2018 Volkswagen Passat Problems & Owner Complaints

Service Brakes 12 2 crash 1 injury

“I AM AT THE BURGER KING DRIVE THRU JAN 23, 2021, THERE ARE A FEW CARS AHEAD OF ME. I SIT AT DRIVER THRU WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE ABOUT 3 TO 5 MINUTES, WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME MOVES CLOSER TO PICK UP HIS FOOD, I LET OFF OF THE BRAKE AND DRIFT FORWARD AS I GET CLOSER TO CAR IN FRONT OF ME , I PRESS THE BRAKE AND THE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I PRESS HARDER AND MY CAR BANGS DIRECTLY INTO THE BACK OF A 2015 CAMARA THAT HAS BEEN GARAGED KEPT AND HAS ONLY 3,000 MILES ON IT. I GIVE THE DRIVER MY PHONE NUMBER. VERY MINOR DAMAGE TO HIS CAR AND ONLY DAMAGE MY LICENSE PLATE AREA. I PULLED MY…”
NHTSA complaint #11389957, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I was driving down the road and the wheel locked up and I lost control of the car. I thought it was just a flat tire. I noticed the tire was flat and brake caliber was lying on the inside of the rim. There was extensive damage to the vehicle, tire, rim, suspension components and brake components. There was no warning and it just happened suddenly. My family and other drivers safety were at risk. The dealership said it was due to impact but their estimate didn't mention or included any of the brake components. The brake caliber bracket is broken and the holes were the caliber bolts attached are…”
NHTSA complaint #11445457, 2021 · crash

“ABS sensor warning lights are coming on showing there is an issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11682521, 2025

Engine 11 1 crash 1 injury

“MY FATHER WAS HEADING HOME WHEN HE STOPPED THE HILL DOWN FROM HIS HOUSE. UPON TRYING TO ACCELERATE HE NOTICED THE VEHICLE DID NOT WANT TO GO. THE ENGINE HAD STALLED/HESITATED. HE PRESSED THE GAS A FEW TIMES AND NOTHING HAPPENED, THE RPM HA D WAS THE ONLY THING MOVING. THEN, ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE VEHICLE SPED OFF AND HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THIS HAPPENED AT THE BEGINNING OF A CURVE AND HE COULDN'T REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SLAMMED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE WHICH BROKE HIS NECK AND BACK. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THESE PASSATS. MY BROTHER AND HIS WIFE HAVE TOLD ME THAT THEI…”
NHTSA complaint #11173448, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“A major engineering and material design failure occurred involving internal fluid containment seals, resulting in a severe electrical safety hazard. Pressurized engine coolant breached an internal component seal and began migrating internally directly through the vehicle's engine wiring harness via capillary/siphoning action. The fluid used the sealed wiring loom as a literal pipeline, traveling inside the wire insulation to bypass all outer weather seals and completely flood the Engine Control Module (ECM) pin connectors. The vehicle's dealership service department documented extensive galv…”
NHTSA complaint #11741923, 2026

“The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then towed to a different dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileag…”
NHTSA complaint #11715843, 2026

Electrical System 10 1 crash

“The vehicle can be turned off while in drive, and gives no extra signals (beeps, flashing lights, etc.) with the exception of a brief message on the dash and single ding (same ding for door open, and other low importance messages). The vehicle will then roll until the brake is applied or it comes to a rest on a flat surface or against a pole or hard object. This is a significant safety hazard that has occurred to me 3-4 times, the most recent was today when the vehicle rolled backwards down my mothers driveway. Crossed the street, entered the neighbors driveway/yard, contacted the mail box…”
NHTSA complaint #11428647, 2021 · crash

“A major engineering and material design failure occurred involving internal fluid containment seals, resulting in a severe electrical safety hazard. Pressurized engine coolant breached an internal component seal and began migrating internally directly through the vehicle's engine wiring harness via capillary/siphoning action. The fluid used the sealed wiring loom as a literal pipeline, traveling inside the wire insulation to bypass all outer weather seals and completely flood the Engine Control Module (ECM) pin connectors. The vehicle's dealership service department documented extensive galv…”
NHTSA complaint #11741923, 2026

“The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then towed to a different dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileag…”
NHTSA complaint #11715843, 2026

Fuel/Propulsion System 6

“I initially brought my vehicle in for service due to a strong gasoline odor and the vehicle failing to start. At that time, I was informed that no gasoline smell was detected and that the issue was instead a faulty starter, which I authorized for repair. Approximately two weeks later, my vehicle again would not start. I was then informed that the issue was a lower fuel injector, which required additional repairs. Just three days after that service, the vehicle once again failed to start, and I was told this time that the upper fuel injector was the cause. As a result of these events, I incurre…”
NHTSA complaint #11715421, 2026

“Battery drains overnight. Started with a boost all dashboard warning lights on, vehicle runs fine all day with many starts and stops, battery dies again overnight. Diagnosed with a bad fuel pump control module that continues to run and does not shut off until all battery power is drained. Mechanic changed the fuel pump control module, cleared all fault codes, and vehicle fixed. I saw a Carfax report for an identical 2018, SEL Premium Passat to mine with the exact same issue of a bad fuel control module in that vehicle Carfax report and realized it was a much bigger issue. I am aware of a si…”
NHTSA complaint #11711803, 2025

“Car Fuel Pump Leaking. Fuel pump Module failure. There was a recall for this issue on other Volkswagens, but not on the Passat. There are hundreds of cars online with the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11648212, 2024

Air Bags 5 1 crash

“Collision around 45 to 50 mph. Airbags frontal and side airbags didnt deployed Two vehicles invaded my lane and I ran into the second vehicle .”
NHTSA complaint #11563910, 2024 · crash

“We have been having numerous sensor issues. Sensors showing air bag malfunction and with passenger side seat belt on the front right side. We bought the car in used condition from pat lobb toyota of mckinney less than a year ago. Constantly having sensor issues with it.”
NHTSA complaint #11674522, 2025

“Clockspring. Failed 1st time under recall and was replaced by dealer. Failed 2nd time and replaced outside of recall by indepenent. Failed 3rd time and has not been replaced. This has affected the adaptive cruise control, the electronic stability control, and now it engages the brake system when not called for.”
NHTSA complaint #11469260, 2022

Vehicle Speed Control 4 1 crash 1 injury

“MY FATHER WAS HEADING HOME WHEN HE STOPPED THE HILL DOWN FROM HIS HOUSE. UPON TRYING TO ACCELERATE HE NOTICED THE VEHICLE DID NOT WANT TO GO. THE ENGINE HAD STALLED/HESITATED. HE PRESSED THE GAS A FEW TIMES AND NOTHING HAPPENED, THE RPM HA D WAS THE ONLY THING MOVING. THEN, ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE VEHICLE SPED OFF AND HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THIS HAPPENED AT THE BEGINNING OF A CURVE AND HE COULDN'T REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SLAMMED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE WHICH BROKE HIS NECK AND BACK. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THESE PASSATS. MY BROTHER AND HIS WIFE HAVE TOLD ME THAT THEI…”
NHTSA complaint #11173448, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“First/only owner of a 2018 VW Passat GP r-line, scheduled maintenance intervals followed religiously and performed by VW; only filled with top tier fuel (mid/premium), no prev. indicator lights ever illuminated until ECM light (no accompanying warning lights) came on while driving at highway speed with Adaptive Cruise Control engaged. Immediate loss of power and shaking vibration upon any attempt to accelerate/change lanes to safely get off of roadway. Once off roadway, all systems shut down and engine turned off for several minutes. Restarted car w/o difficulty, remained parked for 5 more min…”
NHTSA complaint #11545705, 2023

“2018 VW PASSAT SE TSI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL AND AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING AS SAFETY HAZARDS. *AS *TR *JS THE CONSUMER STATED SAFETY FEATURES SUCH AS ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKES, AND FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SHOULD BE STANDARD ON ALL VEHICLES. *JS *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11186452, 2019

Forward Collision Avoidance 3 1 crash 1 injury

“I AM AT THE BURGER KING DRIVE THRU JAN 23, 2021, THERE ARE A FEW CARS AHEAD OF ME. I SIT AT DRIVER THRU WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE ABOUT 3 TO 5 MINUTES, WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME MOVES CLOSER TO PICK UP HIS FOOD, I LET OFF OF THE BRAKE AND DRIFT FORWARD AS I GET CLOSER TO CAR IN FRONT OF ME , I PRESS THE BRAKE AND THE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I PRESS HARDER AND MY CAR BANGS DIRECTLY INTO THE BACK OF A 2015 CAMARA THAT HAS BEEN GARAGED KEPT AND HAS ONLY 3,000 MILES ON IT. I GIVE THE DRIVER MY PHONE NUMBER. VERY MINOR DAMAGE TO HIS CAR AND ONLY DAMAGE MY LICENSE PLATE AREA. I PULLED MY…”
NHTSA complaint #11389957, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ABS sensor warning lights are coming on showing there is an issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11682521, 2025

“WHILE REVERSING IN MY DRIVEWAY, MY DASH LIGHTS UP WITH WARNING: ACC ERROR AND WARNING : AIRBAG ERROR AND STAYED WHILE I WAS PARKED AND KEPT MY CAR STATIONARY. THE NEXT DAY IT SHOWED UP AGAIN AND I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY AIRBAG DEPLOYING ON ME WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I AM WORRIED ALSO THAT MY AIRBAG MIGHT NEVER GO OFF AND THESE CODES DAMAGE SOMETHING ELSE INTERNALLY IN THE CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11387703, 2021

Power Train 3

“The catalytic converter on my 2018 Volkswagen Passat failed and the vehicle has been at an authorized Volkswagen dealership since May 16, 2025. The dealership confirmed that the catalytic converter is defective and must be replaced, but the part has been on national backorder with no estimated delivery date for several months. The vehicle cannot be safely driven in its current condition and has been unavailable for all normal use. The issue has been confirmed by the dealership and the vehicle is available for inspection. There were warning lights related to emissions prior to the failure. Volk…”
NHTSA complaint #11701576, 2025

“The 2018 vw Passat se is only 3 years old and the transmission went out. The mileage was just a little over 98,000. The car has been kept up with as far as oil change, routine maintenance, and extras, such as tires and brakes. We have been given no reason to why the transmission would have went out like it did. But we are stuck making payments on it and the cost of repair from the dealership itself is $4,500”
NHTSA complaint #11426230, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 8 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER DOUGLAS VOLKSWAGEN (491 MORRIS AVE, SUMMIT, NJ 07901) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR MAIN SEAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11320140, 2020

Unknown Or Other 3 1 crash 1 injury

“I AM AT THE BURGER KING DRIVE THRU JAN 23, 2021, THERE ARE A FEW CARS AHEAD OF ME. I SIT AT DRIVER THRU WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE ABOUT 3 TO 5 MINUTES, WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME MOVES CLOSER TO PICK UP HIS FOOD, I LET OFF OF THE BRAKE AND DRIFT FORWARD AS I GET CLOSER TO CAR IN FRONT OF ME , I PRESS THE BRAKE AND THE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I PRESS HARDER AND MY CAR BANGS DIRECTLY INTO THE BACK OF A 2015 CAMARA THAT HAS BEEN GARAGED KEPT AND HAS ONLY 3,000 MILES ON IT. I GIVE THE DRIVER MY PHONE NUMBER. VERY MINOR DAMAGE TO HIS CAR AND ONLY DAMAGE MY LICENSE PLATE AREA. I PULLED MY…”
NHTSA complaint #11389957, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“We have been having numerous sensor issues. Sensors showing air bag malfunction and with passenger side seat belt on the front right side. We bought the car in used condition from pat lobb toyota of mckinney less than a year ago. Constantly having sensor issues with it.”
NHTSA complaint #11674522, 2025

“THE FRONT ASSIST DOES NOT WORK WHEN THERE IS BAD WEATHER WHETHER SNOW OR RAIN. IF WATER COVER THE VW EMBLEM. THIS IS WHEN YOU WOULD THIS FEATURE THE MOST”
NHTSA complaint #11299724, 2020

Steering 2

“WHILE GOING THROUGH A CURVE, IF ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN, MY BRAKES SEEM TO MAKE SOME TYPE OF SCRAPING SOUND AND I CAN FEEL THE SCRAPE OR VIBRATION OF THE PROBLEM THROUGH THE PEDAL.”
NHTSA complaint #11352058, 2020

“MY VEHICLE ATTEMPTS TO STRAIGHTEN ITSELF OUT AS I'M GOING THROUGH A CURVE AND I ACTUALLY HAVE TO PUT MORE EFFORT THAN NECESSARY TO KEEP STEERING WHEEL APPROPRIATELY TURNED TO GO THROUGH THE CURVE ENTIRELY. ALSO WHILE GOING THROUGH A CURVE, IF ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN, MY BRAKES SEEM TO MAKE SOME TYPE OF SCRAPING SOUND AND I CAN FEEL THE SCRAPE OR VIBRATION OF THE PROBLEM THROUGH THE PEDAL. BOTH THESE ISSUES CAN AND HAVE OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING AT A LOW SPEED SUCH AS 30 MPH OR AT HIGHER SPEED, SUCH AS 50-60 MPH. I HAVE HAD A FEW CLOSE CALLS WITH OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD DIE TO THESE ISSUES.…”
NHTSA complaint #11114454, 2018

Suspension 2

“The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH or at various speeds, there was a delay while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle was also pulling to the left and the right while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the suspension was loose while driving over bumps in the roadway causing the vehicle to bounce. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front wheel bearings needed…”
NHTSA complaint #11506122, 2022

“SHARP LEFT HAND TURNS IT EMITS A CLICKING NOISE. GOOGLED AND THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED SINCE 2011. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP TODAY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. WAS TOLD SAFE TO DRIVE AND HAD NOT HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. GOOGLE SAID PROBLEM WITH CT JOINT.”
NHTSA complaint #11154551, 2018

Wheels 2

“Purchased on 08/05/2021. The suspension in the rear right passenger side. Went on a 5 minute test drive with Yancey Cobb who stated there was nothing wrong with the car and that I needed to call the Finance company and finalize the deal or I wouldn't have a car. Meaning I couldn't get my traded car back either. They shut the dealership down on me and left me on the lot to retrieve my articles from one car to the next and there was no gas in the car because the gas light was on. They gave no paperwork. I had no idea there was no warranty until I took it to Heritage Harford Rd who gave the car b…”
NHTSA complaint #11437719, 2021

“WHILE GOING THROUGH A CURVE, IF ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN, MY BRAKES SEEM TO MAKE SOME TYPE OF SCRAPING SOUND AND I CAN FEEL THE SCRAPE OR VIBRATION OF THE PROBLEM THROUGH THE PEDAL.”
NHTSA complaint #11352058, 2020

Exterior Lighting 1

“I HAD REPORTED THE ISSUE TO VW VERBALLY AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT BASICALLY ADVISED I WILL HAVE TO PLACE IT ON THE MACHINE TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT IS NOT COVERED. I DID NOT HAVE THE FUNDS BUT THEY SAID IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN LET THEM KNOW. IT DID SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER THAT ALL THE WAY UP UNTIL 3 DAYS AGO AS OF 09.26.19. IT IS KINDA HARD TO REPORT THINGS TO WEST BROAD VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHEN THEY ARE RUDE AND UNFRIENDLY AND MAKE A CUSTOMER UNCOMFORTABLE. I LIKE ONLY SPEAKING TO MR. FRANK IN SALES WHEN I HAVE AN ISSUE BECAUSE HE GOES OVER AND BEYOND. IF IT WASN'T FOR HIM I WOULD BE…”
NHTSA complaint #11258428, 2018

Parking Brake 1

“2018 VW PASSAT SE TSI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL AND AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING AS SAFETY HAZARDS. *AS *TR *JS THE CONSUMER STATED SAFETY FEATURES SUCH AS ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKES, AND FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SHOULD BE STANDARD ON ALL VEHICLES. *JS *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11186452, 2019