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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 Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Volkswagen Passat owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
"Freezes up and randomly triggers the touchscreen creating issues with navigation or listening to music."
Anonymous, NC (2016 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)"Audio messages coming through for no reason at all."
Anonymous A., LA (2016 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
"Heated air was not flowing toward floor in winter. Dealer diagnosed failure of several motorized doors that divert flow or air to various duct outlets. Dealer replaced two doors. Repair took 2 weeks due to availability of parts. Cost $1300. Works fine now. This was only work needed on climate system since new."
Anonymous, AZ (2016 Volkswagen Passat S 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)"The actuator door controls whether the system is running heat or AC. My door, according to technicians, became jammed so half my car was heating and half was stuck on AC. I had it replaced by a certified VW tech at the dealership."
Anonymous, NC (2016 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
"Water pump leaked and cost a fortune to replace. The car had barely 74000 miles on it when this happened, which is way too early. I have never had to replace a water pump before 150000 miles on any previous car."
Anonymous, (2016 Volkswagen Passat 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
"Fuel pump had to be replaced 2 times and in turn caused all the sensors to fail. Parts can only be replaced by VW and there is at least a 6 month backlog to get the part. And then the air compressor failed."
Anonymous A., GA (2016 Volkswagen Passat 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
"The oil leak was what lead to the discovery of the water pump. We initially thought it was because the previous oil change company did not screw the plug in tightly enough, but the oil continues to register down, albeit by not as much. Our mechanic is at a loss to explain it."
Anonymous, (2016 Volkswagen Passat 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
"This rattle has existed for 50k miles and the dealership addressed it 2 times over the years and they can't fix it!"
Anonymous A., LA (2016 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)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.
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
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.
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.
Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
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.
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
"It struggles to pair with my phone. Ive gone through several cables, resets, and updates. But, its a 50/50 shot if Apple car play works."
Anonymous, NC (2016 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)