2014 Volkswagen Passat Engine Problems
Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat, 13% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 54,400 miles. The words owners use most often: “heater core” (12% of reports).
- 77engine complaints
- 54,400median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 26%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Heater core: mentioned in 9 of 77 complaints (12%)
- Timing chain: mentioned in 8 of 77 complaints (10%)
- Stalled without: mentioned in 5 of 77 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 53 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 77 complaints, 1 a fire.
Volkswagen Passat engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Passat | 3 | 23% | — |
| 2021 Passat | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2020 Passat | 4 | 22% | 2,000 |
| 2019 Passat | 2 | 17% | 3,005 |
| 2018 Passat | 11 | 24% | 74,000 |
| 2017 Passat | 7 | 6% | 32,000 |
| 2016 Passat | 17 | 16% | 86,334 |
| 2015 Passat | 53 | 22% | 45,000 |
| 2014 Passat | 77 | 13% | 54,400 |
| 2013 Passat | 104 | 14% | 45,000 |
| 2012 Passat | 40 | 8% | 59,400 |
| 2011 Passat | 6 | 38% | 110,000 |
| 2010 Passat | 41 | 25% | 91,449 |
| 2009 Passat | 60 | 41% | 78,000 |
| 2008 Passat | 43 | 26% | 92,000 |
| 2007 Passat | 28 | 11% | 100,500 |
| 2006 Passat | 64 | 11% | 107,114 |
| 2005 Passat | 12 | 8% | 123,750 |
| 2004 Passat | 18 | 6% | 117,000 |
| 2003 Passat | 23 | 4% | 136,400 |
| 2002 Passat | 13 | 2% | 131,400 |
| 2001 Passat | 5 | 1% | 130,500 |
| 2000 Passat | 8 | 2% | 144,850 |
| 1999 Passat | 2 | 0% | 192,015 |
| 1998 Passat | 1 | 0% | 105,090 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:driveline:driveshaft; engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel
Problem: 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 in a grease leak.
Risk: If the leaking grease contacts a heated surface, such as the exhaust system and/or the diesel particulate filter (DPF), it could increase the risk of fire.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft heat shield, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23W5.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the Check Engine warning light illuminated, and there was no heat coming from the front passengerâs or driverâs side air vents. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed…
The vehicle experienced repeated catastrophic engine failures, including failure of a replacement engine. Approximately six months after purchase and at around 80,000 miles, the engine failed and required a complete engine replacement through Volkswagen and the MaxCare service contract…
I am reporting a recurring engine defect in a 2014 Volkswagen Passat that has resulted in repeated engine failure and loss of power while driving. Approximately six months after purchase, the vehicle required a complete engine replacement. One to two years after the replacement, the vehicle began…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2014 Volkswagen Passats have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 77 owner complaints about engine for the 2014 Volkswagen Passat (13% of the 594 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine problems start?
The median reported mileage is 54,400 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about engine problems on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat?
The most frequent phrase is “heater core”, in 9 of 77 complaints, followed by “timing chain” (8).
Other 2014 Volkswagen Passat problems
- Air Bags problems (354)
- Electrical System problems (74)
See all 2014 Volkswagen Passat problems or engine problems across all Passat years.