Owners filed 594 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 10 times.
When it fails
04929249,292 milesMedian miles at failure
258 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags
342
13
1
10
Engine
61
0
0
0
Fuel/Propulsion System
31
0
0
1
Unknown or Other
28
0
0
0
Electrical System
24
1
2
0
Power Train
23
0
0
0
Visibility/Wiper
11
0
0
0
Steering
11
0
0
0
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette
9
0
0
0
Structure › Body
8
1
0
0
10 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module24V834000
Filed Oct 30, 2024248,330 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V862000
Filed Dec 4, 2019226 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights19V389000
Filed May 22, 2019662,185 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk. Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
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.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft17V309000
Filed May 11, 201784,262 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Passat vehicles, equipped with diesel engines and Direct-Shift Transmissions (DSG). The vehicle's underbody heat shield may not be long enough to protect the right half-shaft grease boot from heat, potentially resulting in a grease leak.
Risk. If the leaking grease contacts a heated surface, such as the exhaust system and/or the diesel particulate filter (DPF), it could increase the risk of fire.
Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft heat shield, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23W5.
Electrical System › Wiring16V171000
Filed Mar 24, 201691,442 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical connectors of the sensor, causing an electrical short.
Risk. An electrical short can cause the electrical connectors of the sensor to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in September. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23T3.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail15V028000
Filed Jan 23, 201544,658 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.
Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
Risk. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit and Lines14V182000
Filed Apr 15, 201426,452 vehiclesVolkswagen Of America, Inc.
Defect. Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the transmission may leak fluid.
Risk. The leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38B9/9V.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 28, 2026IN
A prior recall that was supposedly fixed, broke again. Submitted several complaints with Nhtsa and Volkswagen. Volkswagen said i had to pay a fee to verify what was wrong with my vehicle because the recall had already been fixed before. Months of waiting and waiting for an appointment and then vw would still not refix the recall. So years and years went by before the recall was recalled and vw sent out notice. Only to schedule you vehicle for service months out and then call and cancel because there is a shortage of parts and no known time in getting them. Anyways the recalled recall is an air bag spring that caused all of my vehicles "functions" to stop working. No horn, no steering wheel button functions, no computer functions. And during this time of not having my vehicles safety features... I was involved in a collision where my horn would have probably been a lifesaver and a vehicle saver had I had it
Air Bags
Filed Jul 27, 2026NV
Clockspring Recall. Horn not working, buttons on steering column not working, when turning steering wheel it makes a clicking noise, sounds like spring being pulled, driver side air bag light is illuminated on dash.
Engine
Filed Jun 16, 2026130,000 milesPA
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the Check Engine warning light illuminated, and there was no heat coming from the front passenger’s or driver’s side air vents. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine heater core had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on three different occasions. The engine heater core was replaced four times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no assistance was available due to the mileage on the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 11, 2026ID
I was driving and the airbag light randomly came on out of the blue. While trying to parallel park I noticed my steering wheel clicking. We ran codes on the car and we are confident that the clock spring failed. My horn and cruise control also no longer work.
Air Bags
Filed May 15, 2026MO
Early in 2024 my VW Passat TDI SEL the airbag light would not go off after starting and operating the car. The steering wheel controls were also operation incorrectly -- the horn didn't work, nor did the cruise control, wiper controls, etc. I took the car to my local VW dealership, where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel clock spring was defective and needed to be replaced. The dealership reported the component was on a serious back order, and they would call me when it was available. This presented a clear safety issue, since the airbag was non-functioning, and the horn did not work, and the other steering wheel controls were not operating correctly. I requested a loaner car until such time as the repair could be effected, but was told they would not provide me with one. Many months later, the part became available and in September 2024 the faulty steering wheel clock spring was replaced, and I paid for it. Late in 2025, VW mailed me a notice that they were utilizing an extended warranty coverage for the steering wheel clock spring replacement that I had done. I emailed my application to them, according to all of their guidelines, and 4 month later, after receiving on reply to my application, I contacted VW and was told my submission had been overlooked, but I would receive action within a few days. A few days later, the email I received from VW denied that the faulty clock spring replacement was covered by the warranty coverage for which they had mailed me to apply.
Engine
Filed May 13, 2026IL
The vehicle experienced repeated catastrophic engine failures, including failure of a replacement engine. Approximately six months after purchase and at around 80,000 miles, the engine failed and required a complete engine replacement through Volkswagen and the MaxCare service contract. Approximately one to one and a half years later, at around 120,000 miles, the replacement engine also failed. The vehicle developed rough idle conditions, check engine light warnings, timing chain and camshaft-related issues, lubrication-related concerns, and severe engine performance problems. Volkswagen later recommended another complete engine rebuild or replacement along with additional engine-related repairs. The vehicle became non-operable and could no longer be safely or reliably driven. The repeated failure of both the original engine and replacement engine suggests an ongoing defect-related condition rather than normal wear or an isolated mechanical failure. The problems were confirmed and documented by Volkswagen service personnel. Similar engine-related concerns involving oil consumption, lubrication issues, timing system concerns, and engine performance problems are also reflected in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletins involving this type of engine.
Engine
Filed Jan 26, 2026IL
I am reporting a recurring engine defect in a 2014 Volkswagen Passat that has resulted in repeated engine failure and loss of power while driving. Approximately six months after purchase, the vehicle required a complete engine replacement. One to two years after the replacement, the vehicle began exhibiting the same engine-related failures and has since become inoperable again. Manufacturer-issued Technical Service Bulletins addressing these engine defects were issued prior to the sale of the vehicle, indicating the condition was known. The repeated engine failures create unsafe driving conditions, including the risk of sudden loss of power during vehicle operation.
Power Train
Filed Jan 15, 2026OH
1) Transmission vehicle is not able to be driven Driving on the highway taking kids to school as my vehicle would not accelerate put me the kids and all that were on the road that morning at risk because all i could do is coast to get off on the side of the highway. I had it towed to independent center No warning signs, lights or messages nor any other symptoms. 2)also faulty steering wheel clock spring all of the controls stopped working airbag light is on and when turning the wheel it clicks and rubs.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 15, 2025ME
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (AIR BAGS) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local unknown dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 20, 2025KS
The Volkswagen dealership advised they could not fix the airbag recall. They said that the parts are on extreme back order, they can’t schedule an appointment for me to get it fixed, and they have no time estimate on when it can be fixed. I’m very concerned since the airbag recall lists that the driver airbag can explode and cause severe injury or death.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 11, 2025FL
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received a recall letter related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was placed on a waiting list. The contact called another local dealer, Orlando Volkswagen South (1406 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32809); and was added to the waiting list, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not contacted or made aware of the issue.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 3, 202598,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was occasionally illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 24, 2025CA
Components failed, Nitrogen Oxide Sensor, codes P2201 NOx sensor "Circut" bank 1 P20EE NOx catalytic Reduction P205B Reductant tank temperature " Circut" implausible signal
Air Bags
Filed Aug 14, 2025MI
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that two dealers had been contacted since April 2025; however, the dealers confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 30, 2025TX
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000(Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 28, 2025NC
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 28, 2025CA
RECALL CAME OUT 12/2024; CALLED LOCAL DEALERSHIP NIELLO VW OF SACRAMENTO CA IN JANUARY WAS TOLD PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN APRIL. CALLED IN APRIL WAS TOLD PARTS ARE NOW NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER AT THE EARLIEST AND NOW ITS SAYING THERE IS NOT EVEN A REMEDY AVAILABLE. AND THE POSSIBLE OUTCOME OF THE AIRBAG UNINTENTIONALLY GOING OFF IS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. I DRIVE MY CAR TO WORK EVERY DAY AND FEEL MORE UNSAFE FROM THE AIRBAG BEING A POTENTIAL HAZARD INSTEAD OF A SAFETY FEATURE.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 18, 2025IL
Volkwsagen has still addressed the recall of 24V834. I can't find anywhere else to submit a complaint. When I call them they say they do not have the parts even though I was notified of the recall in December 2024. I also called into the NTHSA but no one answers your phone. I think your employees are picking up and leaving the phone off the hook.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 18, 2025MA
This car was cited for recall due to defective driver side airbag in December 2024 and as of this date – July 18, 2025 – VW has not provided any repairs.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 24, 2025NV
I have contacted Centennial VW in Las Vegas, NV about the recall in December 2024 and they said the part is still on back order.
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
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: Oct 30, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.