Research · Midsize Cars
2022 Volkswagen PassatRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints for the 2022 Volkswagen Passat. Most complaints involve electrical system (3) and engine (3). The EPA rates it 28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
28mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
13
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2022 Volkswagen Passat as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
13 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2021 – Sep 2026
- Electrical system3
- Engine3
- Service brakes3
- Lane departure2
- Power train2
- Steering2
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Forward collision avoidance1
- Latches/locks/linkages1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Passat model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| 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 |
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
3 reports
“Door sensor is faulty, and is repeatedly giving notifications while driving that the door is open, causing the cabin lights to come on, which causes safety issues when driving at night. Car is only four years old, and a similar issue was reported for the VW ID.4 vehicles, which have a similar wiring harness and circuit board to the VW 2022 Passat”
Engine
3 reports
“My car consumes an over abundant amount of oil about 1 quart every 1000 to 1500 miles. There is a civil lawsuit right now about the piston rings having low tension and my car has every symptom of this. This could lead to turbo issues, and several thousands of dollars in repair costs. I’ve already had to replace my oil pan, timing cover, and pcv and the car only has 80,000 miles on it.”
Service brakes
3 reports
“I am reporting what appears to be a serious, chronic safety issue with this vehicle (not just this particular car, but all M/Y 2020~2022 (and possibly 2012~2019 as well if they use the same brake components). Since new, my car has had chronic brake problems and these ongoing issues keep arising, pointing to defective brake caliper design. They have not caused an accident (for me anyway), but should be investigated because they have the potential to do so. I'll list dates, mileage and details here because they are numerous: 05/22/2023 - 40,805 - Heard brake (dragging) noise. Found one pad in rear driver side completely worn with no perceptible wear on other rear pads or on front pads. Dealer diagnosed seized caliper on driver side and repaired under warranty. 02/05/2024 - 59,631 - During dealer inspection, dealer noticed passenger side rear caliper seized. Replaced caliper under warranty but I had to pay $220 labor. 11/23/2024 - 83,100 (approx.) - During another recent brake issue, dealer diagnosed a bad ABS module. Part was ordered and replaced on this day. 03/07/2026 - 115,275 - Heard early signs of brake wear so checked pads. Front pads still have zero wear…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passat Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 36 | 28 | $2,200 | 315 |
- 28mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 3 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 16510
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2022 Passat questions
How many recalls does the 2022 Volkswagen Passat have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2022 Volkswagen Passat problems?
Owners filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (3), engine (3), service brakes (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2022 Volkswagen Passat get?
The EPA rates the 2022 Volkswagen Passat at 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2022 Volkswagen Passat 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026