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Volkswagen Passat

EPA MPG: 25 mpg
Average Retail Price
$5,375 - $6,350

RECALL ALERT:
There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability
/ 100

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

The 2013 Volkswagen Passat has been recalled 9 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2013 Volkswagen Passat owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"Had to have the PCV valve replaced, which on a VW Passat is integral to the valve cover, which means the whole valve cover had to be replaced. This was discovered in troubleshooting a faulty MAP sensor that was generating a check engine light. The MAP sensor was fouled by engine oil coming from the bad PCV valve. The intake manifold had to be removed and cleaned, along with the throttle body. The whole bill for repair was almost $1700."

Anonymous A., TX (2013 Volkswagen Passat 2.5-L 5 Cyl)
Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"The MAP sensor was generating a check engine light. I had replaced it myself about 2 years before, but that didn't resolve the light, but I wasn't too concerned as the biggest impact was supposed to be reduced gas mileage, which I wasn't seeing. I had the problem investigated by a car repair shop, who found the cause was oil fouling due to a bad PCV valve. After both items were replaced, the check engine light went away."

Anonymous A., TX (2013 Volkswagen Passat 2.5-L 5 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Blower (fan) motor

"Both blowers on dash were broken and had to be replaced."

Anonymous, GA (2013 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.5-L 5 Cyl)
Refrigerant leaks

"Recent lack of a/c required fix which involved patching coolant leaks"

Anonymous, VA (2013 Volkswagen Passat SEL 2.5-L 5 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"Went bad and had to be replaced, it was covered under extended warranty. Took 6 months to fix due to a global part shortage, I did have a courtesy car while in the shop."

Anonymous, OH (2013 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)
Pipes

"Car began making loud noise. Was still drivable. Mechanic said it was a pipe that loosened due to rust. Pipe was replaced."

Anonymous, PA (2013 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.5-L 5 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"Daytime running light went out. Took to shop . They fixed it but then both daytime running lights went out and then back on and then out. Still goes on on off."

Anonymous, PA (2013 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.5-L 5 Cyl)
Other electrical system problem

"There is a power drain after 3-4 days sitting the battery is killed cannot be jumped or charged"

Anonymous, GA (2013 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.5-L 5 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Regular brake failure

"The brakes just wore out, almost to the point of seizure"

Anonymous, ON (2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other body problem

"The driver side seat is so uncomfortable. no matter what you do with it. it sinks down at the back. i have so many back issues with this car. i am ready to get rid of it. it escalated my spine to chronic pain where i cant even walk half the tdont drive, feel better, then drive and im back to pain and misery. i"

Anonymous, NY (2013 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.5-L 5 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Engine computer

"Would not accelerate normally"

Anonymous, CA (2013 Volkswagen Passat SEL 2.5-L 5 Cyl)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"It started about 2 months after I bought it I did the break and found out there was much bigger problems I had to do the rotors plus the shocks and a arm but still did not fix the issue every time I go over any type of bump or speed bump it makes a really loud noise it feels like something is going to break off. I have experienced the problem about 2 months after I bought it I have never been able to fix the problem the shop said the car was probably in an accident and never reported"

Anonymous A., (2013 Volkswagen Passat S 2.5-L 5 Cyl)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

/ 5

What Owners Say

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Problem in that gps stopped working. CD update did not fix. Dealer said whole unit would have to be replaced but out of warranty. I just use Waze app on phone"

Anonymous, VA (2013 Volkswagen Passat SEL 2.5-L 5 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

/ 5

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

/ 5

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

/ 5

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

/ 5

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

/ 5

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

/ 5

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

/ 5

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

/ 5

2013 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
09
10
11
12*
13
14
15
16
17
18
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
NA
NA
NA
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
Build Quality
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
AIR BAGS
Oct 30, 2024
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V834000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 248330
AIR BAGS
Dec 04, 2019
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
What should you do:
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V862000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 226
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 22, 2019
Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V389000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 662185
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