Engine
3.6L 6-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 106 of 106 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 49 of 106 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
25 complaint records2 crash reports
"I OFTEN WILL BE DRIVING AND CAR SLAMS ON BRAKES BY ITSELF CAUSING ME TO NEARLY WRECK AND ALSO TWICE I'VE HAD AIR BAG LIGHTS APPEAR AND CLICKING STEERING WHEEL..."- 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 →
Electrical system
22 complaint records1 crash report
"THE HEADLIGHTS GO VERY DIM 2 SECONDS AFTER THEY ARE TURNED ON. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE YOU CANT SEE ANYTHING MORE THAN 3 INCHES IN FRONT OF YOU...."- 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 electrical system parts in the directory →
Steering
19 complaint records1 crash report
"My sensors cause the car to break in the middle of traffic. Almost causing accidents for the people behind me. This has happened 3x in the last month...."- 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 →
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21V321000 | Unknown Or Other | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. | Normally free |
| 20V561000 | Unknown Or Other | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. | Normally free |
| 19V389000 | Exterior Lighting | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. | Normally free |
| 16V403000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jetta vehicles manufactured October 31, 2015, to January 21, 2016, 2016 Passat vehicles, equipped with 1.8T engines manufactured... | Normally free |
| 15V705000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019242 2019-05-23 | Lights And Instruments | 51,987 | Issue: Certain vehicles were built with headlights that may allow horizontal adjustment. This is not allowed under Canadian regulations. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEB FAQ May 2024 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Forward Collision Avoidance | These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement |
| VWP-24-04 May 2024 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Forward Collision Avoidance | These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement |
| V0116152014815_20 Sep 2026 | Engine | Suggested fuel additive | |
| 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. | |
| SM 35-2026 Aug 2026 | Engine | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TT 00-13-04_7 Aug 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order | |
| V0026012081638_2 Aug 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Differences between a leak and seepage | |
| V4823022072282_3 Aug 2026 | Steering | Clean and install an additional plastic "ring" to prevent ingress of dirt,hair. Foreign bodies into the clock spring. | |
| VOS-26-42 Jul 2026 | Electrical System | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive test result. | |
| V1718062017813_24 Jul 2026 | Engine | Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement | |
| TT 10-18-02_2 Jun 2026 | Engine | Lubricating engine components before reassembly. | |
| TT 13-20-01_3 Jun 2026 | Engine | Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start. | |
| V6919012010479_17 Jun 2026 | Air Bags | Inquiries | |
| V1719012012855_81 Jun 2026 | Engine | Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards | |
| SM 26-2026 May 2026 | Structure | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| VOS-26-21 Mar 2026 | Engine | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM... | |
| V0018092053065_6 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting | |
| V9422022066761_4 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors | |
| VOS-26-15 Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill and bleed cooling system... | |
| V5515032021354_9 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Paint color and/or finish of the engine compartment may not match the exterior paint color | |
| DC_VW_CF_Airbag Mar 2026 | Air Bags | The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles. | |
| VOS-26-01 Jan 2026 | Electrical System | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct a test that is not reading any information from the battery data module (BDM) and will output: | |
| V2715032016076_13 Dec 2025 | Electrical System | Diagnosis for Excessive Current Draw. | |
| V4016012043146_4 Nov 2025 | Suspension | What is and what is not a leaking suspension strut. | |
| V5718012042955_7 Nov 2025 | Unknown Or Other | Replace Door Lock and Cap. | |
| V4418012043620_8 Nov 2025 | Service Brakes | Alignment sheet submission. | |
| SM 55-2025 Oct 2025 | Steering | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| WLA-25-11 Oct 2025 | Engine | Coolant Bleed Procedure | |
| V0116132033805_11 Oct 2025 | Engine | Engine misfire diagnostic aid. | |
| V1917012022548_15 Oct 2025 | Engine | G12Evo can now be mixed with previous coolants. | |
| V3718022033975_14 Oct 2025 | Power Train | Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids. | |
| V1718062017813_23 Oct 2025 | Engine | How to measure engine oil consumption. | |
| V3416022034406_8 Oct 2025 | Power Train | Diagnosing Manual Transmission Noise | |
| V1718032037201_20 Oct 2025 | Engine | Proper engine oil level before leaving the factory. | |
| V0017132033846_25 Oct 2025 | Engine | Fuel Additive to prevent sporatic misfire | |
| V0116152014815_19 Oct 2025 | Engine | A list of suggested fuel stations | |
| V8718102043704_24 Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | GFF Requirements regardless of concern plus System flush requirement | |
| V0017132033846_24 Jul 2025 | Engine | Fuel Additive | |
| V4616012043146_3 Jul 2025 | Suspension | How to identify and when to replace a leaking strut | |
| V1719012012855_79 Jun 2025 | Engine | Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards (U.S. Only) | |
| V4418012043620_7 May 2025 | Steering | Using Alignment Sheet Submission Form | |
| V8720022061094_9 May 2025 | Unknown Or Other | How to check for HVAC system leaks using nitrogen. | |
| V1719012012855_78 Apr 2025 | Engine | Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards | |
| V4019012028353_12 Mar 2025 | Suspension | Front suspension noisy, spring rubs on strut perch. | |
| V1917012022548_14 Feb 2025 | Engine | Identifying and Mixing Engine Coolant | |
| VOS-25-04 Jan 2025 | Air Bags | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication for the airbag control module. For trouble code DTC B10001B. Driver airbag igniter resistance too high -N95 | |
| V0024012076283_1 Dec 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Diesel Models only. Repurchase Prior to Repairs | |
| VOS-24-129 Nov 2024 | Air Bags | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication for the airbag control module. For trouble code DTC B10001B. Driver airbag igniter resistance too high -N95 | |
| V1719022012855_77 Oct 2024 | Engine | Engine Oil Standards | |
| V5515032021354_8 Oct 2024 | Structure | Lack of paint under roof | |
| V0018092053065_5 Oct 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Additional reporting | |
| CampTip_RNA_VW Oct 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available | |
| V1718062017813_19 Sep 2024 | Engine | How to perform the engine oil consumption measurement | |
| V0116132033805_10 Sep 2024 | Power Train | Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid | |
| V0118122014603_20 Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | How to manage software versions using VW diagnostic Tool | |
| V1718032037201_19 Sep 2024 | Engine | Checking Engine Oil and correctly reading dip stick | |
| V1719012012855_76 Sep 2024 | Engine | A list of engine oil that meet Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards | |
| V3718022033975_13 Sep 2024 | Power Train | Fluid requirements | |
| TT 00-24-01 Sep 2024 | Structure | Wind & Water Leak Checking | |
| V0017132033846_23 Sep 2024 | Engine | Fuel additive to help with misfire faults |
Showing 60 of 737 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.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- 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 5 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 the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 2 warranty extensions for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
- 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 →