Volkswagen Passat Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 54 safety recalls and 7,705 owner complaints across 35 model years of the Volkswagen Passat (1988–2022). The most-complained-about year is 2013.

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What Volkswagen Passat owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 7,705 complaints with NHTSA. The 2013 model year has the most, with 748.

• Air bags1,512
• Electrical system722
• Engine591
• Fuel/propulsion system434
• Steering379
• Unknown or other303
• Engine and engine cooling: engine264
• Engine and engine cooling256

All Volkswagen Passat recalls (54)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Volkswagen Passat, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

1. Inflator module (air bags)

   NHTSA 24V834000 Reported October 30, 2024 248,330 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high…

   Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's…

   Model years: 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017

2. Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (wheels) and wheel bearing (suspension)

   NHTSA 21V812000 Reported October 15, 2021 30 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Passat vehicles. The front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.

   Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tightness of the wheel bearing bolts and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service…

   Model years: 2021

3. Unknown or other

   NHTSA 21V321000 Reported May 5, 2021 46 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified…

   Remedy: Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.

   Model years: 2016, 2017

4. Unknown or other

   NHTSA 20V561000 Reported September 16, 2020 23 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such,…

   Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.

   Model years: 2016, 2017, 2018

5. Cushion (air bags)

   NHTSA 20V533000 Reported September 2, 2020 1,829 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Passat vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

   Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Volkswagen's…

   Model years: 2020

6. Inflator module (air bags)

   NHTSA 19V862000 Reported December 4, 2019 226 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure…

   Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi…

   Model years: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

7. Unknown or other

   NHTSA 19V679000 Reported September 25, 2019 113 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle…

   Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7.…

   Model years: 2017

8. Headlights (exterior lighting)

   NHTSA 19V389000 Reported May 22, 2019 662,185 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108,…

   Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at…

   Model years: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

9. Air bags: side/window

   NHTSA 19V218000 Reported March 20, 2019 3 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.

   Remedy: Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is…

   Model years: 2020

10. Inflator module (air bags)

    NHTSA 19V014000 Reported January 11, 2019 119,394 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015 Passat, 2015-2016 Eos, 2015-2017 CC, 2016-2017 TT Roadster, TT Coupe, 2017 Audi R8 Coupe, and R8 Spyder vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen…

    Model years: 2015

11. Caliper (service brakes)

    NHTSA 18V536000 Reported August 15, 2018 8,416 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and…

    Model years: 2017, 2018

12. Inflator module (air bags)

    NHTSA 18V406000 Reported June 13, 2018 2,564 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2003 Volkswagen Passat sedan, Jetta, Jetta wagon, Golf, EuroVan, EuroVan Camper Van and EuroVan Chassis vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.…

    Model years: 2003

13. Caliper (service brakes) Do not drive

    NHTSA 18V369000 Reported June 1, 2018 10,225 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.

    Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the…

    Model years: 2018

14. Unknown or other

    NHTSA 18V329000 Reported May 16, 2018 252 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact…

    Model years: 2012

15. Inflator module (air bags)

    NHTSA 18V247000 Reported April 18, 2018 71,335 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service…

    Model years: 2006, 2007

16. Inflator module (air bags)

    NHTSA 18V148000 Reported March 6, 2018 363,713 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer…

    Model years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014

17. Fuel pump (fuel system)

    NHTSA 17V509000 Reported August 16, 2017 280,915 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's…

    Model years: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

18. Driveshaft (power train) and diesel (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 17V309000 Reported May 11, 2017 84,262 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Passat vehicles, equipped with diesel engines and Direct-Shift Transmissions (DSG). The vehicle's underbody heat shield may not be long enough to protect the right half-shaft grease boot from heat, potentially resulting in a grease leak.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft heat shield, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's…

    Model years: 2012, 2013, 2014

19. Fluid (service brakes) and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 17V075000 Reported February 8, 2017 1,007 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Passat vehicles. Brake fluid may leak slowly from the some of the brake line connections, resulting in a low brake fluid level.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake lines, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.…

    Model years: 2017

20. Fuel rail (fuel system)

    NHTSA 16V403000 Reported June 6, 2016 55 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jetta vehicles manufactured October 31, 2015, to January 21, 2016, 2016 Passat vehicles, equipped with 1.8T engines manufactured November 13, 2015, to December 9, 2015, and 2016 Golf vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to November 11, 2015. In the…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at…

    Model years: 2016

21. Electrical system: wiring

    NHTSA 16V171000 Reported March 24, 2016 91,442 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical connectors of the sensor, causing an electrical short.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in September. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.…

    Model years: 2012, 2013, 2014

22. Inflator module (air bags)

    NHTSA 16V079000 Reported February 10, 2016 151,767 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.…

    Model years: 2006

23. Inflator module (air bags)

    NHTSA 16V078000 Reported February 10, 2016 659,493 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification…

    Model years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014

24. Engine (engine and engine cooling) and vacuum (service brakes)

    NHTSA 15V705000 Reported October 26, 2015 91,867 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.

    Remedy: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.

    Model years: 2015, 2016

25. Air bags: frontal

    NHTSA 15V483000 Reported August 4, 2015 415,825 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires…

    Model years: 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014

26. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 15V373000 Reported June 15, 2015 62 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Passat vehicles manufactured May 18, 2015, to May 21, 2015. The affected vehicles have a brake line at the left rear wheel area that may not have been properly tightened.

    Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will tighten the brake line fitting, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number…

    Model years: 2015

27. Fuel rail (fuel system)

    NHTSA 15V028000 Reported January 23, 2015 44,658 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's…

    Model years: 2014, 2015

28. Seats

    NHTSA 14V670000 Reported October 24, 2014 393 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Jetta and Passat vehicles manufactured September 23, 2014, to October 9, 2014, and equipped with manual front seatback recliners. In the affected vehicles, the seatback recliner retaining bracket may not engage correctly, resulting in…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the assembly of the seatback recliner retaining bracket, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact…

    Model years: 2015

29. Cooling unit and lines (power train)

    NHTSA 14V182000 Reported April 15, 2014 26,452 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the transmission may leak fluid.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at…

    Model years: 2014

30. Headlights (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 14V125000 Reported March 17, 2014 150,201 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Passat vehicles manufactured January 2011 through November 2012. In the affected vehicles, the low beam headlight bulb may become loose and lose electrical contact.

    Remedy: Volkswagen notified owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holder, free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagens recall number associated with this…

    Model years: 2012, 2013

31. Fuel system, diesel

    NHTSA 12V146000 Reported April 5, 2012 153 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2012 passat vehicles, manufactured from january 18, 2011, through june 1, 2011. During assembly, these vehicles were built with a diesel fuel filter element that may not seal correctly.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the diesel fuel filter elements, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 27, 2012. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Model years: 2012

32. Gear box (other than rack and pinion) (steering)

    NHTSA 08V577000 Reported November 3, 2008 130 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    VW is recalling 130 my 2009 passat, passat wagon, and passat cc vehicles. Some vehicles may have an electromechanical steering gear control unit that can malfunction due to a damaged capacitor. If this malfunction occurs, the driver's steering input is not properly processed by the system and the vehicle may not respond as the driver…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering gear in the affected vehicles. The recall began on december 5, 2008. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.

    Model years: 2009

33. Engine and engine cooling

    NHTSA 08V235000 Reported May 28, 2008 6,579 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    Volkswagen is recalling 4,079 my 2008 passat and 2,500 my 2009 tiguan passenger vehicles equipped with 2.0t fsi ulev ii engines. These vehicles have an engine control module (ECM) containing software that may not properly control engine idle with the air conditioning turned on. In rare cases, the ECM may unexpectedly increase engine RPM.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and update the ECM software free of charge. The recall began on may 30, 2008. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

    Model years: 2008

34. Delivery (fuel system)

    NHTSA 08V156000 Reported April 7, 2008 412,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    Volkswagen is recalling 412,000 my 1999-2005 passat (5th generation) vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and produced after june 14, 1999. These vehicles may have an underbody heat shield that can become damaged. In addition, affected vehicles with automatic or manual transmissions may have a fuel line (1.8t engines only) or…

    Remedy: Dealers will install additional underbody heat shields on vehicles with automatic transmissions to cover the possibly damaged areas and flash all 1.8t engines with a precautionary software update. Dealers will also…

    Model years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

35. Fuel pump (fuel system)

    NHTSA 07V375000 Reported August 28, 2007 34,358 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    On certain vehicles equipped with 1.8l turbo, 2.8l v6, or 3.0l engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall.

    Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on september 28, 20007. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-222-8987 or audi at 1-800-822-2834. This recall is a supplement to a previous campaign (please…

    Model years: 2003

36. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 07V063000 Reported February 20, 2007 1,002,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.

    Remedy: Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on april 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through september 21, 2007. Vehicles within the make,…

    Model years: 2003, 2004, 2005

37. Motor (visibility)

    NHTSA 06V470000 Reported December 12, 2006 57,291 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    On certain '6' generation passenger vehicles, the wiper motor may fail during heavy rain due to excessive moisture entering the wiper motor. If this happens, the wipers can become inoperative.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a special cover and sealing kit. The recall began on january 12, 2007. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

    Model years: 2006, 2007

38. Vacuum (service brakes)

    NHTSA 06V472000 Reported December 12, 2006 58,800 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    Certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.0l engine with 147 kw may have a vacuum line that may fracture and become disconnected at low ambient temperatures.

    Remedy: Dealers will install the newly designed vacuum line. The recall began on january 12, 2007. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

    Model years: 2006, 2007

39. Fuel pump (fuel system)

    NHTSA 06V017000 Reported January 23, 2006 74,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    On certain vehicles produced from september 2002 - march 2003, equipped with 1.8l turbo, 2.8l v6, or 3.0l engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall.

    Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on april 10, 2006. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-222-8987 or audi at 1-800-822-2834.

    Model years: 2003

40. Tie rod assembly (steering)

    NHTSA 05V540000 Reported November 30, 2005 15 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    On certain passenger vehicles, the left and right tie rod securing nut may be insufficiently torqued.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and install new left and right tie rod securing nuts at the proper torqued specification. The recall began on december 7, 2005. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

    Model years: 2006

41. Fuel system, diesel

    NHTSA 04V586000 Reported December 15, 2004 19,284 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    On certain passenger vehicles, the high pressure diesel pumps were produced with an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape from the pump.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began on february 8, 2005. Owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Model years: 2004, 2005

42. Tires

    NHTSA 03V154000 Reported April 22, 2003 11 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Certain sedans and station wagons equipped with 4.0l w8 engines fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." the affected vehicles are equipped with tires of the maximum load rating index 93h; however, they should have been equipped with tires with the load rating…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace all four tires with the proper size tires. Owner notification began september 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…

    Model years: 2002

43. Switch (electrical system)

    NHTSA 02V256000 Reported September 18, 2002 10,450 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    On certain passenger vehicles, the electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly can fail causing the headlights and windshield wipers to become inoperative.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the electrical part of the ignition switch assembly. Owner notification began november 20, 2002. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.

    Model years: 1996

44. Filler pipe and cap (fuel system)

    NHTSA 02V026000 Reported January 25, 2002 487,284 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    On some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates.

    Remedy: Dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. Jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the…

    Model years: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

45. Tank assembly (fuel system)

    NHTSA 01V157000 Reported May 3, 2001 70,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Sulfur in fuel interacts with certain additives found in widely available gasoline causing sulfur to become deposited on the contact points of three fuel sending units mounted inside the fuel tank. This could cause the fuel gauge to read full while the fuel tank may not in fact be full or could…

    Remedy: Dealers will remove the existing fuel level sending units and replace them with fuel level sending units using a new alloy composed of gold, silver, and a small amount of nickel, which will not chemically react with…

    Model years: 2000, 2001

46. Connecting (steering)

    NHTSA 00V414000 Reported December 6, 2000 83,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the tie rods.

    Model years: 1999

47. Connecting (steering)

    NHTSA 99V248000 Reported September 13, 1999 51,900 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the tie rods.

    Model years: 1998, 1999

48. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 99V131001 Reported May 21, 1999 88,121 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.

    Model years: 1998, 1999

49. Cooling system (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 98V134000 Reported June 22, 1998 19,800 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the engine backfires during a cold-start, an air screen which is loosely seated in the air flow meter can become damaged.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a retaining ring to hold the air screen in place.

    Model years: 1998

50. Cooling system (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 96V115000 Reported July 1, 1996 8,100 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    In the event the engine overheats and the vehicle is operated continuously in that condition, the coolant pressure will rise to a level at which the heat exchanger could leak.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the heat exchanger on these vehicles.

    Model years: 1988, 1989, 1990

51. Fan (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 95V178000 Reported September 20, 1995 34,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Improper material was used in manufacturing the radiator fan motor shaft causing the shaft to wear and become noisy.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the complete cooling fan assembly on vehicle having the potential shaft material problem. Dealers will install a new fan blade including a new lock nut on vehicle with loose fan blade lock nuts.

    Model years: 1993, 1994, 1995

52. Suspension: front

    NHTSA 93V118000 Reported July 14, 1993 1,200 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Lock nuts used to hold the left and right front axles to the suspension struts may not have been properly manufactured. The lock nuts may break and cause separation of the axle from the suspension struts.

    Remedy: Replace the lock nuts.

    Model years: 1993

53. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 92V131000 Reported September 15, 1992 12,650 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    The venturi tube located in the throttle valve housing can become loose and fall against the throttle plate.

    Remedy: Replace the press-fit venturi tube with a thread type tube.

    Model years: 1990, 1991, 1992

54. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)

    NHTSA 92V058000 Reported April 14, 1992 358,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    The fuel hose attached to the fuel distribution rail on the engine may shrink beyond the clamp force of the fuel hose clamps, allowing fuel to leak.

    Remedy: Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.

    Model years: 1993

Other Volkswagen models

• Jetta10,000 complaints
• Beetle2,596 complaints
• Tiguan2,300 complaints
• Atlas1,999 complaints
• Golf1,439 complaints
• GTI1,405 complaints
• ID.41,007 complaints
• Cc983 complaints

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.