NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 12 owner complaints for the 2019 Volkswagen Passat. Most complaints involve electrical system (4) and service brakes (3). The EPA rates it 29 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Passat model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 151 |
| 1997 | 76 |
| 1998 | 330 |
| 1999 | 664 |
| 2000 | 518 |
| 2001 | 441 |
| 2002 | 650 |
| 2003 | 641 |
| 2004 | 283 |
| 2005 | 148 |
| 2006 | 576 |
| 2007 | 273 |
| 2008 | 174 |
| 2009 | 152 |
| 2010 | 172 |
| 2012 | 484 |
| 2013 | 749 |
| 2014 | 594 |
| 2015 | 244 |
| 2016 | 106 |
| 2017 | 110 |
| 2018 | 46 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 13 |
“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.”
“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.”
“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”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passat Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 36 | 29 | $2,150 | 302 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (4), service brakes (3), engine (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2019 Volkswagen Passat at 29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Volkswagen Passat 5 out of 5 stars overall.