2017 Volkswagen Passat
Overall rating (best variant)
Safety ratings
2017 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD
- Lane departure warningOptional
- Forward collision warningStandard
- Electronic stability controlStandard
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (7)
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 24V834000 · 30/10/2024
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHERCampaign 19V679000 · 25/09/2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 19V389000 · 22/05/2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHERCampaign 20V561000 · 16/09/2020
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Risk: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPERCampaign 18V536000 · 15/08/2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
Risk: The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary, free of charge. For Passat vehicles, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for proper connection, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46H6.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUIDCampaign 17V075000 · 08/02/2017
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Passat vehicles. Brake fluid may leak slowly from the some of the brake line connections, resulting in a low brake fluid level.
Risk: A low brake fluid level may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake lines, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47N3.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHERCampaign 21V321000 · 05/05/2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Risk: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
Fix: Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- AIR BAGS28
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18
- SERVICE BRAKES17
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE16
- STEERING16
- ENGINE7
- LANE DEPARTURE6
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/30/2020· SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELSCrash
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.
- 12/22/2020· SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE ASSISTANCE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THERE WERE NO OBJECTS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT VEER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JIM ELLIS VOLKSWAGEN ATLANTA (5901 PEACHTREE INDUSTRIAL BLVD, CHAMBLEE, GA 30341, (770) 458-6811) TO BE DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN PROVIDED NO INFORMATION TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.
- 12/16/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND GETTING READY TO GET ON THE INTERSTATE, A CAUTION LIGHT AND ALERT TONE SUDDENLY CAME ON. DISPLAY READ "FRONT ASSIST: NO SENSOR VIEW." NOTHING ELSE HAPPENED AND THE ALERT TURNED OFF AFTER A FEW MILES. THIS IS THE SYSTEM THAT AUTOMATICALLY APPLIES THE BRAKES IF IT SENSES A POSSIBLE COLLISION. IF THIS SYSTEM WAS TO FAIL, THE BRAKES COULD AUTOMATICALLY APPLY WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH POSSIBLE DISASTROUS RESULTS. MANY VW OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED AND HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THERE IS CURRENTLY A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST VW (DACK, ET AL., V. VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC., ET AL.) FOR THIS ISSUE AND VOLKSWAGEN'S FAILURE TO ADMIT THERE IS AN ISSUE OR ADDRESS IT.
- 12/14/2021· STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE
While driving straight in dry weather (i.e. no rain), the lane light will change from – green – to – yellow – color in the dash and the steering wheel will jerk, usually left, sometimes right, very abruptly, as if the car is trying to find the lane with lane assist on. Note, this is on well marked city streets and on regular interstate roads with clearly marked dashed lane lines. This has been happening for at least two months (today's date Dec. 12, 2021) and only now reporting this complaint. It did almost cause me to run into the car beside me several times or turn into the center median (trees) on city streets.
- 12/14/2018· SUSPENSIONCrash
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, (954) 945-9367) 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. *TT*JB
- 12/12/2021· AIR BAGSCrash
There was big impact front accident with other car, and the air bags did not function. The air bag failed.
- 12/06/2020· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL WHILE DRIVING, I HEARD A CLICKING SOUND FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON. NOW MY HORN DOES NOT WORK OR ANY OF THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I KNOW THIS IS THE CLOCK SPRING MALFUNCTION, WITH THE TAKATA AIRBAG MALFUNCTION THAT HAPPENED WITH THE 2015 PASSATS.
- 12/03/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
while in cruise control and going up a incline or a hill The EPC light will come on and the car will start lugging down very badly and have no power, they've said vehicle has done this for a year now and we have not been able to get any kind of acknowledgment of it from another dealership or the actual company I've said make and model of vehicle Volkswagen Passat
- 12/03/2025· SERVICE BRAKES
said vehicle started making a grinding sound and all of a sudden the brake pad or shoe they'll completely off of the vehicle and the caliper for disc brake was the wrong calipers on my front end of my vehicle and now it's upside down and backwards and it's not the right calipers for my vehicle
- 12/02/2022· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel smell in cabin. Diagnosed to be pin hole in high pressure fuel rail. Lucky no explosion or fire from related fuel leak.
- 11/14/2021· STEERING,AIR BAGS
My airbag light came on, the steering wheel started to make crunching noise. Now all functions are now working on the steering wheel and upon looking up online there seems to be many issues with Volkswagen cars clock spring breaking. Why is this not recalled? There is hundreds of customers commenting about the same problem?
- 11/14/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING, I TURNED ON MY SEAT HEATER. IT NEVER CAME ON UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE I GRABBED MY PURSE WHICH WAS ON THE PASSENGER SEAT. IT WAS HOT. THE SEAT HEATERS ARE CROSSED.
- 11/10/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine warning light and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred, causing the vehicle to intermittently start and stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure could be related to an electrical malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 355,000.
- 11/09/2023· POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH, the transmission was shifting hard, and the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound while shifting between 1st and 2nd gear. The contact drove to the residence and parked the vehicle. The contact then shifted into reverse (R) and the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound. The contact stated that the failure recurred while shifting into drive (D). The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,074.
- 11/07/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING ON A RURAL ROAD AT ABOUT 50 MPH A LOUD POP WAS HEARD AND THEN THE SUNROOF SHATTERED WITH GLASS FALLING INTO THE FRONT SEAT OF THE CAR. THE SUNROOF COVER WAS OPENED AT THE TIME.
- 11/02/2023· ENGINE
The Passat stalls when traveling at low speed and/or from a stop, battery light turns on and loses all engine power, and will not restart for a period of time (10mins to 2 hours). This has happened on a residental street and on the highway when merging onto an on-ramp. There is no loss of electrical power and the starter attempts to turn the engine over but the car will not start. After multiple starting attempts the cars ECP light will turn on. My safety was put at risk when this occured on the highway and I needed to be push the car to the shoulder. The car has been towed to the VW dealership three times and not been reproduced at the dealership. The dealership replaced the car's oxygen sensor and cam shaft position sensor and this did not fix the stalling issue. Dealership has told me no faults have been recorded.
- 11/02/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ACCESS START MODULE FAILED. CAR REFUSED TO DETECT KEY FOB AND DASHBOARD WAS OFF WHEN ENTERING VEHICLE. COULD NOT PRESS ON BRAKE TO PUSH START IGNITION. CAR BATTERY WAS AT FULL 12-12 VDC. CHECKED FUSES AND NOTHING WAS BLOWN. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER TO CHECK UP. TECHNICIAN WAS ABLE TO RESET ACCESS START MODULE BY DISCONNECTING BATTERY FOR 15 MINUTES. DEALER REPLACED FUEL RELAY FUSE AND ACCESS START MODULE. VEHICLE WAS DOWN FOR 4 DAYS. NEW MODULE HAD TO BE RE-PROGRAMMED FOR AT LEAST A DAY AND NEEDED ALL KEY FOBS TO BE RE-PROGRAMMED.
- 10/27/2018· VISIBILITY/WIPER
BOTH SIDE MIRRORS ARE AUTOMATIC. THE SIDE MIRRORS ARE SUPPOSED TO FOLD IN WHEN TURNING THE CAR OFF, AND FOLD OUT WHEN THE CAR IS ON. ONE OR BOTH OF THE MIRROS EITHER FAIL TO FOLD OUT WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED, OR FOLD IN UNEXPECTANTLY WHILE DRIVING. THIS CREATES A HIGHLY DANGEROUS LIFE AND SAFETY HAZARD WHEN IT HAPPENS. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP'S SHOP WHILE THE EVENT OCCURS, AND THE ISSUE DOES NOT RECORD AN ERROR CODE IN THE CAR'S SYSTEM. DUE TO THE LACK OF AN ERROR CODE, THE DEALERSHIP STATES THEY CANNOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! I AM DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT IS DANGEROUS AND HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE AND VW IS IGNORING THE ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS NOT ISSUING AN ERROR CODE WHEN IT OCCURS. I HAVE PICTURES OF THIS OCCURRING ON MY CAR, I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN IT IS OCCURRING. AND YET, THERE HAS BEEN NO SATISFACTORY SOLUTION AND FIX OF THIS VERY DANGEROUS FLAW BECAUSE THERE IS NO ERROR CODE. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES, AND I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED IS THE DATE I INSERTED INTO THIS FORM.
- 10/12/2025· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
began smelling fuel in the cockpit about 2 months ago but thought not much about why until it kept getting stronger. Looked under the car a saw fuel dripping in front of rear passenger wheel and directly under tank.
- 10/12/2019· SERVICE BRAKES
THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (AEB) 'FEATURE' IN MY 2017 VW PASSAT ENGAGED THIS MORNING AT APROX 10:30AM MST, WHEN ACCELERATING ONTO AN EMPTY STREET, AFTER TURNING WESTBOUND ONTO 8TH AVENUE, FROM NORTHBOUND COLORADO BOULEVARD IN DENVER, COLORADO. BASED ON THE TIME OF DAY, THERE'S NO WAY SUNLIGHT COULD BE A FACTOR AS I WAS HEADED WEST AND IT WAS WELL BEFORE NOON. THE CAR PASSENGERS AND I WERE ALL VERY STARTLED BY THE DASHBOARD LIGHTING UP AND THE BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGING SO SUDDENLY AND SEVERELY, WITH NO ROAD OBSTRUCTIONS. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OF THE AEB FEATURE ENGAGING FOR NO APPARENT REASON, I DON'T RECALL THE FIRST TIME SPECIFICS, OTHER THAN THE SUN WAS BEHIND THE VEHICLE (IT WAS AFTER 4PM, AND I WAS HEADED EASTBOUND) I HAVE ZERO IDEA WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH MY VEHICLE AND THE AEB FEATURE ENGAGING WITHOUT ANY VISIBLE ROAD OBSTRUCTIONS THIS AND THE PREVIOUS TIME. NOTE, HE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED/ENGAGED DURING EITHER OCCURRENCE. ALSO NOTE, THE AEB FEATURE HAS ENGAGED PREVIOUSLY, ACCURATELY, APPARENTLY AND REASONABLY FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED.
- 10/09/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ON 10/8/2019 AND AT APPROXIMATELY 3:05PM I HEARD A LOUD GLASS EXPLOSION ABOVE ME. ONCE I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION, I OBSERVED THAT MY SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANYTHING HITTING THE SUN ROOF.
- 10/04/2020· SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKES HAVE SQUEALED SINCE AI HAVE LEASED THE VEHICLE EW IN 2017. I HAVE HAD THEM LOOKED AT SEVERAL TIME BY A VW SHOP AND THEY HAVE SAID IT IS NORMAL.
- 10/03/2024· TIRES
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: T1XX, Tire Size: 235/45/R18, DOT Number: B9ELT1XX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in a parking lot, the contact became aware that the rear passenger’s side tire had three cracks approximately 3 inches in length on the side wall near the rim. The vehicle was taken to a tire dealer for inspection, and the tire dealer informed the contact that there was no issue with the integrity of the tire. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was 123,393. The tire failure mileage was 30,000.
- 10/03/2022· ENGINE
Random cylinder misfires. Bank 1: camshaft A (intake), Retard setpoint not reached (over-advanced)
- 10/03/2022· AIR BAGS
Volkswagen has had a history of failed clock springs in which they have not resolved. 2017 Passat with the following items not working due to failed clock spring. Airbag, Horn, cruise control, and all steering wheel controls which impacts vehicle safety.
- 09/28/2021· AIR BAGS
ABS light, airbag light, front end assist light, steering light all on
- 09/27/2022· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
The Air Bag light, temperature warning, radio and information panel going wacky. The Clockspring is making clicking noises in the steering wheel.
- 09/24/2021· AIR BAGS
Initially heard clicking sound while turning the vehicle followed by airbag warning light. Then noticed driver assistant system not available warning, loss of horn, cruise control, automatic braking, and lane departure warning. Service center has inspected and informed me that the clock spring has failed(common problem with VW).
- 09/18/2021· SERVICE BRAKES
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors have failed on 3 different wheels in the 28.200 miles the car has been operated since new. The left front at 19,241 mile. The left rear at 23,195 miles. Finally the right rear at 28, 200 miles. The cost at the dealer for replacement of an ABS wheel speed sensor is around $350. I have had to pay for 2. The first was under warranty. When a speed sensor fails the ABS warning light activates, the Air Bag warning light activates, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light activates and the steering is lacking in stability, the steering warning light activates, and finally the low tire pressure warning light activates. Upon replacement of the failed ABS wheel speed sensors it was noted that the new sensors had an updated part number to a -B from a -A. I believe an unsafe condition exists with all of these systems inoperative after an ABS wheel speed sensor failure and that VW should supply an updated, reliable sensor to all VW Passat owners.
- 09/03/2021· EQUIPMENT
I drive 90 miles total daily, to and from work (45 mi each way). I currently have 87,050 miles on my vehicle. Shortly after my 36,000 mile warranty expired, I started experience issues with my infotainment system. Searching online I discovered many other owners with identical problems. The radio would freeze, where I could not change the preset tuning stations. I would have to hold the power button, (while driving on highway) for the infotainment system to reset. As time went on, I started experiencing "dead spots" on the touch screen. No matter what I do, areas where the "dead spots" are, is unusable. You cannot activate the function you need, where the "dead spots" are at. I contacted my local dealership, but they were no help. This has to be a known problem, and VW should repair or replace the infotainment system at their cost.
- 09/02/2023· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump cap Piece underneath the back seat, comes loose and allows gas to spill into the car underneath the backseat
- 09/02/2022· AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The clock spring broke inside my steering and my airbags, horn and other controls on the steering wheel do not work.
- 08/29/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF. AFTER WAITING A WHILE, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COMMONWEALTH VOLKSWAGEN (1 COMMONWEALTH DR, LAWRENCE, MA 01841, (978) 965-8259), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
- 08/27/2026· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am reporting a recurring safety-related defect involving the factory-installed infotainment touchscreen in my 2017 Volkswagen Passat SE Technology. The touchscreen intermittently malfunctions in several ways. At times, the entire infotainment system freezes and becomes completely unresponsive, preventing access to any controls. The screen also has developed "dead spots" where touch inputs do not register. Additionally, it sometimes registers "phantom touches," responding to inputs when the screen is not being touched. I believe this presents a safety concern because the infotainment system is an integrated component of the vehicle and is intended to be operated by the driver. When the system freezes, fails to respond, or registers unintended inputs, the driver may have to divert their attention from the roadway to determine what is happening, attempt to operate the system, or restart it. Dead spots can also prevent the driver from accessing desired functions. Pennsylvania recognizes the safety risks associated with distracted driving, including activities that take a driver's eyes off the roadway or hands off the wheel. A malfunctioning factory-installed touchscreen can create this type of distraction even when the driver is attempting to use the vehicle's integrated system. I have found multiple reports from other 2017 Volkswagen Passat owners describing similar infotainment problems, including frozen screens and touchscreen areas that become unresponsive. This suggests that the issue may be a recurring defect rather than an isolated failure. I believe NHTSA should investigate this issue to determine whether there is a common defect affecting 2017 Volkswagen Passat infotainment systems and whether Volkswagen should provide a remedy. A factory-installed vehicle control system should respond consistently and predictably. A touchscreen that freezes, fails to register inputs, or generates unintended inputs can require additional driver attention and interaction.
- 08/25/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Fuel pump control module over heated and burned
- 08/25/2021· AIR BAGS
Turned right after a traffic light while driving. Heard clicking noise from steering column and noticed that the airbag warning light came on. Further investigated and realized that the horn, front crash avoidance, vehicle voice control, cruise control, and all controls on the steering column were not working. No horn. No front crash avoidance. No airbag. After a short period of online research, I recognize that this is neither an isolated issue nor the first time VW has had this problem. Prior safety recalls have required repair of broken clock springs that render multiple pieces of safety equipment useless. This is a manufacturing error or part malfunction that should be repaired by VW at their expense.
- 08/12/2020· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LIGHT ON FOR DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG, HORN WILL NOT WORK, CRINKLE SOUND WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. NO POWER TO STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS
- 08/11/2017· ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TOO SENSITIVE ESC ISSUE ON 2017 PASSAT COULD CAUSE SAFETY HAZARD I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SUPER SENSITIVE ESC THAT ENGAGED AT 35 MILES/HOUR OR MORE AT HIGHWAY ENTRANCE AND EXIT WITH 2017 PASSAT R LINE. THIS 35 MILES LIMIT IS TOO LOW COMPARED WITH VW 2014 JETTA SE, 2016 JETTA 1.8T, 2014 SUBARU FORESTER, 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK, 2007 MERCEDES C230, 2011 C300 I OWN/ED. DRIVER'S PERCEPTION IS NOT MUCH CHANGE DUE TO THE CAR MODEL, ESPECIALLY WITHIN THE SAME OEM LIKE VW, THE CORNER IS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT MORE THAN 50 MILES/HOUR, BUT THE PASSAT HAS SUPER SENSITIVE ESC THAT ENGAGED UNEXPECTEDLY AT THE SUCH LOW SPEED AND IT COULD CAUSE A SUDDEN TIRE TRACTION CHANGE THAT COULD TRIGGER CAR SPIN OR FLIP AT WORST CASE. MY EXPERIENCES WERE AT DRY ROAD CONDITION ONLY AND NOT BEEN EXPOSED TO THE WET OR ICY ROAD IN A PAST, BUT OTHER CONSUMER MAY FACING THE SAME ISSUE AT SOME OTHER STATE BY THE DIFFERENT ROAD CONDITION. LOCAL DEALER AND VW HAVE HELP TESTED AND TRY CHANGING THE SYMPTOMS BY 1. CHANGE TIRE DUE TO ONE OF THE TIRE'S CIRCUMFERENCE WAS 1 INCH OFF, 2. CHANGE SPEED SENSOR, 3. CHANGE BEARING, AND 4. CHANGE ABS ECU, BUT NO IMPROVEMENT BEEN OBSERVED. ALTHOUGH THIS MIGHT BE CONTRADICTED, BUT ONE OF THE LONER PASSAT R LINE HAVE NOT SHOWING THE ISSUE, AND ANOTHER BRAND-NEW PASSAT IN A LOT HAVE THE SAME SYMPTOMS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS SENSITIVITY ISSUE MIGHT DIFFERENT BY THE UNIT ASSEMBLY/ALIGNMENT, OR DEPENDING ON THE PARTS BEEN USED FOR EACH UNIT. TESTED AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS: CA 237 E TO NORTH 1ST ST EXIT, CA 85 N TO EL CAMINO REAL N EXIT, US-101 & SAN TOMAS EXPY INTERCHANGE X 4 CORNERS, US-101 TO N MATILDA SOUTH EXIT, I-280 & WOLF RD ENTRANCE/EXIT VW SHOULD ADJUST THE SENSITIVITY TO BE SAME AS OTHER STANDARD MODELS. IF THEY SAY THIS IS THE STANDARD, THEN THE CAR IS USELESS. (ESPECIALLY FOR THE R LINE THAT SHOULD SUPPORT MUCH SPORTIER DRIVING.)
- 08/05/2026· FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCECrash
The contact owns 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, with the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated, the vehicle failed to detect another vehicle and the vehicle was involved in a crash. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injuries sustained. A Police report was filed but the information was not provided. The vehicle was vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.
- 08/03/2017· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION
TL* THE CONTACT LEASES A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE REAR BACKUP CAMERA FAILED TO DISPLAY ON THE MONITOR. THE REARVIEW CAMERA SYSTEM WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ESSERMAN INTERNATIONAL (LOCATED ON 10455 NW 12TH ST, MIAMI, FL 33172) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE BACKUP CAMERA WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CASE WAS BEING REVIEWED AND AN UPDATE WOULD BE PROVIDED ON OCTOBER 4, 2017. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 09/22/17*LJ *TR
- 08/02/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION
2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUE WITH REARVIEW BACKUP CAMERA. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED WHILE IT WAS IN POSSESSION OF THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER STATED IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR AND THERE WASNO SOLUTION FOR THE CAMERA FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.*JS
- 07/28/2022· TIRES,WHEELSCrash
These tires were on 2017 VW passat on 19” aftermarket wheels driven by my son. Previous tires of different brand had flats on passenger side one month earlier. On July 26, 2022 the new tire had blowout on driver rear location causing vehicle to lose traction spin and crash into wooded area on side if I 75 south of Tampa. My concern is these aftermarket wheels had three flats in three week period. Two different brands of tires on same 19” aftermarket rims.
- 07/25/2024· AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Clock spring on vehicle has failed. This is a known issue with many VW vehicles, but I have been told my vehicle is not on the extended warranty program. 2017 VW Passat - approximately 150,000 miles. This eliminates all steering wheel controls, horn, cruise control, and air bags.
- 07/25/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AC TAKES 5-20 MINUTES TO BLOW COLD AIR. MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS TO DEALER AND SERVICE DO NOT RESULT IN ANY ATTEMPT TO FIX PROBLEM BECAUSE BY THE TIME WE ARRIVE AT THE DEALER, THE PROBLEM HAS CORRECTED ITSELF. THIS OCCURS FIRST THING IN THE DAY. AFTER IT STARTS BLOWING COLD AIR, IT WORKS FINE THE REST OF THE DAY. THIS IS THE 3RD VW PASSAT WE'VE DRIVEN THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM. VW WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE PROBLEM.
- 07/24/2018· STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
SINCE I HAVE THIS CAR HAVING PROBLEMS VIBRATIONS I TOOK THE CAR ON VW DEALER FEW TIMES I EXPLAIN TO THEM MY CAR IS VIBRATING WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES ALSO WHEN I CRUISE OVER 55MPH. THEY TOLD ME ALWAYS CAR IS PERFORMING TO MANUFACTURE SPECIFICATIONS SO NOW I HAVE 6500 MILES ON MY CAR I TOOK MY CAR TO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP THEY FOUND OUT MY TIRES AR CUPPING. AND MY ROOTS ARE OUT OF ROUND AND ALIGNMENT WAS CORRECT TIRE BALANCING THEY DID FEW TIME TIRE ROATATION SO NOW I HAVE 6500 MILES ON THE CAR LESS THEN 1 YEAR OLD CAR. AND VW OF USA WE CANNOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY I REPLACE THE TIRES ON MY OWN AND THE CAR STILL VIBRATES IDK WHAT TO DO ANY FURTHER VERY DISAPPOINTED ALSO HAVING ISSUES WITH FRONT ASSIST WITH ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL AND LANE ASSIST NO RESPONSE
- 07/23/2019· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE BRIGHT ENOUGH. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER DEBRIS FROM A CHAIR ON THE ROAD. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN THE CONTACT DROVE OVER TIRE DEBRIS THAT WAS ABANDONED ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND WAS TAKEN TO D-PATRICK VOLKSWAGEN (812-473-6500, LOCATED AT 200 N GREEN RIVER RD, EVANSVILLE, IN 47715) FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V389000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE SAME DEALER WAS CALLED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULE TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE FROM THE SECOND FAILURE AS WELL AS THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 11,000.
- 07/22/2026· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
cracks in the fuel pump houisng cauisng vapors and fumes into my car.
- 07/22/2018· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ON FRIDAY THE 13 OF JULY 8 DAYS AFTER HAVING AN OIL CHANGE I STARTED MY CAR AND IT WAS MISS FIRING AND MY HUSBAND OPENED THE HOOD AND GAS AND COOLANT WAS SPRAYING ALL OVER. HE DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY..HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS RODENT AND I WONDER IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BECAUSE OUR OTHER VEHICLES HAVEN'T BEEN ATTACKED IN 18 YEARS OF LIVING HERE
- 07/18/2019· FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES CLOSE TO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE, THE AUTONOMOUS BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE BRAKED SUDDENLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,090.
- 07/13/2021· FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
I have had to have my vehicle serviced over 5 times within the last three months. There is a recurring sensor temps, Air bad error, radio not working properly, and front assist sensor light error. Everything I have had to take my vehicle to a service dealer, my wheel bearing need to be changed, my tire sensor needs to be changed, and my steering wheel is shaking. This is an urgent matter that needs to be taken care of