Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | 4% | 25,000 miles |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% | 24,000 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2015 | 16 | 7% | 59,000 miles |
| 2014 | 6 | 1% | 86,000 miles |
| 2013 | 13 | 2% | 21,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% | 2,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 6% | 0 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% | 102,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% | 80,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% | 29,000 miles |
| 2006 | 8 | 1% | 8,000 miles |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% | 34,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% | 96,000 miles |
| 2003 | 10 | 2% | 41,000 miles |
| 2002 | 16 | 2% | 54,000 miles |
| 2001 | 25 | 6% | 53,000 miles |
| 2000 | 36 | 7% | 60,000 miles |
| 1999 | 118 | 18% | 62,000 miles |
| 1998 | 90 | 27% | 80,000 miles |
| 1995 | 5 | 5% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. While driving 70 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal banging sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle started to spin out of control and crashed into a retaining wall. The vehicle spun back out into oncoming traffic. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to rick case Volkswagen (located at 3520 weston rd, weston, fl 33331, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the suspension spring detached and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
This past Sunday, my son was driving on 95 and the driver's side front wheel exploded off the car while driving. He did not hit anything, nor did he get a flat tire. The metal holding the tire literally broke, the wheel came off the car causing the car to drop on the front axle while he was doing 65 MPH on the highway.
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, he heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for a tire rotation, the dealer informed the contact that the front driver's side coil spring was fractured and the rear driver's side coil spring was cracked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the front driver's side coil spring was replaced. However, the part for the rear driver's side coil spring repair was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V188000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
For about 2 years my vehicle has been vibrating at the steering wheel. I have replaced the tires twice, have done multiple tire balances, rotations, road force tests, alignments, and have requested multiple inspections of all components associated with the steering assembly. All possible solutions have apparently been insufficient or they have been found inconclusive. The technicians at the dealership have been unable to identify the cause of the vibration. Due to this, my steering wheel has continued to vibrate for about 2 years. The vibration occurs around highway speeds as well as when braking. I have recorded multiple videos that show this as well as having testament from multiple people, including dealership staff. The vibration has slowly but surely gotten worse over time and I am afraid that something will break and cause me to have an accident or severe injuries.
The contact owns 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that puddles of oil could be found on the ground after parking the vehicle. The contact also stated that while making a turn in either direction the vehicle would wobble causing him to lose control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the tread in the driver's and passenger's side front tires were wearing excessively. The contact stated that the front tires had been replaced multiple times; however, the failure persisted. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on multiple occasions; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,103.
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that upon performing an oil change on the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact that both rear driver's side and passenger's side suspension springs were fractured and needed to be replaced. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-60 MPH and driving over the roadway, the rear coil spring fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000.
Stalling? Have to put in DRIVE in order to forward in order to get car to back up? Air bags Clock wheel has more connection to what wrong/Air bags connections is Connected to HORN (which stopped working) DRIVE? all the refuses are working fine. horn not work; Dangerous driving in CALIIFORNIA without a HORN** I just want ALL is for them to REPLACE the PARTS OF MY VW 2013 PASSAT WITHOUT ANY CHARGE Whatsoever; even an UNNECESSARY FEE** I am driving a car with DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS, TIRES HEADLIGHTS, Suspension, SEATBELTS PROBLEMS, TRANSMISSIONS PRBLEMS, steering, electrical, system THAT CAN EXPLODE LEADING TO A LETHAL SITUATION FOR MYSELF And/or my DISABLED SON NOT TO SAY SOMETIMES I HAVE MY GRANDKIDS here have been a lot of complaints other than for what these recalled products are allowed on this vehicle. I am not the only one dealing with this stalling issue/go forward. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Passat years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (118), 1998 (90), 2000 (36), 2001 (25) and 2002 (16) model years. Suspension complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Volkswagen Passat suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front › control arm (91 mentions), followed by the front (79).
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.