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ProblemsByVin File / 2018-VOLKSWAGEN-PASSAT
2018 · volkswagen

volkswagen Passat problems

2 safety recalls. 44 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.8 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 5 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
9 reports · avg $850
severe
brakes
8 reports · avg $450
severe
engine
6 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
airbags
4 reports · avg $1,100
severe
powertrain
3 reports · avg $2,500
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2018 Passat · brakes Crash
I was driving down the road and the wheel locked up and I lost control of the car. I thought it was just a flat tire. I noticed the tire was flat and brake caliber was lying on the inside of the rim. There was extensive damage to the vehicle, tire, rim, suspension components and…
12/29/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11445457.0
2018 Passat · engine
MY CAR IS UNDER 7000 MILES, DON'T EVEN HAVE THE FIRST SCHEDULE OIL CHANGE AND EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE CAR DEALER AND JUST TOP OFF THE OIL. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE.
12/07/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11156844.0
2018 Passat · brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE FAILURE, THE BRAKE FLUID WARNING INDICATOR…
12/03/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11155638.0
2018 Passat · suspension
SHARP LEFT HAND TURNS IT EMITS A CLICKING NOISE. GOOGLED AND THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED SINCE 2011. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP TODAY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. WAS TOLD SAFE TO DRIVE AND HAD NOT HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. GOOGLE SAID PROBLEM WITH CT JOINT.
11/28/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11154551.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 20V561000 16/09/2020

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc

Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.
severe NHTSA 18V536000 15/08/2018

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc

The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary, free of charge. For Passat vehicles, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for proper connection, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46H6.

Common questions

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Volkswagen Passat is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2018 Volkswagen Passat?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 9 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 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 2018 Volkswagen Passat?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 44 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 15 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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