Volkswagen Passat Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 452 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Volkswagen Passat across 25 model years. The 2006 model year has the most (47). The words owners use most often: “transmission control” (6% of reports).
- 452power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 8mention a crash
- 8mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $2,450typical repair cost reported by owners
- 27%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.
- Transmission control: mentioned in 25 of 452 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the Volkswagen Passat at $2,450, and half of them between $1,600 and $4,350.
Based on 16 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2003–2021), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 305 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 452 complaints, 8 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 8 an injury.
Volkswagen Passat power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Passat | 2 | 15% | — |
| 2019 Passat | 2 | 17% | 1,150 |
| 2018 Passat | 3 | 7% | 74,000 |
| 2017 Passat | 5 | 5% | 12,000 |
| 2016 Passat | 5 | 5% | 46,000 |
| 2015 Passat | 12 | 5% | 25,573 |
| 2014 Passat | 37 | 6% | 67,000 |
| 2013 Passat | 33 | 4% | 25,400 |
| 2012 Passat | 15 | 3% | 14,609 |
| 2011 Passat | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2010 Passat | 34 | 21% | 62,000 |
| 2009 Passat | 10 | 7% | 62,190 |
| 2008 Passat | 12 | 7% | 86,900 |
| 2007 Passat | 13 | 5% | 75,000 |
| 2006 Passat | 47 | 8% | 62,185 |
| 2005 Passat | 13 | 9% | 57,050 |
| 2004 Passat | 38 | 14% | 34,240 |
| 2003 Passat | 35 | 6% | 54,000 |
| 2002 Passat | 25 | 4% | 61,127 |
| 2001 Passat | 34 | 8% | 36,000 |
| 2000 Passat | 19 | 4% | 49,500 |
| 1999 Passat | 29 | 4% | 59,859 |
| 1998 Passat | 16 | 5% | — |
| 1996 Passat | 2 | 5% | 60,000 |
| 1995 Passat | 10 | 11% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Power train:driveline:driveshaft; engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel
Model years: 2012, 2013, 2014
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.
Power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines
Model years: 2014
Problem: Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the transmission may leak fluid.
Risk: The leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38B9/9V.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I own a 2012 Volkswagen Passat [VIN [XXX] ] with approximately 1315xx miles. On December 17, 2025, I took the car to Rockwall County Volkswagen for three recalls. The car was running and was driven 9.5 miles to the dealership under its own power. I left the engine running when I left the it with…
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…
While driving on the highway my car suddenly began to stall. It lost power later after that & when I got an oil change then tried to drive it later I was stopped by another driver told something is leaking. While driving to a Autozone I noticed the gears jump while shifting from 1 to 2 and I now…
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…
1) Transmission vehicle is not able to be driven Driving on the highway taking kids to school as my vehicle would not accelerate put me the kids and all that were on the road that morning at risk because all i could do is coast to get off on the side of the highway. I had it towed to independent…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Volkswagen Passats have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 452 owner complaints about power train for the Volkswagen Passat. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Volkswagen Passat power train?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the Volkswagen Passat?
Owners report a typical cost of $2,450 (half paid between $1,600 and $4,350), from 16 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Volkswagen Passat?
The most frequent phrase is “transmission control”, in 25 of 452 complaints.
Other Volkswagen Passat problems
- Air Bags problems (1,652)
- Electrical System problems (1,136)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (847)
- Engine problems (643)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (605)
- Steering problems (570)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (471)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (413)
See all Volkswagen Passat problems.