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 to serious injury or death.
2013 Volkswagen Passat electrical problems
critical 72 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850
Complaints
72
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$850
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the instrument panel became inoperable. The contact stated the multiple warning lights would inadvertently illuminate with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clock spring failed and needed to …
I HAVE HAD ON AND OFF TROUBLE WITH MY LEFT LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FOR THE LAST YEAR. I LOOKED TO SEE IF MY VEHICLE WAS COVERED UNDER THE RECALL 94G8/7V AND I WAS TOLD IT IS NOT COVERED. I HAD THE BULBS REPLACED AND STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. THE LOW BEAM CONSISTENTLY GOES ON AND OFF ESPECIALLY IN THE COLDER MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO THE VW PLACE TO HAVE THEM CHECK IT AND THEY TOLD ME I JUST NEED A NEW LIG…
AIR BAG AND ALL STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS FAILED. HAD SIMILAR ISSUE AND HAD CLOCK SPRING REPLACE 12/26/2016 AND APPEARS TO HAVE FAILED AGAIN 4 YEARS LATER.
Both left and right low beam headlights became inoperable leave vehicle with only high beams. There has been a recall submitted by VW for the exact year/make/model/and production date. I have contacted closest dealership and have been given several reasons from the vehicle isn’t included in the recall but no explanation as to why it isn’t even though it meets every single criteria listed which veh…
MY 2013 VW PASSAT 3.6 SEL LACKS A ELEC STABILITY CONTROL SWITCH ON THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE TRACTION IS TERRIBLE ON THIS VEHICLE IN RAIN, SNOW, AND SLEET. THE ENGINE HAS A KNOCKING NOISE, EVEN THOUGH I SERVICE THE VEHICLE AT VW EVERY 10,000 MILES AS REQUIRED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS VEHICLE HAS MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, SUCH AS THE SEAT BELT LIGHT ILLUMINATING, AND I LOSE TENSION IN MY…
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?
It's a serious issue. 72 complaints have been filed, including 1 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the electrical 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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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