2015 VOLKSWAGEN Passat Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
239
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
37 complaints
I was driving my 2015vVolkswagen Passat and noticed that the airbag light came on without any prior warning. It's not showing for a recall but a couple years ago Volkswagen fixed something on the car pertaining to the airbag. The horn , none of the control buttons on the steering when work
Aug 18, 2023
Clockspring is bad as noted by many other owners. Airbag light is lit and horn doesn’t work
Dec 05, 2022
In a multi-vehicle rear end collision, the airbags in the vehicle did not deploy. My vehicle was totaled and I sustained medical injuries.
Nov 01, 2022
Drivers airbag and horn do not work. According to VW it's due to a defective clock spring. The problem has existed since February 2022 and we still cannot get it fixed. According to VW the part is on back order. The car is available for inspection upon request. This creates a significant safety concern for the driver of the car as the air bag is one of the primary safety features. The problem has been confirmed by the O'Steen VW in Jacksonville, FL. The car does have a warning message that alerted us to the problem. My concern is VW has not been able to fix the problem for over 6 months and still cannot provide a timeframe for when the part will be available. According toe O'Steen VW this is a nationwide issue and that over 8,000 people are waiting on the part, which is very concerning.
Oct 03, 2022
The clockspring on my 2015 Passat went out at the beginning of July. The part is on major backorder and I was told that it won't be in for at minimum a year. I do not have an airbag, a horn, or access to any of the controls on the steering wheel. My local dealership was of no assistance. There was no warnings when the clockspring failed.
Sep 13, 2022
+ 32 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
20 complaints
My vehicle is a MY2015 Passat TDI SEL with the EA288 (CVCA) diesel engine. Water Pump Failure Occurred at 99488 miles. Leaking coolant from underneath the engine and the expansion tank bottle became empty. Vehicle was parked after a quick 8 min drive to work from home in the morning (~8:45AM) and when I came back at 12PM around 1 quart of coolant had leaked out. Luckily I was not on the freeway or driving the vehicle where it would ride on its torque curve increasing probability of catastrophic failures even after there are usually software induced engine protection derates in place. Official service interval for water pump and timing belt on this engine is 130000 miles but there have been numerous field incidents of pre-mature water pump failures which can be very expensive to fix (~2500 USD). Volkswagen/Audi already have a class action lawsuit against them on their 2.0 TFSI (EA888) water pump failures and I'm wondering why their MY2015 2.0 TDI (EA288) diesel engine has not been investigated for the same. This engine was only available in certain MY2015 VW/Audi vehicles but just because the cumulative number of vehicles with this engine are lower does not mean that it shouldn't be investigated for a very similar manufacturing/design defect of the water pump. I would strongly urge NHTSA to do a similar investigation on this 2.0 TDI engine and hold the manufacturer accountable.
Oct 14, 2025
Subject: Request for VIN Review and Recall Inclusion – Camshaft/Vacuum Pump Failure (Recall 23R1) Dear Volkswagen Customer Care / NHTSA Representative, I am writing to formally request a manual review of my vehicle’s VIN in relation to Recall 23R1, which addresses camshaft lobe interference with the brake vacuum pump in certain 2015 Volkswagen Passat models. My vehicle, a 2015 Passat, recently experienced a failure of the **brake vacuum pump**, which required replacement. Upon inspection, it was determined that the **camshaft was interfering with the pump**, consistent with the failure mode described in Recall 23R1. Despite this, my VIN does not currently show an open recall. Given the alignment of symptoms—including camshaft-related damage and vacuum pump failure—I believe my vehicle should be included in the scope of this recall. I am requesting: - A manual review of my VIN and production batch - Consideration for inclusion in Recall 23R1 - Reimbursement or goodwill support for the repair costs already incurred I have documentation of the repair and am happy to provide technician notes that confirm the nature of the failure. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.
Aug 24, 2025
Subject: Request for VIN Review and Recall Inclusion – Camshaft/Vacuum Pump Failure (Recall 23R1) Dear Volkswagen Customer Care / NHTSA Representative, I am writing to formally request a manual review of my vehicle’s VIN in relation to Recall 23R1, which addresses camshaft lobe interference with the brake vacuum pump in certain 2015 Volkswagen Passat models. My vehicle, a 2015 Passat, recently experienced a failure of the brake vacuum pump, which required replacement. Upon inspection, it was determined that the camshaft was interfering with the pump, consistent with the failure mode described in Recall 23R1. Despite this, my VIN does not currently show an open recall. Given the alignment of symptoms, including camshaft-related damage and vacuum pump failure, I believe my vehicle should be included in the scope of this recall. I am requesting: - A manual review of my VIN and production batch - Consideration for inclusion in Recall 23R1 - Reimbursement or goodwill support for the repair costs already incurred I have documentation of the repair and am happy to provide technician notes that confirm the nature of the failure. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.
Aug 24, 2025
I have no heat on the passenger side of the vehicle from any of the vents. The windshield would ice up due to this. The drivers side works fine. This car does not have Climatronic. It has manual controls. I have been told the heater core is clogging by my mechanic. This is a 2015. VW extended the warranty for 2012-14 Passat TDI's with the CKRA engine however this is a 2015 with the CVCA TDI engine. Is there any extended coverage for this generation engine? I don't want this to develop into a larger issue with deficient EGR cooling problems. The heater core in the 2015 is the same part number used in previous model years which are covered by the recall.
May 24, 2023
Engine cylinder number one piston broke while driving. Vehicle has only 91,000 miles on it and now entire engine needs replacing. Ironically, it was taken to a VW dealership only a few weeks ago for normal servicing, and no problems detected.
Feb 20, 2023
+ 15 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
15 complaints
Gas smell inside vehicle Plastic canister under back seat leaking gas smell /has cracked
Oct 23, 2025
I bought a 2015 Volkswagen v6 SEL PREMIUM 15 days ago with only 37000 miles on it from car max and I hear my front windshield making a loud sound in upper left corner every morning ….so today I had my kids in car and it was bout 80 degrees we were at park and left park after hour I turned AC on and was driving when I heard a LOUD POP …looked back to my rear windshield shattered in every spot I was only 3 blocks away from home then the glass collapsed all over my kids there all cut up …these windshields do not look normal there’s no rubber surround and I had to pay 250 deductible to get a new one …clearly these Volkswagens have a weak glass issue from temp changes they were mint before this happened no chips or cracks I’m very unhappy with the quality of these I’m in fear if I drive it the front windshield will also do it !!! Not good smh …I’m more scared for winter !!!
Aug 07, 2025
The windshield started separating at he top, makes strange popping sounds. That separation has now migrated around the entire screen. Concerned this might cause a failure and lead to harm for the occupants. It could also result in a loss of control causing harm to other drivers or structures.
Oct 03, 2023
Heater core big problem on 2015 vw passat Early models from 2012 to 2014 have a recall on heater core, and they have extended warranty. But problem still occurs on 2015 models, but still no recall or covered warranty, big problem and constantly Heater core broking
Feb 12, 2023
Clock Spring failure in June 2020. Vehicle's mileage was 133,390 therefore out of recall warranty by 13K miles. Paid $330.00 to dealer to have clock spring replaced on 6/18/20. A year later, on 6/20/21 the clock spring has once again failed and the dealer is indicating that the clock spring repair is out of warranty. I will now have to pay $400.00 to have a second clock spring installed. I am certainly not the only 2015 Passat owner with this issue of having to replace multiple clock springs. Unfortunately I wasn't lucky enough to even have the first repair covered for the clock spring. Should I expect to have to pay for a new clock spring every year? Please investigate. Thanks very much.
Oct 21, 2021
+ 10 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
12 complaints
The airbag system/clockspring assembly in the steering column appears to have failed. The airbag warning light turned on and all steering-wheel controls stopped working at the same time, which indicates that the driver airbag may not function in a crash. The vehicle can be inspected upon request. This is a major safety risk because the primary airbag might not deploy during a collision, putting the driver at high risk of injury. The issue has remained constant since it first appeared. I had the vehicle inspected by a highly reputable independent repair shop, and their assessment was that the clockspring/airbag component has failed. They advised that the necessary replacement part is unavailable to order, leaving the vehicle without a functional airbag system. I have also seen many other owners of similar 2015 Passat models reporting the same failure online, which suggests this may be a widespread defect. The airbag light is the only warning I received. It turned on a few months ago and has stayed on continuously since. UNKNOWN if there are other related electrical faults.
Nov 16, 2025
Clock spring failure. 2015 passat steering wheel started clicking then it snapped my airbag light came on and steering wheel functions didn't work. The sa
Dec 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clockspring needed to be replaced; however, the clockspring part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that an ETA for parts was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
May 20, 2022
Clockspring broke when making a turn in the drive-thru pharmacy. Loud pop, then lost all power to steering wheel. Horn does not work, none of the controls work and the airbag is not guaranteed to work. Car has been at dealership for 5 months waiting for a repair. No ETA for 5 months now....
May 12, 2022
STEERING WHEEL STARTED MAKING TICKING NOISES AROUND 35K MILES. ROUGHLY 36K MILES THE AIR BAG ERROR LIGHT CAME ON. ROUGHLY 38K MILES HORN AND ALL STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS LOST POWER. CLOCK SPRING PROBLEM OBVIOUSLY. IM TOLD THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FROM 2010 TO 2014 MODELS. WELL OBVIOUSLY THE ISSUE WAS NOT FIXED.
Jan 19, 2021
+ 7 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
10 complaints
Rear coil spring is broken. Normal driving conditions and we noticed a significant vibration. Upon inspection of rear suspension we found a broken rear coil spring. I researched this issue and found that VW recalled several other 2015 models for rear coil springs breaking. This is a major safety issue. Currently we cannot use the car due to this safety issue.
Jul 15, 2023
Fractured rear coil spring on a 2015 Volkswagen Passat Limited. There is a current recall, 42J5, for various VW's from 2015 to 2019, but not for the Passat. NHTSA Campaign #19V188000 should cover rear coil springs in all VW"s for the years listed. Same defect, same dangers. I have the coil spring and will save it for a reasonable period of time if an inspection of the unit is needed. Contacted VW customer service and was told coil spring would not be covered.
Sep 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, he heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for a tire rotation, the dealer informed the contact that the front driver's side coil spring was fractured and the rear driver's side coil spring was cracked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the front driver's side coil spring was replaced. However, the part for the rear driver's side coil spring repair was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V188000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Aug 17, 2022
noise coming from front suspension , brakes sticking once moving from a complete stop and reversing out of park.
Aug 02, 2022
Rear passenger side wheel area started making a lot of noise. After tire was taken off, found rear coil spring broken and dislodged from proper location. Then looked at drivers side rear coil spring and it was still in proper location but broken. Found replacement part which also fit VW Beetle and VW Jetta which are much smaller cars than a Passat. VW does not offer heavier springs.
Aug 12, 2021
+ 5 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
10 complaints
After a brake job with the replacement of brake fluid, the brake pedal is soft even after re-bleeding. Two methods were used, pressurized and new fluid fed through the reservoir tank and then manually with two people replacing the fluid in the reservoir. Working on resolution. First brake replacement at about 40,000 miles.
Aug 02, 2021
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 15V705000, MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 23R1 PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD BY MANY MECHANICS THE BRAKE ISSUES OR SOFTNESS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING IS DUE TO A FAULTY BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. CAR HAS 49K MILES. SPENT MORE THAN 1500.00 ON BRAKE NEW BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS, AS WELL BRAKE FLUID FLUSH AS RECOMMENDED, AND VEHICLE STILL HAS DIFFICULTY COMING TO A STOP. THERE ARE DAYS IS BRAKES OK AS COLDER DAYS, AND HOTTER DAYS IT JUST SINKS TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE MAKES SCRAPING NOISE WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE BRAKE WOULD STAY STUCK WHEN ON A HILL. WOULD HAVE TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IT.
Nov 16, 2020
THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS LOCKED ON (IN PLACE) WHILE THE HANDLE IS DOWN IN THE CAR CAUSING THE CAR TO DRIVE UNBEKNOWN TO THE DRIVER THAT THE BRAKE IS STILL ON THUS CAUSING EXCESS DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE, CALIPER AND ROTOR. I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH VW PASSATTS AND JETTAS AND THAT THE PARTS ARE SCARCE BECAUSE OF THAT. THE AMOUNT TO REPAIR WAS GREATER THAN $600. IF I HAD TAKEN IT TO THE VW DEALERSHIP THEY WERE GOING TO CHARGE ME DOUBLE THAT.
Feb 19, 2018
ANTILOCK BRAKES CAUSED ABRUPT BREAKING, COMING TO A FORCEFUL STOP AND CAUSING INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER. THIS HAPPENED AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS CREATING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS FOR THE FAMILY. LAST EXPERIENCED ON FEB 3, 2017
Feb 07, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THE BRAKES TO WORK EFFECTIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.
Jul 27, 2016
+ 5 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9 complaints
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle, the infotainment system failed to turn off as intended, and the message "download" was displayed on the screen, causing the battery to become drained. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the infotainment system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
May 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated his wife was unable to insert the key into the ignition to start the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed the key was faulty. The vehicle was repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Nov 01, 2022
The key gets stuck in the ignition (about 1 out of 4 times) when put into park. This is dangerous as it does not allow the driver to safely exit the vehicle without the risk of damage, theft, a perpetrator could hide in the vehicle to prey on the driver as it is unlocked. After researching, I see this is a common problem with ALL volkswagons of this year. In fact, an extended warranty has already been issued by volkswagon for most models EXCEPT the Passat!
Sep 16, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD NOT INSERT INTO THE IGNITION. CAMELBACK VOLKSWAGEN (1499 E CAMELBACK RD, PHOENIX, AZ 85014, (602) 648-9181) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Oct 24, 2019
MY DPF SENSORS MELTED WHILE DRIVING, ALMOST CAUSING ME TO CRASH AS THE CAR LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING SPEED LIMIT (70MPH) AND SUDDENLY WENT DOWN TO 45MPH. DEALER REPLACED SENSORS, BUT PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED.
Sep 14, 2019
+ 4 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
9 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V705000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. VOLKSWAGEN OF SAN BERNADINO, CALIFORNIA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT NEED TO BE REPAIRED PER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT ISSUED RECALLS. IF THE RECALL REPAIR DID NOT NEED TO BE PERFORMED, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CLOSE THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jul 28, 2017
PREVIOUSLY CAR WAS RECALLED IN MARCH DUE TO CAMSHAFT & WAS TOLD IT WAS GOOD; HENCE THE FOLLOWING: I WAS TRAVELING ON LOOP 303 AT 65 MPH, THEN ON BELL ROAD AT 45 MPH, THEN TURNED INTO MY COMMUNITY OF SUN CITY GRAND AT 25 MPH WHEN BRAKES FAILED APPROX 3 STREETS FROM MY HOME
Aug 06, 2016
WHILE BRAKING ON A HILL THE PASSAT MADE A CLUNKING SOUND AND A WRENCH SERVICE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKES BECOME SOFT AND DO NOT RESPOND AS QUICKLY AS BEFORE. IN ADDITION, WHEN REVERSING, THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL BECOME NON RESPONSIVE WHILE THE CALIPERS HOLD THE CAR IN PLACE. I AM UNABLE TO MOVE THE CAR UNTIL I PLACE IT BACK IN PARK AND TRY AGAIN.
May 14, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO REPOND. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS USED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAMSHAFT LOBE SHEARED OFF AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND FUMES OF SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GASKET AND THE VACUUM PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V705000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,700.
Feb 09, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V705000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE SENT TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jan 26, 2016
+ 4 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
7 complaints
Looks like the plastic the fuel pump housing is made out of is low quality or prone to degradation by fuel. Hairline cracks have formed on the fuel pump housing causing fuel to leak when the pump is pressurized and running. In my case a pin hole also appeared causing the leak to be quite significant. When reviewing the attached image. Most the major looking hairline cracks seep fuel. The pin hole can’t really be seen in that image but is located in the middle of the raised lettering that starts with a “C” (in between M and E) (I have a video of it)
Aug 07, 2024
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHER UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VALLEY AUTO WORLD VOLKSWAGEN (3810 SYCAMORE DAIRY RD, FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28303) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FUEL PUMP FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,344.
Apr 07, 2020
ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE STOPPED WORKING WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING. THE FIRST INSTANCE, THE CAR STALLED WHILE MOVING AT 5MPH ON AN EXPRESSWAY EXIT RAMP. IT RESTARTED AFTER 30 MINUTES (BLOCKING TRAFFIC FOR THAT PERIOD OF TIME). WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART, THE MOTOR WOULD TURN OVER, BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START - AS IF THERE WAS NO GASOLINE. THE SECOND STALL OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON AN EXPRESSWAY AT 55MPH. IN THAT CASE THERE WAS AGAIN A SUDDEN LOSS OF ALL POWER. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON BOTH OCCASIONS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTER ON THE FIRST VISIT. ON THE SECOND VISIT, THE DEALER CLAIMED THAT THERE WERE FAULT CODES RELATED TO THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL RAIL THAT NEEDED TO BE RESET.
Oct 17, 2019
ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE. DURING DRIVING COMPLETE ENGINE SHUTDOWN. WILL NOT RESTART, VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. THIS HAPPENED A SECOND TIME WITHIN 2000 MILES. DEALER STATES CONTAMINATED FUEL BOTH INSTANCES. FUEL WAS PURCHASED AT TWO SEPARATE GAS STATIONS EACH TIME. COSTING 7000 DOLLARS IN REPAIRS FOR EACH INSTANCE.
Oct 10, 2018
I PURCHASED A VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT DIESEL AND DECIDED TO KEEP IT EVEN AFTER THE WHOLE DIESEL SCANDAL. TWO MONTHS AFTER THE SECOND PART OF THE "FIX" MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON SO I DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE MY WARRANTY WAS EXTENDED THROUGH THE WHOLE DIESEL LAWSUIT. I WAS TOLD THAT MY HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED BECAUSE OF BAD DIESEL. I ASKED THE SERVICE CENTER HOW THEY DETERMINED MY BAD DIESEL WAS TESTED AND THEY DEMONSTRATED A VW APPROVED SPECIAL TOOL WITH A BOX THAT HAD A SMILEY FACE AND FROWN FACE EMOJI. THE REPAIR FACILITY ADVISED ME THAT THEY COULD'T PERFORM THE REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE OF THE POOR QUALITY OF THE DIESEL. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND GOT THE RUN AROUND. I HAD TO USE MY VEHICLE'S CAR INSURANCE TO COVER THE $7400 REPAIR BILL. AS A TEN YEAR VETERAN VOLKSWAGEN/AUDI TECHNICIAN I/WE ARE WELL AWARE OF THE DESIGN FLAW OF THIS HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. THE PUMP FAILS AND SENDS METAL FRAGMENTS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE FUEL TANK. I WOULD BE OK REPLACING A $800 HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP BUT THIS DESIGN ALLOWS THE METAL FROM THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WHICH IS DRIVEN BY THE TIMING BELT TO RECIRCULATE BACK INTO THE TANK AND FURTHER CONTAMINATE THE ENTIRE SYSTEM AND NOT TO MENTION THE FOUR FUEL INJECTORS AT $500 A PIECE (TIMES FOUR). I CALLED THE VOLKSWAGEN DIESEL SETTLEMENT LINE AND EXPLAINED MY FRUSTRATION AND EVEN MADE THE PERSON WHO ANSWERED THE PHONE LAUGH WITH THE WHOLE SMILEY FACE AND FROWN FACE TESTER. I AM A FACTORY TRAINED TECHNICIAN AND EVEN I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE LOGIC BEHIND THIS, GIVE ME PERCENTAGES AND TOLERANCES WHICH I CAN UNDERSTAND. UNFORTUNATELY THIS WILL BE MY LAST VOLKSWAGEN I WILL EVER PURCHASE I KNOW THIS DOESN'T MATTER MUCH TO VW BUT I WILL BE DEFINITELY SPREADING THE WORD.
Aug 29, 2018
+ 2 more complaints for this component
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
7 complaints
Failed part: Clock spring. Yes, the work was appropriately installed. This is my fourth replacement within less than 100k miles. No additional inspections as of yet. No warning lights, just a faint click coming from the steering wheels while making turns two days prior to hearing a snapping noise. My air bag light illuminated and my dash notified me of an air bag error. Lost all connection to steering wheel controls and horn. This is the same thing that has happened every time prior. The car is inoperable, once again, due to clock spring failure. I cannot drive my vehicle as I am concerned about not having safety features of an air bag and a horn. This has been an ongoing issue with VW. I have been the only owner of this vehicle for almost nine years.
Jul 28, 2023
The clock spring has broken again. The clock spring had been replaced on this vehicle in spring 2020, it is currently summer 2022. The vehicle currently has approximately 162,000 miles. I am concerned because the VW dealers state that there is a nationwide back order on this part, with people waiting since early 2022 for the part at this time.
Sep 11, 2022
UPDATE JUNE 2019 - NOW MY CAR HAS 53,000 MILES. MY REPLACED CLOCK SPRING HAS FAILED AGAIN. NO HORN, OR STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. THIS IS 8 MONTHS/10 MILES AFTER I HAD IT REPLACED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I AM REQUESTING THAT DOT NHTSA INVESTIGATE A SAFETY ISSUE WITH CLOCK SPRING PART ON MY 2015 VW PASSAT, WHICH CONTROLS BOTH THE AIR BAGS AND THE HORN. I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN SEPT 2015. I STARTED MY CAR WITH 42,500 MILES AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN A FLAT PARKING LOT THE FIRST TIME I NOTICED THE AIR BAG LIGHT. WHEN I DROVE THE VEHICLE AND TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL THERE WERE CLICKING NOISES COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AREA. WHEN I GOT HOME, I GOOGLED A COUPLE POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SCHEDULED THE VEHICLE IN TO A MECHANIC. BEFORE I COULD GET VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE, THE HORN AND OTHER STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS WENT OUT. I WAS LEFT WITHOUT AIRBAGS AND A HORN ON A VEHICLE THAT I DRIVE DAILY. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Jun 18, 2019
CLOCK SPRING FAILURE!!! CLOCK SPRING FAILURE!!! CLOCK SPRING FAILURE!!! WHILE MOVING AND EXECUTING A RIGHT TURN A CRUNCHING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IMMEDIATELY CAME ON. ALSO, THE HORN & ALL STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS/CONTROLS FAILED. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED A WEEK PRIOR FROM CARVANA. 49,300 MILES ON THE ODO. TOO LATE TO RETURN IT. THE CLOCK SPRING FAILURE MEANS THAT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS NOT ACTIVE UNTIL THE PART IS REPLACED, INSTALLED, AND THE SYSTEM IS RESET. A QUICK READ THRU OF THESE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM MODEL YEAR 2015 SHOW THESE FAILURES OF A SAFETY-CRITICAL PART OVER THE LAST 18 MONTHS ARE NOW OCCURNG WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. IT IS QUITE OBVIOUS TO ME THAT VWOA/CHATTANOOGA INSTALLED THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART, FROM THE SAME SUPPLIER, THAT FAILS AFTER ABOUT 2.5-3 YEARS IN SERVICE. THIS PROBLEM IS NO DIFFERENT THAN THAT OF THE THOUSANDS OF IDENTICAL FAILURES IN VW PASSAT MODEL YEARS 2012, 2013, & 2014 LEADING TO A RECALL OF THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENT. IMMEDIATE ACTION IS REQUIRED BY DOT TO READDRESS AND RECALL THIS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED PART. VW DEALERS ARE CURRENTLY CHARGING 2015 PASSAT OWNERS BETWEEN $500 AND $800 TO INSTALL A $35 PART. IF THEIR PASSAT IS OLDER THAN 2015, THE PART IS INSTALLED GRATIS AS PART OF THAT RECALL.. VW WILL NOT ACT UNTIL PROMPTED/ORDERED TO DO SO. SOMETHING IS ROTTEN IN WOLFSBURG AGAIN! LET'S QUICKLY ACT BEFORE MORE ARE HARMED/KILLED BECAUSE AN AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN PARAMETERS DICTATED IT SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED.
Mar 15, 2019
I WAS PARKED ON FLAT GROUND WHILE STARTING MY CAR THIS MORNING AND NOTICED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD STAYED LIGHT. THEN I NOTICED THE STEREO CONTROL ON THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT LIGHT AND DID NOT WORK. AT WORK I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT IT COULD BE THE CLOCK SPRING. WHEN I GOT HOME FROM WORK I TESTED MY HORN TO FIND THAT MY HORN DOES NOT WORK. MY VEHICLE HAS 47773 MILES AND I BOUGHT IT NEW. I'M ALMOST POSITIVE IT IS THE CLOCK SPRING AFTER ALL THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE. I FEEL VW SHOULD EXTEND THE RECALL PAST 2014 BECAUSE IT SEEMS OBVIOUS THAT THE ISSUE CONTINUED INTO 2015 MODELS.
Nov 18, 2018
+ 2 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6 complaints
The vehicle was totaled but I continue to receive recall notices to the point of harassment. I have called the hotline number and notified them dozens of times. I signed the vehicle over to the insurance. It is scrapped. I don't know how else to make that more clear.
Aug 16, 2024
Hello, Airbag light on, horn doesn't work, volume control on steering wheel doesn't work, clicking when turning steering wheel. Huge safety issue with the airbag and horn not functioning at all! Cannot get pass Massachusetts inspection in its current state and have reached out to the dealer. Car was brought to Mattie Volkswagen Fall River, MA on 02/18/2022 and was told part was on backorder and they will contact me when it comes in. It has been 6+ months and still now clocksprings in stock. I check in often with them and they either don't respond or say still on backorder with no ETA. This could cause a catastrophic accident and VW needs to step up to either expedite manufacturing of these parts, offer loaner/rental vehicles or replace the vehicle with a comparable model that doesn't have these issues. Dealer needs to replace the Clockspring on the vehicle, which they claim is in warranty. However, the clocksprings have a huge backorder and don't show any signs of being filled.
Aug 19, 2022
The airbag on the driver's side, along with the horn and buttons on the steering wheel do not work. The VW dealership has looked at the car and said it needs a new clock spring, and that it is on back order with no estimation of arrival. The car is unsafe to drive and both the VW dealership and VW head office have not offered a loaner vehicle for me to drive my family in safely while we wait for the parts. Without an airbag, I could be seriously injured in an accident. I was also very nearly in a car accident that would have been prevented had the horn worked to alert the other driver sooner that nearly backed into me. The other continuing issue with this car is that there are still ongoing issues with the Diesel Exhaust Fluid system. This system has had problems for years. The VW dealership has replaced parts on it numerous times but it continues to have problems. This car should never have gone back on the market after the initial recall, as the DEF system was never repaired correctly, and the airbag should be on recall already.
Jul 05, 2022
The clockspring has failed. It was identified by Safford VW in Fredericksburg in March 3 2022 because of the airbag light illuminating. I was told the clockspring part is on national backorder and given my car back. The Horn does not work, the airbag light is on, the airbags would not function in the steering wheel if needed and none of the steering controls work. The vehicle will not pass state inspection. The dealer will not provide a rental for this issue and VW cannot provide any information on this backordered part. VW requires the dealer to provide a rental for 10 days before they will consider a buyback of the vehicle for a warranty repair and the dealer refuses to provide a rental for clockspring issues. I have repeatedly called Safford VW for updates who told me they have multiple vehicles waiting for the same part and cannot help me. I called VW and they also cannot provide any updates for this part and have no resolve on how to make my vehicle safe to drive on a factory warranted part. I requested a vehicle buy back with VW and the request was denied because the vehicle has to have been at the dealer for more than 10 days OR multiple repairs for the same problem. I am stuck in a loop with VW and a faulty factored warranted part that cannot be produced.
Jun 17, 2022
I AM REQUESTING THAT DOT NHTSA INVESTIGATE A SAFETY ISSUE WITH CLOCK SWITCH PART ON MY 2015 VW PASSAT, WHICH CONTROLS BOTH THE AIR BAGS AND THE HORN. I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN SEPT 2015. I STARTED MY CAR WITH 42,500 MILES AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN A FLAT PARKING LOT THE FIRST TIME I NOTICED THE AIR BAG LIGHT. WHEN I DROVE THE VEHICLE AND TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL THERE WERE CLICKING NOISES COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AREA. WHEN I GOT HOME, I GOOGLED A COUPLE POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SCHEDULED THE VEHICLE IN TO A MECHANIC. BEFORE I COULD GET VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE, THE HORN AND OTHER STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS WENT OUT. I WAS LEFT WITHOUT AIRBAGS AND A HORN ON A VEHICLE THAT I DRIVE DAILY. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL REPAIR COSTS. AN AUGUST 2015 CLOCK SPRING RECALL INCLUDED 416,000 VEHICLES INCLUDING 2010-2014 PASSAT VEHICLES. MY VEHICLE REPAIR IS FOR THE SAME PART, BUT THE YEAR OF VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
Oct 03, 2018
+ 1 more complaint for this component
VISIBILITY/WIPER
5 complaints
The heater core becomes clogged and limits heat available for defrosting the windshield. The heat available is insufficient to defrost and maintain visibility while driving under adverse conditions. The cabin also becomes uncomfortable because of limited heat during cold weather operation. Volkwagen issued TSB VWP-16-05 for this issue for this model for the model year prior to my car. I had this issue repaired in December 2024. The same problem and symptoms have returned in December 2025.
Dec 09, 2025
The heater core becomes clogged and limits heat available for windshield defogging and defrosting. This creates a visibility hazard during inclement weather and makes the cabin uncomfortable during cold weather. The heater core was diagnosed and replaced on this vehicle in December 2024. The same symptoms have returned in December 2025. Volkwagen issued TSB VWP-16-05 to remedy this same issue in 2013-2014 Passats. I own a 2015 Passat. 2015 Passats have the same symptoms and problems.
Dec 09, 2025
I have a 2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI that I purchased in 2018. The car has no heat and needs a second heater core replacement, currently with 85,565. In researching the issue, i found the Warranty extension on the NTSB website Number: VWP-16-05 that covers model years 2013 and 2014 prior to my model. As winter approaches, lack of heat for the windshield creates visibility issues in cold, wet, and snowy weather. I am limiting the use of the vehicle until i can get a repair. In February of 2022, a dealership replaced the heater core in my vehicle at 48,471 miles, and I paid $633.07 for that portion of the service. The car started to display the issue again in February of 2024, I returned to the same dealership, and was quoted $1977 to repair the issue, which I declined at that time. I ask that the case be reviewed and 2015 model year be added to the extended warranty.
Nov 23, 2024
A coolant issue related with an TDi engine clogged my heater and the car is frosting from inside. There are many Passat owners that have or has the same issue and VW even made an extended warranty buletin for the 2012-2014 Passats, Now, the 2015 suffers from the same issue and they want to charge us for flushing the coolant 3 times and change the heater! The car still have the power train warranty and extended warranty for the TDI engines. Just a simple google search Passat heater core will show how many they are and dealers are making easy money cause they done so many times. As is now my wife drives the car during freezing mornings with two toddlers and condensation and frozen windows affects the visibility! Unacceptable for a car with 51.000 miles when is no require in the service book to change coolant to prevent this and what causes that, cause is not something that I could do to prevent it, it’s just the nature of their poor design of their coolant system. And changing the heater core without looking what caused that and only to rip money from their customers. I’m requesting your assistance to get my car fixed and have my family safe and have VW to investigate the cause and come with a solution to prevent this!
Nov 24, 2021
I HAD RECENTLY SCANNED MY VEHICLE WITH A DIAGNOSTIC SCANNER BECAUSE MY WINDOW WASHERS WERE NOT SPRAYING TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD WHEN MANUALLY ACTIVATED BY THE STALK. THE CODE SHOWS A SHORT IN THE CIRCUIT SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE STALK AND THE WASHER PUMP. I TRIED REPLACING THE PUMP BUT SAME OUTCOME NO WASHER FLUID WOULD DISPENSE THIS IS A VERY BIG INCONVENIENCE MOSTLY BECAUSE WHERE I LIVE MOST COMMUTES ARE PART HIGHWAY AND PART SIDEROADS/ DIRT ROADS, SO THINGS START TO GET DIRTY AND VISIBILITY IS DRAMATICALLY REDUCED. IM REALLY NOT TRYING TO PAY FOR A HARNESS OR TO GET THE LOOM PULLED APART TO FIND THE BUG. TO KEEP EVERYTHING LOOKING STOCK
Aug 06, 2020
POWER TRAIN
5 complaints
Vehicle in question has a dual-clutch automatic transmission with 103,000 miles on the odometer. Transmission failed without warning while turning left onto a major highway from a standing stop -- stuck in 1st gear, it was dangerously slow to get out of other drivers' way, creating a serious road hazard concern. Vehicle had been maintained since new with fluid changes as required but still failed prematurely and without warning of any sort. Dealer inspected the car and stated the transmission needs to be replaced.
Jul 07, 2025
Upon further inspection a bushing was needed to be replaced. The bushing that holds the shift connection component together disconnected and popped off the shifting mechanism. The problem was reproduced several times. My safety was at risk, I was pulling into a parking space, put my vehicle in park, my car did not display a 'P' the option was empty (no R or D either was displayed). My car jumped forward and started to go and I was able to hold the brake and pull the emergency brake. I shut the car off after the shifter was stuck into the 'Drive' position. Manually putting the vehicle in park was able to fix the issue. No warning lights or issues prior occurred, the vehicle stuck in drive and it would have caused a crash if I were reversing or elsewhere. The issue happened again after the replacement part, the bushing popped off and the same behavior happened.
Sep 17, 2023
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2015 VW PASSAT AND CAR WAS OPERATING FINE UNTIL TURNING LEFT ONTO COUNTY HIGHWAY OFF OF STATE HIGHWAY. AFTER TURNING, CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF GEAR IT WAS IN; THE ENGINE JUST REVVED HIGHER RPMS. TOP SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE INTERSECTION SHE WAS TURNING AT IS A VERY BUSY ONE.
Jan 05, 2020
THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS OF TIMES WHERE MY CAR HAS LOST POWER DURING ACCELERATION.
Sep 07, 2016
VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING. SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS APPEAR. THIS OCCURRED THREE OTHER TIMES, EVEN AFTER THEY CAR HAD BEEN IN FOR REPAIR. VARIOUS ENGINE PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, SUCH THE TURBO KIT, TURBO CHARGER, GLOW PLUGS. THE LAST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON DEC 5 AFTER PICKING THE VEHICLE UP AND ASSURED THAT IT WAS FULLY REPAIRED. WHILE EXITING THE DEALERSHIP, THE CAR LOST POWER AND I WAS ALMOST T-BONED. THE DEALER CONTINUES TO REPLACE PARTS ON THE ADVICE OF THE VW REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER. YET WE HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE WHEN IN MOTION. THEY HAVE PUT MORE MILES ON IT THAN WE HAVE. *TR
Dec 11, 2014
STEERING
4 complaints
This is the second car like this that I have had. Both had the same issues. when at highway speeds of 65 or greater the steering wheel will shake left and right. It is almost like there is a wheel that is not balanced. That is not the case, I have had the car in the shop 3 times now for this same issue. The last car I had(2015 VW Passat TDI) my son totaled it out in January. It also had the same issues but the dealer ship in Fort Wayne Indiana got it fixed and never really told me what was wrong with it other than they had to call the manufacturer to resolve the issue. The new car has been to the shop and I recorded what it was doing while driving for the technician to see and he put it back up on his lift the day after I got it back from them. he was able to replicate what it was doing for me on the road in the air and on his lift without the car moving. The steering wheel will shake from left to right and as speed picks up it becomes faster and more violent. I was told that I needed a new "Rack and Pinion". The dealership explained to me that the main steering gear is bad and since it is electronic the computer doesn't know where zero should be, thus causing the jerking of wheel from left to right as the computer is guessing and then over correcting. This information would have been more helpful upfront before I paid to have the car worked on chasing other issues that did not resolve the problem. So as of right now I am $1,700.00 in on this issue and being told that it's another $3,500.00 to fix said issue with no guarantee that it will actually be fixed. I asked what would happen if the gear actually broke and I was told to always wear my seatbelt and to keep both hands on the steering wheel. The faster you go the harder it shakes, when your at highway speeds and go to pass someone the car really shakes.
Sep 27, 2024
The Clock Spring issue that was recalled on 2012-2014 Passat's occurred on my vehicle which was manufactured July 2014 as a 2015. The car only has 60k miles on it. Clicking while turning the wheel, no steering wheel controls work and air bag light is on meaning it will not deploy and my vehicle will not pass inspection. I have spent days calling the dealer and left messages but they are not returning my calls. From the my research it appears that my vehicle is not covered by the current recall so in addition the safety concern I will pay a large sum to fix this issue and have no idea how long it will last. I've read where some of the clock springs fail at 30k.
Jan 17, 2023
MY AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING HAS WENT OUT AND NOW MY HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK . NOTHING ON MY STEERING WHEEL WORK
Sep 21, 2021
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE TURNING; VW DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED AS FAILED CLOCKSPRING
Apr 17, 2018
VISIBILITY
3 complaints
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while attempting to activate the defroster, the defroster failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the tubing of the heater core needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred approximately 100 miles later. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Sep 13, 2024
The defroster failed to keep the windshield fog free. The dealer said the heater core was plugged up and we replaced it now a year and a half later we have the same thing the heater core plugged up. We have not had an accident yet but have come close.
Sep 10, 2022
I WAS DRIVING DOWN I-20 TOWARDS SHREVEPORT AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN, MY SUNROOF GLASS SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME SO SLING AND ROCKS OR PROJECTILES. *TR
Apr 21, 2015
STEERING,AIR BAGS
3 complaints
I was driving the car as usual. I needed to make a u turn at a light where it was safe and legal to do so. I heard a clicking sound and I don’t know what happened. I can’t use anything on the steering wheel.
Sep 09, 2024
While at the dealership for other emission related warranty items, the vehicle clock spring broke which disabled the driver side air bag, the horn and other steering wheel related controls. This occurred in late December 2021. The replacement part was on back order with no definitive delivery date provided. As of today, 4/5/22, the item is still on backorder with no estimate date for parts.
Apr 05, 2022
CLOCK SPRING FAILED. IF ACCIDENT WERE TO HAPPEN, AIRBAGS WOULDN'T DEPLOY DUE TO FAILED CLOCK SPRING. VERY FRUSTRATING TO SPEND $700 TO REPAIR THE CLOCK SPRING, CONSIDERING VW HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS ISSUE FOR SEVERAL YEARS.
Sep 21, 2018
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
The three issues above seems to be related or affect the other and does not allow cruise control to operate. The air bag light remains on and associated component light up the dash. Surprisingly, my VIN does not show up for air bag repair. I wish I did not have to wait for possible recall announcement for my vehicle before I can get it repaired and instead to fix it now. Frustrating.
Dec 05, 2023
LOSS OF AIRBAGS, POWER BRAKES, POWER STEERING, TRANSMISSION SHIFTING FUNCTIONS, ENGINE HESITATION. INDICATOR LIGHTS ON DASH FLASH OR STAY ON STEADY INCLUDE: COIL, STEERING WHEEL, AIR BAG, ABS, IMAGE OF CAR SKIDDING, BRAKES, AND TIRE INFLATION. THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK AND THE FUEL GAUGE JUST KEEPS SWEEPING. THE REV LIMITER DOES NOT WORK EITHER. THE AUTO START FEATURE IS NON FUNCTIONAL AND THE PUSH BUTTON TO STOP THE MOTOR FROM RUNNING MUST BE PRESSED TWICE INSTEAD OF ONCE. CAR HAD THIS DISCREPANCY ON 30 JAN 2019, 06 FEB 2019, AND NOW 27 FEB 2019. THE DEALERS KEEP WORKING ON A GROUNDING NUT BUT THE PROBLEM KEEPS PERSISTING. PROBLEM HAS ALWAYS ACCURSED IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING THE CAR, NOT WHILE DRIVING.
Feb 27, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED A SECOND TIME, BUT THERE WAS NO CRASH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN THE FIRST CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AWAY FROM THE SCENE. THE PAUL CLARK VOLKSWAGEN DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION AND WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TESTED A SECOND TIME AFTER THE FAILURE RECURRED, BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,175. *JS
May 24, 2017
TIRES
3 complaints
Severe crack in sidewall of one tire. (4) 235/45R18 GOODYEAR ASSURANCE MAXLIFE I stopped by the installer today 9/12/2023. At risk for Blow-out. No signs of running underinflated. To my surprise - they Identified that the three other tires are show similar sidewall cracking emerging. Pictures available. Pictures of the other three tires are available upon request. I purchased four tires from Tire rack January 5, 2020. RHP Reference Number(s): XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX NOTE: Is this similar to complaint # NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11510140 ( March 4, 2023 ) Similarities: Both cars had: Same "brand" Tire. Similare make. Passat. 2017 vs my 2015 (TDI = extra weight) Hot climate Texas vs Arizona INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Sep 12, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT EQUIPPED WITH VREDESTEIN QUATRAC TIRES, SIZE: 215/55R17 (NA). WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC REPLACED THE TIRE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH ANOTHER BRAND OF TIRE. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT A SUPERVISOR WOULD REACH OUT. THE DOT NUMBER AND VIN WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. *LN*JB
Nov 21, 2019
PURCHASED NEW ATLAS TIRE FROM AN AUTHORIZED ATLAS TIRE DEALER. ONCE TIRES WERE MOUNTED AND BALANCED, THERE WAS A SLIGHT VIBRATION AROUND 70 MPH. THE TIRE WAS THEN RE-BALANCED AND HAD PRESSURE APPLIED. IT WAS FOUND THE TIRE TO HAVE A THIN SIDE WALL CAUSING THE TIRE NOT TO BALANCE AND PUTTING THE DRIVER AT RISK WITH A PREMATURE FAILURE. THE COMPANY AS NOT FOLLOWED THERE WARRANTY AND WILL NOT RESPOND TO AN ON-GOING EMAIL WITH THEIR REPRESENTATIVES.
Jul 16, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
Rear back left light keeps going out. Could be an electrical issue. I have had to change light 5 times. The rear left back light blinker keeps going out.
Apr 14, 2023
I EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE THAT THE 2012-2013 MODEL PASSATS EXPERIENCED IN THAT THE LOW BEAM DIED MULTIPLE TIMES. I HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING ON THE PASSENGER THREE TIMES AFTER THE ORIGINAL OWNER REPLACED IT ONCE. I TOOK IT TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP AND THEY FINALLY FIGURED OUT THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPLIED THE SAME FIX THAT WAS PART OF A 2012-2013 MODEL RECALL AND GOT THE HEADLIGHT WORKING PROPERLY.
Apr 22, 2019
VEHICLE CLUSTER ILLUMINATION LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING, NOT FUSE OR RELAY RELATED. MAIN ELECTRICAL HARNESS MALFUNCTION. MAJOR ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS.
Feb 13, 2016
STEERING,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
I TOOK MY VW IN AT 90000 AND IT WAS IN NEED OF A STEERING CLOCK SPRING, HERE I AM 30K MI LATER AND GUESS WHAT. I AM TOLD THIS IS NORMAL BUT I THINK HE SAME BREATH THE MANGER TELLS THE OTHER CUSTOMER NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT THAT IT WAS ONLY 2015S . 400 BUCKS LATER !!! AND THAT WAS HALF. HOW IS THIS NOT AN ISSUE OR DEFAULT!! I WAS LITERALLY IN THE DRIVE THRU AND HONKED MY HORN NEXT THING J KNOW MY WARNING SYSTEM TELLING ME MY AIRBAGS SUCK.
Mar 30, 2021
STEERING WHEEL STARTED MAKING A CLICKING SOUND AND CONTROLS AND HORN ON THE STEERING WHEEL NO LONGER FUNCTION. THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IMMEDIATELY. CAR STARTED HAVINT THIS ISSUE WHEN FIRST STARTED AND BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE.
Dec 09, 2018
AIR BAG SENSOR HAS GONE ON 3 TIMES WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. EACH TIME THE DEALERSHIP FIXED IT. IT HAS GONE OFF AGAIN NOW THAT I AM @37,000 MILES AND OUT OF WARRANTY. THE STEERING WHEEL IS MAKING A CRANKING NOISE. THE HORN DOES NOT WORK, THE SWITCHES ON THE HORN DO NOT WORK.
Jun 20, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
Gas and Oil comsumption is way too high … Almost every 600-1000 the low oil lights turns on! Check engine on almost all the time due to an error with the oxígen sensor. EPC light gets on very frequently and the car loses speed. Also vehicle has a constant rattlesnake sound when speed is low. Issue was reported some years ago to a local VW dealership in Georgia but they never took care of the issue. Ongoing for a couple of years!. No additional details
Aug 25, 2024
The car went 8 blocks 35mph the engine started shaking, I was stopping at the red light the car surging forward with my foot on brake engine still shaking. This all happened in 3 minutes. No lights on dashboard, the rpm dropped from 2,000 to 1,000 and then everything was ok.
Oct 07, 2021
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
After having the government approved and MANDATED Phase 1 and 2 Dieselgate fixes performed on my VW Passat TDI it has randomly lost power and or stalled while at highway speeds at least 6 times. The last time my 16 year old son was left stranded in the middle of a busy four lane highway narrowly avoiding being hit and seriously injured and/or killed. Apparently there are thousands of these cases (a class action lawsuit filed in 2018) on the road. Why haven't I been notified? This mandatory fix is much more dangerous then the original issue it seeks to address. From what I understand, the fix is causing the DPF regeneration sequence to occur much more often and much hotter, thereby cooking/melting/boiling the entire cooling system and shutting the engine down without warning. My vehicle has been in the service dept of VW for over 6 months (this last time) because they cannot figure how to fix it permanently. VW Corporate is very aware of the situation and has fed me a bunch of [XXXX] not even a child would believe and has refused my suggestion to self report the problems to NTHSA and CARB. If the cars are not taken off the road this issue will definitely (if not already) result in major injuries and likely death. I have done my duty notifying this government agency and now if a tragedy occurs there will have been actual notice as required by the law. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Sep 18, 2023
CAR LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING. ALMOST CAUSED CRASH, AS I WAS ACCELERATING AND SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER WITH CARS COMING. CAR WOULD NOT REV OVER 2K RPM, AND TOOK ABOUT 2 MINUTES TO GET TO 45MPH. DEALER DIAGNOSED CAR AND SAID HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WAS BAD. THEY CHANGED THAT, FUEL FILTER, AND CLEANED DIESEL TANK.
Sep 14, 2019
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unable to immediately restart the vehicle. After several attempts, the vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. After parking the vehicle, the vehicle would no longer start. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the EPC warning light remained illuminated. The local dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 3,500.
Mar 24, 2023
ON 1/19/16 I EXPERIENCED A SERIOUS ISSUE WHILE DRIVING MY 2015 VW PASSAT. AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AFTER MY 12-MILE COMMUTE TO WORK I APPLIED THE BRAKES. NO STOPPING OCCURRED, IN FACT I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. WHILE MY FOOT REMAINED ON AND CONTINUED TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD. I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TRIED TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN STOPPING THE VEHICLE. MY CARE CAME TO REST ONLY AFTER HITTING THE CURB AND A MASONRY WALL/HAND RAIL. ONCE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP, I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE. I ASSESSED THE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END AND TRIED TOR REPOSITION THE CAR IN THE PARKING SPACE ONLY TO HAVE THE SAME EVENT OCCUR AGAIN. THE FOLLOWING DAY I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED IN FOR INSPECTION. A LOANER WAS PROVIDED. TWENTY-ONE DAYS LATER, ON 2/8/16 I RECEIVED A CALL STATING THAT NO MANUFACTURING FAULTS WERE FOUND AND THAT VW WILL NOT AGREE TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE OR DISCUSS ANY CONCERNS RELATED TO LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLE. FURTHERMORE, WHEN ASKED ABOUT ARBITRATION, I WAS INFORMED THAT MY ONLY RECOURSE WAS CALLING VW CORPORATE. WHEN MY HUSBAND CALLED AS INSTRUCTED, WE WERE INFORMED THAT VW'S POSITION WAS DECIDED BASED ON THEIR LACK OF MANUFACTURER DEFECTS FOUND. VEHICLE REMAINS AT DEALERSHIP. NO INSPECTION REPORTS WERE OFFERED, NO DAMAGE REPORTS OR ESTIMATES PROVIDED.
Feb 08, 2016
STRUCTURE
2 complaints
The door lock : latches fails in freezing weather. All the door latches are frozen. Doors will sometimes open, but then the door will not shut.
Jan 07, 2022
DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR BECOMES LOOSE AND A LOUD WHISTLING SOUND IS MADE WHEN DRIVING OVER 30 MILES PER HOUR. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AS IT JUST STARTED HAPPENING A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR AS A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE. THE DEALER TOLD ME THE WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT. THE DOOR PANEL WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND A NEW MIRROR INSTALLED WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT IT WOULD NOT DO IT AFTER REPLACEMENT.
Oct 26, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
The oil light/message comes on, the engine burns oil excessively about 1 quart every 1,000 miles or so. Our biggest fear is that this will continue to get worse and the engine may seize up at some point due to this issue and cause a loss of power and/or a severe accident for us or anyone operating one of these VW vehicles with the same issue. VW indicated that this is "normal" but it does not seem "normal". We have never owned a vehicle (even older vehicles back in the 80s/90s) that had an issue like this, and this is a newer (2015) vehicle that we bought brand new. We had the shop look at the vehicle and they said it is burning oil and there might be a class-action against VW for it burning oil. It did not have this issue until some time after 30,000 miles which tells us that something changed in the engine at some point. With all of the burning oil, this cannot be good for air quality and the environment - not sure how many of these engines are on the road currently, but multiplied out it has to be contrary to any clean air acts that may exist in various states or at the federal level. Additionally, the oil is special "european" and is relatively expensive - the manufacturer indicates up to 10,000 miles between oil changes, so that could be up to 10 quarts of oil burning into the atmosphere (and costing money) for a single VW vehicle every few months, not to mention the safety concern if someones engine seizes up as a result causing a loss of power, loss of power steering, loss of power brakes, etc. The date shown for 'incident' is the most recent date that we had to add oil due to this issue.
Sep 27, 2021
On May 4th 2021 start button was replaced. While driving back the car from the dealer, car started to idle violently. Same thing happened the next day. So I drove it to the dealer. Service Manager requested a mechanic to drive the car around and this time we could not reproduce the problem. Instead of running any diagnostics, service manager asked me to leave. Then for past 3 months this problem has been happening on and off. For past 3 days the car started to shake violently at lights (awaiting green signal) and ESC warning started to appear on the dash board. Today I took it to the dealer and they suggested me to change intake cam shaft etc with a total estimate of $ 5000.00 Before the change of start button this car ran just fine.
Aug 03, 2021
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
AT SPEED OF OVER 65MPH. STEERING WHEEL STARTS TO VIBRATE WITHIN 10MINUTES OF DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. KEEP RETURNING TO THE DEALER WHICH SAYS THEY HAVE DONE ALL THEY CAN THAT SHOULD HAVE CORRECT THE PROBLEM. BUT AFTER THEY HAVE TRIED FOR OVER 4 TIMES TO CORRECT IT. THE ISSUE STILL THERE.
Dec 02, 2019
CPSC:PURCHASED KYB 344459 AND KYB 335808 (SHOCKS AND STRUTS) FROM AUTOZONE AND INSTALLED ON 01/06/2018. PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED ACCORDING TO MY VIN FOR FITMENT. AFTER INSTALLATION MY CAR HAS BEEN OPERATING VERY UNSAFE, SUSPENSION IS EXTREMELY HARD, BOUNCY, WAVY, ECT. *DT *JS
Feb 22, 2018
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
2 complaints
TRANSMISSION LEAKING MAJOR CAR RANDOMLY SHUT OFF WHILE IN DRIVE WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC ROUGH IDLING. CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF THERE'S BUSY TRAFFIC ON MAJOR SIDE STREET AND YOU NOT PAYING ATTENTION
Nov 24, 2019
MY VEHICLE HAD VW CAM SHAFT SAFETY RECALL 23R1 DONE AND I STARTED HAVE DRIVING ISSUES ERRATIC ACCELERATION, CLUCKING OF TRANSMISSION. THE MAIN PROBLEM IS A 3+ SECOND DELAY IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN ON A SLIGHT OR MORE OF AN INCLINE. IF YOU DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR STARTS WITH A JERK, IF YOU ADD MAKING A TURN IT SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE SPINS THE WHEELS AND TAKES OFF. I HAVE BEEN TO THE BBB AND THE ARBITRATOR FELT UNSAFE RIDING IN THE VEHICLE. TO REPLACE MY VEHICLE VW WANTS A $5000 OUT LAY OF CASH FOR A PROBLEM THEY KNOW EXISTED (I HAVE THE BBB HEARING RECORDING WHERE THE REP STATES THAT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT DRIVE THE SAME AS IT DID BEFORE THE UPDATE). I HAD NO ISSUES BEFORE THE UPDATE AND NOW I HAVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. THE CORRECT REPAIR SHOULD HAVE BEEN A NEW CAM SHAFT NOT REDUCING THE TORQUE OF THE MOTOR AND CAUSING PROBLEMS IN SOME VEHICLES. I AM WRITING TO YOU BECAUSE THEY SHOULD HAVE NEVER RETURNED VEHICLES BACK TO CUSTOMERS KNOWING THEY CHANGED THE WAY THE VEHICLE RUNS. WHEN MY VEHICLE WAS IN FOR REPAIRS AND I DROVE A 2016 PASSAT AND A 2016 JETTA THEY HAD NO ISSUES. WHEN THEY ASKED ME TO DRIVE A VEHICLE THE SAME AS MINE 2015 PASSAT LIMITED IT DROVE THE SAME WAY. AGAIN I DON'T FELL SAFE IN THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO RENT A VEHICLE TO DRIVE UP TO NEW YORK TO ATTEND MY FATHERS FUNERAL. THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Apr 10, 2017
STEERING,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 complaints
HORN, STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS, POWER STEERING AND DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG ARE NOT WORKING AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY CLOCK SPRING.
Oct 25, 2019
ALL LIGHTS CAME ON AT SAME TIME, NO NOTABLE REASON GIVEN FOR ISSUE. JUST TOLD COSTS ASSOCIATED AREN'T UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALLS.
Sep 06, 2018
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
FRONTAL AIRBAG INFLATOR NOT REPLACE BEFORE OR AFTER PURCHASE OF VEHICLE. HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT FOR HEADLIGHTS NOT ADDRESSED BEFORE OR AFTER PURCHASE OF VEHICLE.
Aug 02, 2019
AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON SUDDENLY. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THE SENSOR WAS BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. 52K MILES. DEALER WANTED ME TO PAY FOR ISSUE BUT AT THE END VW WILL BE COVERING THE EXPENSE. HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT HAD NO COVERAGE.
Jan 30, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE ENGINE TURNED OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ENGAGED IN DRIVE. ALSO, THE ENGINE POWER CONTROL, BATTERY, AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,600.
Sep 05, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 12,000.
Jan 05, 2016
SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
SEATLBELT WARNING LIGHT AND INDICATOR SOUND OFF (ALARM OR BEEPING SOUND WITH LIGHT) WITHOUT CAUSE. IT'S THE SAME SOUNDS AS THOUGH YOU'RE NOT WEARING A SEATBELT. HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING INTERMITTENTLY.
Mar 01, 2017
VOLKWAGEN PASSENGER SEAT REGISTERS A PASSENGER OCCUPYING THE SEAT WHEN A CELL PHONE IS PLACED ON THE MIDDLE PART OF THE SEAT. VW REGIONAL MANAGER AND AUTHORIZED DEALER STATE CAR IS NOT SHOWING FAULT CODES, AND THEREFORE CANNOT BE REPAIRED. THIS CREATES A NUMBER OF CONCERNS. FIRST, IS THE SEAT BELT SENSOR SO SENSITIVE THAT IT IS SENSING THE SMALL WEIGHT OF THE PHONE? (5.04 OUNCES (143 GRAMS)) OR IS THE NFC OR CELLULAR MODEM OF THE PHONE INTERFERING WITH THE SENSOR? IN EITHER CASE, THIS POTENTIALLY COULD CAUSE AN AIRBAG TO DEPLOY WHEN THE SEAT IS UNOCCUPIED, OR WORSE, NOT DEPLOY WHEN IT SHOULD.
Oct 22, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that cool air was being blown inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the heater failed to heat the passenger’s side of the vehicle. Additionally, the defroster failed to properly defrost the windshield while activated. The contact linked the failure to VWP:16‑05; (Heater Core Limited Warranty Extension). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Dec 02, 2025
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
2015 Passat TDI sudden complete power loss while driving, including highway incidents. Vehicle stalls with no warning, creating immediate safety hazard. Symptoms match documented crankshaft position sensor failures in identical vehicles that VW has repaired under warranty for other owners. VW Customer Care closed case requiring 'duplication' of safety defect before repair. Request immediate safety investigation. I am reporting today's incident however this issue has been occuring since May 1st and occurred on numerous occasions with today being the most unsafe.
Jul 07, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, East Dallas Volkswagen (12635 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy., Garland, TX 75041); where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump was leaking fuel and that the gasket and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Sep 30, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and veering to the left, the vehicle stalled. The battery warning light was illuminated. A towing service performed a diagnostic test on the vehicle and informed the contact that the failure was not related to the battery and the alternator. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer replaced the battery and serviced the cooling system; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,300.
Mar 20, 2024
AIR BAGS,ENGINE
1 complaint
While driving the EPC light came on and the car stopped driving. Vehicle was towed to local VW dealership, a FULL engine rebuild took place and a faulty intake valve spring was found, after replacing the injectors and seal kits. Then to replace the faulty electronic ignition switch. Over $3k in repairs for faulty parts. It was a safety risk because the vehicle stopped working in the middle of driving, in traffic with no other indication that something was wrong prior on a major road in the city. Since then, the vehicle has had constant issues with oil being low even after an oil change, no leaks were detected or reported. Also, the airbags and clockspring was supposed to be replaced. My airbag light came on in 3/2023 and it sounds like the clock spring is broken. Horn and electronics do not work from the steering column.
Sep 17, 2023
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I take my car to the dealership for maintenance when it is scheduled. The ignition would not allow me to put the key inside. I did a little internet research and it seems to be a common problem with this car. I could not put the key in the ignition. I then used some wd40 and got it to go in eventually but thought I should report it as this could pose a safety hazard.
Sep 14, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
Mice and rodents just love eating various electrical wires, vacuum lines, diesel fuel lines (both from tank to engine & return lines), etc. Never once had any animals issues with my other vehicles. Discovered that VWoA thought it would be a brilliant idea to use Soy in the manufacturing of electrical insulation, fuel hoses, vacuum lines, etc. ANIMALS LIKE EATING SOY. Very frustrating. My vehicle has been disabled before and one time I sprang a nice leak, leaving a trail of diesel behind me. Since all repairs and parts were ordered and conducted at local VW dealership. All records are both on carfax & stored in VWoA servers.
Jan 18, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
I purchased this car from what I believed was a private individual for my 15 year old daughter as her first car. This individual knew the purpose of this sale and was accutely aware that a new driver would be the primary driver. Before allowing her to drive this car, I had a detailed safety and condition inspection completed by a local import repair specialist. They found that there had been a deployment of the air bags resulting in the clock spring and front seat belt retractors being unusable. In addition, the air bag warning light had been removed from the instrument cluster and the bulb was removed, disguising the fact that there was an issue with the air bags. Further inspection showed overspray on one headlight lens from the repairs, the ac condenser was bent upwards, none of the splash shields under the front were intact or completely missing, body panels do not line up, and there is an issue with the front brakes. It is the opinion of the inspector and the business owner that this car had been reconditioned for a quick sale, intentionally hiding the fact the air bags had been deployed and the air bag system was rendered unusable. The CarFax shows minor damage to the rear and left rear, nothing about front end. The title reflects this car was at Adesa in Jacksonville FL (a car reconditioner) and sold to NES Enterprises of Jacksonville, then sold to Performance Motor Group, who sold it to me, all between 9/22/2022 and 10/31/2023. The individual I was dealing with was not involved in this sale.
Nov 18, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
Power brakes are not functional on startup when cold -- brake pedal is very stiff and takes a lot of pedal pressure to stop the car from moving while exiting driveway. Generally, braking improves within a minute or two of driving, but sudden stops in this condition are difficult and unsafe. The dealer service department diagnosed a leaking check valve in the vacuum system and the brake booster needs to be replaced - safety-related components such as brake boosters should not be failing at such an age.
Nov 02, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
During a left hand turn a loud "pop" occurred in the steering wheel while illuminated the Air Bag error light and disabled the horn and all steering wheel controls. I called Volkswagen about the errors and was transferred around on phone system, hung up on while transferring, message left with no contact back. While searching online have found numerous air bag recalls with clock spring issues but this model is not showing it although it is obvious it has failed. The car is not currently safe to drive and is parked, I currently own 4 of these VW TDI Passat's and need this addressed. Thank You
Mar 14, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CATASTROPHIC SAFETY ISSUE MANY of the warning lights on the instrument cluster are illuminated. These include: * ABS is steadily illuminated. * Airbag is steadily illuminated. * The speedometer is not functioning showing "0" so I can't tell how fast I'm going. * The steering system indicator light is steadily illuminated. * Check Engine/Engine Malfunction is intermittent. * The Electric Power Control indicator is intermittent. * ESP/ASR is steadily illuminated. * The Alternator indicator light is intermittent * Tire Pressure Monitoring is steadily illuminated. * The fuel gauge is moving ranging from empty to full therefore the low fuel indictor flashed frequently. * Several times when depressing the accelerator instead of gaining power, acceleration dropped off. In traffic, at highway speeds, this is an additional serious safety issue. I HAVE MADE NO MODIFICATION TO THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND NEW TIRES. I took the car to the local dealership where the on-site technical advisor speculated that the wheel speed sensor was at fault. This did not build confidence.
Jan 07, 2022
SUSPENSION,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
Engine time chain skipped. Fuel rail leak from regulator(dangerous to drive as it can catch on fire). Suspension problem car shakes over 40mph(alignment and balance did not help), problem due to coils or other components. Mechanic shop checked car and they denied to work on it due to fuel recall.
Oct 02, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
ABS module failure at 56,000 miles. Warning lights illuminated on dashboard are ABS, brakes, stability control, tire pressure and airbags. Local VW dealer inspected and confirmed failure of ABS module.
Aug 31, 2021
STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
For about 2 years my vehicle has been vibrating at the steering wheel. I have replaced the tires twice, have done multiple tire balances, rotations, road force tests, alignments, and have requested multiple inspections of all components associated with the steering assembly. All possible solutions have apparently been insufficient or they have been found inconclusive. The technicians at the dealership have been unable to identify the cause of the vibration. Due to this, my steering wheel has continued to vibrate for about 2 years. The vibration occurs around highway speeds as well as when braking. I have recorded multiple videos that show this as well as having testament from multiple people, including dealership staff. The vibration has slowly but surely gotten worse over time and I am afraid that something will break and cause me to have an accident or severe injuries.
Jul 23, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM EMPIRE AUTO USED. I HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE HORN AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A RECALL ON THE CLOCKSPRING. I DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER ITSELF FOR THE SERVICE. THE PART HAS BEEN REPLACE LIKE 3 TIMES ALREADY. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY CAN'T FIGURE OUT IT KEEPS HAPPENING. PLEASE ADVICE, THE LAST SERVICE DATE WAS ON 01/25/2021. AT THE PRESENT TIME I GOT NO HORN AGAIN.
Feb 09, 2021
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
SLUGGISH, HESITATES, WILL NOT ACCELERATE UPHILL. CODES: P039B, P93AF, P03B9
Aug 03, 2020
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I I WAS IN A CAR WRECK IN MY 2015 WOLF BURG EDITION PASSAT ON JULY 16, 2020 AND MY VEHICLE RECEIVED MAJOR DAMAGES WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON WEST THOMAS STREET IN HAMMOND LOUISIANA, BUT THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AT ANY TIME! MY CAR WAS TOTALED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE RELATED TO MY SAFETY! I WANT TO KNOW IF THEIR ARE ANY RECALLS ON THE AIR BAGS FOR THIS VEHICLE.MODEL.
Aug 01, 2020
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,WHEELS
1 complaint
TIRES: FRONT DRIVER-SIDE TIRE BLOWN, "DONUT" SPARE ON THE CAR CURRENTLY, WITH A 50 MPH SPEED LIMIT. FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE TIRE HAS A BUBBLE IN THE SIDEWALL. THERE ARE 2 OPEN RECALLS - ONE FOR THE AIR BAG, AND ONE FOR THE HEADLIGHTS, THAT NEED TO BE RESOLVED. I'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET THE RECALLS ADDRESSED SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2019. EVERY TIME I MAKE CONTACT WITH SOMEONE AT VOLKSWAGEN, I'M TOLD I WILL GET A CALL BACK BUT I NEVER DO. IN NOVEMBER OF 2019, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A BACKLOG OF RECALL WORK, AND WAS GIVEN NO TIME FRAME WITH REGARD TO WHEN I WOULD BE ABLE TO BRING MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE. FOR THE TIRES (FOR WHICH I HAVE A PAID PROTECTION PLAN), I WAS TOLD TODAY (6/2/20) THAT THE EARLIEST I CAN COME IN IS JUNE 16TH. I USE MY CAR REGULARLY, AND AM NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING IT IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION UNTIL THEN. *TR
Jun 02, 2020
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON FLAT PAVED ROAD AT SPEED OF 25-30 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE RPM SURGED FROM 1 TO 4, ENGINE REVVED, MADE LOUD HIGH PITCH WHINE FOR SEVERAL MINS. I WAS NOT ACCELERATING, ONLY FOLLOWING ANOTHER VEHICLE AHEAD. I WAS GOING TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND TURN OFF THE IGNITION, WHEN THIS STOPPED & CONTINUED DRIVING NORMALLY AND NOTED THE RPM WAS BACK TO NEAR 1. NO PANEL OR ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON.
Dec 13, 2019
STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
FUEL FILLER DOOR OPENS INTERMITTENTLY. NOT GOOD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO FILL CAR WITH GAS, AND THE DOOR WON'T OPEN. THERE IS NO MANUAL RELEASE FOR THIS, AND YOU WOULD HAVE TO BREAK PARTS TO GET TO THE FUEL FILLER CAP.
Apr 15, 2019
AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TOOK CAR IN FOR RECALL ON AIR BAGS DROVE HOME 3 MINUTES FROM DEALER.NEXT MORNING CAR DIES OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF BUSY INTERSECTION AND WILL NOT RESTART NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT 3 BLOCKS FROM HOME. DEALER SAYS THEY DID NOTHING TO ENGINE. AND WOULD CHARGE ME 175.00 TO DIAGNOSE . VW HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH EARLIER YEAR PASSAT VEHICLES WHEN POWER WAS INTERRUPTED AND WOULD CAUSE FUEL PUMP FAILURE.
Mar 30, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
AIRBAG LIGHT ON, STEERING CONTROLS (ON STEERING WHEEL, RADIO, HORN) NO LONGER FUNCTIONING
Jan 17, 2019
AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HORN DID NOT WORK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 94,000.
Oct 19, 2018
AIR BAGS,SEATS,ENGINE
1 complaint
THE ISSUE IS IM HAVING THAT I HAVE AN AIRBAG WARNING ON FOR A SEAT THAT NO ONE HARDLY EVERS SITS IN. IM SINGLE SO 98% OF THE TIME IM ALONE IN MY VEHICLE SO WHY WOULD THE PASSENGER SEAT BEING DISPLAYING AN ISSUE. SO, ALSO AT 66, 250 IM EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WITH NEEDING A WATERPUMP AND THERMOSTAT WHICH WILL COST 1100.00 THAT I DON'T HAVE. IM REVIEWING ALL THE ISSUES YOU ARE HAVING WITH THESE PARTS I DID HAVE MASTERTECH FOR WARRNATY SO NOW ITS RAN OUT AT 60,000 MILES. I FEEL THIS ISSUE YOU ARE HAVING WITH THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED THROUGH VW. THESE ARE TOO SOON FOR THESE ISSUES TO BE OCCURING ON A VEHICLE. IM DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE I BABY MY CAR OVER BUMPS, RAILROAD CROSSINGS. I TREAT THIS VEHICLE LIKE A MERCEDES.SO, I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE FEEDBACK ON WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP ME IN THIS SITUATION.
Oct 14, 2018
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
MY PREGNANT FIANCE, HER 3YR OLD SON AND I WERE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET APPROXIMATELY 35MPH. A VEHICLE CUT OFF THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME AND THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BEAKS, WHICH MADE ME SLAM ON MINE. I SLAMMED ON MY BREAKS AND IT DID NOT STOP MY VEHICLE, I TRIED TO USE MY EMERGENCY BREAK AND DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE SO I SWERVED OVER AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MY FIANCE'S PASSENGER SIDE FROM BEING HIT. I REAR ENDED THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. EVERYONE SEATBELTS LOCKED EXCEPT MY FIANCE'S. SHE HIT THE DASH, INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS CUSTOMER SERVICE STATED IT DID NOT GET HIT HARD ENOUGH TO DEPLOY AIRBAGS. THERE HAS BEEN A COUPLE TIMES PREVIOUS TO THE ACCIDENT THAT I WOULD BE AT A RED LIGHT WITH MY BREAK PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN AND ALL THE SUDDEN I WOULD START TO SLOWLY ROLL, WITH THE BREAK PEDAL STILL ALL THE WAY DOWN.
Sep 21, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
CLOCK SPRING FAILURE, AIRBAGS OFF-LINE, HORN INOPERATIVE, STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS INOPERATIVE
Sep 05, 2018
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
EXCESSIVE INSIDE FRONT TIRE WEAR CAN LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE. FONT END CAN NOT BE PROPERLY ALIGNED BECAUSE THERE IS NO CAMBER ADJUSTMENT. TIRES SHOWED EXCESSIVE WEAR AT 10,000 MILES. TIRES WERE ROTATED AND FRONT END REALIGNED AND THESE TIRES HAVE THE INSIDE ABOUT WORE OUT AFTER 16,000 MILES. THE WEAR SEEMS TO OCCUR WHEN MAKING SHARP TURNS WHEN EXITING ON THE FREEWAY CLOVERLEAF. THE INSIDE WEAR PATTERN WILL BE A DARK BLACK FROM SCUFFING ON THE TURN.
Jun 29, 2018
VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
MY SUNROOF SHATTERED, WHILE OPEN, FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON. I WAS JUST DRIVING AND IT POPPED. I LOOKED UP AND THE GLASS SHATTERED. I FOUND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN CA. HTTPS://WWW.LAW360.COM/CASES/59C2EB8D55D0EE381E000001?ARTICLE_SIDEBAR=1 THE PERSON WHO REPAIRED THE ROOF STATED IT DID NOT APPEAR ANYTHING HIT IT, IF ANYTHING IT SHATTERED AROUND THE GLUE AREA. *TR
Jun 26, 2018
VISIBILITY,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S DEFROSTER DID NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR COMPRESSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,320.
Jun 11, 2018
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
TIMING CHAIN ELONGATED HEARD LIGHT NOISE AND AROUND 60000 MILES I HAVE BEEN TAKING IT TO DEALER I EVEN ASKED THEM TO LET ME KNOW WHAT ALL IS WRONG WITH CAR AT 90000 MILES NEVER SAID ANYTHING UNTIL SWITCH DEALER AT 110000 MILES TELLS ME THAT IT MAY FAIL AT ANYTIME AND WILL CAUSE ENGINE TO LOOSE POWER
May 23, 2018
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED AND WARNING CHIME CONSTANTLY RINGS. THIS IS AT APPROXIMATELY 53,000 MILES. WHEN VEHICLE TURNED ON LIGHT CAME ON AND HAS REMAINED ON.
May 16, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE FOLLOWING CODES APPEARED: (U1123-0017178 DATA BUS ERROR, P0441-0021406 EVAP IGNITION CONTROL SYSTEM INCORRECT PURGE, P0456 EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK, AND P0303 CYLINDER #3 MISFIRE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE COST. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEMER VOLKSWAGEN (550 TROY SCHENECTADY RD, LATHAM, NY 12110, PHONE NUMBER: (518) 512-0024) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW MOTOR FAILED DUE TO OVERHEATING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE AMONG ALL VOLKSWAGENS AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE THE WARRANTY ENDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,900.
Sep 25, 2017
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
IT WAS TWICE WHEN I HEARD A LOUD NOICE WHEN I TURN THE ENGINE ON AND AND PLACING THE CAR ON REVERCE THE NOICE LAST FOR MORE THAN 10 SEC IT HAPPEN ONCE AND THEN THE SECOND TIME WAS 2 DAYS AFTER I TOOK IT TO INSPECTION AND THEY TOLD ME EVERYTING LOOK FINE. AND 11/20/2016 I STARTED HEARING A NOICE COMMING FROM THE FRON DRIVER SIDE WHEEL EVERYTIME I WOULD TURN OR WHEN I WOULD STEP ON THE BREAK AND THIS HAPPEN EVRYTIME IM DRIVING
Dec 17, 2016
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I BOUGHT A 2015 PASSAT WOLFSBURG EDITION IN FEBRUARY OF 2015. WITHIN THE FIRST 200 MILES VEHICLE WAS SHIMMYING WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE BRAKES UNDER THE WARRANTY SAYING ITS WEAR AND TEAR. I CALLED VWA THEY ADVISED DEALER AND THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED. NOT EVEN TWO WEEKS AFTER BRAKES START SQUEALING. I RETURN TO DEALERSHIP AND GET TOLD ITS NOTHING. BRAKES CONTINUED TO SQUEAL UNTIL I HAD THEM REPLACED SOMEWHERE ELSE AT 26350 MILES. HOWEVER WHILE BRAKES WERE SQUEALING AND EVEN AFTER BEING REPLACED..VEHICLE BAS DEVELOPED A CHIRP ON BOTH HUBS WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED AND OR ACCELERATED FROM A STAND STILL. VEHICLE HAS 27000 MILES ON IT. THERE'S NO REASON IT SHOULD BE HAVING THESE ISSUES. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AT VALLEY AUTO WORLD IN FAYETTEVILLE NC. ALSO MY FRONT SUSPENSION IS MAKING NOISE WHEN HITTING CERTAIN BUMPS. STEERING STILL HAS SHIMMY WHEN DRIVING. I NEED MY REPAIRED AND 100% SAFETY GUARANTEED OR I WILL SEEK FEDERAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE. *TR
Nov 30, 2016
TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
CONTINENTAL TIRES MODEL PROCONTACT TX , 235/45 R18 TIRES PEELING ON THE SIDE WALLS AND CRACK DEVELOPING ON SIDEWALLS AT 10,000 MILES. ALL 4 TIRES UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TR
Oct 17, 2016
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
RECENTLY MY 2015 VW PASSAT STALLED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. DEALER ADVISED THAT IT WAS GIVING CODES FOR A MALFUNCTIONING AIR INTAKE ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSOR. AFTER IT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN VERY ROUGH AND SEEMED TO BE SLUGGISH. ON TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALER I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THE CODE FOR THE ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSOR HAS REAPPEARED AND VW SUSPECTS THAT IT IS AN ENGINE ELECTRICAL HARNESS PROBLEM WHICH IS DUE FOR REPLACEMENT. ADDITIONALLY, THE ESC LIGHT LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD ONE EVENING AND STAYED ON FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND WENT AWAY AFTER THE ENGINE HAD BEEN TURNED OFF FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. BASED ON OTHER COMPLAINTS I READ, THERE APPEARS TO BE A PATTERN IN SUCH MALFUNCTIONS - EITHER ELECTRICAL OR COMPUTER-RELATED. IF THE CAR WERE TO STALL OR GO OUT OF CONTROL IN FULL TRAFFIC, IT COULD LEAD TO A POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION.
Aug 04, 2016
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE IN PARK WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY IN REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.
Jul 14, 2016
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I GOT A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE CAM ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. THEY ARE TELL ME THE FIX IS TO CHANGE THE SOFTWARE IN THE ECM. HOWEVER DOING SO WILL CHANGE THE TIMING ON MY CAR WHICH WILL AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE, GAS MILEAGE AND EMISSION THAT MY PZEV CAR PUTS OUT. VW REFUSES TO GIVE ME A STRAIGHT ANSWER ON WHAT THEY ARE CHANGING. I BELIEVE THAT SAID CHANGES WILL CAUSE MY VECHILE TO POLLUTE MORE AND GET WORSE MILEAGE AS THEY MUST BE ADJUSTING THE TIMING TO CHANGE THE AMOUNT OF VACUUM THE CAM SHAFT MAKES.
Jul 05, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
RODENTS ARE EATING WIRING IN CAR DUE TO SOY PLASTICS. THIS COULD RESULT IN CAR BECOMING NONOPERATIONAL WHILE DRIVING, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH. THE UNITED STATES CODE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY (TITLE 49, CHAPTER 301) DEFINES MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY AS "THE PERFORMANCE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE OR MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPMENT IN A WAY THAT PROTECTS THE PUBLIC AGAINST UNREASONABLE RISK OF ACCIDENTS OCCURRING BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OR PERFORMANCE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND AGAINST UNREASONABLE RISK OF DEATH OR INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT, AND INCLUDES NONOPERATIONAL SAFETY OF A MOTOR VEHICLE." A DEFECT INCLUDES "ANY DEFECT IN PERFORMANCE, CONSTRUCTION, A COMPONENT, OR MATERIAL OF A MOTOR VEHICLE OR MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPMENT." GENERALLY, A SAFETY DEFECT IS DEFINED AS A PROBLEM THAT EXISTS IN A MOTOR VEHICLE OR ITEM OF MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPMENT THAT: POSES AN RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY AND MAY EXIST IN A GROUP OF VEHICLES OF THE SAME DESIGN OR MANUFACTURE MAY EXIST IN A GROUP OF ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT OF THE SAME TYPE AND MANUFACTURE. PLEASE STOP AUTOMAKERS FROM USING PLANT BASED WIRING IMMEDIATELY. AUTOMAKERS ARE MAKING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS REPLACING WIRING. GET TO WORK PLEASE, FIX THIS PROBLEM!
May 02, 2016
STRUCTURE,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WITH NO WARNING CAR WOULD NOT BRAKE . BRAKE WAS STIFF AND WOULD NOT GO DOWN , EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE USED WHICH COULD OF CAUSED THE CAR TO SPIN OUT. THIS CAR WAS SERVICED FOR THE MATTER AT HAND . THIS SITUATION SHOULD NEVER HAD HAPPENED IT WAS HAZARDOUS ,LIFE THREATING , AND A TOTAL SAFETY FAIL. MY FAMILY AND I WERE AT RISK BECAUSE OF THIS!
Mar 21, 2016
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ERRATIC SHIFTING AND BRAKES EITHER TOO SOFT AND WON'T STOP QUICKLY OR THEY LOCK UP AND I CAN'T MOVE THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEMS ARE MOSTLY IN TOWN DRIVING, BUT ONCE OCCURRED IN HIGHWAY DRIVING GOING UP A HILL WHILE PASSING. IN THAT INCIDENT THE TACHOMETER WENT FROM 2 TO 5 AS THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE REVVED UP AS IF I WERE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, ALTHOUGH I WAS NOT. AFTER THE CAMSHAFT WAS REPLACED, PER THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE PERFORMED EVEN MORE POORLY THAN BEFORE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. OVER THE NEXT WEEK, THE LURCHED AT TWO DIFFERENT STOPS SIGNS; THE ENGINE REVVED UP TO 5,000 RPM'S WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING PRESSED; THE BRAKE PEDAL LOCKED UP NOT ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO REVERSE; AND SEVERAL TIMES, IT TOOK AN EXTRA AMOUNT OF TIME AND DISTANCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE.
Feb 04, 2016
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY TO TAKE MY CHILDREN TO SCHOOL WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE AND SPUTTER AND IT STALLED OUT JUST BEFORE I WAS GOING TO DRIVE THROUGH A BUSY INTERSECTION. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED IT ON AND IT STARTED TO SPUTTER AS I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. I TURNED OFF THE CAR TWICE UNTIL IT STARTED UP AGAIN AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE JUST DOWN THE STREET TO A SAFE PLACE. THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE IT STARTED TO SMELL FUNNY. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE DIAGNOSTICS WERE RUN AND TEST DROVE HOWEVER THE VW DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. I DO HAVE TO ADD THAT THE BATTER LIGHT CAME ON BUT EVERYTHING ELSE ON THE VEHICLE DASHBOARD WAS FUNCTIONING. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND I'VE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR A YEAR.
Jan 06, 2016
STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING AT 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE ALIGNMENT WAS NOT PROPER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 380.
Aug 03, 2015
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2015 VOLKSWAGEN Passat have?
The 2015 VOLKSWAGEN Passat currently has 239 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2015 VOLKSWAGEN Passat?
The most common problems reported for the 2015 VOLKSWAGEN Passat are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2015 VOLKSWAGEN Passat problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2015 VOLKSWAGEN Passat comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - VOLKSWAGEN Passat
2025 Problems
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2020 Problems
2019 Problems
2018 Problems
2017 Problems
2016 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2012 Problems
2011 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2003 Problems
2002 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
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