2010 Volkswagen Passat

Routine

Owners filed 163 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 4 times.

Not among the Volkswagen Passat years to avoid. Which Volkswagen Passat years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
71,000 milesMedian miles at failure

105 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2010 Volkswagen Passat problems

43 of the 163 complaints (26%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags43
402
Engine36
000
Power Train · transmission19
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system18
010
Electrical System11
000
Steering5
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system5
000
Unknown or Other4
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission4
000
Wheels2
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module18V148000
Filed Mar 6, 2018363,713 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump17V509000
Filed Aug 16, 2017280,915 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.

Risk. If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module16V078000
Filed Feb 10, 2016659,493 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Air Bags › Frontal15V483000
Filed Aug 4, 2015415,825 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.

Risk. A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 14, 2026FL

My 2010 Volkswagen CC became completely inoperable because of the active fuel pump control module recall (NHTSA 17V509). The vehicle stalled and nearly caused an accident. The check engine light came on just before I noticed a burning smell coming from the backseat of my car immediately after smelling that the car suddenly stalled out in the middle of a busy intersection and the engine would not start back up. I had to push it to a gas station parking lot across 3 lanes of traffic. I lifted up the backseat and found that the fuel control module was overheated and melting on top of the fuel pump so I carefully and properly disconnected it from the vehicle. The next day I had the vehicle towed to Lokey Volkswagen in Clearwater, FL. Today 3/14/2026 They did the recall repair and told me my vehicle is safe to drive. Today 3/14/2026 I drove the car 1 mile from the dealership when the exact same thing happened again the car stalled out, and I had to carefully maneuver to the shoulder of hwy us 19 s narrowly missing vehicles in the other lanes. The vehicle was then towed back to lokey Volkswagen. It is pretty clear that the issue was not resolved, and that this fuel control module failing may have affected other parts of the fuel system/wiring and or the fuel control module failed again. I have pictures of the fuel control module, and I gave the initial melted/failed fuel control module to the service department and they took it. The dealership service department is stating that thi

Engine
Filed Oct 23, 2024CA

I purchased a used vehicle but have found out the oxygen sensor is feeding false error codes to the main OBC causing leaks into driver compartment causing engine to stall while auto in motion and most importantly causing steering wheel to lock, have spoken with VWoA but they have no direct influence with VW or dealerships even if a warranty issue because all parties are independent contractors and all they are able to do is try and help. My name has not been transferred to registration because of smog requirements so you may call me [XXX] my telephone number is [XXX] my case# with VWoA is [XXX], I myself have learned to deal with defects but should this matter be more widespread which I cannot find out because the last case regarding the sensors was sealed in an agreement made by the California ARB, EPA and VW and Audi through a settlement signed in December 2021. Once again my hands are tied from taking much more action but I believe your department whether is able to enforce this matter or not should at least investigate and issue warnings to advise people of what can happen so if they can even at own cost seek appropriate repairs before more damages accrued. Also if this sensor is effecting more models and manufacturers an appropriate temporary fix should be seeker since no long term solutions are available at this time INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 25, 2024148,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a strong fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted while the vehicle was parked and turned off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the strong fuel odor had caused her to have headaches while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module had failed, causing the fuel pump to leak. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start and was undrivable. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to bring the vehicle to their location for the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V509000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) had already been completed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 24, 202461,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the thermostat. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V509000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 2, 2023TN

Replaced cracked fuel pump 3 times. Electrical problem to fuel pump ; also all were cracked from pressure. Thx !! Dr.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 1, 2023CA

As the trunk hatch opens and closes, the wiring to the hatch wears down, frays, and then shorts or breaks. This killed our rear view camera, which is a safety issue. This also can cut off light to the license plate. The rear hatch also cannot then be opened from the rear of the car, as the handle is electrical and gets disconnected, possible causing another safety issue.

Engine
Filed Jul 24, 2023WV

Drove the car to and from work that day with no problems. Also, went back to work a 2nd side job that evening with no issues. Got home, shut the car off and when my wife and I went out to go to work the next morning at 5 a.m., the car wouldn't start at all. Wouldn't even click. Did a lot of research because I had the starter replaced about 2 weeks before and knew it couldn't be the starter and also had bought a new battery when I had the starter replaced as well, so knew it wouldn't be the battery. After a lot, I mean a lot of research online, finally came to the decision it was the timing chain tensioner was faulty. When I went to replace the tensioner for the timing chain, I took my camera and put it in the cylinder heads and found out that there was 2 broken valves in the number 3 piston. One was broken and sideways in the piston and the other just broken. I'm not sure whether a rod has gone through the bottom of the head or not, couldn't get my camera to go that far down. So now I have no vehicle what-so-ever to drive back and forth to work. My wife had to resign from her job because she had no way to get there everyday and I have to pay someone gas money weekly to pick me up and bring me home from work so needless to say, we are currently struggling, can't pay our bills because my wife cannot get a job and now I have to figure out how to repair this damage that should have been made a recall for these volkswagens because by the looks of things, there are over 100 people

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 24, 2023FL

I was in my car driving , as soon as I go for a turn my car stalled on me infront of everyone , almost causing a wreck.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 28, 2022AR

There is a short in the wiring for the tail lights the short in the wires also effects the trunk wiring. The design of the wiring in the trunk bends the tail light wires and wears them out so now there is a short in the tail light, reverse light , fog light and the trunk release. It is very unsafe to have these lights not work and to have a faulty wiring.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Nov 15, 2021MI

The car was hit broadside on the passenger side front door, spun around and hit head in to a power pole. With all this happening none of the airbags deployed.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 20, 2021KS

In 2018, my VW clockspring/airbag was replaced under the VW recall. Last week the airbag clockspring failed, causing my air bag pop out. Luckily I was not driving. There is no current recall on the recalled replacement and this is unacceptable. I took my VW back to the dealer that did the work and they stated that there was no recall and they would not replace. It is incredibly dangerous that this has happened. I am very angry that VW's replacement would not hold up for the lifetime of the car nor will they honor their parts.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 19, 2021FL

I got all types of misfires and fuel pump and electrical problems the car almost has me in car wrecks every time I drive it the speed thermometer jumps up and down causing me to have no push in the gas I have to turn the car on and off on the highway

Engine
Filed Aug 5, 2021AZ

Faulty timing chain tensioner caused catastrophic engine failure. resulting in ~$4000.00 repair cost. i have read about alot of other Volkswagens having this same issue. VW has redesigned this part several times, i did not recive a TSB stating there was an issue with an internal component of my engine even though VW knows this issue will result in engine failure.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jul 6, 202183,000 milesFL

The contact owned a 2010 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving slowly towards a stop sign, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and drove forward causing another vehicle to crash into the driver’s side of the vehicle. There were no injuries reported. A police report was filed. Neither the local dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000. The vehicle was destroyed.

Engine
Filed Feb 5, 2021108 milesUT

108K MILES. GOT OFF OF WORK AND I WENT TO START THE VEHICLE. I STARTED THE VEHICLE THE BATTERY LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED FLASHING I JUST DID A QUICK LOOP AND PUT IT RIGHT BACK INTO THE PARKING SPOT THAT I WAS IN. I TOOK IT INTO A SHOP THEY FOUND THAT THE STARTER WAS GETTING WAY TOO HOT. THEY TOOK THE STARTER OUT AND PUT IN A NEW ONE AND WHEN THEY WENT TO START THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE SEIZED

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 31, 2020156,000 milesTX

THERE IS A GAS LEAK BY REAR TIRE. THE MECHANICS THAT CHANGED MY TIRES SAID IT WAS WATER. WENT FOR AN OIL CHANGE, AND THEY REFUSED TO DO IT BECAUSE IT'S A GAS LEAK. THEY CAN'T TELL WHERE IT'S COMING FROM.

Engine
Filed Dec 29, 2020104,000 milesAL

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOOSES POWER, I CAN STOP SHUT IT DOWN AND IT RUNS FINE FOR A PERIOD. THE PROBLEM IS UNPREDICTABLE, I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS, BECAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WOULD OCCUR.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 16, 2020FL

TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER DAUGHTER HAD HER FUEL PUMP REPLACED ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. AFTER THE MOST RECENT FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO SCHUMACHER VOLKSWAGEN OF WEST PALM BEACH (3001 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409) WHERE THREE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE; NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V483000 (AIR BAGS), 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), AND 18V148000 (AIR BAGS). DESPITE THE RECALL REPAIRS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER THEN TOWED THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC INFORMED HER THAT AN UNKNOWN PART NEAR THE STEERING COLUMN FRACTURED AND THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. DUE TO THE DISCOVERY, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BACKED TO THE DEALER AND WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Engine
Filed Aug 24, 202012,000 milesSC

THE CAR WOULDN'T START AND FOUND OUT THE TIMING CHAIN JUMPED

Parking Brake
Filed Jul 14, 202092,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND GOING UPHILL, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. AN AUDIBLE SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. THE CONTACT WAS THEN UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN OF CLARKSVILLE (406 E LEWIS AND CLARK PKWY, CLARKSVILLE, IN 47129) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 17, 2020111,000 milesVA

MY VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT HAS FALLEN TO AN ISSUE MANY OTHERS HAVE FALLEN. IT APPEARS THE TIMING-CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED CAUSING THE TIMING-CHAIN TO JUMP. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE VALVES CAN BEND AND ALSO RUIN THE CYLINDERS. THE ERROR CODE IS P0016. VW WEST BROAD IS RECOMMENDING A REPAIR OF $5,100 DOLLARS. AFTER DISCUSSING WITH VW OF AMERICA THEY WILL NOT COVER AS IT IS OUTSIDE OF THEIR EXTENDED WARRANTY 100,000 MILES OR DECEMBER OF 2019. MY CAR IS APPROXIMATELY 111K MILES AND 6 MONTHS PAST THE DATE. I WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE SO I COULD NOT BE PROACTIVE IN FIXING THE TENSIONER. THEY EVEN REDESIGNED THE TIMING-CHAIN TENSIONER BECAUSE THE OLD ONE IS FAULTY. I AM LUCKY I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME FROM MY DAY TRIP THIS PAST WEEKEND AND THAT THE ISSUE DID NOT TAKE PLACE WHILE DRIVING. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN. IT TOOK 4 OR SO SECONDS TO START WHICH WAS ABNORMAL, BUT PROCEEDED TO RUN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, BUT I WAS ABLE TO PROCEED HOME. SEVERAL DAYS LATER I TRIED STARTING THE CAR TO BRING TO THE SHOP, BUT IT NO LONGER STARTS AND I HAD TO GET IT TOWED. AT THIS POINT, I AM PREPARED TO SEND IT TO THE JUNK YARD BECAUSE THE COST OF THE REPAIR IS BEYOND THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ISSUE CAN BE FOUND AT THIS LITIGATION WEBSITE WHERE THEY SETTLED. HTTPS://WWW.TIMINGCHAINLITIGATION.COM/ *TR

Engine
Filed Jun 12, 202072,000 milesWI

PURCHASED THE CAR AT 62K ENGINE TIMING CHAIN WENT OUT AT 72K I'M VERY FRUSTRATED THEY ARE NOT COMMUNICATING WITH ME ON ANYTHING AND NOBODY IS HELPING. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 10, 2020114,930 milesFL

AS I DRIVE THE CAR "HESITATES". ITS ALMOST AS IF IT ACCELERATES AND DECELERATE ON ITS OWN. AS I LOOK ONLINE I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THIS ISSUE AS ITS A FUEL PUMP BUT AS I CALL THE DEALERSHIP THEY STATE THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE. *TR

Engine
Filed May 29, 20204 milesUT

DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A BUSY ROAD WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN MY CAR STARTS TO SHAKE AND THEN THE EPC LIGHT CAME ON ENGINE STARTED FLASHING. I'VE READ A BUNCH OF THREADS WITH VOLKSWAGEN HAVING THIS ISSUE. [XXX] VEHICLES. YOU WERE FUNDED BY [XXX] HITLER NO WONDER. Y'ALL HAVE TO TAKE SOME RESPONSIBILITY ONCE IN A WHILE FOR ALL THE SHADY [XXX] Y'ALL ARE TRYING TO PULL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Engine
Filed May 5, 2020109,899 milesNC

VW FOUND OUT THAT THE TIMING CHAIN IS DEFECTIVE IN THEIR VW CC 2.0 T ENGINE. THIS PART CAN GO OUT AT ANYTIME. IF YOU ARE TRAVELING AT A HIGH SPEED YOU CAN BE FATALLY INJURED IF THIS TIMING CHAIN GOES OUT. IT HASN'T HAPPENED BUT I WAS WARNED. WITH THE SOLUTION OF A 3800.00 REPAIR. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Apr 30, 2020129,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND WITHIN A MOMENT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE QUINCY FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE FUEL LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY DESTROYED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 3, 2020AL

THE CAR BATTERY IS FINE, THE CAR SHUTS OFF IMMEDIATELY WHEN PUSHING ON BRAKE, LEAKS BRAKE FLUID, CANNOT KEEP RUNNING, CANNOT GET TO VW TO GET THE CURRENT 4 RECALLS TAKEN CARE OF UNLESS I CAN PAY FOR TOWING, CAN'T RUN BECAUSE OF FUEL PUMP AND THE APPARENT ISSUES VW IS HAVING ALREADY ON OTHER 2010 MODELS BRAKE SYSTEM, THIS IS THE SAME YEAR AND IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE PASSAT 2010 ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE ABS! VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT TO THE VEHICLE EVEN THE ISSUE OF INABILITY TO DRIVE IS DUE TO THE RECALL OF FUEL PUMP AND THE NOT YET RECALLED 2010 PASSAT BRAKES (ABS) , CAUSING IT TO SHUT OFFF. THE ELECTRICAL GOES HAYWIRE. SORRY FOR NON TECH TERMS BUT THIS IS WHAT IS GOING ON, IT IMMEDIATELY SAYS SERVICE BRAKES THEN SHUTS OFF. BRAKE FLUID IS LEAKING, AS WELL AS COOLANT.

Power Train
Filed Feb 18, 2020104,918 milesLA

THE VEHICLE IS DISPLAYING ERRATIC SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS AS WELL AS SLIPPING WHILE IN GEAR IN BOTH DRIVE AND MANUAL DRIVE MODE. THE TRANSMISSION FUNCTION IS PUSHING THE GHG EMISSIONS PAST THE PER DETERMINED LIMIT. THE CALIBRATION SOFTWARE V1979 DOES NOT APPEAR COMPLIANT WITH ITS EMISSIONS CERTIFICATION PER CERTIFICATE NUMBERS AVWXV02.02UA-005 AND AVWXV02.03UA-006 AND I CANNOT FIND A RECALL OR TSB ADDRESSING SOFTWARE V1979. MODE9 : CALIBRATION IDENTIFICATION TYPE 02 - VIN : [XXX] (ADDRESS E8) TYPE 04 - CALIBRATION ID : 06J906026DA 6987 (ADDRESS E8) TYPE 04 - CALIBRATION ID : 02E300051P 1979 (ADDRESS E9) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 23, 202099,900 milesIL

VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. I HAD DRIVEN ABOUT 1 BLOCK ON THIS STREET AFTER HAVING TURNED ONTO IT FROM ANOTHER STREET. WHEN THE CAR DIED, "STEERING WHEEL LOCKED" DISPLAYED ON DASH PANEL. CAR WOULD NOT START, STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T MOVE BEYOND ABOUT 1" TO THE RIGHT. MESSAGE WOULD DISPLAY "STEERING WHEEL STILL LOCKED" OR "MOVE STEERING WHEEL." AFTER 40 MINUTES OF THIS ROTATION OF MESSAGES AND TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE, MOVED THE STEERING WHEEL UP AND DOWN. CAR FINALLY STARTED BUT ONLY FOR 3 SECONDS. BATTERY LIGHT WOULD COME ON. WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES DOING THIS AND MOVING IT 30 FEET TO SAFELY PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS ABOUT 30 DEGREES F. FOR ABOUT 1 MONTH PRIOR TO THIS, I WOULD PERIODICALLY HEAR A TICKING SOUND AFTER REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. AFTER THE TICKING STOPPED, A MESSAGE WOULD DISPLAY ON THE DASH PANEL "STEERING COLUMN LOCKED. VISIT WORKSHOP!" IT WAS EXTREMELY COLD WHEN THIS HAPPENED, BUT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME I TURNED OFF THE CAR, AND THE CAR STARTED FINE EACH TIME AFTER. OUTSIDE TEMP WAS IN THE TEENS (F) WHEN THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENED.

Engine
Filed Jan 2, 202094,000 milesNC

TIMING CHAIN BROKE RESULTING IN CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS RECALLS AND IS THE SUBJECT OF MULTIPLE CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS. IF YOU HAVE THE OPTION TO PURCHASE A VW CC DO NOT DO IT. THESE VEHICLES ARE COMPLETE GARBAGE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED COMPLETELY BY THE MANUFACTURER.

Engine
Filed Dec 13, 2019127,000 milesWA

DROVE CAR WITHOUT PROBLEMS. CAME BACK AN HOUR LATER AND IT STARTED, BUT ENGINE WAS SHAKING. MOVED IT ACROSS PARKING LOT AND SHUT ENGINE OFF. NEXT TIME I TRIED TO TURN IT ON, WOULD NOT START. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC, SAID THAT TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND RUINED THE REST OF THE ENGINE. DID RESEARCH AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH VW ENGINES. FAULTY TIMING CHAINS ARE USED WHICH CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE LEAVING DRIVER AT RISK IF THIS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING. EVEN WHEN NOT DRIVING, THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH A COMMON OCCURRENCE FROM ONE OF THEIR PRODUCTS FAILING AND RUINING THE REST OF THE CAR IS UNFAIR TO CONSUMERS AND VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE BEYOND WARRANTY LIABILITIES FOR ANY OF THEIR VEHICLES THAT THIS HAPPENS TO. THEY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO BUILD FAULTY ENGINES AND LEAVE CONSUMERS TO FOOT THE BILL FOR THEIR SHODDY DESIGNS AND WORKMANSHIP.

Power Train
Filed Dec 5, 2019197,000 milesOH

DSG TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY FLASHES D GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR. THIS MEANS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL AND CANNOT BE REENGAGED INTO DRIVE. VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION ON FREEWAY OR MAKING LEFT HAND TURN WITH ON COMING TRAFFIC. SHUTTING VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON ALWAYS CLEARS THE CONDITION HOWEVER VEHICLE MUST BE STOPPED AND IN P. FAULT OCCURS RANDOMLY SOMETIMES WITH 2500 MILES BETWEEN OCCURRENCES. HAS OCCURRED 5 TIMES WITH 2500 MILES BETWEEN THE 4TH AND 5TH OCCURRENCE. TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SERVICED PER VW REQUIRED INTERVALS.

Engine
Filed Oct 24, 2019115,000 milesFL

THE TIMING CHAIN WAS PART OF A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT IN 2018 BY VW OWNERS. MY 2010 PASSAT WAS PART OF THAT, BUT WE DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. NOW, THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED AT 115K MILES ON THE CAR. IT WOULD NOT START. IT TRIED TO, BUT WOULD NEVER CATCH. I NOW NEED A BRAND NEW ENGINE. I HAD TWO MECHANICS LOOK AT IT. I ALSO CALLED VW BOTH LOCAL AND NATIONAL TO SEE IF MY TIMING CHAIN HAD BEEN REPLACED. THEY SAID THEY DON'T KEEP TRACK OF THAT INFORMATION. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN 2017. CARFAX DOESN'T SHOW SERVICE RECORDS FOR A TIMING CHAIN REPLACEMENT, SO I ASSUME THIS IS THE ORIGINAL.

Power Train
Filed Oct 18, 201990,000 milesTX

DRIVING AND THE TRANSMISSION FALLS OUT OF GEAR. ALSO HAD IT TO WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM 1ST GEAR. I HAVE TO PULL OVER PUT VEHICLE IN PARK TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART. SOMETIMES IT WILL RUN FINE OTHERS HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER 3 OR 4 TIMES BEFORE I COULD GET BACK HOME. STARTED LOOKING ON INTERNET ON CARPROBLEMZOO.COM AND THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINT OF THE SAME PROBLEM. SOME STARTED WITH ONLY 20K MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THIS HIS A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUR DRIVING 35 MPH OR FASTER.

Engine
Filed Oct 5, 201963,000 milesCA

I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR BERALY ONE MONTH. 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE 02 SENSORS WENT BAD. 1 WEEK LATER MY PCV VALVE WENT BAD. AND 2 DAYS AFTER THAT MY CAR STALLED ON ME WHILE DRIVING DOWN A CANYON AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. I LOST CONTROL AND ENDED UP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I THOUGH I WAS GOING TO KILL MYSELF. AFTER SITTING THERE FOR ABOUT AN HOUR THE CAR TURNED ON BUT WAS EXTREMELY SHAKY AND WOULD STALL THE MINUTE I SLOWED DOWN OR CAME TO A STOP. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP ONLY TO HAVE THE ENGINE DIE ON ME. THE CAR CANNOT BE TURNED ON OR MOVED. I WAS TOLD IT MIGHT BE THE TIMING CHAIN WHICH IS A COMMON ISSUE IN THIS ENGINE. I'M BEING TOLD I NEED TO PRACTICALLY REPLACE THE ENGINE WHICH WILL COST MORE THAN WHAT THE CAR IS WORTH. IF I TRY TO TURN THE CAR ON. IT HESITATES A LOT AND ONCE IT TURNS OVER IT IMMEDIATELY SHUTS OFF. I HAVE BERALY MADE 1 PAYMENT ON THIS VEHICLE AND IT ALREADY DIED ON ME. WAS EXCITED ABOUT SUCH A NICE LOOKING CAR ONLY TO HAVE FALL UNDER THE LEMON CAR CATEGORY IN MY OPINION. I AM NOW LEFT WITH A CAR PAYMENT. A HUGE REPAIR BILL AND NO MODE OF TRANSPORTATION ALL DUE TO VOLKSWAGENS FAULTY DESIGN.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 2, 2019IL

AFTER REPLACING MY CAR BATTERY ON 2010 VW CC, THE RED STEERING WHEEL ICON APPEARED ON THE DASH FOLLOWED BY 3 CHIMES TO MAKE KNOWN OF PROBLEM. THE STEERING WHEEL LOST ALL POWER STEERING. PRIOR TO OCCURANCE THERE WAS NEVER ANY WHINING NOISE, ABNORMAL SHAKING THAT COULD POINT TO A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING RACK. AFTER RESEARCHING I FOUND OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND NO EASY FIX BUT TO TOW TO THE SHOP AND GET A RIDICULOUS QUOTE ON PARTS AND LABOR FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING RACK.

Engine
Filed Sep 29, 2019710,222 milesCA

INFORMED THAT TIMING CHAIN BROKE SPREADING METAL BITS THROUGHOUT TURBO ENGINE AND ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. VW WILL COVER TIMING CHAIN INSTALLATION BUT REMAINDER OF REPAIR WILL BE OUR RESPONSIBILITY. THE CAR HAD 72,000 MILES AND UNDER THE 10YR/100,000 MILE WARRANTY. WE BELIEVE THAT DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE INFORMED US ABOUT THE TIMING CHAIN DRIVE FAILURE AND ADVISED US TO REPLACE BEFORE IT DISINTEGRATED! THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE PREVIOUS TIMES BECAUSE OF THE JERKING OF THE ISSUE SO THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A CLUE TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. AFTER A 10-DAY HOLIDAY WHERE THE CAR STAYED IN THE DRIVEWAY, WHEN WE STARTED IT A TERRIBLE NOISE OCCURRED AND WE COULD NOT START IT SO IT WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. FORTUNATELY, WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED, WE WERE NOT DRIVING ON A CROWDED, BUSY CITY STREET OR THE FREEWAY. WE HAVE BEEN LOYAL VW OWNERS FOR 50+ YEARS AND USED OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR 21+ YEARS. WE JUST PURCHASED A NEW CAR AND IT'S NOT A VW. I WILL GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR LAWYER IF THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT COVER ALL REPAIRS AND LABOR.

Steering
Filed Sep 8, 201992,400 milesPA

THE SECOND TIME IN ONE WEEK I LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. LOSS OF POWER STEERING DUE TO CLOCK SPRING MALFUNCTION? IF THAT OCCURS WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY IT VERY DANGEROUS TO ME AND OTHER MOTORISTS. I PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE 9 MONTHS AGO.

Engine
Filed Aug 7, 2019124,000 milesDC

TAKATA RECALL THE CAR WILL NOT START NO WARNINGS NO CODES JUST STOP WORKING

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 8, 2019MO

THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS HAVE GONE OUT ON MY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE MAKES A NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING MAKING IT UNDRIVEABLE. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THE REPAIRS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER THE VW TIMING CHAIN SETTLEMENT

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 3, 201974,500 milesFL

02/03 CAR STALL DUE TO DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULE 02/04 CAR SENT TO DEALERSHIP TO PERFORM RECALL - DEALERSIP ADVISOR CONFIRM RECALL HAS BEEN DONE 02/05 CAR STALLS AGAIN - ADVISOR CONFIRM FUEL PUMP MODULE IS NEW AND HAS BEEN REPLACED - CAR SENT BACK TO DEALERSHIP UPON REQUEST OF ADVISOR FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS 02/06 ADVISOR STATES THANK FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE CHANGED - COST FOR REPAIRS IS $1120 + TAX - REPAIR IS DECLINED - CAR IS PICKED UP AND BROUGHT BACK HOME 02/07 PURCHASE NEW THANK FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY 02/13 NEW THANK FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY DELIVERED TO MY HOME 02/14 CAR IS SENT TO REPAIR SHOP WHY GO TO THE DEALER FOR EVALUATION - NEW THANK FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED - REPAIR SHOP CONFIRMS FUEL PUMP MODULE HAS NEVER BEEN REPLACED - DEALERSHIP PROVIDE APPARENTLY NEW FUEL PUMP MODULE TO REPAIR SHOP GO TO THE DEALER - REPAIR SHOP INSTALL NEW FUEL PUMP MODULE AS RECOMMENDED PER RECALL - CAR IS PICKED UP AT THE DEALERSHIP 02/24 CAR NOT ABLE TO START DUE TO DRAINED BATTERY, FAULTY FUEL PUMP MODULE 02/25 COMPLAIN IS SENT BY EMAIL TO DEALERSHIP SHOP FOREMAN FRANK MARCELLO - NO FOLLOW UP 03/01 CAR NOT STARTING DUE TO DRAINED BATTERY - CALL SHOP FOREMAN AND LEFT MESSAGE

Engine
Filed Jan 24, 2019102,251 milesPA

SERVICE ENGINE NOTIFICATION CAME ON IN LATE DECEMBER. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN APPOINTMENT. THE PERSON WHO ANSWERED TOLD ME MY VEHICLE DIDN'T NEED A 100K CHECK UP BUT IT WAS DUE FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND I COULD JUST WALK IN WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT. I WALKED IN A FEW DAYS LATER AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE OIL CHANGE. I JUST HAD IT AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN INSPECTION AND RECALL IN OCTOBER; THE GUY WAITING ON ME WONDERED WHY THEY DIDN'T DO THE OIL CHANGE AND 100K CHECK UP THEN. I COULDN'T GET AN APPOINTMENT UNTIL AFTER THE HOLIDAYS. I DROPPED IT OFF JANUARY 2. JANUARY 3 AT 3:30 PM I GOT A TEXT STATING THEY NEEDED TO KEEP IT UNTIL THE NEXT DAY TO FIGURE EVERYTHING OUT. I PICKED IT UP ON THE 4TH. AFTER DRIVING STRAIGHT HOME AND LOCALLY, NOT MORE THAN 10 MILES, THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLICKERING AND I PARKED IT AT HOME. IT WAS A SATURDAY. I TRIED TO GET IN TOUCH WITH SOMEONE BUT NO ONE RESPONDED UNTIL MONDAY. THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK IN. I CALLED AAA; THEY SENT A TOW TRUCK; HE TRIED TO START IT TO GET IT OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY BUT IT WOULDN'T TURN OVER; I HAD IT TOWED. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE TIMING CHAIN AND IT WOULD BE OVER $5,000 TO FIX IT.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 19, 201896,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE AIR BAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED. PRIOR TO THE DEPLOYMENT, THE CONTACT HEARD SEVERAL POPPING SOUNDS COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL UNDERNEATH THE HORN PAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V148000 (AIR BAGS) ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2018. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Steering
Filed Nov 15, 201851,816 milesKY

MY CLOCK SPRING FAILED ON MY STEERING WHEEL AND HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR THE FIRST TIME. SYMPTOMS WERE: THE WHEEL LOCKED UP, A CRUNCHING SOUND WAS HEARD, AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN THE CAR.

Seats
Filed Nov 15, 201884,369 milesKY

THE SEAT FRAME ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT FAILED IN MY CAR. THE STEEL HAD POOR WELD POINTS AND BROKE IN HALF. IT LOOKED LIKE CHEAP STEEL AND HAD IT HAPPENED IN A WRECK, IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT STEEL WOULD HAVE IMPALED THE DRIVER.

Steering
Filed Nov 12, 201893,000 milesKY

THE CLOCK SPRING ON MY CAR'S STEERING HAS FAILED TWICE NOW IN A 4 YEAR PERIOD. VW REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT'S A PROBLEM AND CLAIMS MY MODEL IS NOT IMPACTED BY OTHER RECALLS FOR THAT PART. THIS LAST TIME THE CLOCK SPRING FAILED, THE RIBBON CAME UNDONE AND PREVENTED ME FROM TURNING THE STEERING WHEELING, NEARLY CAUSING A WRECK. AFTER FORCEFULLY JERKING THE STEERING WHEEL, THE RIBBON CAME LOOSE AND I WAS ABLE TO TURN. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE LOSS OF STEERING CAN RESULT IN A WRECK.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 24, 2018109,982 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO VOLKSWAGEN OF ALAMO HEIGHTS (LOCATED AT 1402 NE LOOP 410 EXPRESSWAY, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209, (210) 828-1201) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 180378267. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,982. *TT CONSUMER STATED FUEL PUMP MODULE WAS IN A RECALL AND REPAIRED.*JB

Air Bags
Filed Aug 28, 2018ME

VOLKSWAGEN DEALER REFUSES TO FIX RECALLS

Engine
Filed Aug 23, 2018111,000 milesCA

CAR STALLED AND STOPPED FROM FULL MOTION TO REDUCED SPEED.

Steering
Filed Aug 21, 2018100,637 milesFL

"TAKATA RECLL"I PUT A NEW MOTOR IN NOW THE POWER STEER LIGHT CAME ON IT IS HARD TO TURN. I WAS DRIVER ON I-10 COMING FROM DR.OFFICE IN TALL.IT RUN GOOD JUST "POWER STEER" HARD & JUST GOT THE OTHER "RECALL FIX ,AIR BAG,FUEL PUMP,THIS MONTH AND LORD PLEASE LET ME GET HELP WITH THIS I WAS OUT A LOT OF MONEY FOR MOTOR.PLEASE JESUS.

Complaints 1-50 of 163, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202213000Routine
202120110Routine
202018300Routine
201912100Routine
201846410Do not drive
2017110710Routine
2016106500Routine
2015243720Above average
20145941030Above average
2013749942Fatalities reported
20124841130Above average
201116011Fatalities reported
2010 — this page163410Routine
20091464120Routine
2008168460Routine
2007262760Above average
2006576760Above average
20051484110Routine
20042794250High concern
20036347940High concern
20026364462Fatalities reported
20014304140Above average
20005075251Fatalities reported
19996646132Fatalities reported
1998331541Fatalities reported
199770120Routine
1996142110Routine
199593110Routine
199425110Routine
1993683100Routine
199239110Routine
199124110Routine
199034230Routine

Compare every Passat year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 6, 2018. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.