2016 Volkswagen Passat

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/28/2021· AIR BAGS

  I started my vehicle and the airbag light was on. Also the adaptive cruise control warning light was on and none of my steering wheel controls work. Not even the horn works. This is a huge safety issue that Volkswagen is aware of based on a past recall. There are no open recalls for my vehicle for this problem but there should be! I cannot even drive my car now because It’s not safe with no working horn or airbag! I researched online what the problem could be and several Volkswagen owners have the EXACT SAME issue. Apparently it’s the clock spring? I am not aware of Volkswagen offering to fix this major issue for their customers.

• 12/21/2019· STRUCTURE

  2016 VW PASSAT. DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH FREEZES SHUT IN TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING. THE KEY-LESS ENTRY FOB UNLOCKS THE DOOR BUT THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED WHEN PULLING THE HANDLE. ALSO, THE INSIDE HANDLE WILL NOT OPEN THE DOOR. ALL OF THE OTHER DOOR LATCHES WORK NORMALLY. WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE GOOD... NO ICE, SNOW OR FREEZING RAIN. JUST THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW FREEZING. THIS IS A POTENTIAL LIFE THREATENING SAFETY ISSUE IF SOMEONE WERE TO DRIVE THE CAR AND NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT IN AN EMERGENCY. IT IS POSSIBLE TO ENTER THE CAR FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE, SLIDE OVER TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND DRIVE THE CAR. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE RISES ABOVE FREEZING, THE LATCH WORKS.

• 12/11/2020· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I HAVE HAD 2 DIAGNOSTICS DONE ON THIS CAR AT 69 THOUSAND MILES EPC LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN AND NOW THE FUEL SYSTEM IS MESSED UP, FUEL INJECTORS ALL 4 I WAS TOLD IS BAD,THE DEALERSHIP PRINCIPLE VW TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE FUEL SYSTEM AND THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS BUT WANT TO CHARGE ALMOST 3,000 DOLLARS FOR THIS PROBLEM. NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BECAUSE THEY DID NOT MEANTION THE RECALL I WAS TOLD ABOUT IT

• 12/02/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash

  SAME ISSUE AS NHTSA ID # 11096639. CAR WAS PARKED, TURNED OFF, AND LOCKED AFTER 3 ADULTS EXITED THE CAR AND ENTERED A STORY. A FEW MINUTES LATER A CONCERNED PERSON RAN IN THE STORE ASKING WHO OWNS A BLACK VW? THE CAR HAD ROLLED AWAY, UNATTENDED, AFTER BEING PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. IT ROLLED INTO ANOTHER CAR ABOUT 50 YARDS AWAY AT A GAS STATION. NO INJURIES.

• 11/21/2024· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating abnormally while in park(P) and had started jerking while driving. The contact stated that while driving and exceeding 70 MPH, the shaking and vibrating became worse. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil on top of the engine. The EPC warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the breather valve, oil separator, the lower and upper timing cover, all four coil pack connectors, the coolant fluid and brake fluid, rear brake pads, wheel alignment, and engine air filters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

• 11/21/2018· STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO BRAKE INDEPENDENTLY AND A WAVY LINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTH BAY VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 3131 NATIONAL CITY BLVD, NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950, (619) 336- 4020) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT A FAILURE CODE COULD NOT BE LOCATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 171672068. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

• 10/27/2017· STEERING,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

  THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CLOCK SPRING. I BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE AND IT GOT REPLACED 10/7/15. IT SNAPPED AGAIN 5 MONTHS LATER WAS REPLACED 3/8/16. IT SNAPPED AGAIN 6 MONTHS LATER. NOW VOLKWAGON OFFERS A 12,000 MILE 12 YEAR WARRANTY ON PARTS. I BRIGHT THE VEHICLE IN 10/18/16 AND THEY TOLD ME IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE SEEING THAT IT CONTROLS MY HORN AND WILL NOT LET MY AIRBAG DEPLOY. I HAVE CONTACTED VW HEADQUARTERS SEVERAL TIMES CONCERNING THIS ON GOING ISSUE. THEY REPLACED THE PART UNDER A 'GOODWILL' WHICH IT SHOULD'VE BEEN REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL & THE WARRANTY.

• 10/17/2018· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

  AT SPEED OF 40-60 MPH, WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE CAR WILL BRING THE CAR TO 5-10 MPH RAPIDLY, BY SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES WITH NO OTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT. THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES, AND HAS BEEN REPORTED, BUT NOT DUPLICATED AT THE DEALER. THE CAR HAS ALSO SLOWED ITSELF, UNDER THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, IN OTHER SITUATIONS WHERE THERE WAS NO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT.

• 10/15/2020· SERVICE BRAKES

  I WAS DRIVING UNDER AN OVERPASS ON THE FAR-RIGHT LANE AT 25 MPH WHEN THE CAR'S FRONT ASSIST SYSTEM ACTIVATED BRINGING THE CAR TO A FULL STOP ALL OF A SUDDEN. THERE WEREN'T ANY CARS IN FRONT OR NEXT TO ME.

• 10/09/2018· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  I WAS BRAKING MY CAR AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT WHICH WAS PERPENDICULAR TO A DIVIDER STRIP (AN APPROXIMATELY 5-6 FOOT WIDE STRIP OF GRASS WITH 9-10 INCH CURBS ON EACH SIDE). SUDDENLY THE CAR SELF-ACCELERATED TO A FAST SPEED. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO GO UP AND OVER THE DIVIDER STRIP, CROSS A TWO LANE ROAD AND HIT THE CURB ON THE FAR SIDE OF THIS ROAD. THIS WAS QUITE FRIGHTENING! FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AT THIS TIME ON THE ROAD ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DIVIDER STRIP BUT A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE FRONT BUMPER AND UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR. WHILE THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS A BROKEN GAS PEDAL WAS DISCOVERED. THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE SELF-ACCELERATION.

• 10/08/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that after the dealer had performed a fuel induction on the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic convertor had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the repair was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

• 10/06/2024· STEERING,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  Air bag error light is on and steering wheel controls/horn are inoperable. Cause is most likely a clock spring failure as has been reported in numerous VW vehicle models including the 2016 VW Passat but the current recall 69L2 doesn’t appear to cover our vehicle. With recall problems on numerous other vehicles, it is hard to believe this isn’t caused by the same issue. Repair cost is estimated at $900 for an item that should be covered by VW.

• 10/06/2022· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  Fuel pump failure and leaking, the leak is coming from the fuel pump which is located at the top of the gas tank, the gasoline has spilled and covered the gas tank, fuel pump can be accessed by removing passenger seats, fuel/gasoline has leaked through this access and stained passenger seats with gasoline causing inside of vehicle to reek of gasoline. My family’s health and safety is at risk, gasoline and carbon monoxide are very dangerous. I towed the vehicle to Volkswagen Dealership where it was inspected and the technician confirmed it’s a fuel pump failure, Volkswagen service representative also was made aware of the tank covered in gasoline and leak/stain under passenger seats. Vehicle was driving normal never gave any warning signs no dash lights, I noticed this because of the intense gasoline smell.

• 10/05/2021· FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,AIR BAGS

  On October 3rd, 2021 the minder to change oil service came on and a wrench in the display. As the mechanic had set the incorrect timing interval between services, I went into the menu to attempt to reset the service minder but never got that far as the airbag light came on and all buttons on the steering wheel stopped responding. My husband in the passenger seat instructed me to restart the car and this did not reset any warnings but also showed the ACC: Error, in the display alternating with the Airbag: Error. The dealership wants $ 165 just to plug in the diagnostic reader and won't apply it to a repair and says this car has no open recalls which I am aware of. However, there was an airbag recall including the 2015 year build Passat, but the dealership wants payment to diagnose. When the car is stirred to make a 90 degree left hand turn I can hear a coil in the steering wheel cracking at times. Frequently, the airbag light for the passenger scale stays on but may go out if someone goes to sit in the passenger seat. All seat belts are unlocked at the top, and the receivers for the buckles look fine and nothing is stuck in them. I have not yet lifted the seats to inspect the harnesses but I doubt I will be able to fix anything as I cannot reset the codes anyhow. Not being able to change the information on the instrument panel from useless Error Messages is distracting. Tell VW to read an airbag fault light for free! This is a safety concern for every passenger and should not be taken advantage of to make a service department money. How can I find out if this model was added to the air bag recalls or is in the process of being added? Honda has a lifetime warranty service for free on all safety restraints. I am surprised that VW does not make safety their highest priority. I'm not certain the Forward Collision Warning is affected but the lanes blink Orange showing me the ACC is not responsive and it's close enough in function to mention just in case it may not work.

• 10/02/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  The vehicle has been alerting error codes 16352 for failing to communicate with ABS module causing warning lights for ABS, brake and the ESC systems to illuminate. The brake system related vehicle stabilizing functions (ABS/ESC) is not be available, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control and could lead to a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Please reference Safety Recall Code: 45F2

• 10/02/2023· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

  Steering column makes noises when turning. Airbag Light is on and the none of the steering wheel controls for the radio, phone etc are functioning properly. This is my college age daughter’s car and I fear the airbag won’t deploy in the event she was in a collision.

• 10/01/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

  THE ABS SENSOR SYSTEM HAS FAILED ON OUR CAR FOR THE 2ND TIME . THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED ON THE LEFT REAR WHEEL IN 2019. WHEN THE SYSTEM FAILS IT TRIGGERS A MULTITUDE OF DASHBOARD ALERTS WHICH ARE EXTREMELY DISTRACTING. OBVIOUSLY THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING WILL NOT FUNCTION. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS AT 43, 705 MILES. I WAS TOLD BY A VW DEALER MECHANIC THAT THIS WAS LIKELY TO OCCUR ON THE OTHER WHEELS. UNFORTUNATELY HE WAS RIGHT. THE ABS SENSOR FAILED ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL YESTERDAY AT APPROXIMATELY 61,000. SAFETY FEATURES THAT INCLUDE BLIND SIDE MONITORING ARE ADVERSELY IMPACTED. THE SENSOR ALERT OCCURS WHEN STARTING THE CAR AND STAYS ON WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE COST FOR THE REPAIR IS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $300.00

• 09/26/2022· SEAT BELTS

  Seat belt indicator light comes on while driving. Only vehicle driver was present in car with seat belt secured/locked. After releasing driver belt and reengaging driver belt several times, the indicator light did not change. Driver engaged the passenger belt and indicator went off. There was nothing or no one on the passenger seat to enable the presence detector. The ignition and engine remained on throughout this event. This occurred at least twice within seven days.

• 09/22/2017· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  THERE IS ISSUE WITH HMI (RADIO) AND INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER. THE SCREEN GOES FREEZE. THIS ISSUE IS SPORADIC, AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY OF MYSELF AND FAMILY. I AM AFRAID WHILE DRIVING SUDDENLY INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER IPC SCREEN GOES FREEZE NOT ABLE TO SEE WHAT MY VEHICLE SPEED IS CURRENTLY. SUDDENLY IF I AM NOT AWARE WHAT SPEED I AM DRIVING, THE CONTROL ABILITY OF CAR IS LESS LEAVING MYSELF AND FAMILY IN VULNERABLE SITUATION. ANOTHER ISSUE, HMI OR RADIO DOES NOT BACKUP CAMERA VIEW. IT REMAINS IN ITS CURRENT SCREEN AND NOT ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHO IS BEHIND THE CAR, LEAVING MYSELF AND ANYONE BEHIND THE CAR IN VULNERABLE SITUATION. I HAVE CAPTURED THE PHOTO OF THE SCREEN FREEZE IN IPC AND HAVE THE VIDEO OF THE RADIO WHERE IN IT IS NOT DISPLAYING THE BACKSIDE WHILE I AM R REVERSE GEAR. I AM SEEKING HELP FROM THE DEPARTMENT AS VOLKSWAGEN HAS LEFT MY ISSUE TO BE REPRODUCED MYSELF AND THEN REPORT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO IS NOT TRAINED IN SOFTWARE ISSUES. MOREOVER IF NEXT TIME THE ISSUE OCCURS, I AM AFRAID IF I WOULD BE IN A SITUATION TO COME AND REPORT TO THEM AND DO NOT GO INTO SOME SERIOUS CONCERNS. THIS ISSUES ARE HAPPENING MOSTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, BACKUP CAMERA CAN BE OBSERVED SPORADICALLY WHILE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. NOTE: THERE IS NO WAY TO UPLOAD THE VIDEO, SO JUST UPLOADING THE PICTURE OF ONE OF THE SCREEN FREEZE INSTANCE.

• 09/21/2023· ENGINE,AIR BAGS

  The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while parked, the horn, cruise control, and the radio became inoperable. The message “air bag not available”, check clockspring, and check oil messages were displayed. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,986.

• 09/20/2018· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND THE CAR SLOWED TO A NEAR STOP AND COULD NOT ASCEND A SMALL INCLINE ON INTERSTATE 95 SOUTHBOUND AT OR ABOUT STRATFORD, CONNECTICUT. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP IN STRATFORD CT. WHEN PUT INTO GEAR THE ENGINE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND THERE WAS NO POWER. WHEN IN PARK AND NEUTRAL THE ENGINE WAS FINE AND COULD BE "REVVED" WITHOUT ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE WIRE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE "TCM AND ICM' HAS "WATER DAMAGE" AND THAT WHEN THEY DISCONNECTED THOSE WIRES THERE "IS SIGNS OF CORROSION ON THE SEAL" ?

• 09/18/2022· STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  GAS LEAKING INTO BACKSEAT SOAKING CUSHIONS, Passenger door body door whole stripped and door bolt loosen which could fall off if not tightened every 3 days

• 09/16/2019· SERVICE BRAKES

  THE CAR HAS AUTONOMOUS BRAKING ISSUE. THE SYSTEM THAT BRAKES THE CAR IF ANOTHER CAR IS DETECTED IN FRONT OF YOU WILL BRAKE EVEN IF NO ONE IS IN FRONT OF YOU. THE CAR WAS IN AT THE DEALER FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS INJURED AS A RESULT OF THE ABURT STOP. VW HAD MY CAR FOR 7 WEEKS AND ALL THEY COULD FIND WAS THAT THE CAR WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND THE SENSOR WAS NOT ADJUSTED PROPERLY. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS FINDING IS THAT THEY HAD ALREADY PERFORMED THAT SAME EXACT FIXED A YEAR PRIOR. THEY ALSO STATED ONE OF THE FOUR TIMES THEY HAD IT IN THE SHOP THAT THEY REPLACED THE RADAR UNIT. WHEN THE CAR DOES STOP IT GIVES NO WARNING AND THE STOP IS WAS ABURT AND VIOLENT. I TRADED MYSELF OUT THE VEHICLE AT GREAT EXPENSE TO MYSELF BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. VW OFFERED NO TRADE ASSISTANCE ON THIS KNOWN ISSUE. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE I TRADED IN HOPES THEY'D SEND IT BACK TO GERMANY TO FIGURE THIS OUT IS ACTUALLY FOR SALE ON THE LOCAL DEALER'S LOT. THIS CAR WILL SERIOUS INJURY SOMEONE AND ANY WHO WOULD TRAVEL AROUND IT IF THE VEHICLE STOPS SUDDENLY AGAIN. THE CAR AND THIS KNOWN ISSUE MAY EVEN CAUSE SOMEONE'S DEATH. I ALERTED VW OF AMERICA OF THIS ISSUE AND THEY ARE COMPLETELY DERELICT IN TAKING THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE WHO BOUGHT THESE VEHICLES.

• 09/15/2017· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  LIKE OTHER VOLKSWAGEN GROUP MODELS MY CAR HAS EXHIBITED A GASOLINE SMELL IN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE GASOLINE SMELL OCCURS BOTH WHEN THE CAR IS AT REST AND IN MOTION AND AT ALL TEMPERATURES. THE GASOLINE LEVEL DOES NOT SEEM TO EFFECT THE OCCURRENCE OF THE SMELL. THE LOCAL DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THIS PROBLEM. I FIND THIS CURIOUS AS OTHER 2016 VOLKSWAGEN MODELS WITH THE SAME ENGINE HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS SAME ISSUE.

• 09/12/2017· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  I WAS DRIVING INTO THE BEACH PARKING LOT WITH MY DOG I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED QUICKLY AND FAST BY ITS SELF WITH FAST SPEED. BRAKED VERY HARD MY DOG WENT FLYING INTO THE BACK OF MY SEAT PUT IT INTO PARK AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. I GOT SCARED!

• 09/11/2022· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

  steering wheel clock spring failure which faults steering wheel controls, air bag and horn. Key safety features failed!

• 09/04/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER

  AS I HAVE SEEN IN YOUR DATABASE MY PASSAT HAS MANY OF THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY SIDE MIRRORS SOMETIMES DO NOT UNFOLD OR FUNCTION AS EXPECTED. ( VW SAYS THERE IS NO FIX ) MY BACKUP CAMERA SOMETIMES DOESN'T WORK ( VW SAYS THERE IS NO FIX ) MY CAR STOPS FOR NO REASON THINKING THERE IS AN OBJECT IN FRONT OF IT. NOT ONLY ARE THESE PROBLEMS REAL THE CAR DID NOT REGISTER ANY FAULTS. THESE PROBLEMS HAPPENED ALL THE TIME YET INTERMITTENTLY. PLEASE NOTE THAT MY CAR WAS MADE IN THE USA. AND EXPORTED TO CANADA. I AM IN CANADA. DUE TO MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS I HAVE BEEN CONTACTED BY SEVERAL VW OWNERS MANY IN THE USA THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AND VW IS NOT DOING ANYTHING FOR US. I KNOW OF SOME THAT HAVE HAD THEIR CARS RETURNED VIA THE LEMON LAW. THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED ANY LONGER. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=PGMJC2QPNOO HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=X5TLKDNA0XS HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=MOMG3DENETG HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=Z90TVWWSP9Y HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=9YLKAM6GOZU HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=R9J7H5AORJY HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=I27A1WCGXNG HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=BUHHB0G11_U ***THIS IS NOT A VIDEO I MADE BUT IT SHOWS A VW STOPPING FOR NO REASON WHICH IS HOW IT HAPPENED TO ME: VOLKSWAGEN FRONT ASSIST STOPS FOR NO REASON HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=UK8GVO0LNMS

• 08/25/2021· FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  The automatic emergency braking has applied three times while driving this vehicle. Once on a freeway onramp curve in traffic with following car, twice driving on different paved city streets. All three times were daylight and no other vehicle or obstruction in front of my car. This to me is asking for a trailing vehicle to rear end collide, or maybe even worse yet what would happen if this were to happen on rain slick or snow covered road? I did take it to an authorized VW dealer after the second brake application and of course they could not replicate the brake issue. I did not have it checked the first time since I falsely assumed I had done something I had not thought about. Now, after the third time, I am sure that it is the car and not something I have done. I have not been back to VW shop yet after this third time. My wife is scared to drive the car now and I am concerned about myself. I do not think the VW dealer went any further than a test drive and maybe a computer check after the second braking I encountered. There have been no warning lights or messages on my car dash before or after all three times. The dash light warning to "BRAKE!" did light up as the brakes were applying on their own. As a small aside comment, I was a professional highway truck driver with over a million miles driving and achieved a 28 year safe driving record. That has let me make this statement with a lot of "boots on the ground" certainty.

• 08/24/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THEN SOON AFTER ALL STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS BECAME INOPERABLE. DIAGNOSED AS CLOCK SPRING FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 35,000 MILES.

• 08/23/2021· SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

  In less than 51,000 miles 3 wheel speed sensors have required replacement. An unacceptable average failure rate of once every 1.7 years or 17,000 miles. Failure of one of these components disables all safety systems including air bags. How could such an obviously unreliable part not be subject to a safety recall.

• 08/20/2025· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  Smell of fuel near rear seat. Gasket OK.

• 08/18/2025· AIR BAGS

  The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that on seven occasions, the clock spring failed while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle with the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the clock spring was replaced under warranty; however, the failure returned soon after repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a Corporate Representative was sent to the dealer to test the repair. The representative test driving the vehicle also experienced with failure, and the clock spring fractured while operating the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

• 08/18/2024· STEERING

  During sharp turn would hear cracking sound coming from steering wheel, after some days air bag warning light appeared on dahsboard and honk and steering wheel buttons stopped working. Dealer replaced the clockspring under warranty that fixed airbag warning issue, but still had honk and steering wheel buttons persisted. Dealer recommended replacing steering wheel control button module to fix both honk and steering wheel buttons. It appears all the problems are related and should have been fixed under warranty

• 08/08/2023· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  Began smelling fuel. Made an appointment for a week out. They found that the fuel pump cover under the seat had been pushing on the top of the fuel pump. This means that the pressure of the seat has been pushing on the top of the fuel pump. The fuel pump was cracked and a stream of fuel was spraying on the bottom side of the plastic fuel pump cover. fuel could be smelled in the car and outside. it would drip on the ground after about 2 minutes of running. This seems like a poor design that has potential for bigger issues because of the fuel hazard.

• 08/08/2018· AIR BAGS

  AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON - NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT HAS 61,000 MILES

• 08/07/2021· ENGINE

  The car burns an excessive amount of oil and the problem seems to be the same as those that VW settled a class action for on it’s early year model of the same car. Basically I burn a quart of oil every 500 miles and the engine isn’t leaking any oil.

• 08/02/2018· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  WHEN THEN HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON THE LEFT FRONT FOG LIGHT TURNS ON , WHEN THE CAR TURNS LEFT, WHEN IT IS RETURNED TO THE MIDDLE THE FOG LIGHT TURNS OFF. THIS ONLY OCCURS WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON, IT DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN IT IS TURNED TO THE RIGHT.

• 07/24/2021· AIR BAGS,LANE DEPARTURE

  I started my car and it showed up with “airbag error” I then turned off my car and started it again and something along the lines of “front lane assist error” showed up, there was also a clicking noise from my steering wheel anytime I would turn the wheel, the car also was “breakchecking” me (aggressively breaking when barely any pressure applied) when I was trying to drive home and the digital speedometer is no longer showing up on my dash board. I was only able to get a picture of the “airbag error” message

• 07/18/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I own a 2016 VW Passat that I'm thinking of painting yellow and I don't like yellow. I was driving going about 75 mph on freeway in Idaho and a truck from the slow lane started merging over into my lane I went to hit horn and it didn't work. I hit my brakes and I mean hard because he obviously didn't see me and he merged over into my lane but had I not braked as hard and when I did it would of been a collision. That's how I discovered my horn didn't work. I'm not a person who pulls up to someones house and taps the horn nor do I use it if someone is sitting at an intersection after the light turns green as if to say, "Come on, pay attention, the light's green, now go" I don't like to do that because it makes everyone look and can cause confusion. I use it to prevent an accident! My clock spring went out on me a year ago. I'm told that's why horn doesn't work. Its also why my airbag light is on and my cruise doesn't work (which may not be a safety issue but I have found myself driving much over speed limit without trying to) and none of my driver assist features work. All controls connected to steering wheel don't work. I'm assuming since the light is on neither does the airbag and I know the horn doesn't. I see there have been recalls on this but looks like they drew the line at 2014. Checking into it further a lot of their cars, newer than 2014, like mine a 2016 have had same issue. I also see that the ones that were taken in for recall and replaced, broke again. I read that that led to an investigation. I don't see any more info. I learned that clock springs are supposed to last the lifetime of the car, so shouldn't there be a recall on the newer cars too, like mine 2016? I'm not impressed with VW, this is my 2nd one and will be my last. I now have to get a new water pump at 70K. I really would like to see a recall on clock springs and would like to know what the conclusion to the investigation was. Thanks, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 07/15/2017· SERVICE BRAKES

  I HAVE A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SE THAT I LEASED ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO. A LITTLE OVER A MONTH AGO THE CAR BRAKED ON ITS OWN WITH MYSELF, MY MOTHER, SISTER, AND MY 2 YEAR OLD SON IN THE CAR FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON GOING 45 MILES PER HOUR. THE NEXT INCIDENT THE CAR DECIDED IT WAS NOT GOING TO BRAKE AND WE HAD TO STEP ON THE BRAKES SO HARD TO GET ANY KIND OF REACTION, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. AT THIS POINT WE TOOK IT TO VW AND THEY ARE CLAIMING THERE IS NO ISSUES WITH THE CAR; I BEG TO DIFFER! YESTERDAY AGAIN THE CAR BRAKED ON ITS OWN GOING 30 MILES AN HOUR FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON. TOOK THE CAR TO MY PERSONAL MECHANIC PRIOR TO TAKING IT TO VW AND A PIC OF WHAT CAME UP ON THEIR DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER IS UPLOADED. THE VW DEALERSHIP I TOOK IT TO AFTER KEEPING IT TWO WEEKS CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR; HOWEVER, THEY RESET MY COMPUTER IN THE CAR AND NOW THE CAR IS SHOWING NO CODES. THERE WAS A SIMILAR INCIDENT REPORTED ON CARCOMPLAINT.COM SAME YEAR, MODEL AND TRIM AS MINE.

• 07/12/2016· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  MY 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSET SE MODEL CAR APPLIES THE BRAKES WHILE IN MOTION ON ITS OWN. THIS HAS OCCURRED 6 TIMED OVER THE PAST 7 MONTHS. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 12 2015. IT IS GETTING WORSE EACH TIME. ONE TIME IT HAPPENED AS I WAS ABOUT 100 FEET FROM A INTERSECTION. NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS THE ONLY ONE ON THE ROAD AT THE TIME. I WAS DURING THE DAY AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BREAK APPLIED. REALLY SCARED ME. ANOTHER TIME IT HAPPENED APPROACHING RAILROAD TRACKS. THIS TIME THE BRAKES APPLIED REALLY HARD. IT WAS BAD EVERY THING FLEW AROUND THE CAR. A COUPLE OF TIMES I HEARD A BEEPING NOISE. LIKE A WARNING BEEP. THERE IS A ILLUMINATED CAR ON A CURVY RAD ON THE DASH WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CAR. I AM AFRAID THIS WILL HAPPEN WHEN I AM DRIVING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED. I HAVE CONTACTED VW ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THEY DO NOT SEEM VERY CONCERNED. I AM SHOCKED AT THERE OUTCOME. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 3 WEEKS NOW. I TOOK IT IN ON JUNE 22 2016. THEY WANT ME TO PICK UP ON JULY 12 2016. IT HAS BEEN THERE 3 WEEKS. I AM VERY AFRAID OF THE VEHICLE PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS ISSUE. LIKE I SAID EARLIER IN THIS NOTE. IT HAS HAPPENED 6 TIMES AND WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. VW TOLD ME THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. PLEASE MAKE THEM RECALL THIS ISSUE.

• 07/11/2023· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  My sensors cause the car to break in the middle of traffic. Almost causing accidents for the people behind me. This has happened 3x in the last month.

• 07/11/2019· STEERING,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO CLICK WHEN TURNING ANY DIRECTION MID-TRIP. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND HAD BEEN IN MOTION FOR APPROX 30 MINUTES WHEN ISSUE BEGAN. ALL STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS, INCLUDING CRUISE CONTROL, NO LONGER WORKED. AIR BAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DEALER STATED CLOCK SPRING HAD MALFUNCTIONED, ISSUE WAS REPAIRED. NOTED THAT CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS CONTINUED TO MALFUNCTION POST-REPAIR DEALER CLAIMS 'COINCIDENCE' WITH MALFUNCTION, PUTTING COST ON CUSTOMER TO REPAIR. .

• 07/07/2025· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  Description of the Problem: The fuel pump housing on my 2016 Volkswagen Passat (1.8L TSI) developed visible cracks, which caused a persistent fuel vapor smell around the vehicle, especially after refueling. The failed component — the plastic fuel pump assembly manufactured by Continental — is available for inspection and has been photographed. Safety Risk: The cracks allowed gasoline vapors to escape, creating a clear fire hazard. I experienced headaches from the fumes while driving, and the smell was strongest when the vehicle was full of fuel. Vapors were most noticeable when the air circulator was turned off, suggesting that fumes were entering the cabin. Confirmed by Mechanic: A certified independent mechanic confirmed the cracks after removing the back seat and inspecting the fuel pump directly. The entire assembly was replaced, and the issue was resolved. Prior to this, a VW dealership misdiagnosed the problem as a bad gasket, quoting me over $1,300 for a repair that would not have addressed the actual issue. Inspection History: The vehicle was inspected by the VW dealership first, and later by the independent shop that completed the repair. No police or insurance involvement. Symptoms: No warning lights or messages appeared. The only symptoms were the strong fuel odor, especially when the tank was full, and inaccurate fuel gauge readings leading up to the diagnosis. Summary: This issue appears similar to other known failures involving Continental-manufactured fuel pump flanges that have led to VW recalls in other models. My concern is that this defect may extend beyond currently recalled vehicles and should be investigated further.

• 07/06/2018· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (AUDI BUFFALO, 5255 GENESEE ST, BOWMANSVILLE, NY 14026, (716) 683-3343), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AT A LOCAL DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,763.

• 07/04/2018· STEERING,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  TAKATA RECALL- NOT SURE IF IT IS BUT MY CAR HAS ISSUE ON THE STEERING. ALSO MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND ALONG WITH THAT MY HORN IS DISABLED. NOT SURE IF ITS UNDER RECALL BUT HOW DO I GET THOSE REPAIR

• 07/03/2020· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

  WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO STOP IT APPEARS THAT BRAKES/ABS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. ABS, TPMS, TRACTION CONTROL, SRS WARNING LIGHTS HAVE COME ON FOR THE SECOND TIME IN JUST A FEW MONTHS SPAN. DEALER SAID IT WAS FAULTY ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSORS BOTH TIMES (BOTH REAR). IT APPEARS THAT IT IS THE SAME ISSUE AS NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11265312. *TR

• 06/27/2020· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED THE FUEL PUMP CONTINUES TO RUN AFTER TURNING ENGINE OFF; THE ISSUE DISAPPEARS IF THE ENGINE IS STARTED THEN TURNED OFF; FAN LIKE NOISE COMES FROM UNDER THE RIGHT-REAR WHEEL WHILE THE FUEL PUMP RUNS WITH THE ENGINE OFF; THIS ISSUE IS SIMILAR TO RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 17V509000, OR VW RECALL NUMBER 20AE; BATTERY DRAINED AND THEN ENGINE WAS NOT ABLE TO START; *TR

• 06/26/2025· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  The fuel delivery system appears to have failed. Specifically, there is an active gasoline leak from a fuel line inside the cabin, near or under the rear seat. The source may be related to an unresolved recall involving the fuel rail detaching from the engine, which causes pressurized fuel leakage. The failed component is still present on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. The back seat was removed by a mechanic who observed gasoline actively spewing into the cabin. This defect presents an extreme fire hazard. The constant gasoline fumes in the interior have caused me to suffer migraines, nausea, and dizziness while driving. My 13-year-old daughter, who has asthma, must ride with her head out of the window to breathe. My 2-year-old can no longer ride in the vehicle at all due to the fumes. I am a single mother with no other transportation. I fear that the car could ignite at any moment, especially with electrical systems running in the cabin. This defect is life-threatening. A certified independent mechanic removed the rear seat and confirmed that fuel was actively leaking into the interior of the car. The mechanic advised that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and poses a severe fire risk. I have photos and video available, and the mechanic is willing to provide a written statement upon request.Volkswagen dealerships have refused to inspect the vehicle or address the recall, even though the recall remains listed as active under the vehicle’s VIN. I have contacted multiple dealerships and Volkswagen corporate, and have been denied assistance. I have not contacted police or insurance yet, but I am preparing formal complaints.There were no warning lamps or dashboard alerts. The first symptom was a strong fuel odor in the interior, which began approximately 5-6 months ago. It progressively worsened over time. About one week ago, the smell became severe enough that it was unbearable to drive. This prompted the mechanic’s inspection, which revealed the

• 06/23/2020· STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

  WHILE DRIVING THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON (CONSTANT SPEED, HIGHWAY, DRY CONDITIONS), DISABLING CRUISE CONTROL. THE AIRBAG LIGHT THEN CAME ON. THEN THE TIRE SENSOR LIGHT AND FINALLY THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHT AND EXCLAMATION POINT ICON NEXT TO THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHT. *TR