2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
657 complaints filed with NHTSA.
NHTSA Safety Rating
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 289 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 92 |
| STEERING | 45 |
| ENGINE | 40 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 32 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 31 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 16 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 15 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 14 |
| POWER TRAIN | 13 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL | 11 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 11 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 5 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 4 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE | 4 |
Recalls (11)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical connectors of the sensor, causing an electric
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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 Sa
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Passat vehicles manufactured January 2011 through November 2012. In the affected vehicles, the low beam headlight bulb may become loose and lose electrical contact.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period ma
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Passat vehicles, equipped with diesel engines and Direct-Shift Transmissions (DSG). The vehicle's underbody heat shield may not be long enough to protect the right half-shaft grease boot from heat, potentially resulting i
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PASSAT VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 1, 2011. DURING ASSEMBLY, THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DIESEL FUEL FILTER ELEMENT THAT MAY NOT SEAL CORRECTLY.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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 degradat
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wou
Recent Complaints
MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND ALMOST KILLED ME AND MY DAUGHTER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT IT OUT BUT IT IS A TOTAL LOSS. I THINK IT COULD WELL BE THE STARTER AS MANY 2011 BUILD VW PASSATS WERE AFFECTED.
Mileage: 121,000
MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND ALMOST KILLED ME AND MY DAUGHTER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT IT OUT BUT IT IS A TOTAL LOSS. I THINK IT COULD WELL BE THE STARTER AS MANY 2011 BUILD VW PASSATS WERE AFFECTED.
Mileage: 121,000
TAKATA RECALL I LOOKED UP VEHICLES VIN AN NOTICED 6 RECALLS ON IT I HAD GOT THE ISSUE FIXED AND I NOTICED MY SENSOR IN MY TIRE WAS BLINKING I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP GUY WORKING TOLD ME ONLY A SENSOR I NEED TO PAY FOR WHICH I HAVE ALREADY LOOKED UP AN SEEN THAT IT WAS A RECALL ON THE TIRE SENSOR ON THE 24 OF FEBRUARY I'M RIDING DOWN PATTON ST IN GREENSBORO NC I NOTICED MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS BLINKING STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE RATTLED ME I PULLED OVER AND AIRBAGS DEPLOYED I BEGAN TO GET
TAKATA RECALL I LOOKED UP VEHICLES VIN AN NOTICED 6 RECALLS ON IT I HAD GOT THE ISSUE FIXED AND I NOTICED MY SENSOR IN MY TIRE WAS BLINKING I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP GUY WORKING TOLD ME ONLY A SENSOR I NEED TO PAY FOR WHICH I HAVE ALREADY LOOKED UP AN SEEN THAT IT WAS A RECALL ON THE TIRE SENSOR ON THE 24 OF FEBRUARY I'M RIDING DOWN PATTON ST IN GREENSBORO NC I NOTICED MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS BLINKING STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE RATTLED ME I PULLED OVER AND AIRBAGS DEPLOYED I BEGAN TO GET
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A 2018 HONDA ACCORD. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE DAMAGES HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,298.
Mileage: 125,298
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED UNDER CASE NUMBER: 092006317. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, LEFT SHOULDER, LEFT ELBOW, AND LEFT KNEE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED AT THE TIME; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT ENTERED PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR THE PAIN FROM THE INJURIES THREE WEEKS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTRO
Mileage: 109,000
I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN A SPACE AT A LOCAL SHOPPING CENTER, AS I WAS ABOUT 18-24 INCHES FROM THE MEDIAN SEPARATING THE CARS IN THE ROW ACROSS FROM ME, MY CAR STARTED REVVING UP, JUMPED THE MEDIAN SIDESWIPED A CAR THAT WAS PARKED ONE SPACE OVER, I WAS LUCKY THERE WAS NOT A CAR OPPOSITE ME, IN THAT ROW AND WAS HEADED TOWARDS A THE NEXT ROW OF CARS. I SWIFTLY THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE CAR, SO I HAD TO QUICKLY JERK THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT, IT STOPPED 90 DEGREE ANGLE AND CUT OFF. I HAVE SINCE BEEN
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK PAINS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AFTER THE IMPACT AND A SUBSTANCE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN AND CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE UPPER AND LOWER BACK. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V483000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE W
Mileage: 55,000
I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT. I WAS NOT AT FAULT, BUT I WAS T-BONED WITH ALMOST OVER $11,000 IN DAMAGE. THE CASE WAS SETTLED BUT THE VEHICLE IS STILL NOT IN GOOD SHAPE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF IN THE ACCIDENT AND I JUST RECEIVED A RECALL FOR A STEERING WHEEL ELECTRONIC CLOCK ISSUE THAT COULD PREVENT THE AIR BAGS FROM GOING OFF. I ACCRUED OVER $7,000 IN MEDICAL BILLS, AND I OWE OVER $15,000 ON THE VEHICLE. I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO BECAUSE I FEEL I AM DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT ISN'T SAFE
Mileage: 45,000
I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT. I WAS NOT AT FAULT, BUT I WAS T-BONED WITH ALMOST OVER $11,000 IN DAMAGE. THE CASE WAS SETTLED BUT THE VEHICLE IS STILL NOT IN GOOD SHAPE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF IN THE ACCIDENT AND I JUST RECEIVED A RECALL FOR A STEERING WHEEL ELECTRONIC CLOCK ISSUE THAT COULD PREVENT THE AIR BAGS FROM GOING OFF. I ACCRUED OVER $7,000 IN MEDICAL BILLS, AND I OWE OVER $15,000 ON THE VEHICLE. I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO BECAUSE I FEEL I AM DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT ISN'T SAFE
Mileage: 45,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH TO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE UPPER AND LOWER BACK WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V483000 (AIR BAGS). THE
Mileage: 50,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A HIGHWAY SIGN POST. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUFFER ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
Mileage: 23,000
THIS CAR HAS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND FROM DAY ONE I WASN'T UN-HAPPY WITH THE FACT THAT YOU COULD TURN THE ENGINE OFF, WITHOUT HAVING SWITCHED THE TRANSMISSION TO P. EVERY AUTOMATIC CAR I EVER HAD AND I HAVE DRIVEN MANY INCLUDING HUNDREDS OF RENTAL CARS OVER THE YEARS. I REPORTED THIS IN 2012 TO THE DEALER RIGHT AWAY WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW BUT WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS AS DESIGNED. I, IN BETWEEN, MOVED AND DID THE SAME AT 2 OTHER DEALERS AND GOT THE SAME ANSWER. IN 99% OF THE CASES I WILL NOT FORGE
Mileage: 67,000
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT SIXTY MILES AN HOUR AS I TRY TO COME OFF THE FREEWAY TO MY EXIT THE BRAKES DO NOT SEEM TO ENGAGE AS I GET CLOSER TO MY TURN I DEPRESS THE CAR EVEN DEEPER THE CAR DOESN'T ATTEMPT TO STOP OR SLOWDOWN SO I BRACE FOR IMPACT AND NOW THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS I AM LUCKY TO BE ALIVE.
Mileage: 28,340
DRIVER STEERING COLUMN AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING A SEVERE CRASH. UPDATED 11/09/15*LJ...UPDATED 11/13/15 *BF UPDATED 1/4/16*JS
Mileage: 68,000
2012 VW PASSAT WITH NO PREVIOUS SIGNS OF PROBLEMS BEGINS SPUTTERING/FLASHING ENGINE LIGHT. CAR WAS DRIVEN APX. 1/4 MILE BACK HOME, WHERE IT BEGAN SMOKING AND CAUGHT FIRE. ENTIRE ENGINE BURNT OUT. CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. NHTSA INVESTIGATED PASSAT'S FAULTY IGNITION COILS YET DID NOT ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL BECAUSE THERE WAS NO SAFETY ISSUE...BUT IF THE ENGINE CATCHES ON FIRE...WITH ALL THE COMBUSTIBLES IN A CAR...ONE WOULD THINK THAT WAS A LITTLE UNSAFE. GLAD MY 4 YEAR OLD WAS NOT WITH ME. *TR
Mileage: 27,500
2012 VW PASSAT WITH NO PREVIOUS SIGNS OF PROBLEMS BEGINS SPUTTERING/FLASHING ENGINE LIGHT. CAR WAS DRIVEN APX. 1/4 MILE BACK HOME, WHERE IT BEGAN SMOKING AND CAUGHT FIRE. ENTIRE ENGINE BURNT OUT. CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. NHTSA INVESTIGATED PASSAT'S FAULTY IGNITION COILS YET DID NOT ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL BECAUSE THERE WAS NO SAFETY ISSUE...BUT IF THE ENGINE CATCHES ON FIRE...WITH ALL THE COMBUSTIBLES IN A CAR...ONE WOULD THINK THAT WAS A LITTLE UNSAFE. GLAD MY 4 YEAR OLD WAS NOT WITH ME. *TR
Mileage: 27,500
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND HEARD A LOUD POP LIKE A TIRE BLEW OR BELT BROKE OR SOMETHING, THEN I SAW A LOT OF SMOKE, SO I PULLED IN A PARTY STORE PARKING LOT AND IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES BURNT THE ENTIRE ENGINE UP TO A CRISP. I HAVE VIDEO AND PICTURES OF THIS TRAUMATIC EVENT. SO PLEASE INVESTIGATE TO SEE IF THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. I NEED ANOTHER CAR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANKS. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO VYLETEL VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP IN STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN. *TR
Mileage: 48,000
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2012 PASSAT TDI. I REALLY LIKED THE CAR. HOWEVER, I HAVE A SAFETY SUGGESTION THAT MAY SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE IN THE FUTURE. LET ME TELL YOU MY EXPERIENCE. I TOOK POSSESSION ON FEBRUARY 9, 2012. ON MARCH 15, I CAME HOME TO LUNCH AND PULLED IN MY GARAGE. APPARENTLY, I DID NOT HAVE THE BACK TIRES ALL THE WAY IN. OUR DRIVEWAY HAS A SLIGHT INCLINE. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR AND WAS WATERING SOME FLOWERS. IN A FEW MOMENTS MY CAR ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVE, CURVED AND WENT OFF AN EMBA