Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Volkswagen Passat owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving a 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where she informed the mechanic that she had to top off the oil reservoir with 1 to 2 quarts of oil every two weeks. The mechanic informed her that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil and referred her to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where she was informed that the upper timing chain cover and transmission oil cooler needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V182000 (Power Train) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and she was informed that her vehicle was not included in the recall. …
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH there was no issue with the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, he noticed a fluid leak on the floor underneath the vehicle. The contact was later informed by the dealer that it was a transmission fluid that was leaking from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and he was informed that the transmission oil cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was then informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V182000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
I had just had the engine replaced on my 2014 Volkswagen Passat TDI 13 miles previously and on my first drive upon getting my car back I had an error code "transmission overheated" and I lost power while driving and the check engine light also illuminated. The transmission cut out almost immediately when the overheating message illuminated on the dashboard. It then illuminated a wrench where the drive indication is not the dashboard and would not allow selection of any gears. I had the transmission inspected by the dealer and they aren't sure what happened and that it does indeed need a new transmission. The fact that I lost the ability to drive the car immediately after the light came on while driving seems dangerous to me and a transmission with 63,000 miles and 64 degrees F shouldn't overheat. …
The vehicle experienced repeated catastrophic engine failures, including failure of a replacement engine. Approximately six months after purchase and at around 80,000 miles, the engine failed and required a complete engine replacement through Volkswagen and the MaxCare service contract. Approximately one to one and a half years later, at around 120,000 miles, the replacement engine also failed. The vehicle developed rough idle conditions, check engine light warnings, timing chain and camshaft-related issues, lubrication-related concerns, and severe engine performance problems. Volkswagen later recommended another complete engine rebuild or replacement along with additional engine-related repairs. The vehicle became non-operable and could no longer be safely or reliably driven. …
I am reporting a recurring engine defect in a 2014 Volkswagen Passat that has resulted in repeated engine failure and loss of power while driving. Approximately six months after purchase, the vehicle required a complete engine replacement. One to two years after the replacement, the vehicle began exhibiting the same engine-related failures and has since become inoperable again. Manufacturer-issued Technical Service Bulletins addressing these engine defects were issued prior to the sale of the vehicle, indicating the condition was known. The repeated engine failures create unsafe driving conditions, including the risk of sudden loss of power during vehicle operation.
1) Transmission vehicle is not able to be driven Driving on the highway taking kids to school as my vehicle would not accelerate put me the kids and all that were on the road that morning at risk because all i could do is coast to get off on the side of the highway. I had it towed to independent center No warning signs, lights or messages nor any other symptoms. 2)also faulty steering wheel clock spring all of the controls stopped working airbag light is on and when turning the wheel it clicks and rubs.
I was driving down the interstate 5 in the la area and without warning, my car started jerking and lost power. I was stuck on the fast lane without being able to restart my car in Friday afternoon rush hour traffic. I had my car towed to a vw dealership and the diagnosis came back as metal in the fuel system. I was told this was due to the high pressure fuel pump (hpfp) failing. What was most disturbing was when I was informed that to fix this problem, they would have to replace the entire fuel system, costing me $7,500. My car is 3 years old and has 75K miles so I was blown away! I called numerous mechanics and all told me they've seen similar problems on vw and Audi vehicles. I went online to do some research and found a number of forums with vw customers with identical problems. …
2014 vw Passat tdi se 2.0l manual my vehicle has 62,583 mi. On it. I was driving on the highway when the diesel "glow plug" light began flashing on the dashboard and I lost all engine power. I was fortunate to be able to reach the roadside safely and I was able to bring the car to a halt on the roadside. Trying to start the vehicle however was not possible, the "glow plug" light continued to flash and the vehicle would not start. Vw roadside assistance was called and the vehicle was towed to the nearest vw dealership where I have was given the error code information below and told my turbo and engine need to be replaced but that they are outside of my 5yr/60,000 mi warranty. …
Purchased a new Volkswagen Passat September 22, 2014. Two weeks later October 6 I was driving on the expressway when abruptly the gear shift into neutral pressed the gas the RPM went to 4 I had to stop. Another two weeks later the same thing happened again.I scheduled a service appointment for November 17 th. On the 14th and 15 th of November the car shift into neutral again, however on the 15 th it happened on a local street driving at about 35 miles/ hour. I took the car for service I was told it was not possible and maybe I hang my pocket book on the changer. I was also told the car is functioning as designed. I took the car and the same night the car abruptly slipped into neutral again . …
The car's transmission is listed as "automatic", however it jerks on slow speeds and slowing down. This performance is described in the dsg diagram from the automotive technology web site. It also appears that this manufacturer (vw) was the first to design this an automated manual transmission, it was not approved by the nhsta. This transmission should not be classified and then certified as automatic. The buying public should be notified if their vehicle has this alternate transmission. The jerk and lurch of the vehicle is problematic if the driver loses control at the event that the transmission is actually at fault. There is no grind in the gears like a traditional automatic to indicate malfunction. This occurs at every start, stop which makes it the regular performance for the vehicle, but how does the owner know when things are not. Occurs stopping at lights. …
Related recalls
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
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.
Transmission complaints in other Passat years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2014 Volkswagen Passat, 6% of the model year's 594 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › cooler/radiator › hoses and fittings (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Volkswagen Passat transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-309 (driveshaft, May 11, 2017); NHTSA recall 14V-182 (cooling unit and lines, Apr 15, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2014 Volkswagen Passat transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.