND THAT IT COULD BE 6 MONTHS TO A YEAR BEFORE A PART WAS AVALIABLE. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP A WEEK LATER THE PART WAS STILL ON BACK ORDER, AND THEY SAID THAT THEY HAD OVER 200 ON A LIST WAITING FOR THIS PART, AND T…”
NHTSA complaint #11365796, 2020

Service Brakes 12 2 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A HIGHWAY SIGN POST. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUFFER ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10808735, 2015 · crash

“DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT SIXTY MILES AN HOUR AS I TRY TO COME OFF THE FREEWAY TO MY EXIT THE BRAKES DO NOT SEEM TO ENGAGE AS I GET CLOSER TO MY TURN I DEPRESS THE CAR EVEN DEEPER THE CAR DOESN'T ATTEMPT TO STOP OR SLOWDOWN SO I BRACE FOR IMPACT AND NOW THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS I AM LUCKY TO BE ALIVE.”
NHTSA complaint #10748010, 2015 · crash

“FAILURE OF THE ABS CONTROL/PUMP ON MY 2012 VW PASSAT WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MILES ON IT CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. I LOOK ONLINE AND SEE THAT THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE FOR VW OWNERS I SENT THIS TO VW AS A CONCERN AND TO NHTSA AS A CONCERN PREVIOUSLY BUT NEVER HEARD ANYTHING FROM EITHER ONE.”
NHTSA complaint #11415827, 2020

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 5

“THE ABS/ESC AND/OR BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. AT VARIOUS TIMES THE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THEN WOULD TURN OFF AFTER AN IGNITION KEY CYCLE. (THESE ARE THE EXACT PROBLEMS THAT VW HAD WITH ABS MODULES IN EARLIER MODELS. I AM NOT POSITIVE IF THIS IS TRUE BUT WHILE DOING RESEARCH ON THOSE MODELS, I READ THAT THESE ABS MODULE ISSUES TYPICALLY CAME UP AFTER 105,000 TO 110,0000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE IS JUST NOW WITH IN THAT RANGE) AFTER TAKING IT TO A SHOP, THE MECHANIC NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ABS MODULE, TOTALING AROUND $1200. NOTE: DATE LISTED IS AN APPROXIMATE DATE”
NHTSA complaint #11290136, 2019

“TAKATA RECALL: I PHONED VW CUSTOMER CARE ON 08/10/2016 REQUESTING A RECALL LETTER BUT NEVER RECEIVED IT. I REPORTED THIS TO JONATHAN BRADLEY/HALLMARK VW USED CAR SALESMAN. I REPORTED TO GOSSETT VW SERVICE AGENT JEFF WHO SAID MY RECALL DATE WAS 09/30/2017. 08/25/2017 AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHED THIS ONE TIME. THE LOW TIRE INDICATOR CAME ON 09/13/2017 SO I DROVE TO GOSSETT TO HAVE MY TIRES INFLATED. THE TECHNICIAN DID NOT RE-SET THE INDICATOR IN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT PER JENNIFER OSBOURN/SERVIDE AGENT AS IT WAS LOCKED. WHEN I DROVE THE CAR AGAIN ON 09/16/17 THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, SEAT BELT…”
NHTSA complaint #11034667, 2017

“VW HAS NO TRACTION CONTROL (NOT STABILITY CONTROL) BUTTON TO DEFEAT THE SYSTEM AT LOW SPEEDS. WHEN THERE IS SNOW AND ICE ON AN INCLINE OF ANY DEGREE, THIS IS DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS. IT RETARDS THE POWER THE CAR DELIVERS BY APPLYING BRAKES TO WHEELS THAT ARE SLIPPING. I WAS ON A HILL AND THE CAR WAS REDUCED TO 3-6 MILES PER HOUR WITH CARS BEHIND ME AND ONCOMING. IT IS DESIGNED AS A SAFETY SYSTEM BUT IS DOING THE OPPOSITE ON SLICK INCLINES. PROBABLY A MONEY SAVING MEASURE, BUT PUTS DRIVERS AT RISK. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10670071, 2015

Engine And Engine Cooling 4

“The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking an unknown fluid underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the vacuum pump, oil pan, and the gaskets needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to contact the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 193,211.”
NHTSA complaint #11490760, 2022

“ON 8 TO 10 OCCASIONS OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS I HAVE LOST POWER, I.E. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, BUT ACTED AS THOUGH IT WERE IN NEUTRAL WITH HIGH RPM?S. SOMETIMES IT IS INTERMITTENT AND RECOVERS POWER BUT ON THREE OCCASIONS ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS IT HAS LOST ALL POWER AND I HAD TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER. TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND IT STARTS NORMALLY WITH FULL POWER. THE DEALER CHECKED THE ENGINE CODES AND ONLY FOUND ENGINE LOST COMMUNICATION WITH TRANSMISSION AND SAID THE VW DID NOT HAVE ANY NOTICES ON THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO REPORTED THIS TO VW AND THEY SAY IT HAS NOT BEEN AN ISSUE. Q…”
NHTSA complaint #10733149, 2015

“THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD CODES READ. THE CODE WAS P205C AND THIS INDICATES THE EMISSIONS ADBLUE HEATER AND SENSOR HAD A PROBLEM. THE UNIT (HEATER AND SENSOR) IN THE ADBLUE TANK IS A NON SERVICEABLE UNIT AND MUST BE REPLACED. OVER $750.00 TO REPLACE. ALL THE EFFICIENCY OF TDI JUST WENT UP IN SMOKE. HAPPENED AT 4,000 MILES PAST WARRANTY AND DEALER HAD NO HELP EVEN THOUGH A LOT OF TDI'S ARE HAVING IDENTICAL PROBLEMS. SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT IN DESIGN, MANY MANY TDI'S ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10706206, 2015

Visibility/Wiper 4

“THE HEATER CORE IS CLOGGED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS OF THE CAR, BOTH WINDSHIELD AND DOOR, DO NOT DEFOG/DEFROST FOR UP TO 20 MINUTES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WEATHER. IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE ONLINE WITH MANY OWNERS OF VW'S IN THE 2012+ RANGE AFFECTED. I ALMOST HIT SOMEONE IN THE CROSSWALK TWICE RECENTLY DUE TO THE DECREASED VISIBILITY.”
NHTSA complaint #11176582, 2019

“WINDSHIELD VISIBILITY DEFROST/DEFOG FAILURE: DEFROST FAILED ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. NO HEAT ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. CAUSES ICE ACCUMULATION ON WINDSHIELD AND FOGS UP DUE TO INSUFFICIENT HEAT. CAUSES SAFETY AND DRIVE-ABILITY ISSUES IN COLD AND EXTREME COLD WEATHER. HEATER CORE FAILURE MATCHES SIMILAR FAILURE REPORTED NHTSA ID #10079822. REPAIR IS THE EXACT SAME AS NHTSA ID #10079822 AS WELL AS SAME REPAIR REPLACEMENT PART. SHOP ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE SAME PART MANUFACTURE FAILURE EXISTS BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS VIN. VW NEEDS TO EXPAND PART FAILURE TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL VEHICLES WIT…”
NHTSA complaint #10948049, 2016

“ONE OF THE ACTUATORS IN THE HVAC SYSTEM PREMATURELY FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I BELIEVE IT WAS THE RECIRCULATION ACTUATOR. I COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO PROPERLY DEFROST, CAUSING DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS AS VISIBILITY THROUGH THE FOGGED WINDSCREEN WAS DRASTICALLY REDUCED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ACTUATOR (AT MY EXPENSE) AND THE ISSUE WAS RESOLVED. AN ACTUATOR SHOULD NOT BE FAILING THIS EARLY IN THE VEHICLE'S LIFETIME. I, THE USER, DID NOT DO SOMETHING SPECIAL TO CAUSE THIS TO OCCUR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10944512, 2016

Seats 3

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT UPHOLSTERY BEGAN FALLING APART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS NOT A MANUFACTURING FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10649801, 2014

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MADE A SHORT STOP AND BOTH SECTIONS OF THE BACK SEAT UNLOCKED AND CAME DOWN/FORWARD. LUCKILY NOBODY WAS SITTING IN THEM. THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE TRUNK THAT WOULD HAVE SET OFF THE UNLOCKING BARS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10488709, 2012

“RECENTLY I DROVE SEVERAL NEW CARS (THE LATEST BEING THE 2012 PASSAT) AND FOUND ONE COMMON COMPLAINT: THE HEADREST ON THESE CARS ARE TILTED FORWARD WAY TOO MUCH WITH NO ADJUSTMENTS AVAILABLE. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT NHTSA REQUIRES VEHICLES HEADRESTS TO BE HIGHER AND CLOSE TO THE HEAD TO REDUCE WHIPLASH INJURIES. HOW DO YOU IMPROVE SAFETY IF IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND A COMFORTABLE DRIVING POSITION? THE NEW HEADREST REGULATION FORCES THE DRIVER TO SLOUCH FORWARD (AND LOOKING DOWN) WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING FATIGUE TO SET QUICKLY. FOR ME, THE ONLY WAY TO FIND A COMFORTABLE POSITION WHILE DRIVING THESE…”
NHTSA complaint #10443169, 2011

Visibility 3

“WINDSHIELD VISIBILITY DEFROST/DEFOG FAILURE: DEFROST FAILED ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. NO HEAT ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. CAUSES ICE ACCUMULATION ON WINDSHIELD AND FOGS UP DUE TO INSUFFICIENT HEAT. CAUSES SAFETY AND DRIVE-ABILITY ISSUES IN COLD AND EXTREME COLD WEATHER. HEATER CORE FAILURE MATCHES SIMILAR FAILURE REPORTED NHTSA ID #10079822. REPAIR IS THE EXACT SAME AS NHTSA ID #10079822 AS WELL AS SAME REPAIR REPLACEMENT PART. SHOP ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE SAME PART MANUFACTURE FAILURE EXISTS BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS VIN. VW NEEDS TO EXPAND PART FAILURE TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL VEHICLES WIT…”
NHTSA complaint #10948049, 2016

“SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY AT NIGHT. NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME TO KICK UP A ROCK, NO OVERPASSES FOR SOMETHING TO BE THROWN FROM. COMPLETELY RANDOM EXPLOSION. I HEARD A LOUD GUNSHOT SOUND, THEN SMALL GLASS PIECES RAINED DOWN ON MY HEAD AND FACE AND ALL OVER MY THREE CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT. LOOKED UP AND HEARD THE SOUND OF WIND AND SAW THE HOLE IN MY SUNROOF. SO FAR THE DEALERSHIP HAS SAID THEY WON'T REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY AND I HAVE REACHED OUT TO VW DIRECTLY AND THEY ARE DENYING THE CLAIM AS WELL. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND THEY ARE NOT STANDING BY…”
NHTSA complaint #10561722, 2014

“MY 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT S HAS POWER WINDOWS. OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST TWO OR THREE DAYS OF COLD TEMPERATURES (NIGHTS DOWN TO 5 DEGREES F., AND DAYTIME HIGHS IN RANGE OF 25 DEGREES ON 12/3/11; 20 DEGREES ON 12/4, AND 15 DEGREES ON 12/5), MY POWER WINDOWS HAVE NOW "FROZEN UP", AT ALL FOUR DOOR POSITIONS. THE MOTORS OPERATE--WINDOWS MAKE ABOUT A 1/16TH INCH UP OR DOWN MOVEMENT WHEN YOU TRY THE WINDOW SWITCHES, BUT THE WINDOWS ARE "STUCK" IN THE UP POSITION. I HAVE CALLED THE VW DEALER, AND THEY HAVE SAID "THERE MAY BE SOME MOISTURE IN THERE." NO ICE OR SNOW IS VISIBLE NEAR THE WINDOWS OR…”
NHTSA complaint #10438686, 2011

Wheels 3

“CAR BEGAN VIBRATING AND FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11062622, 2018

“WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF A 2012 VW PASSAT WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO H426 TIRES. THE OPTIMO H426 TIRES THAT CAME INSTALLED WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR. ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURERS WEBSITE THE TIRES HAVE A MANUFACTURER WARRANTY OF 60,000 MILES. SEE LINK BELOW. HTTP://WWW.HANKOOKTIREUSA.COM/SERV/WARRANTY.ASPX?PAGENUM=3&SUBNUM=1&CHILDNUM=1 HANKOOK WARRANTY DEPARTMENT IS REFUSING TO HONOR THE MILEAGE WARRANTY ON THE TIRES BECAUSE THE TIRES CAME WITH THE VEHICLE. THEY STATE THAT THE PRODUCT ONLY HAS WARRANTY WHEN PURCHASED THROUGH A TIRE SHOP. MY LIMITED WARRANTY PAMPHLET THAT CAME WITH MY CAR…”
NHTSA complaint #10611177, 2014

“THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES EXCESSIVE "WHEEL HOP" UPON STARTING FROM A STOPPED POSITION, ESPECIALLY ON A WET ROADWAY AND A HILL. THE TIRES JUST CANNOT GET TRACTION AND SPIN. AS WELL ONCE THE WHEELS START TO SPIN THE ECS (STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM) CUTS POWER AND APPLIES BRAKING WHICH HAS LEAD TO DANGEROUS SITUATIONS ESPECIALLY WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. THERE IS NO ECS DISABLE SWITCH AS WITH PREVIOUS MODELS, SO I CANNOT TEMPORARILY DISABLE THE SYSTEM FOR TROUBLESHOOTING OF THE ISSUE. LOSING POWER WHILE PULLING OUT INTO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC AND EXPERIENCING A POWER LOSS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10492121, 2012

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND, THE GEARS SHIFTED, AND THE VEHICLE DECREASED SPEED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #10789269, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE AND THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. UPDATED 03/04/15*LJ UPDATED 10/15/2015*JS”
NHTSA complaint #10670598, 2014

Tires 2

“The tire size is 235/45r18 and the tread is coming off, we just noticed it and there has not been any accident nor incident”
NHTSA complaint #11721277, 2026

“WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF A 2012 VW PASSAT WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO H426 TIRES. THE OPTIMO H426 TIRES THAT CAME INSTALLED WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR. ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURERS WEBSITE THE TIRES HAVE A MANUFACTURER WARRANTY OF 60,000 MILES. SEE LINK BELOW. HTTP://WWW.HANKOOKTIREUSA.COM/SERV/WARRANTY.ASPX?PAGENUM=3&SUBNUM=1&CHILDNUM=1 HANKOOK WARRANTY DEPARTMENT IS REFUSING TO HONOR THE MILEAGE WARRANTY ON THE TIRES BECAUSE THE TIRES CAME WITH THE VEHICLE. THEY STATE THAT THE PRODUCT ONLY HAS WARRANTY WHEN PURCHASED THROUGH A TIRE SHOP. MY LIMITED WARRANTY PAMPHLET THAT CAME WITH MY CAR…”
NHTSA complaint #10611177, 2014

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“Lost power reconnect batter n steering locked”
NHTSA complaint #11462325, 2022

Seat Belts 1

“TAKATA RECALL: I PHONED VW CUSTOMER CARE ON 08/10/2016 REQUESTING A RECALL LETTER BUT NEVER RECEIVED IT. I REPORTED THIS TO JONATHAN BRADLEY/HALLMARK VW USED CAR SALESMAN. I REPORTED TO GOSSETT VW SERVICE AGENT JEFF WHO SAID MY RECALL DATE WAS 09/30/2017. 08/25/2017 AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHED THIS ONE TIME. THE LOW TIRE INDICATOR CAME ON 09/13/2017 SO I DROVE TO GOSSETT TO HAVE MY TIRES INFLATED. THE TECHNICIAN DID NOT RE-SET THE INDICATOR IN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT PER JENNIFER OSBOURN/SERVIDE AGENT AS IT WAS LOCKED. WHEN I DROVE THE CAR AGAIN ON 09/16/17 THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, SEAT BELT…”
NHTSA complaint #11034667, 2017

Suspension 1

“THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES EXCESSIVE "WHEEL HOP" UPON STARTING FROM A STOPPED POSITION, ESPECIALLY ON A WET ROADWAY AND A HILL. THE TIRES JUST CANNOT GET TRACTION AND SPIN. AS WELL ONCE THE WHEELS START TO SPIN THE ECS (STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM) CUTS POWER AND APPLIES BRAKING WHICH HAS LEAD TO DANGEROUS SITUATIONS ESPECIALLY WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. THERE IS NO ECS DISABLE SWITCH AS WITH PREVIOUS MODELS, SO I CANNOT TEMPORARILY DISABLE THE SYSTEM FOR TROUBLESHOOTING OF THE ISSUE. LOSING POWER WHILE PULLING OUT INTO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC AND EXPERIENCING A POWER LOSS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10492121, 2012