Problems · by component

2014 Volkswagen Passat electrical system problems

74 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2014 Volkswagen Passat cite electrical system, 12% of all 594 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
74
12% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“A prior recall that was supposedly fixed, broke again. Submitted several complaints with Nhtsa and Volkswagen. Volkswagen said i had to pay a fee to verify what was wrong with my vehicle because the recall had already been fixed before. Months of waiting and waiting for an appointment and then vw would still not refix the recall. So years and years went by before the recall was recalled and vw sent out notice. Only to schedule you vehicle for service months out and then call and cancel because there is a shortage of parts and no known time in getting them. Anyways the recalled recall is an air bag spring that caused all of my vehicles "functions" to stop working. No horn, no steering wheel button functions, no computer functions. And during this time of not having my vehicles safety features... I was involved in a collision where my horn would have probably been a lifesaver and a vehicle saver had I had it”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 28, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11760194
“Clockspring Recall. Horn not working, buttons on steering column not working, when turning steering wheel it makes a clicking noise, sounds like spring being pulled, driver side air bag light is illuminated on dash.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 27, 2026Steering, Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11753037
“The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated and remained illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were false DTC codes displayed while performing the diagnostic test. The vehicle was then taken the dealer and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 6, 2024Electrical system, EngineODI 11629250
“The component that failed is in the official dealer report. I am not an expert however definitely an issue with electrical, engine, steering and acceleration meter. The car shakes/jolts aggressively. Once the shaking of the vehicle begins it accelerates with the breaks being pressed in under a red light and also under parked mode. In the red light case the vehicle then turns off the steering wheel freezes and all power comes off. The shaking/jolting takes place as I am driving as well. Which I then have to pull to the right to ensure my safety and others. This is major safety concern as it accelerates /jolts forward which can cause harm to pedestrians crossing the street, having me enter crossing traffic causing a major accident to myself and others. I have the brakes pressed in having no control of the vehicle. The vehicle turning off as I am driving is a major safety concern as I can cause an issue specially going on higher speed like freeways. The steering wheel comes into a complete freeze once the vehicle turns off as I’m operating the vehicle which then does not allow me to control the movement of the vehicle if I want to pull to the right away from…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 21, 2024Steering, Electrical system, EngineODI 11573211
“To Whom It May Concern. Good afternoon. I really need your help on this. This particular vehicle has a defective DEF emission system that renders the car inoperable when the DEF sensors start acting up. Between 2022-2023, I took this vehicle to the Volkswagen dealership on numerous times, over ten different times. This vehicle was still protected under a factory emissions DEF extended warranty. The engine mounted diesel injection pump was changed by me when the Volkswagen dealer refused to honor the defective diesel injection pump. The DEF emissions systems has had numerous issues including shutting off on the freeway due to defective DEF sensors. Between 2022-2023 I was forced to keep the vehicle on for up to 96 hours costing me considerable expenses in fuel, and abnormally high mechanical wear and tear on my vehicle because I was unable to turn the vehicle off due to a Volkswagen diesel no-restart emissions issue that can only be repaired at the Volkswagen dealership. VWOA has acted in extremely bad faith causing unnecessary hardship on their customers that erroneously purchased a Volkswagen Passat diesel with the DEF emission system. Volkswagen ripped me off…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 17, 2023Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11550534
“Hi , My 2014 Passat driven by a family member struck a parked truck. Luckily, nobody was hurt! The parked car was not occupied and the driver of the Passat was able to exit the vehicle unharmed. The speed was about 35 mph and the air bags deployed. This front collision resulted in a major fire that totally destroyed the car. The insurance company (Progressive) is currently in the possession of the car. And one other important thing to note is that, about 2 years ago, this car was also involved in a different accident when it reared a car. That collision did not result in the deployment of the air bags but caused lots of damage. The radiator and lots of the plastic in the front needed replacement at that time. I don't recall the exact amount for the damage, but we ended up paying the full 2k deductible to get the car back.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 19, 2023Electrical system, Unknown or other, Fuel/propulsion systemCrash reportedFire reportedODI 11502721

Showing 6 of 74 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Electrical system: wiring

Free remedy

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical connectors of the sensor, causing an electrical short.

Electrical systemReported Mar 24, 2016NHTSA 16V171000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.