Model year

2019 Volkswagen Passat

Sedan, gasoline, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Apr 16, 2019 to Mar 16, 2025.

Recall campaigns covering this model year1662k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints12Close to the median 2019 sedan
Severity index0.02019 sedans average 8.1
First 24 months9Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2019 Volkswagen Passat peaked in 2019, with 8 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

02468201982020202120222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

33% of complaints about the 2019 Volkswagen Passat name electrical system

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Electrical system
4
Brakes
3
Engine and cooling
2
Fuel system
2
Powertrain
2
Driver assistance
1
Seats
1
Steering
1
Visibility and wipers
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

One recall campaign covers the 2019 Volkswagen Passat

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2019 Volkswagen Passat
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
19V-389May 22, 2019Blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installedLighting662,185Repair or modification
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2019 Volkswagen Passat

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

12 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Mar 16, 2025Failure Jan 7, 2025clinton twp, MIService brakes

    Brake issues that consist of brakes not engaging immediately as I press the brake pedal. Brake pedal also doesn't return as fast as my foot lets off of it. It could be inspected upon request. If the brakes dont engage immediately then there is a potential for an accident if I need to brake at a moments notice. Yes the problem has been confirmed. No it hasn't been inspected. No there isn't a warning.

    NHTSA complaint 11648532
  2. Filed Oct 13, 2022Failure Oct 1, 202240,000 milesHyannis, MAFuel system, Fuel injection system

    The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and then lost motive power. The contact pushed the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced the fuel injector. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11489175
  3. Filed Sep 10, 2020Failure Feb 1, 202015,000 milesWilliamsport, PAElectrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Service brakes

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ABRUPTLY STOP EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE NO VEHICLES OR OBJECTS NEARBY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER FAIRFIELD VW LOCATED AT 5071 LYCOMING MALL DR, MONTOURSVILLE, PA 17754 HOWEVER, THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. ADDITIONALLY, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN PUSHING THE START/STOP BUTTON AND THE MESSAGE "NO KEY DETECTED" WAS SOMETIMES DISPLAYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11354266
  4. Filed Feb 5, 2020Failure Mar 29, 20196,000 milesBaltimore, MDEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE IDLED WITH THE EPC LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WAS BELABORED WHILE SHIFTING GEARS AND AT LOW SPEEDS. THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (HERITAGE VOLKSWAGEN CATONSVILLE 6624 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, BALTIMORE, MD 21228) FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP MODULE AND FUEL INJECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE OR RESOLUTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. *TP

    NHTSA complaint 11307253
  5. Filed Dec 17, 2019Failure Feb 22, 20199 milesMuskogee, OKElectrical system, Engine, Unknown or other

    VEHICLE WAS SOLD WITH REMOTE START FEATURE. DEALER AND SALESMAN KNEW THE REMOTE START DID NOT WORK. THIS WAS A SELLING POINT ON THE CAR. THEY KEEP PUTTING OFF FIXING THE ISSUE WITH THE CAR.

    NHTSA complaint 11289555
  6. Filed Nov 26, 2019Failure Oct 6, 20193,500 milesFairport, NYElectrical system

    WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF, THE FACTORY REMOTE START DOES NOT FUNCTION. THE CAR WILL TURN OVER, BUT IMMEDIATELY DIE. VW HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS SINCE LATE 2018, BUT HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX THE ISSUE. I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN JUNE OF 2019, AND THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO ME WITHOUT THE DEALERSHIP LETTING ME KNOW THE REMOTE START WOULD NOT WORK. I HAD TO FIND OUT MYSELF ON A COLD MORNING. I EVEN CALLED TO LET THEM KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON AND THEY HAD ME BRING IT IN EVEN THOUGH THEY ALREADY KNEW THERE WAS AN ISSUE. HOW CAN VW GET AWAY WITH SELLING A FEATURE ON A VEHICLE THAT DOES NOT WORK A YEAR AFTER THEY ARE AWARE OF IT?

    NHTSA complaint 11282393
  7. Filed Nov 26, 2019Failure Jul 1, 2019300 milesFairport, NYPower train

    WHEN THE VEHICLE IS AT SLOWER SPEEDS, IT IS CONSTANTLY SHIFTING TO TRY AND SAVE ON FUEL. THIS RESULTS IN THE VEHICLE NOT PROVIDING A CONSISTENT RIDE. THE NOISE WHEN IT SHIFTS IS VERY LOUD AND CAN SOMETIMES BE FELT THROUGH A JERKING MOTION. BRINGING THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP RESULTED IN THEM SAYING THEY KNOW IT'S AN ISSUE AND HOPEFULLY VW COMES OUT WITH A SOFTWARE FIX. IT'S NOT COMFORTING KNOWING THAT THE DEALERSHIP KNOWS THERE'S AN ISSUE AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE.

    NHTSA complaint 11282392
  8. Filed Nov 12, 2019Failure Nov 11, 201917,200 milesDES Plaines, ILSeats

    ON 11/10/2019 WHILE DRIVING I CONSTANTLY FELT BURNING SENSATION ON MY RIGHT THIGH WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS AROUND 70 MILES. THE NEXT DAY ON 11/11/2019 WITH THE FAMILY AND KIDS MY RIGHT THIGH STARTED FEELING LIKE ITS BURNING. SUBSEQUENTLY WE STARTED SMELLING SOMETHING BURN AND SWITCHED OFF ALL HEAT AND HEATED SEATS AND DROVE BACK HOME WITH OUT ANY HEAT IN 15 F . ON ARRIVAL WE NOTICED THAT THE HEATED SEAT GOT SO HOT THAT IT BURNT A HOLE IN THE DRIVER CAR SEAT AND MELTED THE LEATHER . WE ALL GOT EXTREMELY SCARED OF A POSSIBLE FIRE IN THE CAR AND COULD HAD GOT INJURED OR STRANDED ON A VERY COLD DAY. THERE ARE 100'S OF SIMILAR ISSUES POSTED ONLINE BUT I AM NOT SURE WHY THIS IS NOT BEING FIXED. IF THE CLOTHS FIRE CATCHES ON AND WE ARE ON A FREEWAY AT A HIGH SPEED THEN MY FAMILY'S LIFE COULD BE ENDANGERED IF I LOOSE CONTROL BECAUSE OF THIS BURN. THE CAR IS 2019 JANUARY VW PASSAT BOUGHT FROM VW AND IS ALMOST BRAND NEW . I HAVE TAKEN A DEALER APPOINTMENT AND WILL BE VISITING ON 11/16/2019 TO GET THIS CHECKED AND PROBABLY FIXED. BUT SHOULD I TRUST THAT THIS WONT HAPPEN AGAIN ?

    NHTSA complaint 11279616
  9. Filed Nov 5, 2019Failure Oct 1, 20192,000 milesEden Prairie, MNPower train, Steering

    CAR HESITATES ERRATICALLY AND UNPREDICTABLY WHEN ACCELERATING MOST NOTICEABLY FROM A DEAD STOP, AND AT SLOW SPEEDS WHILE TURNING. ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP TO CROSS A STREET IN BUSY TRAFFIC THE CAR WILL JUST SIT UNRESPONSIVE FOR SECONDS AND BARELY ACCELERATE AND THEN UNPREDICTABLY ACCELERATE. DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING THE R-LINE, IT DRIFTS ALL OVER THE ROAD. I HAVE HAD 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENTS ON THE CAR WITH ONLY 6400 MILES ON IT.

    NHTSA complaint 11278248
  10. Filed Jul 12, 2019Failure Jul 8, 20195,000 milesVero Beach, FLVisibility/wiper

    WINDSHIELD BEGAN CRACKING IN THE MIDDLE FROM PASSENGER SIDE TOWARD DRIVER SIDE. NO ROCK OR OTHER DEBRIS HIT WINDSHIELD. IT IS A CONTINUOUS CRACK THAT IS A FINE LINK CRACK THAT CONTINUES TO SPREAD.

    NHTSA complaint 11231408
  11. Filed Jun 29, 2019Failure Jun 2, 20192,025 milesTallmadge, OHElectrical system

    SPEEDOMETER READS 2 MPH LOWER THAN ACTUAL SPEED AT 70 MPH AS MEASURED BY RADAR INSTRUMENTS ON ROAD AND MY GPS WHICH READS THE SAME AS THE RADAR. I ALSO AM DRINKING A LOANER VEHICLE OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL AND READS 1 MPH SLOWER AT 70 MPH. ALSO HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONING. THEY ALSO LIED ABOUT THE FUEL ECONOMY POSTED ON THE WINDSHIELD. IT IS CONSISTENTLY LOWER THAN THE MILEAGE LISTED BOTH FOR CITY, HIGHWAY, AND AVERAGE. THIS IS ALSO TRUE ON THE LOANER VEHICLE. ALMOST LIKE THE DIESEL EMISSIONS PROBLEM THEY HAD WITH MY 2015 PASSAT!

    NHTSA complaint 11228401
  12. Filed Apr 16, 2019Failure Apr 11, 20192,500 milesBoynton Beach, FLService brakes

    NORMAL HEEL TOE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GAS PEDAL AND BRAKE IMPOSSIBLE. WHILE DRIVING, I WENT TO STEP ON BRAKE. POSITION OF PEDAL WAY AHEAD OF GAS PEDAL. RESULT I WAS PUSHING DOWN ON FIRE WALL. WHEN I TRIED TO STEP ON BRAKE, MY FOOT WAS TRAPPED BEHIND THE BRAKE PEDAL.

    NHTSA complaint 11196817
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

535 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • V4622022067177_5 Aug 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Repair or Replace Information
  • V4015022033347_8 Aug 10, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Replacement instruction
  • V0026012081638_2 Aug 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Differences between a leak and seepage
  • TT 00-13-04_7 Aug 6, 2026 · Other
    Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
  • SM 35-2026 Aug 21, 2026 · Other
    This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward.
  • VOS-26-42 Jul 15, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclus…
  • V1718062017813_24 Jul 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
  • V6919012010479_17 Jun 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Inquiries
  • V1719012012855_81 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
  • TT 13-20-01_3 Jun 18, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
  • TT 10-18-02_2 Jun 18, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
  • V0026012081638_1 May 19, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Difference between Component fluid leakage and seepage
  • SM 26-2026 May 19, 2026 · Other
    This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
  • VOS-26-21 Mar 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software …
  • V0018092053065_6 Mar 25, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
  • V9422022066761_4 Mar 19, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors
  • VOS-26-15 Mar 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill an…
  • V5515032021354_9 Mar 5, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Paint color and/or finish of the engine compartment may not match the exterior paint color
  • DC_VW_CF_Airbag Mar 2, 2026 · Other
    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles.
  • V4826012080200_1 Jan 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Assessment of Damage to steering wheel leather
  • VOS-26-01 Jan 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct a test that is not reading any information from the battery data module (BDM) and w…
  • V2715032016076_13 Dec 8, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Diagnosis for Excessive Current Draw.
  • V5718012042955_7 Nov 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Replace Door Lock and Cap.
  • V4016012043146_4 Nov 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    What is and what is not a leaking suspension strut.
  • V4622022067177_4 Nov 6, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Warranty Instruction and guidance
  • V4418012043620_8 Nov 3, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Alignment sheet submission.
  • WLA-25-11 Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Coolant Bleed Procedure
  • V8718102043704_24 Oct 6, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    GFF Requirements regardless of concern plus System flush requirement
  • V3718022033975_14 Oct 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids.
  • V3416022034406_8 Oct 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Diagnosing Manual Transmission Noise
  • V1917012022548_15 Oct 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    G12Evo can now be mixed with previous coolants.
  • V1718062017813_23 Oct 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    How to measure engine oil consumption.
  • V1718032037201_20 Oct 8, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Proper engine oil level before leaving the factory.
  • V0123022069588_3 Oct 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EVAP and Leak Detection Pump replacement components.
  • V0116152014815_19 Oct 6, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    A list of suggested fuel stations
  • V0116132033805_11 Oct 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine misfire diagnostic aid.
  • V0017132033846_25 Oct 6, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fuel Additive to prevent sporatic misfire
  • SM 55-2025 Oct 24, 2025 · Other
    This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
  • V0017132033846_24 Jul 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fuel Additive
  • V4616012043146_3 Jul 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    How to identify and when to replace a leaking strut
  • V1719012012855_79 Jun 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards (U.S. Only)
  • V8720022061094_9 May 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    How to check for HVAC system leaks using nitrogen.
  • V4418012043620_7 May 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Using Alignment Sheet Submission Form
  • V1719012012855_78 Apr 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards
  • V4622022067177_3 Mar 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Brake Repair or Replacement Information
  • V4019012028353_12 Mar 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Front suspension noisy, spring rubs on strut perch.
  • V4015022033347_6 Feb 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CV Boot replacement
  • V1917012022548_14 Feb 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Identifying and Mixing Engine Coolant
  • V0123022069588_2 Feb 13, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EVAP Components replacement
  • VOS-25-04 Jan 8, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication for the airbag control module. For trouble code DTC B10001B. Driver airbag igniter resistance too high -N95
  • V9419012011521_20 Dec 6, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Internal Moisture Accumulation
  • VOS-24-129 Nov 5, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication for the airbag control module. For trouble code DTC B10001B. Driver airbag igniter resistance too high -N95
  • V8718122005566_28 Nov 14, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    HVAC duct cleaning and deodorizing
  • V5515032021354_8 Oct 30, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Lack of paint under roof
  • V1719022012855_77 Oct 30, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine Oil Standards
  • V0018092053065_5 Oct 17, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Additional reporting
  • CampTip_RNA_VW Oct 7, 2024 · Other
    Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
  • V9422022066761_3 Sep 26, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Inspecting sensors for damage
  • V3718022033975_13 Sep 17, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Fluid requirements
  • V3416022034406_7 Sep 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Manual transmission noise diagnosing
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.