2016 Volkswagen Passat Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 25 2 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER IN THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER AND WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FOR THE BODY DAMAGE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE VIEW MIRROR INDICATOR FAILED TO DETECT THE ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AW…”
NHTSA complaint #10993193, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL- NOT SURE IF IT IS BUT MY CAR HAS ISSUE ON THE STEERING. ALSO MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND ALONG WITH THAT MY HORN IS DISABLED. NOT SURE IF ITS UNDER RECALL BUT HOW DO I GET THOSE REPAIR”
NHTSA complaint #11109539, 2017 · crash

“The clock spring system failed, rendering all of the cars' steering wheel functions non-functional. The airbag light is on and the steering wheels airbag does not operate as well as the cars horn and auto cruise controls. The instrument cluster is malfunctioning as well. The safety risks associated with the malfunctions could result in great harm to the driver and passengers in the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11735422, 2026

Electrical System 22 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER IN THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER AND WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FOR THE BODY DAMAGE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE VIEW MIRROR INDICATOR FAILED TO DETECT THE ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AW…”
NHTSA complaint #10993193, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The clock spring system failed, rendering all of the cars' steering wheel functions non-functional. The airbag light is on and the steering wheels airbag does not operate as well as the cars horn and auto cruise controls. The instrument cluster is malfunctioning as well. The safety risks associated with the malfunctions could result in great harm to the driver and passengers in the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11735422, 2026

“The vehicle has been alerting error codes 16352 for failing to communicate with ABS module causing warning lights for ABS, brake and the ESC systems to illuminate. The brake system related vehicle stabilizing functions (ABS/ESC) is not be available, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control and could lead to a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Please reference Safety Recall Code: 45F2”
NHTSA complaint #11691060, 2025

Steering 19 1 crash

“TAKATA RECALL- NOT SURE IF IT IS BUT MY CAR HAS ISSUE ON THE STEERING. ALSO MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND ALONG WITH THAT MY HORN IS DISABLED. NOT SURE IF ITS UNDER RECALL BUT HOW DO I GET THOSE REPAIR”
NHTSA complaint #11109539, 2017 · crash

“The clock spring system failed, rendering all of the cars' steering wheel functions non-functional. The airbag light is on and the steering wheels airbag does not operate as well as the cars horn and auto cruise controls. The instrument cluster is malfunctioning as well. The safety risks associated with the malfunctions could result in great harm to the driver and passengers in the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11735422, 2026

“Air bag error light is on and steering wheel controls/horn are inoperable. Cause is most likely a clock spring failure as has been reported in numerous VW vehicle models including the 2016 VW Passat but the current recall 69L2 doesn’t appear to cover our vehicle. With recall problems on numerous other vehicles, it is hard to believe this isn’t caused by the same issue. Repair cost is estimated at $900 for an item that should be covered by VW.”
NHTSA complaint #11618315, 2024

Engine 17

“The fuel delivery system appears to have failed. Specifically, there is an active gasoline leak from a fuel line inside the cabin, near or under the rear seat. The source may be related to an unresolved recall involving the fuel rail detaching from the engine, which causes pressurized fuel leakage. The failed component is still present on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. The back seat was removed by a mechanic who observed gasoline actively spewing into the cabin. This defect presents an extreme fire hazard. The constant gasoline fumes in the interior have caused me to s…”
NHTSA complaint #11669476, 2025

“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating abnormally while in park(P) and had started jerking while driving. The contact stated that while driving and exceeding 70 MPH, the shaking and vibrating became worse. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil on top of the engine. The EPC warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the breather valve, oil separator, the lower and upper timing cover, all four coil pack connectors, the coolant fluid a…”
NHTSA complaint #11626654, 2024

“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was unofficially diagnosed; however, the mechanic noticed that the engine was misfiring. The mechanic performed a tune-up on the vehicle, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided…”
NHTSA complaint #11589608, 2023

Service Brakes 17 1 crash 1 injury

“THE CAR HAS AUTONOMOUS BRAKING ISSUE. THE SYSTEM THAT BRAKES THE CAR IF ANOTHER CAR IS DETECTED IN FRONT OF YOU WILL BRAKE EVEN IF NO ONE IS IN FRONT OF YOU. THE CAR WAS IN AT THE DEALER FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS INJURED AS A RESULT OF THE ABURT STOP. VW HAD MY CAR FOR 7 WEEKS AND ALL THEY COULD FIND WAS THAT THE CAR WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND THE SENSOR WAS NOT ADJUSTED PROPERLY. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS FINDING IS THAT THEY HAD ALREADY PERFORMED THAT SAME EXACT FIXED A YEAR PRIOR. THEY ALSO STATED ONE OF THE FOUR TIMES THEY HAD IT IN THE SHOP THAT T…”
NHTSA complaint #11256041, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL- NOT SURE IF IT IS BUT MY CAR HAS ISSUE ON THE STEERING. ALSO MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND ALONG WITH THAT MY HORN IS DISABLED. NOT SURE IF ITS UNDER RECALL BUT HOW DO I GET THOSE REPAIR”
NHTSA complaint #11109539, 2017 · crash

“The vehicle has been alerting error codes 16352 for failing to communicate with ABS module causing warning lights for ABS, brake and the ESC systems to illuminate. The brake system related vehicle stabilizing functions (ABS/ESC) is not be available, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control and could lead to a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Please reference Safety Recall Code: 45F2”
NHTSA complaint #11691060, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 15

“currently leaking raw fuel under the hood (matching Recall 15F7) and stalling after fill-ups (matching Recall 24V110000). I am requesting a Specialized Safety Review and Goodwill Assistance to cover the repair because this is a documented manufacturing defect, not wear-and-tear." 2. Leverage the "Suction Jet Pump" Investigation There is a current investigation (as of early 2026) because VW’s recent fuel pump recall (24V110000) didn't include enough vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #11732738, 2025

“Smell of fuel near rear seat. Gasket OK.”
NHTSA complaint #11681884, 2025

“Description of the Problem: The fuel pump housing on my 2016 Volkswagen Passat (1.8L TSI) developed visible cracks, which caused a persistent fuel vapor smell around the vehicle, especially after refueling. The failed component — the plastic fuel pump assembly manufactured by Continental — is available for inspection and has been photographed. Safety Risk: The cracks allowed gasoline vapors to escape, creating a clear fire hazard. I experienced headaches from the fumes while driving, and the smell was strongest when the vehicle was full of fuel. Vapors were most noticeable when the air circu…”
NHTSA complaint #11671816, 2025

Unknown Or Other 13 2 crash 1 injury

“MY 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSET SE MODEL CAR APPLIES THE BRAKES WHILE IN MOTION ON ITS OWN. THIS HAS OCCURRED 6 TIMED OVER THE PAST 7 MONTHS. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 12 2015. IT IS GETTING WORSE EACH TIME. ONE TIME IT HAPPENED AS I WAS ABOUT 100 FEET FROM A INTERSECTION. NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS THE ONLY ONE ON THE ROAD AT THE TIME. I WAS DURING THE DAY AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BREAK APPLIED. REALLY SCARED ME. ANOTHER TIME IT HAPPENED APPROACHING RAILROAD TRACKS. THIS TIME THE BRAKES APPLIED REALLY HARD. IT WAS BAD EVERY THING FLEW AROUND THE CAR. A COUPLE OF TIMES I HEARD A BE…”
NHTSA complaint #10884433, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)

“SAME ISSUE AS NHTSA ID # 11096639. CAR WAS PARKED, TURNED OFF, AND LOCKED AFTER 3 ADULTS EXITED THE CAR AND ENTERED A STORY. A FEW MINUTES LATER A CONCERNED PERSON RAN IN THE STORE ASKING WHO OWNS A BLACK VW? THE CAR HAD ROLLED AWAY, UNATTENDED, AFTER BEING PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. IT ROLLED INTO ANOTHER CAR ABOUT 50 YARDS AWAY AT A GAS STATION. NO INJURIES.”
NHTSA complaint #11286286, 2019 · crash

“I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH. MY 2016 VW PASST V6 SUDDENLY SWIRLED TO THE LEFT, JUMPED OVER CURBS, AND BUSTED ALL FOUR TIRES BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT. TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD STEPPED ON GAS INSTEAD OF BREAK OT IT COULD BE THE PARKING ASSISTANCE TOOK OVER THE CONTROL OF THE CAR. WHEN THEY REPLACED MY TIRES,, THEY FOUND AN OPEN RECORD/CAMPAIGN AS DESCRIBED "96D6 2016-05-04 W-UPDATE - PARK ASSIST AND BLIND SPOT DETECTION (NVLW)." I AM NOT SURE WHAT THIS RECORD MEANS. IS IT RELATED TO MY INCIDENT? I WONDER IF ANYON…”
NHTSA complaint #10864774, 2016 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 11

“Air bag error light is on and steering wheel controls/horn are inoperable. Cause is most likely a clock spring failure as has been reported in numerous VW vehicle models including the 2016 VW Passat but the current recall 69L2 doesn’t appear to cover our vehicle. With recall problems on numerous other vehicles, it is hard to believe this isn’t caused by the same issue. Repair cost is estimated at $900 for an item that should be covered by VW.”
NHTSA complaint #11618315, 2024

“THE CAR SUDDELY TURNED ON AIRBAG LIGHTS, ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND, CRUISE CONTROL”
NHTSA complaint #11398059, 2021

“VW repaired clock spring (a recall) after airbag warning, steering wheel controls stopped working. VW returned the vehicle to me, the customer, with the clock spring supposedly repaired yet steering wheel buttons, including cruise control and others, remained broken and unusable. VW wanted several hundred dollars to fix this, despite the issue obviously being directly related to the clock spring as all buttons were in working order prior to the clock spring issue. (dates below May not be entirely accurate as this happened several years ago and still has not been repaired, however I was unawa…”
NHTSA complaint #11527901, 2020

Forward Collision Avoidance 7

“The vehicle has been alerting error codes 16352 for failing to communicate with ABS module causing warning lights for ABS, brake and the ESC systems to illuminate. The brake system related vehicle stabilizing functions (ABS/ESC) is not be available, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control and could lead to a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Please reference Safety Recall Code: 45F2”
NHTSA complaint #11691060, 2025

“While driving on a residential street the VW Front Assist suddenly engaged the brakes. There was no car in front or any cars driving in the area. The car came to a complete stop. The only explanation may be that it had been recently raining in Seattle and it was also late in the day so the sun was low in the sky. There was also a metal plate on the street that appeared to be reflective with the rain. We have had incidents like this in the past while driving over the University Bridge as well which is a metal grated draw bridge in Seattle. We are extremely concerned that the brakes will e…”
NHTSA complaint #11655648, 2025

“My sensors cause the car to break in the middle of traffic. Almost causing accidents for the people behind me. This has happened 3x in the last month.”
NHTSA complaint #11531558, 2023

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 5

“WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO STOP IT APPEARS THAT BRAKES/ABS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. ABS, TPMS, TRACTION CONTROL, SRS WARNING LIGHTS HAVE COME ON FOR THE SECOND TIME IN JUST A FEW MONTHS SPAN. DEALER SAID IT WAS FAULTY ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSORS BOTH TIMES (BOTH REAR). IT APPEARS THAT IT IS THE SAME ISSUE AS NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11265312. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11337346, 2020

“WHILE DRIVING THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON (CONSTANT SPEED, HIGHWAY, DRY CONDITIONS), DISABLING CRUISE CONTROL. THE AIRBAG LIGHT THEN CAME ON. THEN THE TIRE SENSOR LIGHT AND FINALLY THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHT AND EXCLAMATION POINT ICON NEXT TO THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11330287, 2020

“UPON ENTERING THE FREEWAY MY CAR STALLED OUT AND LOSS POWER. TOOK TO THE NEARBY DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ECM CONTROL MODULE WHICH WILL COST ME $1697.00 TO FIX . IT'S A FIVE DAY FIX AND MY CAR WONT RETURN UNTIL WEDNESDAY. 2016 VW PASSAT ELECTRICAL ENGINE MISFIRE. DEALERSHIP IS VW OF ONTARIO THE CAR IS THERE NOW. SINCE THERE IS A RECALL I'M WONDERING ABOUT REIMBURSEMENT. THE COMPUTER MODULE OF A CAR DOWN NOT USUALLY GO OUT AT 100K MILES. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. CONTACT ME AT [XXX]. MY NAME IS [XXX]. THANKS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.…”
NHTSA complaint #11185501, 2019

Exterior Lighting 5

“UNKNOWN - Looked into recall information regarding this vehicle. KBB.COM specified a headlight issue that has not been repaired on my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11572614, 2024

“THE ELECTRICAL HOUSING FOR HEADLIGHT MELTDOWN CREATING POSSIBLY RISK OF FIRES. WAS DRIVING WHEN FEEL SOME BURNING SMELLING INSIDE THE CAR , NOTHING EL HAPPENED UNTIL STOP THE CAR , WHILE STOP THE CAR AND COMPLETED THE PURCHASES OF SOME GROSERAS WHEN RE START THE VEHICLE THE DASH BOARD LIGHT INDICATING LIGHT BULBS NEED TO BE HECK IS ON AFTER INSPECTION ALL LIGHT SEEMS LIKE IS WORKING OK BUT THE WARNING LIGHT STILL ON . AFTER MORE CLOSE INSPECTION AND GUIDE BY THE SMOKING/ BURNING SMELL DISCOVER SOME OF THE LECTRICAL CONNECTOR MELTED WITH THE ORIGINAL FACTORY LIGHT BULBS . MY CONCERN IS THE VEH…”
NHTSA complaint #11302726, 2020

“THE HEADLIGHTS GO VERY DIM 2 SECONDS AFTER THEY ARE TURNED ON. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE YOU CANT SEE ANYTHING MORE THAN 3 INCHES IN FRONT OF YOU.”
NHTSA complaint #11184477, 2019

Power Train 5

“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was unofficially diagnosed; however, the mechanic noticed that the engine was misfiring. The mechanic performed a tune-up on the vehicle, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided…”
NHTSA complaint #11589608, 2023

“Car has low oil pressure come up. After new oil change around 2,000 mile the oil has disappeared/burned away. I had falcone check 3 different times. They see no leaks or issue. Due to this my engine Knocks”
NHTSA complaint #11502087, 2022

“2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND THE CAR SLOWED TO A NEAR STOP AND COULD NOT ASCEND A SMALL INCLINE ON INTERSTATE 95 SOUTHBOUND AT OR ABOUT STRATFORD, CONNECTICUT. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP IN STRATFORD CT. WHEN PUT INTO GEAR THE ENGINE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND THERE WAS NO POWER. WHEN IN PARK AND NEUTRAL THE ENGINE WAS FINE AND COULD BE "REVVED" WITHOUT ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE WIRE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE "TCM AND ICM' HAS "WATER DAMAGE" AND THAT WHEN THEY DISCONNECTED THOSE WIRES THERE "IS SIGNS OF CORROSION ON THE SEAL" ?”
NHTSA complaint #11130453, 2018

Structure 4 1 crash

“I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH. MY 2016 VW PASST V6 SUDDENLY SWIRLED TO THE LEFT, JUMPED OVER CURBS, AND BUSTED ALL FOUR TIRES BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT. TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD STEPPED ON GAS INSTEAD OF BREAK OT IT COULD BE THE PARKING ASSISTANCE TOOK OVER THE CONTROL OF THE CAR. WHEN THEY REPLACED MY TIRES,, THEY FOUND AN OPEN RECORD/CAMPAIGN AS DESCRIBED "96D6 2016-05-04 W-UPDATE - PARK ASSIST AND BLIND SPOT DETECTION (NVLW)." I AM NOT SURE WHAT THIS RECORD MEANS. IS IT RELATED TO MY INCIDENT? I WONDER IF ANYON…”
NHTSA complaint #10864774, 2016 · crash

“GAS LEAKING INTO BACKSEAT SOAKING CUSHIONS, Passenger door body door whole stripped and door bolt loosen which could fall off if not tightened every 3 days”
NHTSA complaint #11485010, 2022

“THE PASSENGER REAR EXTERIOR HANDLE WAS PULLED OFF UNDER NORMAL USE. RENDERING DOOR INOPERATIVE, SAFETY ISSUE.”
NHTSA complaint #11413235, 2021

Fuel System 3

“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, there was a strong gasoline odor inside the cabin. The contact immediately pulled over and exited the vehicle to inspect for visible fuel leaks, but found no leaks. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and stalled repeatedly. Additionally, the brakes failed to function properly, preventing the vehicle from stopping as needed. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechan…”
NHTSA complaint #11720214, 2025

“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V403000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mi…”
NHTSA complaint #11720260, 2025

“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate above 35 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle and the EPC warning light had illuminated briefly then the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over onto the side of the road however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and the contact reached out to a local mechanic to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the fuel pump module, and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persi…”
NHTSA complaint #11637468, 2025

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that after the dealer had performed a fuel induction on the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic convertor had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the repair was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11618647, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT OVERHEARD AND ABNORMAL NOISE AS THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS APPROACHING A HILL AND ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH FAILED TO ENGAGE PROPERLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKE PADS AND ROTOR WERE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO HILEY VOLKSWAGEN OF HUNTSVILLE (6944 HIGHWAY 72 W, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35806, (256) 882-02…”
NHTSA complaint #11397873, 2017

Seat Belts 2

“Seat belt indicator light comes on while driving. Only vehicle driver was present in car with seat belt secured/locked. After releasing driver belt and reengaging driver belt several times, the indicator light did not change. Driver engaged the passenger belt and indicator went off. There was nothing or no one on the passenger seat to enable the presence detector. The ignition and engine remained on throughout this event. This occurred at least twice within seven days.”
NHTSA complaint #11486348, 2022

“I purchased this car brand new Oct 2016. Since then I have experienced multiple sensor failures year after year… At first we thought this was a one time failure but as more and more issues came our concerns grew. I have changed out the radio, 3 speed sensors, and now am having more issues with different symptoms. For example my epc light is no and my check engine is on along with the other typical light i have seen with my speed sensor issues. I can not confidently pass any cars because the car stalls at 3000 rpms. I consider this car a safety issue on the road and i do not want this car…”
NHTSA complaint #11457655, 2022

Visibility/Wiper 2

“Defroster not working causing very low visibility and very unsafe to drive the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11566968, 2023

“AS I HAVE SEEN IN YOUR DATABASE MY PASSAT HAS MANY OF THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY SIDE MIRRORS SOMETIMES DO NOT UNFOLD OR FUNCTION AS EXPECTED. ( VW SAYS THERE IS NO FIX ) MY BACKUP CAMERA SOMETIMES DOESN'T WORK ( VW SAYS THERE IS NO FIX ) MY CAR STOPS FOR NO REASON THINKING THERE IS AN OBJECT IN FRONT OF IT. NOT ONLY ARE THESE PROBLEMS REAL THE CAR DID NOT REGISTER ANY FAULTS. THESE PROBLEMS HAPPENED ALL THE TIME YET INTERMITTENTLY. PLEASE NOTE THAT MY CAR WAS MADE IN THE USA. AND EXPORTED TO CANADA. I AM IN CANADA. DUE TO MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS I HAVE BEEN CONTACTED BY SEVERAL VW OWNERS MAN…”
NHTSA complaint #11124212, 2016

Wheels 2 1 crash

“I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH. MY 2016 VW PASST V6 SUDDENLY SWIRLED TO THE LEFT, JUMPED OVER CURBS, AND BUSTED ALL FOUR TIRES BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT. TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD STEPPED ON GAS INSTEAD OF BREAK OT IT COULD BE THE PARKING ASSISTANCE TOOK OVER THE CONTROL OF THE CAR. WHEN THEY REPLACED MY TIRES,, THEY FOUND AN OPEN RECORD/CAMPAIGN AS DESCRIBED "96D6 2016-05-04 W-UPDATE - PARK ASSIST AND BLIND SPOT DETECTION (NVLW)." I AM NOT SURE WHAT THIS RECORD MEANS. IS IT RELATED TO MY INCIDENT? I WONDER IF ANYON…”
NHTSA complaint #10864774, 2016 · crash

“Within 55,000 miles I needed to replace both of my front wheel bearings, for an approximate cost of $1,000. I have done some research and talked to many people and found out that wheel bearings should not go bad on a car with 60K miles. It would be understandable if one went bad due to a defect but both going bad has me quite confused and angry at the cost of these repairs. I wrote VW about this problem and was told that since the vehicle was no longer under warranty there was nothing they could do. That would be an acceptable answer if wheel bearing failure was to be expected as a normal w…”
NHTSA complaint #11445882, 2020

Lane Departure 1

“I started my car and it showed up with “airbag error” I then turned off my car and started it again and something along the lines of “front lane assist error” showed up, there was also a clicking noise from my steering wheel anytime I would turn the wheel, the car also was “breakchecking” me (aggressively breaking when barely any pressure applied) when I was trying to drive home and the digital speedometer is no longer showing up on my dash board. I was only able to get a picture of the “airbag error” message”
NHTSA complaint #11426232, 2021

Suspension 1

“THE BRAKES AND ROTORS WENT TO SEEN AND THE CAR IS DRIVING FUNNY.”
NHTSA complaint #11311255, 2020

Visibility 1

“I am the original owner of a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. My front windshield has been delaminating around the edges. It began as only a small pop, but nothing loud to investigate. But today the separation of the epoxy from the windshield is visually evident. The popping sound happens daily. I have taken good care of my Volkswagen Passat with only a little over 39000 miles. My concern is will my window fly off its base one day while I am driving? Obviously this was not a concern while my vehicle was under warranty. But today I am concerned. I recently took my car to Rudolph Volkswagen for s…”
NHTSA complaint #11522677, 2023