2015 Volkswagen Passat Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 88 8 crash 9 injury

“In a multi-vehicle rear end collision, the airbags in the vehicle did not deploy. My vehicle was totaled and I sustained medical injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #11491742, 2022 · crash · 6 injury(ies)

“I I WAS IN A CAR WRECK IN MY 2015 WOLF BURG EDITION PASSAT ON JULY 16, 2020 AND MY VEHICLE RECEIVED MAJOR DAMAGES WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON WEST THOMAS STREET IN HAMMOND LOUISIANA, BUT THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AT ANY TIME! MY CAR WAS TOTALED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE RELATED TO MY SAFETY! I WANT TO KNOW IF THEIR ARE ANY RECALLS ON THE AIR BAGS FOR THIS VEHICLE.MODEL.”
NHTSA complaint #11342744, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL. TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 4 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURNS TO BOTH ARMS AND UPPER RIGHT SIDE THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V014000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL TOW YARD WHERE IT WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND T…”
NHTSA complaint #11257953, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Engine 53 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO REPOND. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS USED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAMSHAFT LOBE SHEARED OFF AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND FUMES OF SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GASKET AND THE VACUUM PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED…”
NHTSA complaint #10825085, 2016 · fire

“My vehicle is a MY2015 Passat TDI SEL with the EA288 (CVCA) diesel engine. Water Pump Failure Occurred at 99488 miles. Leaking coolant from underneath the engine and the expansion tank bottle became empty. Vehicle was parked after a quick 8 min drive to work from home in the morning (~8:45AM) and when I came back at 12PM around 1 quart of coolant had leaked out. Luckily I was not on the freeway or driving the vehicle where it would ride on its torque curve increasing probability of catastrophic failures even after there are usually software induced engine protection derates in place. Officia…”
NHTSA complaint #11693419, 2025

“2015 Passat TDI sudden complete power loss while driving, including highway incidents. Vehicle stalls with no warning, creating immediate safety hazard. Symptoms match documented crankshaft position sensor failures in identical vehicles that VW has repaired under warranty for other owners. VW Customer Care closed case requiring 'duplication' of safety defect before repair. Request immediate safety investigation. I am reporting today's incident however this issue has been occuring since May 1st and occurred on numerous occasions with today being the most unsafe.”
NHTSA complaint #11671727, 2025

Electrical System 48 1 crash 1 fire

“VEHICLE CLUSTER ILLUMINATION LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING, NOT FUSE OR RELAY RELATED. MAIN ELECTRICAL HARNESS MALFUNCTION. MAJOR ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS.”
NHTSA complaint #10825942, 2015 · crash · fire

“The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that cool air was being blown inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the heater failed to heat the passenger’s side of the vehicle. Additionally, the defroster failed to properly defrost the windshield while activated. The contact linked the failure to VWP:16‑05; (Heater Core Limited Warranty Extension). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and con…”
NHTSA complaint #11702531, 2025

“The airbag system/clockspring assembly in the steering column appears to have failed. The airbag warning light turned on and all steering-wheel controls stopped working at the same time, which indicates that the driver airbag may not function in a crash. The vehicle can be inspected upon request. This is a major safety risk because the primary airbag might not deploy during a collision, putting the driver at high risk of injury. The issue has remained constant since it first appeared. I had the vehicle inspected by a highly reputable independent repair shop, and their assessment was that the…”
NHTSA complaint #11699627, 2025

Unknown Or Other 40 3 crash 3 injury

“I bought a 2015 Volkswagen v6 SEL PREMIUM 15 days ago with only 37000 miles on it from car max and I hear my front windshield making a loud sound in upper left corner every morning ….so today I had my kids in car and it was bout 80 degrees we were at park and left park after hour I turned AC on and was driving when I heard a LOUD POP …looked back to my rear windshield shattered in every spot I was only 3 blocks away from home then the glass collapsed all over my kids there all cut up …these windshields do not look normal there’s no rubber surround and I had to pay 250 deductible to get a new o…”
NHTSA complaint #11679156, 2025 · 2 injury(ies)

“MY PREGNANT FIANCE, HER 3YR OLD SON AND I WERE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET APPROXIMATELY 35MPH. A VEHICLE CUT OFF THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME AND THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BEAKS, WHICH MADE ME SLAM ON MINE. I SLAMMED ON MY BREAKS AND IT DID NOT STOP MY VEHICLE, I TRIED TO USE MY EMERGENCY BREAK AND DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE SO I SWERVED OVER AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MY FIANCE'S PASSENGER SIDE FROM BEING HIT. I REAR ENDED THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. EVERYONE SEATBELTS LOCKED EXCEPT MY FIANCE'S. SHE HIT THE DASH, INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS CUST…”
NHTSA complaint #11130658, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The vehicle was rear-ended, lost control, traveled approximately 500 feet, and rolled multiple times. Side and curtain airbags deployed; however, the front airbags did not deploy. The vehicle was declared a total loss. The driver exited the vehicle without assistance. The vehicle is currently preserved at a tow lot.”
NHTSA complaint #11713332, 2026 · crash

Service Brakes 28 2 crash 1 fire 3 injury

“ANTILOCK BRAKES CAUSED ABRUPT BREAKING, COMING TO A FORCEFUL STOP AND CAUSING INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER. THIS HAPPENED AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS CREATING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS FOR THE FAMILY. LAST EXPERIENCED ON FEB 3, 2017”
NHTSA complaint #10950197, 2017 · 2 injury(ies)

“MY PREGNANT FIANCE, HER 3YR OLD SON AND I WERE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET APPROXIMATELY 35MPH. A VEHICLE CUT OFF THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME AND THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BEAKS, WHICH MADE ME SLAM ON MINE. I SLAMMED ON MY BREAKS AND IT DID NOT STOP MY VEHICLE, I TRIED TO USE MY EMERGENCY BREAK AND DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE SO I SWERVED OVER AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MY FIANCE'S PASSENGER SIDE FROM BEING HIT. I REAR ENDED THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. EVERYONE SEATBELTS LOCKED EXCEPT MY FIANCE'S. SHE HIT THE DASH, INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS CUST…”
NHTSA complaint #11130658, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO REPOND. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS USED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAMSHAFT LOBE SHEARED OFF AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND FUMES OF SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GASKET AND THE VACUUM PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED…”
NHTSA complaint #10825085, 2016 · fire

Steering 26

“2015 Passat TDI sudden complete power loss while driving, including highway incidents. Vehicle stalls with no warning, creating immediate safety hazard. Symptoms match documented crankshaft position sensor failures in identical vehicles that VW has repaired under warranty for other owners. VW Customer Care closed case requiring 'duplication' of safety defect before repair. Request immediate safety investigation. I am reporting today's incident however this issue has been occuring since May 1st and occurred on numerous occasions with today being the most unsafe.”
NHTSA complaint #11671727, 2025

“This is the second car like this that I have had. Both had the same issues. when at highway speeds of 65 or greater the steering wheel will shake left and right. It is almost like there is a wheel that is not balanced. That is not the case, I have had the car in the shop 3 times now for this same issue. The last car I had(2015 VW Passat TDI) my son totaled it out in January. It also had the same issues but the dealer ship in Fort Wayne Indiana got it fixed and never really told me what was wrong with it other than they had to call the manufacturer to resolve the issue. The new car has b…”
NHTSA complaint #11616771, 2024

“I was driving the car as usual. I needed to make a u turn at a light where it was safe and legal to do so. I heard a clicking sound and I don’t know what happened. I can’t use anything on the steering wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #11613507, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 21

“Vehicle has an excessive gasoline smell coming from the driver front of the vehicle- mechanics have not been able to determine the exact location of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11752613, 2026

“While driving on the highway my car suddenly began to stall. It lost power later after that & when I got an oil change then tried to drive it later I was stopped by another driver told something is leaking. While driving to a Autozone I noticed the gears jump while shifting from 1 to 2 and I now can’t past 20 mph. I’ve already gotten the camshaft replaced and while researching I learned my cars make and model is being recalled for everything my car is going through. The vin says it’s not eligible for any recalls. Its maintenance is unkept.”
NHTSA complaint #11716751, 2026

“Gas and Oil comsumption is way too high … Almost every 600-1000 the low oil lights turns on! Check engine on almost all the time due to an error with the oxígen sensor. EPC light gets on very frequently and the car loses speed. Also vehicle has a constant rattlesnake sound when speed is low. Issue was reported some years ago to a local VW dealership in Georgia but they never took care of the issue. Ongoing for a couple of years!. No additional details”
NHTSA complaint #11610716, 2024

Suspension 16

“Rear coil spring is broken. Normal driving conditions and we noticed a significant vibration. Upon inspection of rear suspension we found a broken rear coil spring. I researched this issue and found that VW recalled several other 2015 models for rear coil springs breaking. This is a major safety issue. Currently we cannot use the car due to this safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11532430, 2023

“Fractured rear coil spring on a 2015 Volkswagen Passat Limited. There is a current recall, 42J5, for various VW's from 2015 to 2019, but not for the Passat. NHTSA Campaign #19V188000 should cover rear coil springs in all VW"s for the years listed. Same defect, same dangers. I have the coil spring and will save it for a reasonable period of time if an inspection of the unit is needed. Contacted VW customer service and was told coil spring would not be covered.”
NHTSA complaint #11486766, 2022

“The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, he heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for a tire rotation, the dealer informed the contact that the front driver's side coil spring was fractured and the rear driver's side coil spring was cracked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the front driver's side coil spring was replaced. However, the part for the rear driver's side coil spring repair was not available. The vehicle was not re…”
NHTSA complaint #11479766, 2022

Power Train 12 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE IN PARK WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY IN REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10884735, 2016 · crash

“While driving on the highway my car suddenly began to stall. It lost power later after that & when I got an oil change then tried to drive it later I was stopped by another driver told something is leaking. While driving to a Autozone I noticed the gears jump while shifting from 1 to 2 and I now can’t past 20 mph. I’ve already gotten the camshaft replaced and while researching I learned my cars make and model is being recalled for everything my car is going through. The vin says it’s not eligible for any recalls. Its maintenance is unkept.”
NHTSA complaint #11716751, 2026

“Vehicle in question has a dual-clutch automatic transmission with 103,000 miles on the odometer. Transmission failed without warning while turning left onto a major highway from a standing stop -- stuck in 1st gear, it was dangerously slow to get out of other drivers' way, creating a serious road hazard concern. Vehicle had been maintained since new with fluid changes as required but still failed prematurely and without warning of any sort. Dealer inspected the car and stated the transmission needs to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11671602, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 10 2 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED A SECOND TIME, BUT THERE WAS NO CRASH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN THE FIRST CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AWAY FROM THE SCENE. THE PAUL CLARK VOLKSWAGEN DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEH…”
NHTSA complaint #10991423, 2016 · crash

“ON 1/19/16 I EXPERIENCED A SERIOUS ISSUE WHILE DRIVING MY 2015 VW PASSAT. AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AFTER MY 12-MILE COMMUTE TO WORK I APPLIED THE BRAKES. NO STOPPING OCCURRED, IN FACT I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. WHILE MY FOOT REMAINED ON AND CONTINUED TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD. I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TRIED TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN STOPPING THE VEHICLE. MY CARE CAME TO REST ONLY AFTER HITTING THE CURB AND A MASONRY WALL/HAND RAIL. ONCE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP, I…”
NHTSA complaint #10824949, 2016 · crash

“While driving on the highway my car suddenly began to stall. It lost power later after that & when I got an oil change then tried to drive it later I was stopped by another driver told something is leaking. While driving to a Autozone I noticed the gears jump while shifting from 1 to 2 and I now can’t past 20 mph. I’ve already gotten the camshaft replaced and while researching I learned my cars make and model is being recalled for everything my car is going through. The vin says it’s not eligible for any recalls. Its maintenance is unkept.”
NHTSA complaint #11716751, 2026

Visibility 7

“The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that cool air was being blown inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the heater failed to heat the passenger’s side of the vehicle. Additionally, the defroster failed to properly defrost the windshield while activated. The contact linked the failure to VWP:16‑05; (Heater Core Limited Warranty Extension). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and con…”
NHTSA complaint #11702531, 2025

“The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while attempting to activate the defroster, the defroster failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the tubing of the heater core needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred approximately 100 miles later. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11614388, 2023

“The defroster failed to keep the windshield fog free. The dealer said the heater core was plugged up and we replaced it now a year and a half later we have the same thing the heater core plugged up. We have not had an accident yet but have come close.”
NHTSA complaint #11483849, 2021

Exterior Lighting 6 1 crash 1 fire

“VEHICLE CLUSTER ILLUMINATION LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING, NOT FUSE OR RELAY RELATED. MAIN ELECTRICAL HARNESS MALFUNCTION. MAJOR ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS.”
NHTSA complaint #10825942, 2015 · crash · fire

“Rear back left light keeps going out. Could be an electrical issue. I have had to change light 5 times. The rear left back light blinker keeps going out.”
NHTSA complaint #11517003, 2023

“TIRES: FRONT DRIVER-SIDE TIRE BLOWN, "DONUT" SPARE ON THE CAR CURRENTLY, WITH A 50 MPH SPEED LIMIT. FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE TIRE HAS A BUBBLE IN THE SIDEWALL. THERE ARE 2 OPEN RECALLS - ONE FOR THE AIR BAG, AND ONE FOR THE HEADLIGHTS, THAT NEED TO BE RESOLVED. I'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET THE RECALLS ADDRESSED SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2019. EVERY TIME I MAKE CONTACT WITH SOMEONE AT VOLKSWAGEN, I'M TOLD I WILL GET A CALL BACK BUT I NEVER DO. IN NOVEMBER OF 2019, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A BACKLOG OF RECALL WORK, AND WAS GIVEN NO TIME FRAME WITH REGARD TO WHEN I WOULD BE ABLE TO BRING MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE. FOR T…”
NHTSA complaint #11326974, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 6

“The heater core becomes clogged and limits heat available for windshield defogging and defrosting. This creates a visibility hazard during inclement weather and makes the cabin uncomfortable during cold weather. The heater core was diagnosed and replaced on this vehicle in December 2024. The same symptoms have returned in December 2025. Volkwagen issued TSB VWP-16-05 to remedy this same issue in 2013-2014 Passats. I own a 2015 Passat. 2015 Passats have the same symptoms and problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11703926, 2025

“The heater core becomes clogged and limits heat available for defrosting the windshield. The heat available is insufficient to defrost and maintain visibility while driving under adverse conditions. The cabin also becomes uncomfortable because of limited heat during cold weather operation. Volkwagen issued TSB VWP-16-05 for this issue for this model for the model year prior to my car. I had this issue repaired in December 2024. The same problem and symptoms have returned in December 2025.”
NHTSA complaint #11703917, 2024

“I have a 2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI that I purchased in 2018. The car has no heat and needs a second heater core replacement, currently with 85,565. In researching the issue, i found the Warranty extension on the NTSB website Number: VWP-16-05 that covers model years 2013 and 2014 prior to my model. As winter approaches, lack of heat for the windshield creates visibility issues in cold, wet, and snowy weather. I am limiting the use of the vehicle until i can get a repair. In February of 2022, a dealership replaced the heater core in my vehicle at 48,471 miles, and I paid $633.07 for tha…”
NHTSA complaint #11626997, 2024

Structure 5 1 crash 1 injury

“I I WAS IN A CAR WRECK IN MY 2015 WOLF BURG EDITION PASSAT ON JULY 16, 2020 AND MY VEHICLE RECEIVED MAJOR DAMAGES WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON WEST THOMAS STREET IN HAMMOND LOUISIANA, BUT THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AT ANY TIME! MY CAR WAS TOTALED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE RELATED TO MY SAFETY! I WANT TO KNOW IF THEIR ARE ANY RECALLS ON THE AIR BAGS FOR THIS VEHICLE.MODEL.”
NHTSA complaint #11342744, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The door lock : latches fails in freezing weather. All the door latches are frozen. Doors will sometimes open, but then the door will not shut.”
NHTSA complaint #11446608, 2022

“DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR BECOMES LOOSE AND A LOUD WHISTLING SOUND IS MADE WHEN DRIVING OVER 30 MILES PER HOUR. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AS IT JUST STARTED HAPPENING A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR AS A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE. THE DEALER TOLD ME THE WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT. THE DOOR PANEL WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND A NEW MIRROR INSTALLED WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT IT WOULD NOT DO IT AFTER REPLACEMENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11366562, 2019

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 4

“HORN, STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS, POWER STEERING AND DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG ARE NOT WORKING AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY CLOCK SPRING.”
NHTSA complaint #11270971, 2019

“ALL LIGHTS CAME ON AT SAME TIME, NO NOTABLE REASON GIVEN FOR ISSUE. JUST TOLD COSTS ASSOCIATED AREN'T UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALLS.”
NHTSA complaint #11127873, 2018

“RECENTLY MY 2015 VW PASSAT STALLED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. DEALER ADVISED THAT IT WAS GIVING CODES FOR A MALFUNCTIONING AIR INTAKE ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSOR. AFTER IT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN VERY ROUGH AND SEEMED TO BE SLUGGISH. ON TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALER I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THE CODE FOR THE ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSOR HAS REAPPEARED AND VW SUSPECTS THAT IT IS AN ENGINE ELECTRICAL HARNESS PROBLEM WHICH IS DUE FOR REPLACEMENT. ADDITIONALLY, THE ESC LIGHT LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD ONE EVENING AND STAYED ON FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND WENT AWAY AFTER THE ENGIN…”
NHTSA complaint #10893166, 2016

Seat Belts 4

“I purchased this car from what I believed was a private individual for my 15 year old daughter as her first car. This individual knew the purpose of this sale and was accutely aware that a new driver would be the primary driver. Before allowing her to drive this car, I had a detailed safety and condition inspection completed by a local import repair specialist. They found that there had been a deployment of the air bags resulting in the clock spring and front seat belt retractors being unusable. In addition, the air bag warning light had been removed from the instrument cluster and the bulb wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11494168, 2022

“AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED AND WARNING CHIME CONSTANTLY RINGS. THIS IS AT APPROXIMATELY 53,000 MILES. WHEN VEHICLE TURNED ON LIGHT CAME ON AND HAS REMAINED ON.”
NHTSA complaint #11096371, 2018

“SEATLBELT WARNING LIGHT AND INDICATOR SOUND OFF (ALARM OR BEEPING SOUND WITH LIGHT) WITHOUT CAUSE. IT'S THE SAME SOUNDS AS THOUGH YOU'RE NOT WEARING A SEATBELT. HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING INTERMITTENTLY.”
NHTSA complaint #10957917, 2017

Tires 4

“Severe crack in sidewall of one tire. (4) 235/45R18 GOODYEAR ASSURANCE MAXLIFE I stopped by the installer today 9/12/2023. At risk for Blow-out. No signs of running underinflated. To my surprise - they Identified that the three other tires are show similar sidewall cracking emerging. Pictures available. Pictures of the other three tires are available upon request. I purchased four tires from Tire rack January 5, 2020. RHP Reference Number(s): XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX NOTE: Is this similar to complaint # NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11510140 ( March 4, 2023 ) Similarities: Both cars had: Same "brand"…”
NHTSA complaint #11544204, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT EQUIPPED WITH VREDESTEIN QUATRAC TIRES, SIZE: 215/55R17 (NA). WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC REPLACED THE TIRE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH ANOTHER BRAND OF TIRE. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT A SUPERVISOR WOULD REACH OUT. THE DOT NUMBER AND VIN WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11281516, 2019

“PURCHASED NEW ATLAS TIRE FROM AN AUTHORIZED ATLAS TIRE DEALER. ONCE TIRES WERE MOUNTED AND BALANCED, THERE WAS A SLIGHT VIBRATION AROUND 70 MPH. THE TIRE WAS THEN RE-BALANCED AND HAD PRESSURE APPLIED. IT WAS FOUND THE TIRE TO HAVE A THIN SIDE WALL CAUSING THE TIRE NOT TO BALANCE AND PUTTING THE DRIVER AT RISK WITH A PREMATURE FAILURE. THE COMPANY AS NOT FOLLOWED THERE WARRANTY AND WILL NOT RESPOND TO AN ON-GOING EMAIL WITH THEIR REPRESENTATIVES.”
NHTSA complaint #11111658, 2018

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and veering to the left, the vehicle stalled. The battery warning light was illuminated. A towing service performed a diagnostic test on the vehicle and informed the contact that the failure was not related to the battery and the alternator. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer replaced the battery and serviced the cooling system; however, the failure persisted. Th…”
NHTSA complaint #11578405, 2024

“2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ERRATIC SHIFTING AND BRAKES EITHER TOO SOFT AND WON'T STOP QUICKLY OR THEY LOCK UP AND I CAN'T MOVE THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEMS ARE MOSTLY IN TOWN DRIVING, BUT ONCE OCCURRED IN HIGHWAY DRIVING GOING UP A HILL WHILE PASSING. IN THAT INCIDENT THE TACHOMETER WENT FROM 2 TO 5 AS THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE REVVED UP AS IF I WERE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, ALTHOUGH I WAS NOT. AFTER THE CAMSHAFT WAS REPLACED, PER THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE PERFORMED EVEN MORE POORLY THAN BEFORE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. OVER THE NEXT WEEK, THE LURCHED AT…”
NHTSA complaint #10824180, 2016

Fuel System 2

“The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle sputtered intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that fuel was leaking into the engine compartment, causing engine failure. The contact stated that the dealer had repaired the vehicle and possibly cleaned the engine. The dealer had informed the contact that the engine would last 4-6 months before complete engine failure. The vehicle was returned to the contact; however, while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle sputtered an…”
NHTSA complaint #11715795, 2024

“The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, East Dallas Volkswagen (12635 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy., Garland, TX 75041); where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump was leaking fuel and that the gasket and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximate…”
NHTSA complaint #11617197, 2024

Wheels 2

“TIRES: FRONT DRIVER-SIDE TIRE BLOWN, "DONUT" SPARE ON THE CAR CURRENTLY, WITH A 50 MPH SPEED LIMIT. FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE TIRE HAS A BUBBLE IN THE SIDEWALL. THERE ARE 2 OPEN RECALLS - ONE FOR THE AIR BAG, AND ONE FOR THE HEADLIGHTS, THAT NEED TO BE RESOLVED. I'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET THE RECALLS ADDRESSED SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2019. EVERY TIME I MAKE CONTACT WITH SOMEONE AT VOLKSWAGEN, I'M TOLD I WILL GET A CALL BACK BUT I NEVER DO. IN NOVEMBER OF 2019, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A BACKLOG OF RECALL WORK, AND WAS GIVEN NO TIME FRAME WITH REGARD TO WHEN I WOULD BE ABLE TO BRING MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE. FOR T…”
NHTSA complaint #11326974, 2020

“CONTINENTAL TIRES MODEL PROCONTACT TX , 235/45 R18 TIRES PEELING ON THE SIDE WALLS AND CRACK DEVELOPING ON SIDEWALLS AT 10,000 MILES. ALL 4 TIRES UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10916579, 2016

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“During a left hand turn a loud "pop" occurred in the steering wheel while illuminated the Air Bag error light and disabled the horn and all steering wheel controls. I called Volkswagen about the errors and was transferred around on phone system, hung up on while transferring, message left with no contact back. While searching online have found numerous air bag recalls with clock spring issues but this model is not showing it although it is obvious it has failed. The car is not currently safe to drive and is parked, I currently own 4 of these VW TDI Passat's and need this addressed. Thank You”
NHTSA complaint #11456657, 2022

Seats 1

“THE ISSUE IS IM HAVING THAT I HAVE AN AIRBAG WARNING ON FOR A SEAT THAT NO ONE HARDLY EVERS SITS IN. IM SINGLE SO 98% OF THE TIME IM ALONE IN MY VEHICLE SO WHY WOULD THE PASSENGER SEAT BEING DISPLAYING AN ISSUE. SO, ALSO AT 66, 250 IM EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WITH NEEDING A WATERPUMP AND THERMOSTAT WHICH WILL COST 1100.00 THAT I DON'T HAVE. IM REVIEWING ALL THE ISSUES YOU ARE HAVING WITH THESE PARTS I DID HAVE MASTERTECH FOR WARRNATY SO NOW ITS RAN OUT AT 60,000 MILES. I FEEL THIS ISSUE YOU ARE HAVING WITH THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED THROUGH VW. THESE ARE TOO SOON FOR THESE ISSUES TO BE O…”
NHTSA complaint #11140207, 2018