Door Lock & Latch complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 8% | 0 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 0% | 49,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% | 63,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% | 35,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% | 1,000 miles |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% | 38,000 miles |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% | 33,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% | 120,000 miles |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% | 55,000 miles |
| 2002 | 6 | 1% | 85,000 miles |
| 2001 | 4 | 1% | 80,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% | 110,000 miles |
| 1999 | 3 | 0% | 41,000 miles |
| 1998 | 5 | 2% | 61,000 miles |
| 1997 | 4 | 11% | 79,000 miles |
| 1996 | 5 | 13% | 68,000 miles |
| 1995 | 9 | 10% | 165,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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). …
Tl contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the steering column locks up on her vehicle and prevents it from being driven. She attempted to start the engine and an indicator illuminated, which stated that the steering column was locked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the steering column was defective and needed a module. The repair would cost $1,300. The failure mileage was 63,000. Updated 05/27/09 updated 06/08/09 updated 6/16/09 the left rear caliper needed to be replaced,the check engine light illuminated, the transmission was making a loud noise, the tire pressure light illuminated, the left turn signal did not work, the left wheel bearing needed to be replaced, the hood release lever inside the vehicle was inoperative. Updated 06/17/09.
The first problem I noticed was when I exitedthe vehicle was that the remote control would not lock the doors. I thought the battery was dead so I manually locked them. I was unable to unlock the doors to the vehicle with the remote as well, so I manually unlocked them, started the car and proceeded on. I stopped for fuel, turned the ignition off, removed the key and realized that the engine was still running. I tried several times to get the engine to shut off but it would not. I continued on to my residence where again the engine failed to stop running with the key off and out of the ignition. I called vw roadside assistance who put me in touch with a dealer who talked me through stalling the engine by cutting off the air supply. I brought the vehicle to my local dealer the next day which was a Saturday. …
Door opened unexpectedly three times while vehicle under way. Winter driving conditions with temperature swings. Twice had unrelated failure to latch, but those cases were obvious. In these three cases, the door closed and latched, but would not lock manually or by electric controls or by automatic speed-related locking program. The automatic locking feature was attempting to lock the car repeatedly. The door was closed securely and tested prior to departure during episodes two and three. During turns, the door popped open fully, with force, without warning. No injuries sustained.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that it took multiple attempts for the vehicle to become operable even when the starter was engaged. The vehicle also experienced an interior water leak and the driver side door latch would not properly latch. In addition, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of engine power and the check engine, brake, and various other warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a software failure, and the ignition coil springs were defective and needed to be replaced. The ignition coil springs were replace however the failure recurred. The manufacturer and dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Brake failure light appears even after multiple brake repairs. Driver?s side rear upper brake light replaced for 29th time in less than 2 yrs. Multiple coolant leaks still present even after repair and water pump replacement. Radio/amplifier not functioning even after replacement (radio was only used twice in vehicle?s lifetime). Diagnostics show airbag malfunction. Regulator pin on rear passenger side window keeps breaking (3rd replacement since 2003). Engine cover below car keeps falling off due to rusted bolts. Homelink system keeps malfunctioning. Fuses keep blowing out. Dashboard panel lights out (odometer, fuel gauge, etc.). Ccm module keeps breaking down. Car needs to be jumpstarted when not in use for over 48 hrs. Climate control (A/C and heater) works only sporadically. All repairs performed by vw dealership, yet same issues keep reappearing just a few weeks after repairs. …
Bought the car new and have had to deal with defective tires, defective ignition coils causing two major breakdowns at highway speeds with children in the car. The last two ignition coils were recalled. The car will not run if it is wet from heavy rain and has to be completely dried before the breaks work properly. Oil pump was replaced 14 months ago, another major breakdown on highway with children. It has broken down yet again...the dealership says it needs another oil pump because of sludge, about $2000, not under warranty because it is past the 12 month, 12,000mile mark. Two other private mechanics told me, replacing the oil pump would only disguise, temporarily the real issue....the engine is junk. It now sits in my driveway because it is not under warranty because I am missing some oil change receipts. …
I was filling up my windshield washer fluid and was trying to put the cap back on my 2002 Passat when the hood strut failed and the hood crashed down on my forearm, pinning my arm between the hood and car frame. I screamed out both in pain and not being able to pull my arm free and had someone rush over to me within seconds. However, the hood latch had engaged but would not release since the hood was not closed all the way, my arm blocking this from happening. The first gentleman tried to alleve the pressure on my arm, which had already started going numb, while he called out for someone else to come and help and bring a heavy metal bar to pry me out. The second gentleman came with a large wrench and was able to bend the frame enough for me to pull my arm out. Major indent of my forearm had me make an emergency room visit. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Passat years have door lock & latch problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (11), 1995 (9), 2002 (6), 2003 (6) and 1996 (5) model years. Door Lock & Latch complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Volkswagen Passat door lock & latch problems?
No. NHTSA lists no locks & latches 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 door lock & latch problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the doors › latch (40 mentions), followed by the trunk lid › lock (8).
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.