NHTSA Safety Recalls
Volkswagen Passat Recalls by Year
Every model year from 2000 to 2021, ranked by how many recalls it carries.
Across 21 model years (2000–2021) the Volkswagen Passat has 112 NHTSA recalls. The worst year is 2012 with 11; the cleanest is 2021 with 1.
- Model years
- 21
- Total recalls
- 112
- Worst year
- 2012
- Cleanest year
- 2021
2000–2021
11 recalls
1 recalls
Recalls by model year
What gets recalled most on the Volkswagen Passat
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE29
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS12
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE8
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP7
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY6
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL4
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP4
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING3
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH3
Reading these numbers
A high recall count is not the same as an unreliable car. Recalls are safety defects the manufacturer reports and repairs free; a maker that files many of them is often being more diligent, not less. Older model years also accumulate recalls simply by existing longer.
What matters for a specific car is whether its own VIN is covered by an open campaign. Check it on NHTSA's lookup or call 1-888-327-4236.