Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

2012 Volkswagen Passat powertrain problems

severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →

Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
What stands out

No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.

What owners are reporting 1 most recent

powertrain · filed 12/23/2019

They vehicle is stationary and is my 2nd vehicle for occasional days so for the most time stay at home. One day I just turned on to warm up and the check engine light turned on. I went to auto zone for diagnosis and the error code read p2432 secondary air injection system air flow / pressure sensor circuit low bank 1. I checked on internet and there was a recall for 2011 vw jetta 5 cylinder 2.5l…

Had powertrain trouble with your 2012 Volkswagen Passat? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2012 Volkswagen Passat?

It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.

At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?

Based on the 14 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 48,369 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?

No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.

Related

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Volkswagen/Passat. 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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
Get a free warranty quote →
Sponsored — we earn a commission if you complete a quote. Disclosure.