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    Volkswagen Passat

    EPA MPG: 28 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2015 Passat is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2015 Volkswagen Passat has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 Volkswagen Passat owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "Had it serviced for coolant and once they completed it I drove it for less than two weeks when I heard a pop and saw liquid seeping from underneath. Compressor never work since."

    Anonymous, (2015 Volkswagen Passat SEL Unsure)

    "Leaked all refrigerant. Leak repaired and system recharged. April 2024 No further issues."

    Anonymous A., NC (2015 Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg Edition 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "replace compressor seals"

    Anonymous A., NY (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Automatic climate control

    "Control modules that adjust the climate control flap doors went bad, 3 or the 5 over a three year period."

    Anonymous, MI (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)
    Blower (fan) motor

    "Too costly to repair along with the compressor. Can't feel air blowing from front vents."

    Anonymous, (2015 Volkswagen Passat SEL Unsure)
    Heater system

    "Heater core had to be replaced"

    Anonymous, AL (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

    ""clogged heater core resulted in next to no heating inside cabin. had probably been failing for the past year, before expensive repair to replace heater core""

    Anonymous, MD (2015 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

    "Baffle that controls temp malfunctioned. Apparently quit moving"

    Anonymous, NV (2015 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

    ""While AC still works, heater only works intermittently""

    Anonymous A., ON (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

    "heater core was clogged up and had to be replace again. Things seem to be ok now."

    Anonymous, UT (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen freezes up

    "Replaced with an after-market unit until the OEM unit is repaired."

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

    "The firmware needs to be updated, because it causes much of the glitching. It has been a problem for at least a couple of years but very expensive to fix."

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

    ""The radio keeps shutting off and rebooting which includes the stereo, cd player, GPS, backup camera, blue tooth, cell phone""

    Anonymous A., ON (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)
    Display screen goes blank

    "Radio went out. Had to replace it with a new after market radio. Spent $1,000 but got apple carplay."

    Anonymous, MI (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "Analog clock is off by several hours and cannot find a remedy"

    Anonymous, AL (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)
    Voice control commands

    "I really think it is just really old technology (relatively speaking in the era of AI)"

    Anonymous A., CO (2015 Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg Edition 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other noises & leaks problem

    ""plastic connector or valve broke off completely, where coolant passes from the engine compartment through the firewall. Car was thus undriveable and had to be transported 100 miles home.""

    Anonymous, MD (2015 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)
    Powertrain cooling leaks

    ""coolant hose to heater core failed under load, caused coolant loss and overheating resulting in a tow to a service facility. No known engine damage due to prompt shutdown on first overheating alarm.""

    Anonymous, FL (2015 Volkswagen Passat SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)
    Squeaks or rattles

    "Have spent thousands trying to correct what sounds like shocks/struts squeaking over curbs/speed bumps. Nothing has resolved the problem yet."

    Anonymous A., CO (2015 Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg Edition 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine computer

    ""Wheel speed sensor failed, causing computer to alarm on multiple systems and disable airbags, cruise control, TPMS, and ATS subsystems. Better diagnostic info would have helped avert a heart attack when they all went out simultaneously. This was a relatively inexpensive repair for a part likely damaged during other service work.""

    Anonymous, FL (2015 Volkswagen Passat SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)
    Oil leaks

    ""dont see anything leaking, but have to add about 2L of oil, per 5000 miles""

    Anonymous, OH (2015 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Other major engine problem

    "just the starter"

    Anonymous, MI (2015 Volkswagen Passat Sport Unsure)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Starter

    "Dealer had to replace the starter (which failed without warning). Cost (over$2000)seemed excessive."

    Anonymous, MI (2015 Volkswagen Passat Sport Unsure)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Other electrical system problem

    "One day the fuel filler door wouldn't open. I was able to drive it to a mechanic who replaced the solenoid."

    Anonymous A., CA (2015 Volkswagen Passat S 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Calipers

    ""calipers stick, don't release.""

    Anonymous A., NY (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Shocks or struts

    ""had to replace the shocks and struts to solve some wear and noise issues. Noise when hitting small potholes, squeeks mainly""

    Anonymous, UT (2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    2015 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
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    Engine Major
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    Engine Minor
    NA
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    Engine Cooling
    NA
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    Engine Electrical
    NA
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    Transmission Major
    NA
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    Transmission Minor
    NA
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    Drive System
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
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    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    Brakes
    NA
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    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
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    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
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    Electrical Accessories
    NA
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    Body Hardware
    NA
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    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    AIR BAGS
    Dec 04, 2019
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
    What should you do:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V862000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 226
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING
    May 22, 2019
    Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
    What should you do:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V389000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 662185
    AIR BAGS
    Jan 11, 2019
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015 Passat, 2015-2016 Eos, 2015-2017 CC, 2016-2017 TT Roadster, TT Coupe, 2017 Audi R8 Coupe, and R8 Spyder vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
    What should you do:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298; Audi owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69S8 (Audi) and 69Y5 (Volkswagen).
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V014000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 119394
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Oct 26, 2015
    If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
    What should you do:
    Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V705000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 91867
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Jun 15, 2015
    If the brake line was not properly tightened, it may leak brake fluid, causing a reduction in braking performance, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of crash.
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Passat vehicles manufactured May 18, 2015, to May 21, 2015. The affected vehicles have a brake line at the left rear wheel area that may not have been properly tightened.
    What should you do:
    Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will tighten the brake line fitting, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47M3.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V373000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 62
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Jan 23, 2015
    A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
    What should you do:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V028000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 44658
    SEATS
    Oct 24, 2014
    Unexpected movement of the driver's seatback may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Jetta and Passat vehicles manufactured September 23, 2014, to October 9, 2014, and equipped with manual front seatback recliners. In the affected vehicles, the seatback recliner retaining bracket may not engage correctly, resulting in unexpected movement of the seatback.
    What should you do:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the assembly of the seatback recliner retaining bracket, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72F1.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V670000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 393
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