Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 574 of 576 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 394 of 576 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Air bags
151 complaint records1 fire report6 crash reports
"THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE COST SHOULD BE COVERED BY A RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN IS REFUSING TO PAY...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
131 complaint records4 fire reports4 crash reports
"CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE CAUSED BY A FAULTY BOLT. THE OIL PUMP BOLT FAILS ON 3.6'S AND THE ENGINE SELF-DESTRUCTS DUE TO NO OIL PRESSURE. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Steering
113 complaint records
"STEERING LOCK DEFECTIVE - SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE PART OF VW - I HAVE A VW PASSAT 06 AND KEEP ON GETTING THIS PROBLEM. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA11002 opened Jan 2011 | closed Feb 2012 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine Compartment Fire In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline,... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24V834000 | Air Bags | 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. | Normally free |
| 18V247000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon vehicles. | Normally free |
| 17V509000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. | Normally free |
| 16V079000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. | Normally free |
| 06V472000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L ENGINE WITH 147 KW MAY HAVE A VACUUM LINE THAT MAY FRACTURE AND BECOME DISCONNECTED AT LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. | Normally free |
| 06V470000 | Visibility | ON CERTAIN '6' GENERATION PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DURING HEAVY RAIN DUE TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE ENTERING THE WIPER MOTOR. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE WIPERS CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE. | Normally free |
| 05V540000 | Steering | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD SECURING NUT MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TORQUED. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024649 2024-10-30 | Airbag | 18,995 | Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. |
| 2018192 2018-04-18 | Airbag | 3,339 | On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver frontal airbag. |
| 2017398 2017-08-16 | Fuel System | 19,508 | On certain vehicles, there could be an interruption in electrical power to the fuel pump control module. This could result in the fuel pump running continuously, resulting in a drained battery and/or a no start condition, or cause a loss... |
| 2016065 2016-02-09 | Airbag | 15,039 | On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
| 2006339 2006-12-06 | Electrical | 2,896 | On certain Passat and Passat wagon, the wiper motor may fail during heavy rain due to moisture intrusion. This could lead to reduced visibility and a crash without warning. Correction: Dealers will install a special cover and sealing kit. |
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006340 2006-12-06 | Brakes | 3,381 | On certain Passat and Passat wagon, a vacuum line may fracture and become disconnected at low ambient temperatures. If this happens, brake power assist could become inoperative. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM 39-2026 Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| V171901201285565 Aug 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards | |
| V171901201285562 May 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments. | |
| V171901201285560 Apr 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments. | |
| TRMDMV_MA_VW Mar 2023 | Air Bags | In conjunction with the Massachusetts DMV, Volkswagen will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 1,498 Volkswagen owners in the State of Massachusetts on March 13, 2023. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRMDMV_NM_VW Mar 2023 | Air Bags | In conjunction with the New Mexico DMV, Volkswagen will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 363 Volkswagen owners in the State of New Mexico on March 13, 2023. | |
| TRMDMV_CO_VW Feb 2023 | Air Bags | In conjunction with the Colorado DMV, Volkswagen will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 1,414 Volkswagen owners in the State of Colorado on February 13, 2023. | |
| V941901201152119 Dec 2022 | Equipment | Update model year applicability to include 2023. | |
| V271901201189422 Dec 2022 | Electrical System | Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability. | |
| TRMDMV_NY_VW Oct 2022 | Air Bags | In conjunction with the New York DMV, Volkswagen will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 2,743 Volkswagen owners in the State of New York on October 17, 2022. | |
| TT 01 20 05_4 Sep 2022 | Fuel System | DTC's P053F,P0087, P0088, P1025 may set due to the high pressure fuel pump being out of time (sync). | |
| TRMDPS_SC_VW Sep 2022 | Air Bags | In conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Volkswagen is sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 1,824 Volkswagen owners in the state of South Carolina on September 19, 2022. | |
| V241801204513812 Sep 2022 | Equipment | Update warranty table labor operation numbers due to recent Saga updates. | |
| V241801204513811 Aug 2022 | Equipment | Update warranty table labor operation numbers due to recent Saga updates. | |
| TRMDMV_PR_VW Jul 2022 | Air Bags | In conjunction with the Georgia Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Division and Department of Driver Services, Volkswagen sent Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 158 Volkswagen owners in the State of Puerto Rico on July 25, 2022. | |
| TRMDMV_VA_VW Jul 2022 | Air Bags | In conjunction with the Virginia DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 2,217 VW owners in the State of Virginia on July 21, 2022 | |
| TRMDMV_GA_VW Jun 2022 | Air Bags | In conjunction with the Georgia Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Division and Department of Driver Services, Volkswagen sent Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 4,588 Volkswagen owners in the State of Georgia on June 22, 2022. | |
| SM 48-2022 Jun 2022 | Equipment | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| TT 01 20 05_3 May 2022 | Equipment | Diagnostic aid for DTC P0088 & P1025. | |
| TRMDMV_CA_VW May 2022 | Air Bags | In conjunction with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Volkswagen sent Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 7,152 Volkswagen owners in the State of California on April 29, 2022. | |
| VWP-22-03 Apr 2022 | Equipment | This Document informs dealers on VWP-22-03 | |
| TRMALEA_AL_VW Mar 2022 | Air Bags | In conjunction with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Volkswagen is sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 1,387 Volkswagen owners in the State of Alabama on March 23, 2022. | |
| TRMDOTPA_VW Jan 2022 | Air Bags | In conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Volkswagen is sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 4,041 Volkswagen owners in the state of Pennsylvania on January 24, 2022. | |
| TRMDPSSC_VW Jan 2022 | Air Bags | In conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Volkswagen is sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 1,571 Volkswagen owners in the state of South Carolina on January 24, 2022. | |
| V171901201285543 Jan 2022 | Engine | Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments) | |
| A002155201173212 Dec 2021 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains general instructions for software updates. | |
| V171901201285542 Dec 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments) | |
| V271901201189417 Dec 2021 | Electrical System | Battery testing using VW special tools, updated to include additional model year applicability and include I.D.4. | |
| TT 01 21 03 Dec 2021 | Equipment | Explanation of error message received from scan tool when erasing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in Control Module -623- after repair. | |
| V171901201285541 Dec 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments) | |
| V691901201047914 Nov 2021 | Electrical System | Update to model year applicability. | |
| V171901201285540 Oct 2021 | Engine | Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments) | |
| V0018092053065_3 Oct 2021 | Equipment | Additional safety related Inquiry and Reporting instruction. | |
| V171901201285539 Sep 2021 | Equipment | Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments) | |
| V2418012045138_9 Sep 2021 | Equipment | Update to model year applicability. | |
| TRMDMVID_VW Aug 2021 | Air Bags | In conjunction with the Idaho DMV, Volkswagen will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 406 Volkswagen owners in the State of Idaho on August 30, 2021. | |
| V171901201285537 Jul 2021 | Equipment | Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments) | |
| V171901201285536 Jun 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments) | |
| V001713203384614 Jun 2021 | Engine | Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults | |
| V171806201781315 Jun 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine oil consumption measurement. | |
| V011615201481513 Jun 2021 | Engine | VW approved gasoline fuel additive, update to include additional models and model year applicability. | |
| TRMDMVNY_VW Jun 2021 | Air Bags | In conjunction with the New York DMV, Volkswagen will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 4,206 Volkswagen owners in the State of New York on June 21, 2021. | |
| V011812201460317 Jun 2021 | Electrical System | Software Version Management (SVM) | |
| V171901201285535 Jun 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments) | |
| V871812200556626 May 2021 | Equipment | Removing musty odor from A/C system. Updated to include additional model and model year applicability. | |
| TRMTXDMV_VW May 2021 | Air Bags | In conjunction with the Texas DMV, Volkswagen will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 12,375 Volkswagen owners in the State of Texas on May 17, 2021. | |
| V171901201285534 May 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments) | |
| ELSAallignVW Apr 2021 | Equipment | Elsa2Go campaign information is now 100% aligned with ElsaPro. This update to Elsa2Go ensures that both systems are displaying the same campaign information, including OPEN/CLOSED status, repair date as well as criterions at the same time without any discrepancy. | |
| TT 00 13 04_6 Apr 2021 | Equipment | Parts ordering information | |
| V171901201285533 Apr 2021 | Equipment | Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments) | |
| SM 22-2021 Mar 2021 | Equipment | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| V941901201152117 Mar 2021 | Exterior Lighting | Exterior lighting moisture in lens updated to exclude LED lighting. | |
| V011615201481512 Mar 2021 | Fuel System | VW approved gasoline fuel additive, update to include additional models and model year applicability. | |
| V001713203384613 Feb 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update to top tier brochure purchasing url. | |
| V2418012045138_9 Feb 2021 | Equipment | Update to brochure purchase url | |
| V011812201460316 Feb 2021 | Electrical System | Software Version Management (SVM) instruction updated to include model year 2021 | |
| V171901201285532 Feb 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Updated to include update recommended engine oil attachments. | |
| TT 97 14 02 Jan 2021 | Back Over Prevention | Data link diagnostics and tips | |
| V1719012012855_3 Jan 2021 | Equipment | Updated to include an additional model year applicability. | |
| V5515032021354_7 Jan 2021 | Structure | Body surfaces (engine compartment and underside of hood) are not directly visible (exposed) therefore do not match exterior paint finish. |
Showing 60 of 472 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Volkswagen Passat →