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ProblemsByVin File / 2013-VOLKSWAGEN-PASSAT
2013 · volkswagen

volkswagen Passat problems

1 safety recall. 746 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
310 reports · avg $1,100
severe
electrical
72 reports · avg $850
critical
engine
51 reports · avg $3,100
critical
steering
51 reports · avg $700
moderate
lighting
44 reports · avg $250
moderate
powertrain
30 reports · avg $2,500
severe
body
24 reports · avg $1,500
severe
fuel system
21 reports · avg $1,200
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2013 Passat · airbags
"TAKATA RECALL" I HAVE HAD MY VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SINCE MAY OF 2015, SINCE THEN MY JOURNEY AS A CUSTOMER HAS BEEN FRUSTRATING AND A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCED. ONCE I GOT THE CAR WITHIN A WEEK I TOOK IT TO MECHANICS TO GET THE USUAL DIAGNOSTICS DONE TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE…
12/29/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10816661.0
2013 Passat · electrical
The drives side door lock will not disengage. This condition will not allow the driver to exit the car. In the event of a medical emergency, accident, or fire the driver can not extricate themselves and first responders would be delayed in extricating the driver which could lead…
12/28/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11632892.0
2013 Passat · steering
Unsure how this problem arose, but suddenly the airbag error light appeared and non of the controls on the steering wheel work. This also includes the horn, and airbag. From googling it appears there was a recall for the 2013 VW Passat for a faulty clock spring in the steering…
12/28/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11499196.0
2013 Passat · other
I WAS PARKED WITH THE CAR OFF AND ALL DOORS UNLOCKED AND I WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR OF MY 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. IT SOUNDED AS IF THE LOCK ON THE FRONT DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK. ALL OTHER DOORS OPENED NORMALLY. I NOW HAVE…
12/28/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11057061.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 14V125000 17/03/2014

Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Passat vehicles manufactured January 2011 through November 2012

A loss of low beam headlights may reduce the driver's visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volkswagen notified owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holder, free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagens recall number associated with this campaign is 94G8/7V.

Common questions

Is the 2013 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 746 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Volkswagen Passat has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 310 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Volkswagen Passat has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Volkswagen Passat?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 746 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 11 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with volkswagen. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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