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Volkswagen Passat

EPA MPG: 28 mpg
Average Retail Price
$6,125 - $8,325

RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 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 2015 Volkswagen Passat has been recalled 7 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 2015 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)

"Same as previous - issue with Emissions and Intake manifold design. Covered by factory recall. Dealer quickly corrected problem for free. No issues since then."

Anonymous, NM (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)
Fuel injection system

"Carbon build up."

Anonymous, TX (2015 Volkswagen Passat SE 3.6-L V6)
Fuel pump

"Car smelled of gas."

Anonymous, TX (2015 Volkswagen Passat SE 3.6-L V6)
Other emissions/fuel system problem

"pollution control BLU DEF pump failed"

Anonymous A., (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The issue was check engine light came on and we went to dealer. Fount out that it was part of factory recall. Fortunately, a nearby dealer (we were travelling far from home) did the repairs at NO, Zero cost within 2 days"

Anonymous, NM (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

Climate System

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"blowing cold air instead of warm. required service at dealer"

Anonymous, TN (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)
Heater system

"Clogged radiator required a new radiator and water pump, and heater core."

Anonymous A., UT (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)
Refrigerant leaks

"The a/c compressor solenoid began leaking and the dealer evacuated the system. They wanted $1,000 to replace the part and recharge the system, I declined the repair."

Anonymous, OH (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

Exhaust

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Replaced tires. Replaced battery. Replaced water pump. Replaced thermostat and engine gaskets. Valve cleaning."

Anonymous, CA (2015 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The front suspension part needed replacement because the bushing deteriorated which could of caused serious rideabilty problems"

Anonymous, NY (2015 Volkswagen Passat SE 3.6-L V6)

Engine Major

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

Cylinder head

"Valve spring broke, leading to destruction of valve. Head had to be pulled and reworked. $3500."

Anonymous, MS (2015 Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg Edition 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Other major engine problem

"Check engine light came on repeatedly. Dealer had a difficult time diagnosing and fixing the issue. Had to return at least 6 times before the issue was resolved."

Anonymous, MA (2015 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

Noises/Leaks

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"The oil cooler broke"

Anonymous, NE (2015 Volkswagen Passat SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

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)

"Radio Navigation Unit Failed. Haven't replaced it. Too expensive."

Anonymous, AR (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

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

What Owners Say

Stability control (ESC)

"While accelerating, stability control light and ESP light woudl come on, and the car woudl become unstable. would have to pull over, stop the car, and turn it back on at which time the lights woudl go off. Extremely dangerous on the highway"

Anonymous, OH (2015 Volkswagen Passat SE Unsure)

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

Remote engine starter

"Very finicky"

Anonymous, (2015 Volkswagen Passat SEL 3.6-L V6)

Transmission Major

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

/ 5

Engine Cooling

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

/ 5

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

Transmission Minor

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

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

/ 5

Brakes

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

/ 5

Paint/Trim

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

/ 5

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

2015 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
11
12*
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20*
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
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
AIR BAGS
Jan 11, 2019
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015 Passat, 2015-2016 Eos, 2015-2017 CC, 2016-2017 TT Roadster, TT Coupe, 2017 Audi R8 Coupe, and R8 Spyder vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
What should you do:
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298; Audi owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69S8 (Audi) and 69Y5 (Volkswagen).
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: 19V014000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 119394
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