Equipment complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2014 | 4 | 1% | 7,000 miles |
| 2013 | 5 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% | 10,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% | 12,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% | 3,000 miles |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% | 52,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% | 56,000 miles |
| 2003 | 8 | 1% | 31,000 miles |
| 2002 | 14 | 2% | 12,000 miles |
| 2001 | 4 | 1% | 65,000 miles |
| 2000 | 6 | 1% | 80,000 miles |
| 1999 | 6 | 1% | 175,000 miles |
| 1998 | 6 | 2% | 96,000 miles |
| 1997 | 2 | 5% | 65,000 miles |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% | 175,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accessories, trailer hitches and other equipment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I was driving on the highway when suddenly my sunroof exploded. It sounded like a gunshot that scared that[redacted] out my family and me. Volkswagen does not want to pay for the repair because an outside source hit it. First there was no cars in front of me at least for 200 meters. Second it looks like the glass pushed out from the inside out. I asked if they had any proof and told me that the glass was pushed out and that something had to hit it. They are willing to pay half the cost but I believe they don't want to pay the full cost because they don't want admit to fault. If a sunroof just does not explode, why on you tube a camera caught Volkswagen exploding sunroof. Vw just does not want to report problems because of recalls. I would like someone from your agency investigate, I have not yet ordered them tip fix the sunroof. It's at the dealer in union, nj if are willing to inspect. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. While driving 35 MPH, the global positioning system failed to provide accurate directions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 7,000. Updated 4/6/15 the consumer stated the GPS directed her into oncoming traffic. The GPS constantly gave out incorrect information. Updated 07/07/15
The infotainment screen and system have malfunctioned. The screen goes black and attempts to reboot repeatedly, never actually starting up. This prevents any access to the infotainment system and and use of the backup camera. Not only is this an inconvenience but a safety hazard as all cars are now required to have a backup camera. Upon further research, this is a common problem among many Volkswagen models and has cost Volkswagen customers thousands per incident/case.
Was turning in a parking lot and heard a loud cracking sound. The air bag light came on immediately and noticed the steering wheel controls and the horn were not working. Checked online and apparently issues were found on same model. It is a broken clock spring. Contacted dealer, they said to bring it in for diagnostics which would cost $120. I informed them of the broken part but they said they still would have to do the diagnostic. The clock spring itself would cost $485 if that was broken plus labor charges. Car has approximately 57250 miles.
Check engine (MIL) light turned on, car all of a sudden idles at a higher RPM while we were driving!!! Vehicle was taken into the dealership. Car is only under warranty for 36,000 miles or 3 years! Dealership ran diagnostic, came up with: code p0123 (throttle high input), p0299 (turbo under boost), p0456 (EVAP leak), p1098 (intake turning valve short to b+), code p2004 (intake runner stuck), code p3237 (intake runner basic settings). Dealer recommended intake runner motor replacement & replacement of turbo & n80 valve, also cv boot needs replacement. Total cost of repairs over $1200!!! We always take care of our vehicles and have them serviced at the dealership. Vehicle has also had defective interior parts. Interior trim (all switches - lock, window & radio are bubbling and chipping). Door panel trim (rubber is peeling). …
There are severe toxic odor's (voc's) coming from the bottom of the carpet insulation of the interior if the car. It is so potent that I have sore throats , headaches and feel light headed during and after I drive the 2006 Volkswagen Passat. This odor/voc has almost caused me to faint due to the severe allergic reaction I have to it. I have to have all windows open to even drive the automobile. After searching the internet under "Volkswagen crayon smell" there are hundreds are similar complaints about Volkswagen cars where they have found the interior sound insulation mat under the carper floor to be the cause. I need my car and I can't drive it like this as it is unsafe for my health and I fear this "crayon odor" could cause me to have a car accident. …
I have a 2004 vw Passat 4motion 1.8 turbo. I have just recently (within the last month) replaced the #2 coil. Now today either another coil is gone or the same one. I haven't gotten it to my mechanic yet to determine which one is bad. But after talking to him he related to me that he has replaced several # 2 coils this year on this make of vehicle.. So I am just guessing that this is the problem this time around. My vehicle has 52,000 miles on it. It wasn't the #2 coil it was the #1 coil. I am getting really disgusted with this car as far as reliability is concerned. I am planning on a trip to florida in the fall and am wondering if I should take a case of coils with me. I was at the dealers the first time this happened & asked about recalls on this item. They said they didn't have any.. …
2004 vw Passat 4 sedan rear cigarette lighter and ash tray are not safely and functional installed well. Have the tendency to keep coming apart entirely exposing electrical wires leading to burn and electrical shock or popping or burning of wires. Have had the problem repaired on multiple occasions by dealer as well as by myself to further prevent the mishap since out of warranty. My children bump the cigarette lighter and it caused sparks and burning smell. I was able to repair the enclosure again for the 13th or so time and since it's not under warranty it's not covered. Children sit in the rear more than adults but there has been time where the adults have causd the same issue. It's that my 9 yr old son try to repair or put back in where the entire enclosure fell out again.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Passat years have equipment problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (14), 2003 (8), 1998 (6), 1999 (6) and 2000 (6) model years. Equipment complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Volkswagen Passat equipment problems?
No. NHTSA lists no equipment & accessories recall for any Volkswagen Passat model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Volkswagen Passat equipment problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles; 58% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the electrical › radio/tape deck/cd etc. (22 mentions), followed by the electrical (4).
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.