2020 Volkswagen Passat Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 4 1 crash 1 injury

“HELLO MY DOUGHTER HAD A ACCIDENT CAR WAS TOTAL LOSS AND AIR BAGS DID NOT POP UP AND SEAT BELT WAS NOT TIGHT ENOUGH”
NHTSA complaint #11522933, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Steering wheel controls stopped working, no horn either. Probably no airbag but haven't got into an accident. There was recall on the same part for the until 2018, but the new part I was going to install lists that if fits cars 2016-2022 Part # 5K0-953-569-BC Recall from VW. Number: VWP-18-11, Will replace part for my fiance,”
NHTSA complaint #11705961, 2025

“Error message alerted to maintenance needed and the air bag light has turned on and remained on. Also said message that front assist inls unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #11648696, 2025

Engine 4

“2020 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0L VIN: [XXX] Complaint Summary: I am reporting a persistent and unresolved fault involving the secondary air injection system (DTC P0491 – insufficient airflow) that has resulted in repeated, conflicting diagnoses across multiple repair facilities. This raises concerns about a potential systemic defect affecting this vehicle model. Detailed Description: The issue began prior to March 2025 while the vehicle was still under warranty. The vehicle displayed a Check Engine Light associated with diagnostic trouble code P0491 (secondary air injection system insufficie…”
NHTSA complaint #11726512, 2025

“Oil pressure sensor fails. Causing high oil pressure. Causing the valve cover to be destroyed and the oil pan to leak. Draining the car oil.”
NHTSA complaint #11618293, 2024

“Bought car from dealer. Vw Manhattan. 42000miles. 8 months later at 53000 miles. Engine problems. Went to Vw service. Head gasket. Lemon car. Warranty till 50000 miles. Cost? 4800$ Worse car possible.”
NHTSA complaint #11584129, 2024

Unknown Or Other 4

“2020 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0L VIN: [XXX] Complaint Summary: I am reporting a persistent and unresolved fault involving the secondary air injection system (DTC P0491 – insufficient airflow) that has resulted in repeated, conflicting diagnoses across multiple repair facilities. This raises concerns about a potential systemic defect affecting this vehicle model. Detailed Description: The issue began prior to March 2025 while the vehicle was still under warranty. The vehicle displayed a Check Engine Light associated with diagnostic trouble code P0491 (secondary air injection system insufficie…”
NHTSA complaint #11726512, 2025

“VIN: [XXX] Dealership: Vanguard Volkswagen 6900 Burnet Rd Austin, TX 78757 I bought 2020 Passat back in Aug 2020 with CarNet included. It was showing that CarNet will be installed later when available at no cost. So in 2021 they installed carnet and everything was working fine up until 2024. The light turned off and no connection to the car. I called CarNet and they told me that most likely an issue with HW module and suggested to take to the dealer to get reset/replaced. Went to the dealer few days ago. Left them a car for 3 days for diag. No fault codes. So dealer sent a ticket to…”
NHTSA complaint #11584569, 2024

“Our vehicle will not speed up after accelerating but you can hear the engine making noise like it’s trying to speed up. We have taken our vehicle 3-4 times back to the dealership and they have told us they found nothing.”
NHTSA complaint #11576122, 2023

Forward Collision Avoidance 3

“Steering wheel controls stopped working, no horn either. Probably no airbag but haven't got into an accident. There was recall on the same part for the until 2018, but the new part I was going to install lists that if fits cars 2016-2022 Part # 5K0-953-569-BC Recall from VW. Number: VWP-18-11, Will replace part for my fiance,”
NHTSA complaint #11705961, 2025

“Error message alerted to maintenance needed and the air bag light has turned on and remained on. Also said message that front assist inls unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #11648696, 2025

“The Volkswagen Front Assist (sometimes referred to as Forward Collision Warning) system employed without having anything/anyone in front of the vehicle - no traffic in front, behind or on the side and the brakes engaged the brought the car to a complete stop in the street. This has been reported to Volkswagen and we have been told that their engineers are working on this issue but the vehicle is safe to drive. The day was a clear day. Date is approximate - I don't have my phone on me with the photo.”
NHTSA complaint #11483287, 2022

Steering 2

“Steering wheel controls stopped working, no horn either. Probably no airbag but haven't got into an accident. There was recall on the same part for the until 2018, but the new part I was going to install lists that if fits cars 2016-2022 Part # 5K0-953-569-BC Recall from VW. Number: VWP-18-11, Will replace part for my fiance,”
NHTSA complaint #11705961, 2025

“My clock spring isn’t working after having my vehicle for barely a year. My air bag light is currently on. I can’t use my horn nor use any of the controls on my steering wheel. I’ve paid already 800 plus on previous car issues such as my harness hose. I’m still awaiting reimbursement. Further review and assistance needed.”
NHTSA complaint #11535970, 2023

Electrical System 1

“My clock spring isn’t working after having my vehicle for barely a year. My air bag light is currently on. I can’t use my horn nor use any of the controls on my steering wheel. I’ve paid already 800 plus on previous car issues such as my harness hose. I’m still awaiting reimbursement. Further review and assistance needed.”
NHTSA complaint #11535970, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made abnormal sounds. The contact stated that the vehicle started independently, and the Driver Assist function engaged independently. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was swerving unintendedly and would vibrate while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the dealer informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The dealer later replaced the brake rotors; however, the failure persisted. The electronic power control (EPC), th…”
NHTSA complaint #11528305, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 1

“Car wasn’t pulling up the road the epc light came on had to have my vehicle rolled to the next dealer which was 36 miles from where I was. I was traveling from grapevine tx and it start acting up in Huntsville tx. Came out of pocket 1085.00 and that was with a discount for the fuel injector #3 My warranty expired 3000 miles ago. I am the first owner on my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11571623, 2024

Seat Belts 1 1 crash 1 injury

“HELLO MY DOUGHTER HAD A ACCIDENT CAR WAS TOTAL LOSS AND AIR BAGS DID NOT POP UP AND SEAT BELT WAS NOT TIGHT ENOUGH”
NHTSA complaint #11522933, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 1

“THE BREAKS IS VERY WEAK I WAS GOING TO HIT THE CAR AT THE FRONT OF ME WITH 1 INCH ! IT TOOK THE CAR LIKE 4 SECONDS TO STOP NOT SURE WAS IT JUST THE BREAKS OR THE BREAKS AND TIRES , THE CAR KEPT MOVING AFTER PRESSING THE BREAKS HARD ENOUGH , I WAS SHAKING SINCE I JUST GOT THE CAR 4 DAYS AGO !”
NHTSA complaint #11403222, 2021

Wheels 1

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY SOUTH SHORE IN RANDOLPH MA STOUGHTON EXITS AND I HEARD A POP IN MY DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE AND WHEN I PULLED OVER I CHECKED MY TIRE AND MY TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT AND THERE WAS A HOLE APPROXIMATELY THE SIZE OF A HAND GUN BULLET HOLE IN MY RIM. I WAS GOING A LITTLE UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT DUE TO HAVING A 3 YEAR OLD IN THE VEHICLE IN THE FAR RIGHT SLOW LANE. THE FOLLOWING MORNING I WENT TO GET THE TIRE INSPECTED IT WAS CONFIRMED THERE WAS A HUGE PIECE OF GLASS IN MY TIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11361235, 2020