Problems · NHTSA complaints

2016 Volkswagen Passat problems

Owners filed 106 complaints about the 2016 Volkswagen Passat with NHTSA between Mar 2016 and May 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (25).

Complaints
106
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Air bags25
  2. Electrical system22
  3. Steering19
  4. Engine17
  5. Fuel/propulsion system15
  6. Service brakes15
  7. Vehicle speed control11
  8. Forward collision avoidance7
  9. Power train5
  10. Exterior lighting5
  11. Electronic stability control (esc)5
  12. Structure4
  13. Fuel system, gasoline3
  14. Engine and engine cooling2

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
20166
20177
201816
201913
202010
202111
20228
202311
202411
20259
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

25 reports2 crashes
“The clock spring system failed, rendering all of the cars' steering wheel functions non-functional. The airbag light is on and the steering wheels airbag does not operate as well as the cars horn and auto cruise controls. The instrument cluster is malfunctioning as well. The safety risks associated with the malfunctions could result in great harm to the driver and passengers in the vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 3, 2026Steering, Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11735422

Electrical system

22 reports1 crash
“The vehicle has been alerting error codes 16352 for failing to communicate with ABS module causing warning lights for ABS, brake and the ESC systems to illuminate. The brake system related vehicle stabilizing functions (ABS/ESC) is not be available, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control and could lead to a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Please reference Safety Recall Code: 45F2”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2025Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11691060

Steering

19 reports1 crash
“Air bag error light is on and steering wheel controls/horn are inoperable. Cause is most likely a clock spring failure as has been reported in numerous VW vehicle models including the 2016 VW Passat but the current recall 69L2 doesn’t appear to cover our vehicle. With recall problems on numerous other vehicles, it is hard to believe this isn’t caused by the same issue. Repair cost is estimated at $900 for an item that should be covered by VW.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2024Steering, Air bags, Vehicle speed controlODI 11618315

Engine

17 reports
“The fuel delivery system appears to have failed. Specifically, there is an active gasoline leak from a fuel line inside the cabin, near or under the rear seat. The source may be related to an unresolved recall involving the fuel rail detaching from the engine, which causes pressurized fuel leakage. The failed component is still present on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. The back seat was removed by a mechanic who observed gasoline actively spewing into the cabin. This defect presents an extreme fire hazard. The constant gasoline fumes in the interior have caused me to suffer migraines, nausea, and dizziness while driving. My 13-year-old daughter, who has asthma, must ride with her head out of the window to breathe. My 2-year-old can no longer ride in the vehicle at all due to the fumes. I am a single mother with no other transportation. I fear that the car could ignite at any moment, especially with electrical systems running in the cabin. This defect is life-threatening. A certified independent mechanic removed the rear seat and confirmed that fuel was actively leaking into the interior of the car. The mechanic advised that the vehicle…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 26, 2025Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11669476

Fuel/propulsion system

15 reports
“currently leaking raw fuel under the hood (matching Recall 15F7) and stalling after fill-ups (matching Recall 24V110000). I am requesting a Specialized Safety Review and Goodwill Assistance to cover the repair because this is a documented manufacturing defect, not wear-and-tear." 2. Leverage the "Suction Jet Pump" Investigation There is a current investigation (as of early 2026) because VW’s recent fuel pump recall (24V110000) didn't include enough vehicles.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 21, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11732738

Service brakes

15 reports1 crash
“I WAS DRIVING UNDER AN OVERPASS ON THE FAR-RIGHT LANE AT 25 MPH WHEN THE CAR'S FRONT ASSIST SYSTEM ACTIVATED BRINGING THE CAR TO A FULL STOP ALL OF A SUDDEN. THERE WEREN'T ANY CARS IN FRONT OR NEXT TO ME.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2020Service brakesODI 11364498
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.