CAR LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, DIESEL FUEL ALL INSIDE THE ENGINE BAY, DEALERSHIP SAID A BOLT ON THE ENGINE HAD A STRESS FRACTURE AND BROKE. *TR
2012 volkswagen Passat engine problems
moderate 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
ENGINE COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE INTERCOOLER
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 volkswagen Passat?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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