How many problems does the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Passat have?

The 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Passat currently has 102 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 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Passat?

The most common problems reported for the 2016 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 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Passat problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Passat comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2016 VOLKSWAGEN Passat Problems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

9 complaints

Smell of fuel near rear seat. Gasket OK.

Aug 20, 2025

Description of the Problem: The fuel pump housing on my 2016 Volkswagen Passat (1.8L TSI) developed visible cracks, which caused a persistent fuel vapor smell around the vehicle, especially after refueling. The failed component — the plastic fuel pump assembly manufactured by Continental — is available for inspection and has been photographed. Safety Risk: The cracks allowed gasoline vapors to escape, creating a clear fire hazard. I experienced headaches from the fumes while driving, and the smell was strongest when the vehicle was full of fuel. Vapors were most noticeable when the air circulator was turned off, suggesting that fumes were entering the cabin. Confirmed by Mechanic: A certified independent mechanic confirmed the cracks after removing the back seat and inspecting the fuel pump directly. The entire assembly was replaced, and the issue was resolved. Prior to this, a VW dealership misdiagnosed the problem as a bad gasket, quoting me over $1,300 for a repair that would not have addressed the actual issue. Inspection History: The vehicle was inspected by the VW dealership first, and later by the independent shop that completed the repair. No police or insurance involvement. Symptoms: No warning lights or messages appeared. The only symptoms were the strong fuel odor, especially when the tank was full, and inaccurate fuel gauge readings leading up to the diagnosis. Summary: This issue appears similar to other known failures involving Continental-manufactured fuel pump flanges that have led to VW recalls in other models. My concern is that this defect may extend beyond currently recalled vehicles and should be investigated further.

Jul 07, 2025

Began smelling fuel. Made an appointment for a week out. They found that the fuel pump cover under the seat had been pushing on the top of the fuel pump. This means that the pressure of the seat has been pushing on the top of the fuel pump. The fuel pump was cracked and a stream of fuel was spraying on the bottom side of the plastic fuel pump cover. fuel could be smelled in the car and outside. it would drip on the ground after about 2 minutes of running. This seems like a poor design that has potential for bigger issues because of the fuel hazard.

Aug 08, 2023

I took my VW in for an oil change at the dealer and a leking fuel rail was discovered. The auto was "captured" for two days while the repairs were made. I was told not to remove the auto from the dealership because a fire could start. I have discovered that some 2016 VW Passats have been recalled for a fueld leak problem Recall Notice #16V403000. However, both the dealership and VW Custome Care have stated that my vehicle was not covered by this recall. I believe that maybe it should have been recalled since my wife and I were exposed to driving around with a ticking time bomb.

Feb 20, 2023

Fuel pump failure and leaking, the leak is coming from the fuel pump which is located at the top of the gas tank, the gasoline has spilled and covered the gas tank, fuel pump can be accessed by removing passenger seats, fuel/gasoline has leaked through this access and stained passenger seats with gasoline causing inside of vehicle to reek of gasoline. My family’s health and safety is at risk, gasoline and carbon monoxide are very dangerous. I towed the vehicle to Volkswagen Dealership where it was inspected and the technician confirmed it’s a fuel pump failure, Volkswagen service representative also was made aware of the tank covered in gasoline and leak/stain under passenger seats. Vehicle was driving normal never gave any warning signs no dash lights, I noticed this because of the intense gasoline smell.

Oct 06, 2022

+ 4 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 complaints

Timing chain going out before 1000 miles in a 2016 VW Passat TSI

May 06, 2025

For about 4 months I had a smell that my son and I could not locate. Upon further investigation it was discovered that the fuel pump which is located under the back seat had hair line cracks that caused the fuel to spit out and damage the seal around it thereby damaging the underside of the back seat to infiltrate the the foam with the gasoline. We tried to see if there were any recalls but found none. I think that my back seat has only been used about 3 time since I purchased it new. I wanted to draw to your attention that this could have been a safety issue and possible fire issue if someone were to smoke and lite a cigarette. My son has hopefully repaired the cracks this past week and hopefully it will hold. I am [XXX] and cannot afford a new fuel pump. Just wanted you to be aware that there could possibly be a safety problem with fuel pumps for this model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Apr 04, 2024

OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. MY CAR KEEPS BURNING THROUGH OIL. NO SIGNS OF LEAKS EITHER. IT HAS ALREADY BEEN INSPECTED FOR LEAKS.

Feb 28, 2020

SAME ISSUE AS NHTSA ID # 11096639. CAR WAS PARKED, TURNED OFF, AND LOCKED AFTER 3 ADULTS EXITED THE CAR AND ENTERED A STORY. A FEW MINUTES LATER A CONCERNED PERSON RAN IN THE STORE ASKING WHO OWNS A BLACK VW? THE CAR HAD ROLLED AWAY, UNATTENDED, AFTER BEING PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. IT ROLLED INTO ANOTHER CAR ABOUT 50 YARDS AWAY AT A GAS STATION. NO INJURIES.

Dec 02, 2019

Crash: 1

THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THEN SOON AFTER ALL STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS BECAME INOPERABLE. DIAGNOSED AS CLOCK SPRING FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 35,000 MILES.

Aug 24, 2019

+ 3 more complaints for this component

ENGINE

7 complaints

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating abnormally while in park(P) and had started jerking while driving. The contact stated that while driving and exceeding 70 MPH, the shaking and vibrating became worse. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil on top of the engine. The EPC warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the breather valve, oil separator, the lower and upper timing cover, all four coil pack connectors, the coolant fluid and brake fluid, rear brake pads, wheel alignment, and engine air filters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

Nov 21, 2024

On November 11, 2022, the Byers VW in Columbus, OH, diagnosed my vehicle as having a defective crank case breather, which cases the oil to be burned off. It was replaced, and on March 20, 2023, I returned to the VW dealer with the same complaint. They told me that the vehicle had faulty internal parts, and suggested a engine replacement or rebuild, at a cost of $9,800. The vehicle was maintained, according to the recommended service intervals, ever 10,000 miles, at Byers Imports. A well maintained vehicle with 67,000, should not require an engine replacement. At this time, the vehicle is worthless and the dealer or VW Customer Care has offered no assistance toward a replacement engine or vehicle.

Mar 21, 2023

The car burns an excessive amount of oil and the problem seems to be the same as those that VW settled a class action for on it’s early year model of the same car. Basically I burn a quart of oil every 500 miles and the engine isn’t leaking any oil.

Aug 07, 2021

OUR 2016 VW PASSATT BOUGHT NEW FROM VW DEALER, WHILE DRIVING ALL OF A SUDDEN FEELS LIKE IT LOCKS UP TOTALLY DOWNSHIFT TO ALMOST NEUTRAL , LUCKILY HAS DONE IT MORE THAT 10 TIMES BUT AT SPEEDS OF ONLY UP TO 40 MPH.FEELS LIKE SOMETHING UNDERNEATH TOTALLY LOCKS UP, EITHER TRANSMISSION OR BRAKES, ENGINE DOES NOT SHUT OFF BUT STOPS YOU ALMOST TO COMPLETE STOP, AND THEN RELEASES WITHOUT ENGINE SHUTTING OFF . BROUGHT A FEW TIMES TO DEALER BUT SAYS COULD NOT REPLICATE. UNIT HAS APPROX 55,000 MILES NOW BUT HAS BEEN DOING SINCE UNDER 10,000.

Feb 05, 2020

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON MY CAR SHAKES PUT WHEN DROVE THREE DIFFERENT SHOPS SAID THE ENGINE WENT BAD ONLY AFTER 2 1/2 YEARS OF HAVING THIS VEHICLE WHICH BY THE WAY IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION IM NOT RICH TRYING GO STAY A FLOAT AND HAVE BEEN QUOTED $6,000-7,000 FOR A NEW ENGINE WHICH BY THE WAY I DON'T HAVE ON TOP OF PAY A CAR NOTE ON A VEHICLE I CANNOT DRIVE. ALL THE SHOP HAS SAID IT'S NOT WORTH GETTING THE ENGINE REPLACED THE VEHICLE GARBAGE

Apr 28, 2019

+ 2 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

5 complaints

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that on seven occasions, the clock spring failed while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle with the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the clock spring was replaced under warranty; however, the failure returned soon after repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a Corporate Representative was sent to the dealer to test the repair. The representative test driving the vehicle also experienced with failure, and the clock spring fractured while operating the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

Aug 18, 2025

The clockspring has broken 3 times since purchasing the car brand new in 2016. An extended warranty was given. However, due to all the driving I do the warranty did not cover my car as I was already past the miles once the extended warranty came out.

Feb 19, 2023

Driver airbag warning came on. Lost use of all controls on steering wheel. Probable clockspring failure

Jan 27, 2022

I started my vehicle and the airbag light was on. Also the adaptive cruise control warning light was on and none of my steering wheel controls work. Not even the horn works. This is a huge safety issue that Volkswagen is aware of based on a past recall. There are no open recalls for my vehicle for this problem but there should be! I cannot even drive my car now because It’s not safe with no working horn or airbag! I researched online what the problem could be and several Volkswagen owners have the EXACT SAME issue. Apparently it’s the clock spring? I am not aware of Volkswagen offering to fix this major issue for their customers.

Dec 28, 2021

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON - NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT HAS 61,000 MILES

Aug 08, 2018

SERVICE BRAKES

4 complaints

I WAS DRIVING UNDER AN OVERPASS ON THE FAR-RIGHT LANE AT 25 MPH WHEN THE CAR'S FRONT ASSIST SYSTEM ACTIVATED BRINGING THE CAR TO A FULL STOP ALL OF A SUDDEN. THERE WEREN'T ANY CARS IN FRONT OR NEXT TO ME.

Oct 15, 2020

THE CAR HAS AUTONOMOUS BRAKING ISSUE. THE SYSTEM THAT BRAKES THE CAR IF ANOTHER CAR IS DETECTED IN FRONT OF YOU WILL BRAKE EVEN IF NO ONE IS IN FRONT OF YOU. THE CAR WAS IN AT THE DEALER FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS INJURED AS A RESULT OF THE ABURT STOP. VW HAD MY CAR FOR 7 WEEKS AND ALL THEY COULD FIND WAS THAT THE CAR WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND THE SENSOR WAS NOT ADJUSTED PROPERLY. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS FINDING IS THAT THEY HAD ALREADY PERFORMED THAT SAME EXACT FIXED A YEAR PRIOR. THEY ALSO STATED ONE OF THE FOUR TIMES THEY HAD IT IN THE SHOP THAT THEY REPLACED THE RADAR UNIT. WHEN THE CAR DOES STOP IT GIVES NO WARNING AND THE STOP IS WAS ABURT AND VIOLENT. I TRADED MYSELF OUT THE VEHICLE AT GREAT EXPENSE TO MYSELF BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. VW OFFERED NO TRADE ASSISTANCE ON THIS KNOWN ISSUE. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE I TRADED IN HOPES THEY'D SEND IT BACK TO GERMANY TO FIGURE THIS OUT IS ACTUALLY FOR SALE ON THE LOCAL DEALER'S LOT. THIS CAR WILL SERIOUS INJURY SOMEONE AND ANY WHO WOULD TRAVEL AROUND IT IF THE VEHICLE STOPS SUDDENLY AGAIN. THE CAR AND THIS KNOWN ISSUE MAY EVEN CAUSE SOMEONE'S DEATH. I ALERTED VW OF AMERICA OF THIS ISSUE AND THEY ARE COMPLETELY DERELICT IN TAKING THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE WHO BOUGHT THESE VEHICLES.

Sep 16, 2019

Injuries: 1

PASSAT BRAKES STARTED SQUEALING AT AROUND 9000 MILES. WHEN SERVICED AT DEALER THEY STATED BRAKES WERE FINE. SQUEALING CONTINUED TO 20K MILES. AGAIN SERVICED AT DEALER AND SAID BRAKES WERE FINE. SQUEELING EVENTUALLY STOPED BUT AFTER NOTICING SEVERE VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL DURING FREEWAY DRIVING AND WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, I STOPPED AND TOOK TO NEARBY MECHANIC TO INSPECT. HE REPORTED ROTORS ARE WARPED AT 26K MILES. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN WITH A NEW CAR WITH LIGHT USE. SINCE 3 YEARS JUST PASSED CAR JUST EXITED WARRANTY STATUS. THIS PROBLEM MIGHT BE DUE TO THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE AS IT TENDS TO APPLY THE BRAKES HARD DURING NORMAL DRIVING IF SET TO SETTING NUMBER 1. TO AVOID HARD BRAKING, I HAVE TO KEEP THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE AT SETTING 3 WHICH IS WHAT I'VE BEEN DOING WHEN I DO USE IT. STILL, THIS SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING ISSUE IN PASSATS AS APPARENT ON SEARCH BOARDS ONLINE. VW SHOULD UPGRADE THEIR ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL FIRMWARE AND REPLACE IMPACTED OWNERS BRAKES, ROTORS AND CALIPERS. BRAKES SHOULD NOT START GOING OUT A 9K MILES AND HAVE WARPED ROTORS AT 26K MILES. THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE CAUGHT THIS PROBLEM WHILE I WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY INSTEAD OF REPORTING NO ISSUES AND PASSING INSPECTION REPORTS FALSELY. MAKE PEOPLE SAFE, RECALL THIS SAFETY ISSUE IMMEDIATELY.

Apr 17, 2019

I HAVE A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SE THAT I LEASED ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO. A LITTLE OVER A MONTH AGO THE CAR BRAKED ON ITS OWN WITH MYSELF, MY MOTHER, SISTER, AND MY 2 YEAR OLD SON IN THE CAR FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON GOING 45 MILES PER HOUR. THE NEXT INCIDENT THE CAR DECIDED IT WAS NOT GOING TO BRAKE AND WE HAD TO STEP ON THE BRAKES SO HARD TO GET ANY KIND OF REACTION, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. AT THIS POINT WE TOOK IT TO VW AND THEY ARE CLAIMING THERE IS NO ISSUES WITH THE CAR; I BEG TO DIFFER! YESTERDAY AGAIN THE CAR BRAKED ON ITS OWN GOING 30 MILES AN HOUR FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON. TOOK THE CAR TO MY PERSONAL MECHANIC PRIOR TO TAKING IT TO VW AND A PIC OF WHAT CAME UP ON THEIR DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER IS UPLOADED. THE VW DEALERSHIP I TOOK IT TO AFTER KEEPING IT TWO WEEKS CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR; HOWEVER, THEY RESET MY COMPUTER IN THE CAR AND NOW THE CAR IS SHOWING NO CODES. THERE WAS A SIMILAR INCIDENT REPORTED ON CARCOMPLAINT.COM SAME YEAR, MODEL AND TRIM AS MINE.

Jul 15, 2017

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

3 complaints

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was unofficially diagnosed; however, the mechanic noticed that the engine was misfiring. The mechanic performed a tune-up on the vehicle, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact researched the failure and identified five unknown recall repairs with the same description of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the recall repairs had been previously completed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased new, and the contact had been the sole owner of the vehicle. The contact stated that no recall repairs had ever been completed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.

May 20, 2024

Car has low oil pressure come up. After new oil change around 2,000 mile the oil has disappeared/burned away. I had falcone check 3 different times. They see no leaks or issue. Due to this my engine Knocks

Jan 17, 2023

ON MAY 21, 2018, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK. I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION, AND WHEN I WENT TO LEAVE MY CAR DIED. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO QUIRK VW IN MANCHESTER, NH AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE ENGINE WAS BLOWN. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT HAD JUMPED TIME AND VALVES OF ENGINE MOST LIKELY HAVE CONTACTED PISTONS, ETC. NEEDS ENGINE AND TURBO ASSEMBLY. THERE IS A KNOWN TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER LAWSUIT OUT ON THESE CARS. LUCKILY THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND THERE WAS NOT A DEADLY ACCIDENT.

Jun 12, 2018

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 complaints

UNKNOWN - Looked into recall information regarding this vehicle. KBB.COM specified a headlight issue that has not been repaired on my vehicle.

Feb 18, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BY OTHER DRIVERS THAT THE REAR BRAKE TAIL LIGHTS WERE DIM AND NOT SUFFICIENT FOR VEHICLES TO FOLLOW BEHIND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BERGSTROM VOLKSWAGEN OF APPLETON (3019 N VICTORY LN #102, APPLETON, WI 54913 (800) 398-6846) TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA BY THE MANUFACTURER TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800.

Jan 07, 2020

WHEN THEN HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON THE LEFT FRONT FOG LIGHT TURNS ON , WHEN THE CAR TURNS LEFT, WHEN IT IS RETURNED TO THE MIDDLE THE FOG LIGHT TURNS OFF. THIS ONLY OCCURS WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON, IT DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN IT IS TURNED TO THE RIGHT.

Aug 02, 2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH THE VOICE RECOGNITION FEATURE IN VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VOICE RECOGNITION SYSTEM WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. THE SYSTEM WAS UPDATED, BUT STILL WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE CERTAIN WORDS OR NUMBERS. ALSO, INTERRUPTED THE SPEAKER AT INCONVENIENT TIMES. *JS

Jan 03, 2018

THERE IS ISSUE WITH HMI (RADIO) AND INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER. THE SCREEN GOES FREEZE. THIS ISSUE IS SPORADIC, AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY OF MYSELF AND FAMILY. I AM AFRAID WHILE DRIVING SUDDENLY INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER IPC SCREEN GOES FREEZE NOT ABLE TO SEE WHAT MY VEHICLE SPEED IS CURRENTLY. SUDDENLY IF I AM NOT AWARE WHAT SPEED I AM DRIVING, THE CONTROL ABILITY OF CAR IS LESS LEAVING MYSELF AND FAMILY IN VULNERABLE SITUATION. ANOTHER ISSUE, HMI OR RADIO DOES NOT BACKUP CAMERA VIEW. IT REMAINS IN ITS CURRENT SCREEN AND NOT ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHO IS BEHIND THE CAR, LEAVING MYSELF AND ANYONE BEHIND THE CAR IN VULNERABLE SITUATION. I HAVE CAPTURED THE PHOTO OF THE SCREEN FREEZE IN IPC AND HAVE THE VIDEO OF THE RADIO WHERE IN IT IS NOT DISPLAYING THE BACKSIDE WHILE I AM R REVERSE GEAR. I AM SEEKING HELP FROM THE DEPARTMENT AS VOLKSWAGEN HAS LEFT MY ISSUE TO BE REPRODUCED MYSELF AND THEN REPORT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO IS NOT TRAINED IN SOFTWARE ISSUES. MOREOVER IF NEXT TIME THE ISSUE OCCURS, I AM AFRAID IF I WOULD BE IN A SITUATION TO COME AND REPORT TO THEM AND DO NOT GO INTO SOME SERIOUS CONCERNS. THIS ISSUES ARE HAPPENING MOSTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, BACKUP CAMERA CAN BE OBSERVED SPORADICALLY WHILE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. NOTE: THERE IS NO WAY TO UPLOAD THE VIDEO, SO JUST UPLOADING THE PICTURE OF ONE OF THE SCREEN FREEZE INSTANCE.

Sep 22, 2017

TODAY, I HAVE A BIG PROBLEM WITH MY PASSAT, I ARRIVED TO MY OFFICE THIS MORNING , AND I WAS CALLING BY PHONE WITH OTHER, BEFORE CLOSE THE DOOR OF MY CAR, AND I FORGOT TO PUSH THE BOTTOM TO SWITCH OFF THE ENGINE, ALL DAY I WAS WORKING IN MY OFFICE, AND AFTER I LEFT FROM MY COMPANY, AND BACK AT HOME, THE CAR WAS WITHOUT GAS, BECAUSE ALL THIS TIME WAS ON ALL THIS TIME, I CAN BELIEVE THAT THE CAR ALARM SYSTEM NEVER SWITCH OFF THE ENGINE. I HAVE A BIG COMPLAIN OF THIS ONE, AND I WOULD LIKE TO RETURN MY CAR TO VW, THEY NEVER TOLD ME IN VW DEALER THAT TAKE CARE WITH THIS SITUATION. I LOST MY TIME THIS FRIDAY BECAUSE I HAD TO CALL EMERGENCY HELP TO FILL FUEL AND LOST MY FLIGHT FOR VACATION. I DON'T WANT TO KEEP MY PASSAT AND I PREFER TO CHANGE FOR OTHER BRAND.

Mar 18, 2016

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaints

While driving on a residential street the VW Front Assist suddenly engaged the brakes. There was no car in front or any cars driving in the area. The car came to a complete stop. The only explanation may be that it had been recently raining in Seattle and it was also late in the day so the sun was low in the sky. There was also a metal plate on the street that appeared to be reflective with the rain. We have had incidents like this in the past while driving over the University Bridge as well which is a metal grated draw bridge in Seattle. We are extremely concerned that the brakes will engage and we will be rear ended. I had the dealership inspect the Front Assist feature on Thursday April 17th, 2025 and they have no indication of any fault with the system. The radar sensor that the feature relies upon was properly aligned and in working order. This system makes our car less safe to drive than if it was permanently disabled. Rain followed by sunshine is common in Seattle creating situations where the Front Assist will be triggered incorrectly putting us and other motorists at risk.

Apr 19, 2025

The automatic emergency braking has applied three times while driving this vehicle. Once on a freeway onramp curve in traffic with following car, twice driving on different paved city streets. All three times were daylight and no other vehicle or obstruction in front of my car. This to me is asking for a trailing vehicle to rear end collide, or maybe even worse yet what would happen if this were to happen on rain slick or snow covered road? I did take it to an authorized VW dealer after the second brake application and of course they could not replicate the brake issue. I did not have it checked the first time since I falsely assumed I had done something I had not thought about. Now, after the third time, I am sure that it is the car and not something I have done. I have not been back to VW shop yet after this third time. My wife is scared to drive the car now and I am concerned about myself. I do not think the VW dealer went any further than a test drive and maybe a computer check after the second braking I encountered. There have been no warning lights or messages on my car dash before or after all three times. The dash light warning to "BRAKE!" did light up as the brakes were applying on their own. As a small aside comment, I was a professional highway truck driver with over a million miles driving and achieved a 28 year safe driving record. That has let me make this statement with a lot of "boots on the ground" certainty.

Aug 25, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

Unknown my water pump failed and all out of nowhere

Mar 18, 2025

THE ABS SENSOR SYSTEM HAS FAILED ON OUR CAR FOR THE 2ND TIME . THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED ON THE LEFT REAR WHEEL IN 2019. WHEN THE SYSTEM FAILS IT TRIGGERS A MULTITUDE OF DASHBOARD ALERTS WHICH ARE EXTREMELY DISTRACTING. OBVIOUSLY THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING WILL NOT FUNCTION. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS AT 43, 705 MILES. I WAS TOLD BY A VW DEALER MECHANIC THAT THIS WAS LIKELY TO OCCUR ON THE OTHER WHEELS. UNFORTUNATELY HE WAS RIGHT. THE ABS SENSOR FAILED ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL YESTERDAY AT APPROXIMATELY 61,000. SAFETY FEATURES THAT INCLUDE BLIND SIDE MONITORING ARE ADVERSELY IMPACTED. THE SENSOR ALERT OCCURS WHEN STARTING THE CAR AND STAYS ON WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE COST FOR THE REPAIR IS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $300.00

Oct 01, 2019

STEERING,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Air bag error light is on and steering wheel controls/horn are inoperable. Cause is most likely a clock spring failure as has been reported in numerous VW vehicle models including the 2016 VW Passat but the current recall 69L2 doesn’t appear to cover our vehicle. With recall problems on numerous other vehicles, it is hard to believe this isn’t caused by the same issue. Repair cost is estimated at $900 for an item that should be covered by VW.

Oct 06, 2024

STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO CLICK WHEN TURNING ANY DIRECTION MID-TRIP. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND HAD BEEN IN MOTION FOR APPROX 30 MINUTES WHEN ISSUE BEGAN. ALL STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS, INCLUDING CRUISE CONTROL, NO LONGER WORKED. AIR BAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DEALER STATED CLOCK SPRING HAD MALFUNCTIONED, ISSUE WAS REPAIRED. NOTED THAT CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS CONTINUED TO MALFUNCTION POST-REPAIR DEALER CLAIMS 'COINCIDENCE' WITH MALFUNCTION, PUTTING COST ON CUSTOMER TO REPAIR. .

Jul 11, 2019

STEERING

2 complaints

During sharp turn would hear cracking sound coming from steering wheel, after some days air bag warning light appeared on dahsboard and honk and steering wheel buttons stopped working. Dealer replaced the clockspring under warranty that fixed airbag warning issue, but still had honk and steering wheel buttons persisted. Dealer recommended replacing steering wheel control button module to fix both honk and steering wheel buttons. It appears all the problems are related and should have been fixed under warranty

Aug 18, 2024

ISSUE WITH THE LANE ASSIST FEATURE. SEEMS LIKE IT IS TO SENSITIVE. ON 3/3/19 I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65 MPH ON A SLIGHT CURVED ROAD AND THE WITH CLEAR MARKINGS. THE SYSTEM SEEMS TO HAVE PICKED UP ON SOME TIRE MARKS AND SWERVED TOWARDS THE CENTER MEDIUM WHICH EASILY COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I MANAGED TO REGAIN CONTROL AND TURNED THE LANE ASSIST OFF.

Mar 06, 2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

2 complaints

EPC light came on within a week of buying car from dealer,took it to have it looked at and plugs and coil packs were shot,got that fixed and drove home and EPC came back on and was running bad,shaking and everything,made me lose speed drastically in heavy traffic and almost caused accident,now car has been sitting in driveway for the last few months because I’m afraid to drive it and I can’t really get rid of it because I owe way to much on it!

Jan 28, 2024

After several attempts to identify the cause of my vehicle's excessive oil consumption, white smoke out of tail pipe and illumination of my low oil and EPC lights, the VW dealership has diagnosed my vehicle with a failed air oil seperator/PCV stuck in the open position. During the times the EPC light illuminated, I had a loss of engine power which potentially could have led to engine shut off and caused an accident. I often drive on the highway with construction with my children so sudden engine shut off is a safety risk. On 12/18/20, I took my vehicle to the VW dealership for excessive oil consumption, low oil and EPC lights and white smoke out of tailpipe. The technician diagnosed and repaired a blown upper timing gasket. The problems persisted and I dropped off the vehicle at the dealership on 01/19/21. Dealership advised computer update was needed and was performed. Problems persisted and vehicle was dropped off on 01/30/21 and 03/15/21 for oil consumption tests and advised results were in 'acceptable' range for VW. After researching work history on my vehicle, I remembered I took it in while under warranty (under 36k miles) for fuel smell in cabin when using the heater. VW technicians checked fuel lines, injectors and fuel tank but found nothing wrong. After researching this topic on various VW blogs, I found the fuel smell in cabin was caused by failed PCV system in numerous cases. I believe my air oil seperator/PCV was faulty and began to fail while my vehicle was still under warranty. Further internet research revealed websites and blogs with numerous mentions of failed VW/ Audi PCV systems. I believe my vehicle may have been affected by a faulty part installed and has been overlooked by VW.

Jun 04, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

Defroster not working causing very low visibility and very unsafe to drive the car.

Jan 22, 2024

AS I HAVE SEEN IN YOUR DATABASE MY PASSAT HAS MANY OF THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY SIDE MIRRORS SOMETIMES DO NOT UNFOLD OR FUNCTION AS EXPECTED. ( VW SAYS THERE IS NO FIX ) MY BACKUP CAMERA SOMETIMES DOESN'T WORK ( VW SAYS THERE IS NO FIX ) MY CAR STOPS FOR NO REASON THINKING THERE IS AN OBJECT IN FRONT OF IT. NOT ONLY ARE THESE PROBLEMS REAL THE CAR DID NOT REGISTER ANY FAULTS. THESE PROBLEMS HAPPENED ALL THE TIME YET INTERMITTENTLY. PLEASE NOTE THAT MY CAR WAS MADE IN THE USA. AND EXPORTED TO CANADA. I AM IN CANADA. DUE TO MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS I HAVE BEEN CONTACTED BY SEVERAL VW OWNERS MANY IN THE USA THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AND VW IS NOT DOING ANYTHING FOR US. I KNOW OF SOME THAT HAVE HAD THEIR CARS RETURNED VIA THE LEMON LAW. THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED ANY LONGER. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=PGMJC2QPNOO HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=X5TLKDNA0XS HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=MOMG3DENETG HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=Z90TVWWSP9Y HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=9YLKAM6GOZU HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=R9J7H5AORJY HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=I27A1WCGXNG HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=BUHHB0G11_U ***THIS IS NOT A VIDEO I MADE BUT IT SHOWS A VW STOPPING FOR NO REASON WHICH IS HOW IT HAPPENED TO ME: VOLKSWAGEN FRONT ASSIST STOPS FOR NO REASON HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=UK8GVO0LNMS

Sep 04, 2018

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

2 complaints

Steering column makes noises when turning. Airbag Light is on and the none of the steering wheel controls for the radio, phone etc are functioning properly. This is my college age daughter’s car and I fear the airbag won’t deploy in the event she was in a collision.

Oct 02, 2023

steering wheel clock spring failure which faults steering wheel controls, air bag and horn. Key safety features failed!

Sep 11, 2022

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaints

My sensors cause the car to break in the middle of traffic. Almost causing accidents for the people behind me. This has happened 3x in the last month.

Jul 11, 2023

The clock spring has failed in my car unexpectedly and rapidly, exposing me as a teenage driver in college to complete unsafely while driving my car, as the airbags and brake assist that my parents wanted in my car to keep me safe do not function. There have been recalls on volkswagens for the clock spring before, and there should be one now. The car is 7 years old and has a little less than 73,000 miles on it - the clock spring should not be failing.

Jan 21, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

2 complaints

On turning my car on my airbag light came on and non of the buttons worked on my steering wheel. Later that afternoon as someone all most backed up into my car I tried to hit my horn but it did not work. After finally returning home I ran the code stating the Airbag resistance was too high. This puts a huge safety to myself and anyone who can be in my car because I have no horn and my airbag is malfunctioning.

Feb 17, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER IN THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER AND WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FOR THE BODY DAMAGE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE VIEW MIRROR INDICATOR FAILED TO DETECT THE ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.

Jun 05, 2017

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

THE PASSENGER REAR EXTERIOR HANDLE WAS PULLED OFF UNDER NORMAL USE. RENDERING DOOR INOPERATIVE, SAFETY ISSUE.

Apr 21, 2021

2016 VW PASSAT. DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH FREEZES SHUT IN TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING. THE KEY-LESS ENTRY FOB UNLOCKS THE DOOR BUT THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED WHEN PULLING THE HANDLE. ALSO, THE INSIDE HANDLE WILL NOT OPEN THE DOOR. ALL OF THE OTHER DOOR LATCHES WORK NORMALLY. WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE GOOD... NO ICE, SNOW OR FREEZING RAIN. JUST THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW FREEZING. THIS IS A POTENTIAL LIFE THREATENING SAFETY ISSUE IF SOMEONE WERE TO DRIVE THE CAR AND NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT IN AN EMERGENCY. IT IS POSSIBLE TO ENTER THE CAR FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE, SLIDE OVER TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND DRIVE THE CAR. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE RISES ABOVE FREEZING, THE LATCH WORKS.

Dec 21, 2019

STEERING,AIR BAGS

2 complaints

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON SURFACE STREETS AND WHEN MAKING TURNS I STARTED TO HEAR CLICKING NOISES. NEXT TIME I TURNED ON MY CAR AND WENT TO PULL OUT, AN AIRBAG WARNING APPEARED AS WELL AS THE SYMBOL, AND I LOST ALL USE OF MY STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS AS WELL AS MY HORN. IT SEEMS TO BE A FAULTY CLOCK SPRING WHICH IS A REPORTED PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN INVESTIGATED BUT NOT WITH MY 2016. THE CAR IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD AND SHOULDN'T BE HAVING THESE ISSUES THAT I HAVE TO REPAIR OUT OF POCKET.

Mar 21, 2021

MY CLOCK SPRING AND SWITCH BROKE AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. I WAS IN MOTION MAKING A TURN WHEN A CRUNCHING NOISE WAS MADE. MY WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF CLAIMING AIR BAG ERROR, ACC ERROR. I COULD NOT USE MY TURN SIGNAL OR HORN. I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT AND CALL THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE DEALERSHIP, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS MOST LIKELY THE CLOCK SPRING BUT I HAD TO GET IT EVALUATED. I TOOK IT IN AND IT WAS. I FOUND OUT THAT VW HAD PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR SUCH EQUIPMENT BUT NOT MY YEAR. MY CAR IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD AND THE CLOCK SPRING BROKE. I HAVE NEVER HAD ONE BREAK IN OVER 30 YEARS OF DRIVING.

Feb 21, 2018

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO BRAKE INDEPENDENTLY AND A WAVY LINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTH BAY VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 3131 NATIONAL CITY BLVD, NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950, (619) 336- 4020) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT A FAILURE CODE COULD NOT BE LOCATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 171672068. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

Nov 21, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING AND THE POWER BRAKES SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO IMMEDIATELY STEER OR STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE CAMSHAFT. THE VEHICLE LATER EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE VACUUM PUMP. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,300.

Apr 27, 2016

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

AT SPEED OF 40-60 MPH, WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE CAR WILL BRING THE CAR TO 5-10 MPH RAPIDLY, BY SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES WITH NO OTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT. THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES, AND HAS BEEN REPORTED, BUT NOT DUPLICATED AT THE DEALER. THE CAR HAS ALSO SLOWED ITSELF, UNDER THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, IN OTHER SITUATIONS WHERE THERE WAS NO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT.

Oct 17, 2018

DRIVING IN FREEZING RAIN. CRUISE CONTROL ON. FRONT SENSOR ICED UP, CAR BRAKED TO SIGNAL IT TURNED OFF ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL DUE TO FRONT SENSOR ICING UP. I BRIEFLY LOST CONTROL OF CAR ON ICY ROADWAY AS IT LOST TRACTION WHEN IT BRAKED.

Feb 08, 2017

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

I WAS BRAKING MY CAR AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT WHICH WAS PERPENDICULAR TO A DIVIDER STRIP (AN APPROXIMATELY 5-6 FOOT WIDE STRIP OF GRASS WITH 9-10 INCH CURBS ON EACH SIDE). SUDDENLY THE CAR SELF-ACCELERATED TO A FAST SPEED. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO GO UP AND OVER THE DIVIDER STRIP, CROSS A TWO LANE ROAD AND HIT THE CURB ON THE FAR SIDE OF THIS ROAD. THIS WAS QUITE FRIGHTENING! FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AT THIS TIME ON THE ROAD ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DIVIDER STRIP BUT A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE FRONT BUMPER AND UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR. WHILE THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS A BROKEN GAS PEDAL WAS DISCOVERED. THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE SELF-ACCELERATION.

Oct 09, 2018

I WAS DRIVING INTO THE BEACH PARKING LOT WITH MY DOG I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED QUICKLY AND FAST BY ITS SELF WITH FAST SPEED. BRAKED VERY HARD MY DOG WENT FLYING INTO THE BACK OF MY SEAT PUT IT INTO PARK AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. I GOT SCARED!

Sep 12, 2017

STEERING,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

I OFTEN WILL BE DRIVING AND CAR SLAMS ON BRAKES BY ITSELF CAUSING ME TO NEARLY WRECK AND ALSO TWICE I'VE HAD AIR BAG LIGHTS APPEAR AND CLICKING STEERING WHEEL

Jun 05, 2018

WHEN I WENT TO START THE CAR THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STATED "ERROR". ALL THE FUNCTIONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT WORK, THIS INCLUDED THE HORN, CRUISE CONTROL, RADIO SYSTEM AND AIR BAG. I WAS AFRAID THAT EITHER THE AIR BAG COULD JUST GO OFF OR WOULD NOT GO OFF IF I GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. I ALSO COULD NOT USE MY HORN IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE REPAIRED. SUNRISE VOLKSWAGEN IN LYNBROOK,NY REPLACED THE CLOCK SPRING.

May 17, 2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

The vehicle has been alerting error codes 16352 for failing to communicate with ABS module causing warning lights for ABS, brake and the ESC systems to illuminate. The brake system related vehicle stabilizing functions (ABS/ESC) is not be available, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control and could lead to a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Please reference Safety Recall Code: 45F2

Oct 02, 2025

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

The fuel delivery system appears to have failed. Specifically, there is an active gasoline leak from a fuel line inside the cabin, near or under the rear seat. The source may be related to an unresolved recall involving the fuel rail detaching from the engine, which causes pressurized fuel leakage. The failed component is still present on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. The back seat was removed by a mechanic who observed gasoline actively spewing into the cabin. This defect presents an extreme fire hazard. The constant gasoline fumes in the interior have caused me to suffer migraines, nausea, and dizziness while driving. My 13-year-old daughter, who has asthma, must ride with her head out of the window to breathe. My 2-year-old can no longer ride in the vehicle at all due to the fumes. I am a single mother with no other transportation. I fear that the car could ignite at any moment, especially with electrical systems running in the cabin. This defect is life-threatening. A certified independent mechanic removed the rear seat and confirmed that fuel was actively leaking into the interior of the car. The mechanic advised that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and poses a severe fire risk. I have photos and video available, and the mechanic is willing to provide a written statement upon request.Volkswagen dealerships have refused to inspect the vehicle or address the recall, even though the recall remains listed as active under the vehicle’s VIN. I have contacted multiple dealerships and Volkswagen corporate, and have been denied assistance. I have not contacted police or insurance yet, but I am preparing formal complaints.There were no warning lamps or dashboard alerts. The first symptom was a strong fuel odor in the interior, which began approximately 5-6 months ago. It progressively worsened over time. About one week ago, the smell became severe enough that it was unbearable to drive. This prompted the mechanic’s inspection, which revealed the

Jun 26, 2025

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate above 35 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle and the EPC warning light had illuminated briefly then the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over onto the side of the road however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and the contact reached out to a local mechanic to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the fuel pump module, and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted, and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 77,000.

Jan 21, 2025

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that after the dealer had performed a fuel induction on the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic convertor had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the repair was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Oct 08, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

I own a 2016 VW Passat that I'm thinking of painting yellow and I don't like yellow. I was driving going about 75 mph on freeway in Idaho and a truck from the slow lane started merging over into my lane I went to hit horn and it didn't work. I hit my brakes and I mean hard because he obviously didn't see me and he merged over into my lane but had I not braked as hard and when I did it would of been a collision. That's how I discovered my horn didn't work. I'm not a person who pulls up to someones house and taps the horn nor do I use it if someone is sitting at an intersection after the light turns green as if to say, "Come on, pay attention, the light's green, now go" I don't like to do that because it makes everyone look and can cause confusion. I use it to prevent an accident! My clock spring went out on me a year ago. I'm told that's why horn doesn't work. Its also why my airbag light is on and my cruise doesn't work (which may not be a safety issue but I have found myself driving much over speed limit without trying to) and none of my driver assist features work. All controls connected to steering wheel don't work. I'm assuming since the light is on neither does the airbag and I know the horn doesn't. I see there have been recalls on this but looks like they drew the line at 2014. Checking into it further a lot of their cars, newer than 2014, like mine a 2016 have had same issue. I also see that the ones that were taken in for recall and replaced, broke again. I read that that led to an investigation. I don't see any more info. I learned that clock springs are supposed to last the lifetime of the car, so shouldn't there be a recall on the newer cars too, like mine 2016? I'm not impressed with VW, this is my 2nd one and will be my last. I now have to get a new water pump at 70K. I really would like to see a recall on clock springs and would like to know what the conclusion to the investigation was. Thanks, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Jul 18, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

I believe my clockspring has malfuncioned and though it has had multiple recalls my car is not listed for recall. My horn is no longer working, as well as all the buttons in my steering wheel including cruise control and my airbag light is on. This is all directly correlated to a clockspring malfunction and I believe my vehicle should be recalled for saftey reasons.

Apr 16, 2024

ENGINE,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while parked, the horn, cruise control, and the radio became inoperable. The message “air bag not available”, check clockspring, and check oil messages were displayed. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,986.

Sep 21, 2023

AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

VW repaired clock spring (a recall) after airbag warning, steering wheel controls stopped working. VW returned the vehicle to me, the customer, with the clock spring supposedly repaired yet steering wheel buttons, including cruise control and others, remained broken and unusable. VW wanted several hundred dollars to fix this, despite the issue obviously being directly related to the clock spring as all buttons were in working order prior to the clock spring issue. (dates below May not be entirely accurate as this happened several years ago and still has not been repaired, however I was unaware I could file a report here)

Jun 20, 2023

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

I am the original owner of a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. My front windshield has been delaminating around the edges. It began as only a small pop, but nothing loud to investigate. But today the separation of the epoxy from the windshield is visually evident. The popping sound happens daily. I have taken good care of my Volkswagen Passat with only a little over 39000 miles. My concern is will my window fly off its base one day while I am driving? Obviously this was not a concern while my vehicle was under warranty. But today I am concerned. I recently took my car to Rudolph Volkswagen for service. They recommended brakes and plugs replacement but did not look into the windshield issue.

May 18, 2023

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

Seat belt indicator light comes on while driving. Only vehicle driver was present in car with seat belt secured/locked. After releasing driver belt and reengaging driver belt several times, the indicator light did not change. Driver engaged the passenger belt and indicator went off. There was nothing or no one on the passenger seat to enable the presence detector. The ignition and engine remained on throughout this event. This occurred at least twice within seven days.

Sep 26, 2022

STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

GAS LEAKING INTO BACKSEAT SOAKING CUSHIONS, Passenger door body door whole stripped and door bolt loosen which could fall off if not tightened every 3 days

Sep 18, 2022

STEERING,SEAT BELTS,ENGINE

1 complaint

I purchased this car brand new Oct 2016. Since then I have experienced multiple sensor failures year after year… At first we thought this was a one time failure but as more and more issues came our concerns grew. I have changed out the radio, 3 speed sensors, and now am having more issues with different symptoms. For example my epc light is no and my check engine is on along with the other typical light i have seen with my speed sensor issues. I can not confidently pass any cars because the car stalls at 3000 rpms. I consider this car a safety issue on the road and i do not want this car anymore because i do not know what hidden failures will appear later on after fixing these.

Mar 21, 2022

WHEELS

1 complaint

Within 55,000 miles I needed to replace both of my front wheel bearings, for an approximate cost of $1,000. I have done some research and talked to many people and found out that wheel bearings should not go bad on a car with 60K miles. It would be understandable if one went bad due to a defect but both going bad has me quite confused and angry at the cost of these repairs. I wrote VW about this problem and was told that since the vehicle was no longer under warranty there was nothing they could do. That would be an acceptable answer if wheel bearing failure was to be expected as a normal wear and tear item at 60K miles. But the fact that this is quite early for them to fail, I feel that VW might have issues with the wheel bearings and that others have experienced the same thing with the Passat. I thought I would reach out in case others have reached out as well in order to get VW to address this problem. Thank you.

Jan 02, 2022

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

On October 3rd, 2021 the minder to change oil service came on and a wrench in the display. As the mechanic had set the incorrect timing interval between services, I went into the menu to attempt to reset the service minder but never got that far as the airbag light came on and all buttons on the steering wheel stopped responding. My husband in the passenger seat instructed me to restart the car and this did not reset any warnings but also showed the ACC: Error, in the display alternating with the Airbag: Error. The dealership wants $ 165 just to plug in the diagnostic reader and won't apply it to a repair and says this car has no open recalls which I am aware of. However, there was an airbag recall including the 2015 year build Passat, but the dealership wants payment to diagnose. When the car is stirred to make a 90 degree left hand turn I can hear a coil in the steering wheel cracking at times. Frequently, the airbag light for the passenger scale stays on but may go out if someone goes to sit in the passenger seat. All seat belts are unlocked at the top, and the receivers for the buckles look fine and nothing is stuck in them. I have not yet lifted the seats to inspect the harnesses but I doubt I will be able to fix anything as I cannot reset the codes anyhow. Not being able to change the information on the instrument panel from useless Error Messages is distracting. Tell VW to read an airbag fault light for free! This is a safety concern for every passenger and should not be taken advantage of to make a service department money. How can I find out if this model was added to the air bag recalls or is in the process of being added? Honda has a lifetime warranty service for free on all safety restraints. I am surprised that VW does not make safety their highest priority. I'm not certain the Forward Collision Warning is affected but the lanes blink Orange showing me the ACC is not responsive and it's close enough in function to mention just in case it may not work.

Oct 05, 2021

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

1 complaint

In less than 51,000 miles 3 wheel speed sensors have required replacement. An unacceptable average failure rate of once every 1.7 years or 17,000 miles. Failure of one of these components disables all safety systems including air bags. How could such an obviously unreliable part not be subject to a safety recall.

Aug 23, 2021

AIR BAGS,LANE DEPARTURE

1 complaint

I started my car and it showed up with “airbag error” I then turned off my car and started it again and something along the lines of “front lane assist error” showed up, there was also a clicking noise from my steering wheel anytime I would turn the wheel, the car also was “breakchecking” me (aggressively breaking when barely any pressure applied) when I was trying to drive home and the digital speedometer is no longer showing up on my dash board. I was only able to get a picture of the “airbag error” message

Jul 24, 2021

AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

THE CAR SUDDELY TURNED ON AIRBAG LIGHTS, ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND, CRUISE CONTROL

Feb 26, 2021

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT OVERHEARD AND ABNORMAL NOISE AS THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS APPROACHING A HILL AND ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH FAILED TO ENGAGE PROPERLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKE PADS AND ROTOR WERE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO HILEY VOLKSWAGEN OF HUNTSVILLE (6944 HIGHWAY 72 W, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35806, (256) 882-0200) WERE THE OIL WAS CHANGED AND AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE ANY FAILURE CODES. THE OIL WAS CHANGED EVERY 3 MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR MORE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V705000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000.

Feb 25, 2021

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO STOP IT APPEARS THAT BRAKES/ABS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. ABS, TPMS, TRACTION CONTROL, SRS WARNING LIGHTS HAVE COME ON FOR THE SECOND TIME IN JUST A FEW MONTHS SPAN. DEALER SAID IT WAS FAULTY ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSORS BOTH TIMES (BOTH REAR). IT APPEARS THAT IT IS THE SAME ISSUE AS NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11265312. *TR

Jul 03, 2020

STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON (CONSTANT SPEED, HIGHWAY, DRY CONDITIONS), DISABLING CRUISE CONTROL. THE AIRBAG LIGHT THEN CAME ON. THEN THE TIRE SENSOR LIGHT AND FINALLY THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHT AND EXCLAMATION POINT ICON NEXT TO THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHT. *TR

Jun 23, 2020

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

THE BRAKES AND ROTORS WENT TO SEEN AND THE CAR IS DRIVING FUNNY.

Feb 24, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

THE ELECTRICAL HOUSING FOR HEADLIGHT MELTDOWN CREATING POSSIBLY RISK OF FIRES. WAS DRIVING WHEN FEEL SOME BURNING SMELLING INSIDE THE CAR , NOTHING EL HAPPENED UNTIL STOP THE CAR , WHILE STOP THE CAR AND COMPLETED THE PURCHASES OF SOME GROSERAS WHEN RE START THE VEHICLE THE DASH BOARD LIGHT INDICATING LIGHT BULBS NEED TO BE HECK IS ON AFTER INSPECTION ALL LIGHT SEEMS LIKE IS WORKING OK BUT THE WARNING LIGHT STILL ON . AFTER MORE CLOSE INSPECTION AND GUIDE BY THE SMOKING/ BURNING SMELL DISCOVER SOME OF THE LECTRICAL CONNECTOR MELTED WITH THE ORIGINAL FACTORY LIGHT BULBS . MY CONCERN IS THE VEHICLE FACTOR SETUP CAN PRODUCE COMBUSTION AND MAKE THE VEHICLE CATCH FIRE.

Jan 29, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY PASSAT HAS BRAKE ISSUES THAT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT MY CAR IS AFFECTED BY THE NATIONAL RECALL ON VOLKSWAGEN PASSATS. I HAVE TRIED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS TO SET APPOINTMENTS A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MY CAR EVALUATED BUT TO NO AVAIL. SO AS IN A FURTHER ATTEMPT TO PROTECT THE SAFETY OF ME AND MY FAMILY I AM FILING THIS FORMAL COMPLAINT TO GET SOME HELP BEFORE THERE ARE ANY ISSUES WITH MY CAR. THIS MY EVERYDAY CAR MY WIFE AND CHILDREN OCCUPY THIS VEHICLE REGULARLY, PLEASE IF THEIR ANY WAY FOR ANYONE WHO CAN LOOK INTO MY SITUATION IT WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU

Apr 25, 2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

UPON ENTERING THE FREEWAY MY CAR STALLED OUT AND LOSS POWER. TOOK TO THE NEARBY DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ECM CONTROL MODULE WHICH WILL COST ME $1697.00 TO FIX . IT'S A FIVE DAY FIX AND MY CAR WONT RETURN UNTIL WEDNESDAY. 2016 VW PASSAT ELECTRICAL ENGINE MISFIRE. DEALERSHIP IS VW OF ONTARIO THE CAR IS THERE NOW. SINCE THERE IS A RECALL I'M WONDERING ABOUT REIMBURSEMENT. THE COMPUTER MODULE OF A CAR DOWN NOT USUALLY GO OUT AT 100K MILES. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. CONTACT ME AT [XXX]. MY NAME IS [XXX]. THANKS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mar 09, 2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

THE HEADLIGHTS GO VERY DIM 2 SECONDS AFTER THEY ARE TURNED ON. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE YOU CANT SEE ANYTHING MORE THAN 3 INCHES IN FRONT OF YOU.

Mar 05, 2019

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

1 complaint

2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND THE CAR SLOWED TO A NEAR STOP AND COULD NOT ASCEND A SMALL INCLINE ON INTERSTATE 95 SOUTHBOUND AT OR ABOUT STRATFORD, CONNECTICUT. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP IN STRATFORD CT. WHEN PUT INTO GEAR THE ENGINE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND THERE WAS NO POWER. WHEN IN PARK AND NEUTRAL THE ENGINE WAS FINE AND COULD BE "REVVED" WITHOUT ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE WIRE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE "TCM AND ICM' HAS "WATER DAMAGE" AND THAT WHEN THEY DISCONNECTED THOSE WIRES THERE "IS SIGNS OF CORROSION ON THE SEAL" ?

Sep 20, 2018

STEERING,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

TAKATA RECALL- NOT SURE IF IT IS BUT MY CAR HAS ISSUE ON THE STEERING. ALSO MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND ALONG WITH THAT MY HORN IS DISABLED. NOT SURE IF ITS UNDER RECALL BUT HOW DO I GET THOSE REPAIR

Jul 04, 2018

Crash: 1

STEERING,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CLOCK SPRING. I BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE AND IT GOT REPLACED 10/7/15. IT SNAPPED AGAIN 5 MONTHS LATER WAS REPLACED 3/8/16. IT SNAPPED AGAIN 6 MONTHS LATER. NOW VOLKWAGON OFFERS A 12,000 MILE 12 YEAR WARRANTY ON PARTS. I BRIGHT THE VEHICLE IN 10/18/16 AND THEY TOLD ME IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE SEEING THAT IT CONTROLS MY HORN AND WILL NOT LET MY AIRBAG DEPLOY. I HAVE CONTACTED VW HEADQUARTERS SEVERAL TIMES CONCERNING THIS ON GOING ISSUE. THEY REPLACED THE PART UNDER A 'GOODWILL' WHICH IT SHOULD'VE BEEN REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL & THE WARRANTY.

Oct 27, 2017

STRUCTURE,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH. MY 2016 VW PASST V6 SUDDENLY SWIRLED TO THE LEFT, JUMPED OVER CURBS, AND BUSTED ALL FOUR TIRES BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT. TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD STEPPED ON GAS INSTEAD OF BREAK OT IT COULD BE THE PARKING ASSISTANCE TOOK OVER THE CONTROL OF THE CAR. WHEN THEY REPLACED MY TIRES,, THEY FOUND AN OPEN RECORD/CAMPAIGN AS DESCRIBED "96D6 2016-05-04 W-UPDATE - PARK ASSIST AND BLIND SPOT DETECTION (NVLW)." I AM NOT SURE WHAT THIS RECORD MEANS. IS IT RELATED TO MY INCIDENT? I WONDER IF ANYONE COULD HELP ME UNDERSTAND THIS?

May 13, 2016

Crash: 1

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

HARSH DOWNSHIFT ASSOCIATED WITH A VERY AUDIBLE CLUNK OR BANG IN THE DRIVE TRAIN OR TRANSMISSION SINCE NEW. OCCURS WHEN UTILIZING THE AUTO-SHIFT (AKA TIPTRONIC(TM)) SHIFT TO DOWNSHIFT WHEN DE-CCELERATING TO A STOP. BANG OCCURS AT LOW RPM (<700) AND LOW SPEED (<10MPH) AND ONLY WHEN SHIFTING 2ND GEAR TO 1ST GEAR. PROBLEM CAN BE REPRODUCED AND IS ASSOCIATED WITH CITY STREET DRIVING WHEN USING THE TIPTRONIC TO CASCADE DOWN THROUGH THE GEARS WHEN APPROACHING A STOP. I HAVE DEMONSTRATED THE DEFECT/CONDITION TO VOLKSWAGEN TECHNICAL. IT REMAINS UNRESOLVED AND WAS RELEGATED TO BEING A "NORMAL" OCCURRENCE.

May 09, 2016

2016 VOLKSWAGEN Passat Problems & Complaints

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