Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 23% | 0 miles |
| 2021 | 3 | 17% | — |
| 2020 | 3 | 17% | — |
| 2019 | 4 | 33% | 4,000 miles |
| 2018 | 10 | 22% | 50,000 miles |
| 2017 | 18 | 16% | 61,000 miles |
| 2016 | 22 | 21% | 6,000 miles |
| 2015 | 48 | 20% | 53,000 miles |
| 2014 | 74 | 12% | 48,000 miles |
| 2013 | 93 | 12% | 62,000 miles |
| 2012 | 95 | 20% | 60,000 miles |
| 2011 | 4 | 25% | 116,000 miles |
| 2010 | 24 | 14% | 74,000 miles |
| 2009 | 19 | 13% | 65,000 miles |
| 2008 | 22 | 13% | 85,000 miles |
| 2007 | 35 | 13% | 80,000 miles |
| 2006 | 79 | 14% | 59,000 miles |
| 2005 | 9 | 6% | 64,000 miles |
| 2004 | 24 | 8% | 58,000 miles |
| 2003 | 91 | 14% | 63,000 miles |
| 2002 | 220 | 34% | 15,000 miles |
| 2001 | 74 | 17% | 41,000 miles |
| 2000 | 43 | 8% | 74,000 miles |
| 1999 | 58 | 9% | 85,000 miles |
| 1998 | 28 | 8% | 84,000 miles |
| 1997 | 13 | 35% | 86,000 miles |
| 1996 | 14 | 35% | 105,000 miles |
| 1995 | 15 | 16% | 165,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle was parked, all 4 doors would automatically unlock. There were no warning lights on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and diagnosed with no failure being found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90.
I keep adding oil and the dealership says there's nothing wrong. For electric problems the speakers have static noise and the screen goes black and turns on hours later. I took in my recently they said there wasn't any problems with the car but I literally deal with it everyday. I told them my car shakes when I brake on high speed they said they checked car but found no issues I personally do not feel safe driving my car at all.
I am requesting that Volkswagen open a formal case regarding a fire involving my 2021 Volkswagen Passat. On May 6, 2026, at approximately 9:30 PM, after driving about seven miles, I came to a complete stop and the vehicle began smoking before catching fire. The vehicle has been declared a total loss and is currently being stored at a salvage yard pending investigation. I am requesting that Volkswagen investigate the cause of the fire and advise whether an inspection of the vehicle will be conducted.
I have encountered severe and unresolved issues with the vehicle, and despite multiple visits to Serramonte VW dealership, the problems persist. I leased this car from VW Serramonte on 8/29/2021, and their contact information is as follows: Serramonte Volkswagen 711 Serramonte Blvd. Colma, CA 94014 (650) 756- 9000 www.serramontevw.com To provide context, the vehicle began experiencing unresolved electrical problems at just 7,000 miles. Despite repeated attempts for repairs at the dealership, these issues persist. Additionally, at only 9,000 miles, abnormal wear on the rear brake pads and rotors was discovered, requiring replacement. The dealership acknowledged the unusual nature of this problem, stating that it typically occurs after 30,000 miles in a typical car. …
My clock spring isn't working after having my vehicle for barely a year. My air bag light is currently on. I can't use my horn nor use any of the controls on my steering wheel. I've paid already 800 plus on previous car issues such as my harness hose. I'm still awaiting reimbursement. Further review and assistance needed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the collision avoidance system independently activated causing the vehicle to abruptly stop even though there were no vehicles or objects nearby. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer fairfield vw located at 5071 lycoming mall dr, montoursville, pa 17754 however, the cause of the failure was not determined. Additionally, on several occasions the vehicle would not start when pushing the start/stop button and the message "no key detected" was sometimes displayed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 15,000.
When the vehicle is off, the factory remote start does not function. The car will turn over, but immediately die. Vw has known about this since late 2018, but has not done anything to fix the issue. I purchased my vehicle in June of 2019, and the vehicle was sold to me without the dealership letting me know the remote start would not work. I had to find out myself on a cold morning. I even called to let them know what was going on and they had me bring it in even though they already knew there was an issue. How can vw get away with selling a feature on a vehicle that does not work a year after they are aware of it?
The vehicle can be turned off while in drive, and gives no extra signals (beeps, flashing lights, etc.) with the exception of a brief message on the dash and single ding (same ding for door open, and other low importance messages). The vehicle will then roll until the brake is applied or it comes to a rest on a flat surface or against a pole or hard object. This is a significant safety hazard that has occurred to me 3-4 times, the most recent was today when the vehicle rolled backwards down my mothers driveway. Crossed the street, entered the neighbors driveway/yard, contacted the mail box and came to rest in the front yard. The vehicle rolled approx. 200ft. The vehicle is equipped with auto braking and parking collision warning, that are capable of sensing a collision while driving and notifying the driver of objects while parking. …
Related recalls (2)
Electrical system › Wiring
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.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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.
NHTSA investigations
Passenger engine compartment fires
The manufacturer notified NHTSA on 04-apr-08 that a safety recall action would be initiated to remedy the issue.in June 2008, the manufacturer issued a technical service bulletin (code 26e5/r5) regarding the specific procedures to be employed in this campaign.vehicle owner notification letters were sent beginning approximately June 13, 2008.the campaign was assigned NHTSA no.
Passenger/engine compartment fires
Many of the fire reports allege that the vehicle fire was attributed to ignition coil failure.vw provided additional data regarding its analysis of vehicle fires and a detailed description of the three different engines and ignition systems for the subject vehicles.odifinds the need to further investigate this issue.to facilitate acquisition and analysis of additional information, this investigationhas been upgraded…
Engine stalling
By letter received on June 24, 2005, mr. Ronald m. Strickland of raleigh, nc, submitted a petition requesting that the agency investigate the performance of the ignition coil plugs on model year (my) 2000-2003 Volkswagen jetta, golf and passat sedans.the petitioner alleges that he had experienced multiple stalling events as a result of one or more ignition coil plugs malfunctioning on his 2002 vw jetta sedan.as a…
Engine Compartment Fire
In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has since identified 135 unique engine fire reports…
Engine Compartment Fire
ODI has received 11 complaints alleging that a fire started in the engine compartment of the vehicle that may be related to ignition coil failure, and 9 complaints of ignition coil failure that did not result in a fire.Reports state that the vehicle hesitated or lost power, and the check engine or dashboard lights illuminated.The vehicles were repaired by replacing the faulty ignition coil(s).
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Passat years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (220), 2012 (95), 2013 (93), 2003 (91) and 2006 (79) model years. Electrical complaints make up 34% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Volkswagen Passat electrical problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 16V-171 (wiring, Mar 24, 2016); 02V-256 (switch, Sep 18, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Volkswagen Passat electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles; 46% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition (207 mentions), followed by the ignition › module (40).
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.