Problems · NHTSA complaints

2015 Volkswagen Passat problems

Owners filed 244 complaints about the 2015 Volkswagen Passat with NHTSA between Dec 2014 and Jul 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (88).

Complaints
244
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
11
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
14
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Air bags88
  2. Engine53
  3. Electrical system48
  4. Steering26
  5. Service brakes26
  6. Fuel/propulsion system21
  7. Suspension16
  8. Power train12
  9. Vehicle speed control10
  10. Visibility/wiper7
  11. Visibility7
  12. Exterior lighting6
  13. Structure5
  14. Tires4

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20141
201518
201626
201714
201833
201944
202013
202120
202231
202318
202410
202512
20264

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Air bags

88 reports8 crashes2 related recalls
“The vehicle was rear-ended, lost control, traveled approximately 500 feet, and rolled multiple times. Side and curtain airbags deployed; however, the front airbags did not deploy. The vehicle was declared a total loss. The driver exited the vehicle without assistance. The vehicle is currently preserved at a tow lot.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 26, 2026Air bags, Unknown or otherCrash reportedODI 11713332

Engine

53 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle sputtered intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that fuel was leaking into the engine compartment, causing engine failure. The contact stated that the dealer had repaired the vehicle and possibly cleaned the engine. The dealer had informed the contact that the engine would last 4-6 months before complete engine failure. The vehicle was returned to the contact; however, while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle sputtered and then lost power. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts to continue driving. The vehicle was returned to the dealer but was not repaired. The dealer suggested that a new vehicle be purchased. The contact searched online and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V028000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 5, 2026Fuel system, gasoline, EngineODI 11715795

Electrical system

48 reports1 crash1 fire
“The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that cool air was being blown inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the heater failed to heat the passenger’s side of the vehicle. Additionally, the defroster failed to properly defrost the windshield while activated. The contact linked the failure to VWP:16‑05; (Heater Core Limited Warranty Extension). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 2, 2025Electrical system, VisibilityODI 11702531

Steering

26 reports
“2015 Passat TDI sudden complete power loss while driving, including highway incidents. Vehicle stalls with no warning, creating immediate safety hazard. Symptoms match documented crankshaft position sensor failures in identical vehicles that VW has repaired under warranty for other owners. VW Customer Care closed case requiring 'duplication' of safety defect before repair. Request immediate safety investigation. I am reporting today's incident however this issue has been occuring since May 1st and occurred on numerous occasions with today being the most unsafe.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 7, 2025Steering, Electrical system, EngineODI 11671727

Service brakes

26 reports2 crashes1 fire
“The three issues above seems to be related or affect the other and does not allow cruise control to operate. The air bag light remains on and associated component light up the dash. Surprisingly, my VIN does not show up for air bag repair. I wish I did not have to wait for possible recall announcement for my vehicle before I can get it repaired and instead to fix it now. Frustrating.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 5, 2023Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Service brakesODI 11558662

Fuel/propulsion system

21 reports
“Vehicle has an excessive gasoline smell coming from the driver front of the vehicle- mechanics have not been able to determine the exact location of the problem.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 24, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11752613
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

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