2017 Volkswagen Passat Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 28 3 crash 2 injury

“I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND IN STOPPED TRAFFIC AND PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A TWO-WAY ROAD WHEN HIT. THE DRIVER AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AND THE COLLISION INSPECTOR TOLD ME THAT MY SEAT BELT DIDN'T EITHER! I AM LUCKY I WASN'T HURT WORSE. THE CAR I WAS DRIVING WAS NOT A SAFE CAR, BUT WAS SOLD TO ME AS A CERTIFIED PREOWNED CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11084887, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Hit a deer head on while travelling at about 40 mph on a rural highway. Airbags did NOT deploy, despite front end damage.”
NHTSA complaint #11463414, 2022 · crash

“There was big impact front accident with other car, and the air bags did not function. The air bag failed.”
NHTSA complaint #11443492, 2021 · crash

Unknown Or Other 20 1 crash 1 fire

“The main CPU component failed in my car and grounded out the second cylinder causing a fire to happen, This happened on my way from the store while I was in traffic and almost caused me to get into an accident. Luckily no one was hurt but now my car is not functional. I took it to a mechanic to see what the cause was and that's what they said it was the computer that failed and that I would need to take it to a dealership in order to have them fix it. When they asked me when I started noticing the symptom I said it started happening a couple months ago there was a random misfire check engine l…”
NHTSA complaint #11569663, 2024 · fire

“I PREFACE THIS BY SAYING THIS IS MY FIRST KEYLESS CAR AND I DON'T LIKE IT. IT IS SOMETIMES CONFUSING AS TO WHETHER THE CAR IS RUNNING OR OFF AND THE IGNITION BUTTON LOOKS IDENTICAL IN BOTH SCENARIOS. ON JUNE 12, I PARKED MY CAR (IT WAS STATIONARY) AND TOOK MY DOG INTO HER DAY CARE CENTER. WHILE I WAS IN THERE, MY CAR APPARENTLY ROLLED OUT OF THE LOT AND CAME TO REST ON A SIDEWALK. THANKFULLY, NO ONE WAS INJURED AND ONLY THE BUMPER AND REAR LIGHT WERE IMPACTED. WHILE I THOUGHT I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, I MAY HAVE ACCIDENTALLY HAVE LEFT THE CAR IN DRIVE WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THIS IS MY C…”
NHTSA complaint #10994931, 2017 · crash

“while in cruise control and going up a incline or a hill The EPC light will come on and the car will start lugging down very badly and have no power, they've said vehicle has done this for a year now and we have not been able to get any kind of acknowledgment of it from another dealership or the actual company I've said make and model of vehicle Volkswagen Passat”
NHTSA complaint #11702812, 2025

Electrical System 17

“ABS sensor has failed. Air bag sensor is faulty due to abs”
NHTSA complaint #11711118, 2026

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine warning light and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred, causing the vehicle to intermittently start and stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure could be related to an electrical malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnose…”
NHTSA complaint #11698579, 2025

“Fuel pump control module over heated and burned”
NHTSA complaint #11682870, 2025

Service Brakes 17 1 crash

“WHEN COMING OF THE FREEWAY TO AN EXIT TO THE RIGHT I WAS ALREADY SLOWING DOWN THERE WAS A VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT OF ME ABOUT 1 CAR LENGTHS AWAY, IT WAS WAITING FOR A CHANCE TO MERGE OFF THE EXIT RAMP.I WAS ALREADY SLOWING DOWN AND I HAD THE BRAKES PRESSED, MY CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN BUT IT WASN'T STOPPING AND I PRESSED HARDER BUT IT DIDN'T STOP. THEN I HIT THE OTHER CAR MY VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER THE HIT BUT AS SOON AS THE OTHER VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD TO PULL TO SIDE MY CAR HIT IT AGAIN AND MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE, I PULLED MY E BRAKE AND MY CAR STOPPED. I REPORTED THE ISSUE TO MY INSURANCE…”
NHTSA complaint #11165864, 2017 · crash

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake fluid warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that he became aware that brake fluid had leaked from an unknown location and that the brake fluid reservoir needed to be refilled. The contact stated that after driving for a few blocks, he had to refill the reservoir again. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V075000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) as a possible cause for the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was sched…”
NHTSA complaint #11517645, 2023

“The following warning lights will randomly turn on & off while driving: Air Bag Malfunction, ABS Brakes, ESC, Adaptive Cruise Control, Front collision, tire pressure, power steering, blind spot detection, low Key Battery detected, and indicate they are not functional. It is a random and items will go back to work while normally driving. Key fob battery has been replaced multiple times...”
NHTSA complaint #11512585, 2022

Steering 16

“Today, as my wife was driving home, she heard a "crunch" noise while making a turn. Afterwards, the Airbag light came on, and her steering wheel botton functions are not working, including her car horn. This all relates to the clockspring. This will be the third time we have had the clockspring replaced. This is extremely inconvenient, as the dealership is an hour away. The original clockspring didn't break until October 2023. The second broke and replaced in August of 2024. Now, we are scheduling to have the clockspring replaced again, 6 months later. I am unsure why the part is so unreliable…”
NHTSA complaint #11655558, 2025

“Our 2017 VW Passat had the clockspring replaced last year under warranty number [XXX] at Barnes Crossing Volkswagen in Tupelo, MS. The airbag stopped working and safety features such as adaptive cruise control were also not available. Not realizing the airbag would NOT deploy in the event of an accident, Volkswagen asked us to drive an hour to have it repaired which was considerably dangerous. As of today the clockspring they replaced once again failed with the same associated problems. I am submitting a report due to how dangerous this problem is considering they supposedly fixed the issue ho…”
NHTSA complaint #11584287, 2024

“Clock spring has failed 5 times within a year. The first clock spring replacement failed two weeks after the repair. I the. took it to a different dealership to be repaired. The second clock spring broke about 6 months later. The third clock spring broke two weeks after the repair. The fourth clock spring broke two months later and I am about to have it repaired within the next week. Due to the faulty clock spring, the driver side air bag will not deploy in the event of an accident and I have no use of the horn - both of which are necessary when living in South Florida. There are only two deal…”
NHTSA complaint #11573880, 2024

Forward Collision Avoidance 15

“ABS sensor has failed. Air bag sensor is faulty due to abs”
NHTSA complaint #11711118, 2026

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving across a railroad track, the Forward Collision-Avoidance braking system independently engaged. The contact was able to safely cross the railroad track. The contact stated that the failure had occurred previously while the contact was driving and crossing an intersection. However, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11566210, 2024

“My clock spring has broken. It is giving major safety concerns because my front airbag will not work. The horn does not work, limiting my communication with other drivers in case of impending accidents. None of the buttons work on my steering column as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11523418, 2023

Engine 7

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine warning light and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred, causing the vehicle to intermittently start and stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure could be related to an electrical malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnose…”
NHTSA complaint #11698579, 2025

“On 6 separate occasions while operating my vehicle it randomly stops running. The first two were at 40 mph and I was told it was a battery issue. It happened twice less than 4 days after the battery was replaced, once at 25 mph and once at 15 mph. I then had the fuel pump replaced. Less than 4 days later it happened twice again. Once at 10 mph and another time at 45 mph.”
NHTSA complaint #11589895, 2024

“The Passat stalls when traveling at low speed and/or from a stop, battery light turns on and loses all engine power, and will not restart for a period of time (10mins to 2 hours). This has happened on a residental street and on the highway when merging onto an on-ramp. There is no loss of electrical power and the starter attempts to turn the engine over but the car will not start. After multiple starting attempts the cars ECP light will turn on. My safety was put at risk when this occured on the highway and I needed to be push the car to the shoulder. The car has been towed to the VW dea…”
NHTSA complaint #11553274, 2023

Fuel/Propulsion System 6

“began smelling fuel in the cockpit about 2 months ago but thought not much about why until it kept getting stronger. Looked under the car a saw fuel dripping in front of rear passenger wheel and directly under tank.”
NHTSA complaint #11692933, 2025

“Fuel pump cap Piece underneath the back seat, comes loose and allows gas to spill into the car underneath the backseat”
NHTSA complaint #11542259, 2023

“cracks in the fuel pump houisng cauisng vapors and fumes into my car.”
NHTSA complaint #11751998, 2022

Lane Departure 6

“While driving straight in dry weather (i.e. no rain), the lane light will change from – green – to – yellow – color in the dash and the steering wheel will jerk, usually left, sometimes right, very abruptly, as if the car is trying to find the lane with lane assist on. Note, this is on well marked city streets and on regular interstate roads with clearly marked dashed lane lines. This has been happening for at least two months (today's date Dec. 12, 2021) and only now reporting this complaint. It did almost cause me to run into the car beside me several times or turn into the center median (t…”
NHTSA complaint #11443830, 2021

“On starting the vehicle for the first time of the day, console display indicated Lane Assist was disabled. It was necessary to access the menu system and re-enable Lane Assist. Lane Assist was enabled when the vehicle was parked the previous day. Lane Assist has many times somehow become disabled and cleared on the menu system while the car was parked overnight. The problem and others have been reported to Volkswagen several times. After lengthy service visits since 2019, Volkswagen have been unable to correct or explain the faults. Volkswagen insist no error codes have been recorded in…”
NHTSA complaint #11420208, 2021

“While driving at approximately 10 MPH, the message "Lane Assist Currently Not Available" was displayed and Lane Assist deselected in the system menu. Later, while parked, I re-enabled Lane Assist using the menu system. This problem, along with others, has been ongoing since 2019. Since 2019, Volkswagen have been unable or unwilling to correct any of the problems experienced with the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11419843, 2021

Power Train 5

“On 6 separate occasions while operating my vehicle it randomly stops running. The first two were at 40 mph and I was told it was a battery issue. It happened twice less than 4 days after the battery was replaced, once at 25 mph and once at 15 mph. I then had the fuel pump replaced. Less than 4 days later it happened twice again. Once at 10 mph and another time at 45 mph.”
NHTSA complaint #11589895, 2024

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH, the transmission was shifting hard, and the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound while shifting between 1st and 2nd gear. The contact drove to the residence and parked the vehicle. The contact then shifted into reverse (R) and the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound. The contact stated that the failure recurred while shifting into drive (D). The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The dealer…”
NHTSA complaint #11554365, 2023

“RATTLE NOISES WHILE DRIVING ON ASPHALT ROADS FROM REAR OF VEHICLE UNDERNEATH CAR AND/OR FRONT. LOOSE BOLTS OR MISSING WELDS MAYBE. DEALER REPLACE FRONT SWAY BAR AND PROBLEM DID NOT GO AWAY SO WALLAS VOLKSWAGEN PUT THE ORIGINAL OEM PART BACK ON LAST MONTH AND DID NOT CHARGE US FOR THE SERVICE. THEY TOLD US IT'S UNKNOWN WHY THE RATTLING CONTINUED.”
NHTSA complaint #11414854, 2021

Visibility/Wiper 4

“I have a 2017 Passat When it's raining hard on the road and my speed is greater than 55 mph the passenger side windshield stops right in front of my vision vision (right in the middle of the driver's side) creates a white blocking effect so I don't have a clear road visibility. In a service I discussed this detail with the service advisor at the VW agency and he did not want to understand or was misunderstood, I told him that the design of these windshields had this defect. On another occasion when I was driving in an area where there was snow the front collision alarm started to alarm for no…”
NHTSA complaint #11446404, 2019

“BOTH SIDE MIRRORS ARE AUTOMATIC. THE SIDE MIRRORS ARE SUPPOSED TO FOLD IN WHEN TURNING THE CAR OFF, AND FOLD OUT WHEN THE CAR IS ON. ONE OR BOTH OF THE MIRROS EITHER FAIL TO FOLD OUT WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED, OR FOLD IN UNEXPECTANTLY WHILE DRIVING. THIS CREATES A HIGHLY DANGEROUS LIFE AND SAFETY HAZARD WHEN IT HAPPENS. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP'S SHOP WHILE THE EVENT OCCURS, AND THE ISSUE DOES NOT RECORD AN ERROR CODE IN THE CAR'S SYSTEM. DUE TO THE LACK OF AN ERROR CODE, THE DEALERSHIP STATES THEY CANNOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! I AM DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT IS DANG…”
NHTSA complaint #11143383, 2018

“THE WINDSHIELD, IN RAINING OCCURRENCES, IS COVERED WITH A WHITE THICK COATING AND MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE, PUTTING LIVES IN PERIL.”
NHTSA complaint #11074194, 2017

Wheels 4 2 crash 1 injury

“These tires were on 2017 VW passat on 19” aftermarket wheels driven by my son. Previous tires of different brand had flats on passenger side one month earlier. On July 26, 2022 the new tire had blowout on driver rear location causing vehicle to lose traction spin and crash into wooded area on side if I 75 south of Tampa. My concern is these aftermarket wheels had three flats in three week period. Two different brands of tires on same 19” aftermarket rims.”
NHTSA complaint #11476440, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THIS PAST SUNDAY, MY SON WAS DRIVING ON 95 AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL EXPLODED OFF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. HE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING, NOR DID HE GET A FLAT TIRE. THE METAL HOLDING THE TIRE LITERALLY BROKE, THE WHEEL CAME OFF THE CAR CAUSING THE CAR TO DROP ON THE FRONT AXLE WHILE HE WAS DOING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11385567, 2020 · crash

“EVER SINCE WE PURCHASED OUR PASSAT WE NOTICED ISSUES WITH ALIGNMENT AND UNEVEN BRAKING. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF UNIVERSITY VOLKSWAGEN IN ALBUQUERQUE, WE LEARNED THAT OUR VEHICLE WOULD NEED THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS REPLACED AFTER 40,000 MILES. THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND THE FRONT LEFT PAD WAS DOWN TO 1MM, WHILE THE FRONT RIGHT STILL HAD 4MM LEFT. WE WERE TOLD BY THE SERVICE CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE THAT VOLKSWAGEN USES A SOFTER METAL ON THE FRONT ROTORS SO IF THEY WERE VERY HOT AND THEN EXPOSED TO COLD WATER (LIKE GOING THROUGH A CARWASH) THEN…”
NHTSA complaint #11206810, 2019

Back Over Prevention 3

“The emergency breaking incident first occurred on 8 December 2019 as I was entering the parking lot for my apartment complex. There were no obstacles. The second occurrence was reported to the NHTSA on 5 May 2021. The tracking number for the issue is 11415338. The vehicle has exhibited multiple faults with its electronics, including emergency breaking enabling for no apparent reason, lane assist randomly disabling itself (including driving and overnight while parked), parking sensors alerting extreme proximity when nothing it near the vehicle, Infotainment system (failed to move from VW dis…”
NHTSA complaint #11417838, 2019

“2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUE WITH REARVIEW BACKUP CAMERA. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED WHILE IT WAS IN POSSESSION OF THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER STATED IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR AND THERE WASNO SOLUTION FOR THE CAMERA FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.*JS”
NHTSA complaint #11114830, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT LEASES A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE REAR BACKUP CAMERA FAILED TO DISPLAY ON THE MONITOR. THE REARVIEW CAMERA SYSTEM WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ESSERMAN INTERNATIONAL (LOCATED ON 10455 NW 12TH ST, MIAMI, FL 33172) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE BACKUP CAMERA WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CASE WAS BEING REVIEWED AND AN UPDATE WOULD BE PROVIDED ON OCTOBER 4, 2017. THE APPROXI…”
NHTSA complaint #11012599, 2017

Structure 3 2 crash

“THIS PAST SUNDAY, MY SON WAS DRIVING ON 95 AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL EXPLODED OFF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. HE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING, NOR DID HE GET A FLAT TIRE. THE METAL HOLDING THE TIRE LITERALLY BROKE, THE WHEEL CAME OFF THE CAR CAUSING THE CAR TO DROP ON THE FRONT AXLE WHILE HE WAS DOING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11385567, 2020 · crash

“I PREFACE THIS BY SAYING THIS IS MY FIRST KEYLESS CAR AND I DON'T LIKE IT. IT IS SOMETIMES CONFUSING AS TO WHETHER THE CAR IS RUNNING OR OFF AND THE IGNITION BUTTON LOOKS IDENTICAL IN BOTH SCENARIOS. ON JUNE 12, I PARKED MY CAR (IT WAS STATIONARY) AND TOOK MY DOG INTO HER DAY CARE CENTER. WHILE I WAS IN THERE, MY CAR APPARENTLY ROLLED OUT OF THE LOT AND CAME TO REST ON A SIDEWALK. THANKFULLY, NO ONE WAS INJURED AND ONLY THE BUMPER AND REAR LIGHT WERE IMPACTED. WHILE I THOUGHT I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, I MAY HAVE ACCIDENTALLY HAVE LEFT THE CAR IN DRIVE WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THIS IS MY C…”
NHTSA complaint #10994931, 2017 · crash

“SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WITH NO IMPACT WHILE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. VW REFUSES TO COVER UNDER WARRANTY, IT WAS EVEN DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME NEEDS TO BE REPLACED NOW.”
NHTSA complaint #10971933, 2017

Suspension 3 2 crash

“THIS PAST SUNDAY, MY SON WAS DRIVING ON 95 AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL EXPLODED OFF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. HE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING, NOR DID HE GET A FLAT TIRE. THE METAL HOLDING THE TIRE LITERALLY BROKE, THE WHEEL CAME OFF THE CAR CAUSING THE CAR TO DROP ON THE FRONT AXLE WHILE HE WAS DOING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11385567, 2020 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL BANGING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A RETAINING WALL. THE VEHICLE SPUN BACK OUT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO RICK CASE VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 3520 WESTON RD, WESTON, FL 33331, (954) 945-9367) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUSPENSION SPRING DETACHED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICL…”
NHTSA complaint #11161393, 2018 · crash

“SINCE I HAVE THIS CAR HAVING PROBLEMS VIBRATIONS I TOOK THE CAR ON VW DEALER FEW TIMES I EXPLAIN TO THEM MY CAR IS VIBRATING WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES ALSO WHEN I CRUISE OVER 55MPH. THEY TOLD ME ALWAYS CAR IS PERFORMING TO MANUFACTURE SPECIFICATIONS SO NOW I HAVE 6500 MILES ON MY CAR I TOOK MY CAR TO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP THEY FOUND OUT MY TIRES AR CUPPING. AND MY ROOTS ARE OUT OF ROUND AND ALIGNMENT WAS CORRECT TIRE BALANCING THEY DID FEW TIME TIRE ROATATION SO NOW I HAVE 6500 MILES ON THE CAR LESS THEN 1 YEAR OLD CAR. AND VW OF USA WE CANNOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY I REPLACE THE TIRE…”
NHTSA complaint #11113466, 2018

Tires 3 1 crash 1 injury

“These tires were on 2017 VW passat on 19” aftermarket wheels driven by my son. Previous tires of different brand had flats on passenger side one month earlier. On July 26, 2022 the new tire had blowout on driver rear location causing vehicle to lose traction spin and crash into wooded area on side if I 75 south of Tampa. My concern is these aftermarket wheels had three flats in three week period. Two different brands of tires on same 19” aftermarket rims.”
NHTSA complaint #11476440, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: T1XX, Tire Size: 235/45/R18, DOT Number: B9ELT1XX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in a parking lot, the contact became aware that the rear passenger’s side tire had three cracks approximately 3 inches in length on the side wall near the rim. The vehicle was taken to a tire dealer for inspection, and the tire dealer informed the contact that there was no issue with the integrity of the tire. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was 123,393. The tire failure…”
NHTSA complaint #11617862, 2024

“Tire Size - P235/40R19 03/03/2022 TPMS light came on and Right Rear Tire inner sidewall blew out while on the freeway. I felt and heard a lot of read noise while this occurred and was able to safely pull off freeway and have spare tire put on. Went to Just Tires, 5155 Bryant Irvin Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76132 and left Right Rear tire with them for inspection. Previously closed location of Just Tires 1661 S Main St, Keller, TX 76248 was the shop that installed both Rear tires on 06/18/2022 On the way home heard more road noise. 03/04/2022 Inspected Left Rear Tire before leaving and saw visible t…”
NHTSA complaint #11510140, 2023

Vehicle Speed Control 3

“While backing into a parking spot there was a crunching sound in the steering column. Following this noise the air bag light came on and all steering wheel control buttons nonfunctional including the horn. I reached out to a Volkswagen dealer as I had seen recalls for the clockspring, I was told my vehicle was not included in the recall. This is a 2017 Passat and had approximately 130,000 miles when this occurred. The closest dealer is over 2 hours away, and the service department is only open Monday-Friday.”
NHTSA complaint #11662117, 2024

“Clock spring on vehicle has failed. This is a known issue with many VW vehicles, but I have been told my vehicle is not on the extended warranty program. 2017 VW Passat - approximately 150,000 miles. This eliminates all steering wheel controls, horn, cruise control, and air bags.”
NHTSA complaint #11604563, 2024

“My seat belt unfastens whenever it wants and my cruise control doesn’t work any longer. I also have an issue with the 4th injector which causes the car to accelerate and I had to replace the transmission as well”
NHTSA complaint #11462484, 2022

Seat Belts 2 1 crash 2 injury

“I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND IN STOPPED TRAFFIC AND PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A TWO-WAY ROAD WHEN HIT. THE DRIVER AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AND THE COLLISION INSPECTOR TOLD ME THAT MY SEAT BELT DIDN'T EITHER! I AM LUCKY I WASN'T HURT WORSE. THE CAR I WAS DRIVING WAS NOT A SAFE CAR, BUT WAS SOLD TO ME AS A CERTIFIED PREOWNED CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11084887, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“My seat belt unfastens whenever it wants and my cruise control doesn’t work any longer. I also have an issue with the 4th injector which causes the car to accelerate and I had to replace the transmission as well”
NHTSA complaint #11462484, 2022

Visibility 2

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that heat and defroster and defogger blower motor was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but a diagnostic test was not performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11568623, 2023

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud popping sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and discovered that the sunroof had shattered; however, the sunroof glass remained intact. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The contact found a replacement sunroof at a junkyard and had the sunroof replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had been repaired. The failur…”
NHTSA complaint #11470630, 2022

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“TOO SENSITIVE ESC ISSUE ON 2017 PASSAT COULD CAUSE SAFETY HAZARD I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SUPER SENSITIVE ESC THAT ENGAGED AT 35 MILES/HOUR OR MORE AT HIGHWAY ENTRANCE AND EXIT WITH 2017 PASSAT R LINE. THIS 35 MILES LIMIT IS TOO LOW COMPARED WITH VW 2014 JETTA SE, 2016 JETTA 1.8T, 2014 SUBARU FORESTER, 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK, 2007 MERCEDES C230, 2011 C300 I OWN/ED. DRIVER'S PERCEPTION IS NOT MUCH CHANGE DUE TO THE CAR MODEL, ESPECIALLY WITHIN THE SAME OEM LIKE VW, THE CORNER IS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT MORE THAN 50 MILES/HOUR, BUT THE PASSAT HAS SUPER SENSITIVE ESC THAT ENGAGED UNEXPECTEDLY…”
NHTSA complaint #11014763, 2017

Equipment 1

“I drive 90 miles total daily, to and from work (45 mi each way). I currently have 87,050 miles on my vehicle. Shortly after my 36,000 mile warranty expired, I started experience issues with my infotainment system. Searching online I discovered many other owners with identical problems. The radio would freeze, where I could not change the preset tuning stations. I would have to hold the power button, (while driving on highway) for the infotainment system to reset. As time went on, I started experiencing "dead spots" on the touch screen. No matter what I do, areas where the "dead spots" are, is…”
NHTSA complaint #11431605, 2019

Exterior Lighting 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE BRIGHT ENOUGH. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER DEBRIS FROM A CHAIR ON THE ROAD. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN THE CONTACT DROVE OVER TIRE DEBRIS THAT WAS ABANDONED ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND WAS TAKEN TO D-PATRICK VOLKSWAGEN (812-473-6500, LOCATED AT 200 N GREEN RIVER RD, EVANSVILLE, IN 47715) FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V389000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE SAME DEALER WAS CALLED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULE TO RE…”
NHTSA complaint #11234135, 2018

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormally strong fuel odor was detected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who performed a smog test, and the vehicle passed. The mechanic detected the fuel odor coming from the carbon filter and advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed by a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V11…”
NHTSA complaint #11573560, 2022

Seats 1

“MALFUNCTIONING DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER, BURNING HOLE IN SEAT”
NHTSA complaint #11301123, 2020

Traction Control System 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL INDEPENDENTLY ENGAGED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400.”
NHTSA complaint #10980503, 2017