volkswagen Passat problems
0 safety recalls. 12 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
VEHICLE WAS SOLD WITH REMOTE START FEATURE. DEALER AND SALESMAN KNEW THE REMOTE START DID NOT WORK. THIS WAS A SELLING POINT ON THE CAR. THEY KEEP PUTTING OFF FIXING THE ISSUE WITH THE CAR.
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS AT SLOWER SPEEDS, IT IS CONSTANTLY SHIFTING TO TRY AND SAVE ON FUEL. THIS RESULTS IN THE VEHICLE NOT PROVIDING A CONSISTENT RIDE. THE NOISE WHEN IT SHIFTS IS VERY LOUD AND CAN SOMETIMES BE FELT THROUGH A JERKING MOTION. BRINGING THE VEHICLE IN TO THE…
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF, THE FACTORY REMOTE START DOES NOT FUNCTION. THE CAR WILL TURN OVER, BUT IMMEDIATELY DIE. VW HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS SINCE LATE 2018, BUT HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX THE ISSUE. I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN JUNE OF 2019, AND THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO ME WITHOUT…
ON 11/10/2019 WHILE DRIVING I CONSTANTLY FELT BURNING SENSATION ON MY RIGHT THIGH WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS AROUND 70 MILES. THE NEXT DAY ON 11/11/2019 WITH THE FAMILY AND KIDS MY RIGHT THIGH STARTED FEELING LIKE ITS BURNING. SUBSEQUENTLY WE STARTED SMELLING SOMETHING BURN…
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Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2019 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.8 out of 10 based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 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 2019 Volkswagen Passat?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 4 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 2019 Volkswagen Passat?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 12 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.