Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 21, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

18 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Minor6

Most reports here involve fluid leaks.

fluid leaks 3transmission slipping 1
A recent report: While driving and after, we noticed gas fumes both inside and outside of vehicle. The gas tank was approximately half full. Became very concerned over the the possibility of a fire. Did research…
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While driving and after, we noticed gas fumes both inside and outside of vehicle. The gas tank was approximately half full. Became very concerned over the the possibility of a fire. Did research online and realized that this was and is a common problem with older models of the Passad (ours is a 2020 model that we bought new and had zero accidents) plus Jetta and Golf models. We took it to a VW Dealer (Ken Graff VW Gilbert, AZ ) nearest our home for fear of a fire hazard and safety. They repaired it stating that the gas tank had various creaks neasr the top of the tank which allowed fumes to be released. My cost to repair was approximately $1,100 which for a vehicle with some 62,000 miles and no accidents seems to be concerning. The service advisor stated not covered under warranty or not under a recall notice. Thjs is plainly wrong and is certainly a fire hazard. Thank you for looking into this important issue.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11759077 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Minor2

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 2
A recent report: The front information center which is responsible for the rear camera system is shutdown due to the radio / entire screen being dead without reason

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11760236 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Minor4

Most reports here involve loss of braking.

loss of braking 3software faults 1
A recent report: my 2020 vw passat has less than 60k mikes and i am replacing my 3rd wheel sensor. they fail without warning disabling my antilock brakes. And other safety features

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11763407 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor3

Most reports here involve sudden stalling.

sudden stalling 1
A recent report: 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…
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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,

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11705961 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading3

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

airbags not deploying 1premature wear 1software faults 1
A recent report: 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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11648696 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 18 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2020 and 2026, roughly 3 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.