NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
146 reports32,000 miles · Sep 4, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
SUDDEN FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSED ENGINE TO QUIT MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. AFTER A FEW MINUTES SITTING DEAD IN TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE WOULD RESTART AND THE CAR WOULD OPERATE A FEW MINUTES UNTIL THE ENGINE SHUT-OFF AGAIN. THERE WAS NO WARNING THAT THE ENGINE WAS GOING TO QUIT. THE CAR HAD PLENTY OF FUEL. THE FOLLOWIN…
Read full complaint
SUDDEN FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSED ENGINE TO QUIT MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. AFTER A FEW MINUTES SITTING DEAD IN TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE WOULD RESTART AND THE CAR WOULD OPERATE A FEW MINUTES UNTIL THE ENGINE SHUT-OFF AGAIN. THERE WAS NO WARNING THAT THE ENGINE WAS GOING TO QUIT. THE CAR HAD PLENTY OF FUEL. THE FOLLOWING TROUBLE CODES WERE PRESENT WHEN THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC: P3043- FUEL PUMP MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION P0087- FUEL RAIL SYSTEM PRESSURE TOO LOW ULTIMATELY, THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND THE FUEL CONTROL MODULE WERE REPLACED. EVEN THOUGH THE CAR HAD ONLY 32,000 MILES, VW DECLINED TAKING ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10761531
5,000 miles · Aug 18, 2015
SteeringSuspension
WHEN BACKING UP, OR GOING FORWARD SLOW, TO PARK WITH FRONT WHEELS TURNING THERE IS A SNAPPING SOUND WHICH A AN ARIZONE VW DEALER BLAMES ON SALT/SAND FROM NE. CAR WAS ON LIFT IN MAINE AND I PAINTED UNDERCARRAIGE AND THERE WAS NO SIGN OF RUST EXCEPT ON PARTS OF CLAMPS/SCREWS. VEHICLE WAS WASHED A MINIMUM OF ONCE A WEEK DURING WI…
Read full complaint
WHEN BACKING UP, OR GOING FORWARD SLOW, TO PARK WITH FRONT WHEELS TURNING THERE IS A SNAPPING SOUND WHICH A AN ARIZONE VW DEALER BLAMES ON SALT/SAND FROM NE. CAR WAS ON LIFT IN MAINE AND I PAINTED UNDERCARRAIGE AND THERE WAS NO SIGN OF RUST EXCEPT ON PARTS OF CLAMPS/SCREWS. VEHICLE WAS WASHED A MINIMUM OF ONCE A WEEK DURING WINTER. MOVED TO AZ AND THE SNAPPING IS MORE EVIDENT. VW REPLACED MUCH OF THE FRONT END AND HAD CAR FOR THREE WEEKS. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE CAR AND STILL HAD TO PAY OVER $1200.00. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO A VEHICLE REPAIR SERVICE TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT.
NHTSA ODI #10749468
90,000 miles · Aug 6, 2015
Air BagsElectrical System
THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS STOPPED WORKING ONE DAY, ALONG WITH THE HORN. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE DISPLAY SHOWS "AIRBAG FAULT" EVERY TIME I START THE CAR. I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS CAR, AND VW REFUSES TO COVER THE REPAIR. MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE A F…
Read full complaint
THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS STOPPED WORKING ONE DAY, ALONG WITH THE HORN. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE DISPLAY SHOWS "AIRBAG FAULT" EVERY TIME I START THE CAR. I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS CAR, AND VW REFUSES TO COVER THE REPAIR. MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE A FAULTY CLOCK SPRING.
NHTSA ODI #10746682
53,500 miles · May 24, 2015
Engine
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED. I HAVE HAD IT FOR TWO YEARS NOW. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED: BURNING SMELL, DRIVER SIDE FLOOD LIGHT BLEW OUT OR CAME OFF; SHAKING MOMENTARILY WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER SIDE MIRROR FLEW OFF WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN; NOTICED WHEN I HAD AN OIL CHANGE LAST OF JANUARY OR FIRST PART OF FEBRUARY THE VEHICLE WAS US…
Read full complaint
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED. I HAVE HAD IT FOR TWO YEARS NOW. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED: BURNING SMELL, DRIVER SIDE FLOOD LIGHT BLEW OUT OR CAME OFF; SHAKING MOMENTARILY WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER SIDE MIRROR FLEW OFF WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN; NOTICED WHEN I HAD AN OIL CHANGE LAST OF JANUARY OR FIRST PART OF FEBRUARY THE VEHICLE WAS USING QUITE A BIT OF OIL. I PUT ABOUT FIVE OR MORE QUARTS IN BY MAY. THE LATTER PART OF MAY IT USED TWO QUARTS IN TWO WEEKS. WENT SHOPPING SATURDAY BEFORE MOTHER'S DAY, PARKED THE CAR AT FOOD LION WHEN I CAME BACK OUT, I TRIED TO START THE CAR AND IT STALLED. WHEN IT DID START, THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING. I TOOK THE CAR HOME, CHECKED THE OIL ALONG WITH MY BROTHER AND IT NEEDED MORE OIL. I PUT TWO MORE QUARTS IN. ON MONDAY I WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP AT 6:40 A.M. (WOKE THEM UP). AFTER CHECKING THE CAR, THEIR FINDING WAS IT NEEDED A FUEL PUMP AND A SENSOR; LATER THEY REPLACED TWO CRANK SENSORS AND SAID THE CAR IS STILL SHAKING; THEN AFTER APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AND A HALF, I CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HE INFORMED ME THE CAR NEEDS A ENGINE. FRIDAY, MAY 22, I WENT BY THE DEALERSHIP AND PICKED UP SOME THINGS OUT OF THE AUTOMOBILE AND WAS TOLD THE WARRANTY COMPANY FINALLY GAVE IN AND THE MOTOR WILL BE IN, IN THREE DAYS. WELL, AFTER READING THE HORROR STORIES ABOUT THE 2009 PASSAT ON THIS WEBSITE. I PLAN TO TRADE THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT DELAY, AS SOON AS THEY RELEASE IT TO ME. I AM SADDEN, BECAUSE I REALLY LOVED THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN RELUCTANT TO DRIVE THIS CAR OUT OF TOWN, AND NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT TO WORK WHICH IS 30 MILE A DAY PLUS OR AT ALL. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN IT, AND I PAY TO MUCH TO BE HAVING ALL THESE PROBLEMS. WHO KNOWS WHAT WILL BE NEXT.
NHTSA ODI #10721249
37,000 miles · Apr 18, 2015
Steering
MY POWER STEERING LOCK UP ON ME 2X RED LIGHT CAME ON THE SECOND TIME AND BING 3X. STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT UNLOCK RIGHT AWAY. TOOK THE PASSAT DOWN TO A AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED RACK AND PINION AND IT COST $ 1,772.33. MY PASSAT IS 6 YEARS OLD AND HAD ONLY 37,270 MILES. THIS STEERING PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAP…
Read full complaint
MY POWER STEERING LOCK UP ON ME 2X RED LIGHT CAME ON THE SECOND TIME AND BING 3X. STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT UNLOCK RIGHT AWAY. TOOK THE PASSAT DOWN TO A AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED RACK AND PINION AND IT COST $ 1,772.33. MY PASSAT IS 6 YEARS OLD AND HAD ONLY 37,270 MILES. THIS STEERING PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPEN WITH LOW MILEAGE. I CALLED THE VW CARE CENTER TO ASK IF IT WAS RECALL THEY SAID NO. AND WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. BECAUSE IT WAS OVER 3 YEARS OLD. I WILL NEVER BUY OTHER VW AGAIN SCENTS THEY WILL NOT STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10706438
90,000 miles · Mar 20, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion System
MAIN REAR BEARING SEAL FAILURE, SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER, BURNING SMELL FROM UNDER CAR, $1,700 REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10695527
74,568 miles · Feb 25, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion System
2009 VW PASSAT 2.0T. OIL LEAKING FROM REAR MAIN SEAL. REAR MAIN SEAL FAILED AT ABOUT 75,000 MILES, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. FIRST INDICATION WAS OIL SPOT ON DRIVEWAY AND THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. INSPECTED BOTTOM OF ENGINE AND IT WAS COATED WITH OIL. THE PCV VALVE FAILED AND CAUSED REAR MAIN SEAL TO RUPTURE AND SHOOT …
Read full complaint
2009 VW PASSAT 2.0T. OIL LEAKING FROM REAR MAIN SEAL. REAR MAIN SEAL FAILED AT ABOUT 75,000 MILES, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. FIRST INDICATION WAS OIL SPOT ON DRIVEWAY AND THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. INSPECTED BOTTOM OF ENGINE AND IT WAS COATED WITH OIL. THE PCV VALVE FAILED AND CAUSED REAR MAIN SEAL TO RUPTURE AND SHOOT OIL (AND POSSIBLY GAS VAPORS) ALL OVER BOTTOM OF HOT ENGINE. ALTHOUGH NOTHING IGNITED IN THIS CASE, BEGAN TO QUESTION IF SOME OF THE OTHER FIRE INCIDENTS LISTED ON NHTSA SITE WERE POSSIBLY CAUSED BY SIMILAR CONDITION. FAILURE OF APPROX. $40 PART CAUSED APPROX. $1700 IN DAMAGE- ALL OUT OF WARRANTY. WARRANTY IS FOR 5 YEARS/60,000 MILES. NO MAINTENANCE DATA AVAILABLE TO OWNER INDICATED THAT PCV VALVE SHOULD BE CHECKED AS PART OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. VW LEADERSHIP DECLINED TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONIBILITY FOR SITUATION. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10690691
73,580 miles · Feb 14, 2015
EnginePower Train
2009 VW PASSAT 2.0T. OIL LEAKING FROM REAR MAIN SEAL. REAR MAIN SEAL FAILED AT ABOUT 70,000 MILES, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. FIRST INDICATION WAS SMELL OF BURNING. SHORTLY BEFORE THIS FAILED, THE PCV VALVE FAILED - ALSO OUT OF WARRANTY. WARRANTY IS FOR 5 YEARS/60,000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10683447
50,800 miles · Jan 12, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
INITIAL FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE ACCELERATING ONTO MAIN THOROUGHFARE. VEHICLE LOST ALL ENGINE POWER AND STALLED OUT. VEHICLE WAS SEND TO VW DEALER FOR REPAIR WHERE SOME WARRANTY REPAIRS WERE MADE AS WELL AS PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE THAT WAS ADVISED. THE CAR WAS RETURNED AS "REPAIRED" AND AFTER DRIVING HOME EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SA…
Read full complaint
INITIAL FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE ACCELERATING ONTO MAIN THOROUGHFARE. VEHICLE LOST ALL ENGINE POWER AND STALLED OUT. VEHICLE WAS SEND TO VW DEALER FOR REPAIR WHERE SOME WARRANTY REPAIRS WERE MADE AS WELL AS PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE THAT WAS ADVISED. THE CAR WAS RETURNED AS "REPAIRED" AND AFTER DRIVING HOME EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME FAILURE WHILE THE CAR WAS IDLING IN THE DRIVEWAY. CAR WAS RETURNED AGAIN AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE A SECOND TIME WHILE I WAS TRAVELING ON I275 IN DETROIT. THE CAR STALLED OUT AND I AGAIN LOST ALL POWER. I WAS FORCED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CAR THEN FAILED TO START. I WAS FORCED TO SIT FOR THREE HOURS IN 20 DEGREE WEATHER WITH A TWICE IN 2 WEEKS REPAIRED ISSUE AS MY CAR WAS BURIED IN SNOW ON THE INTERSTATE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10671705
35,000 miles · Jan 8, 2015
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE WITH A FAULTY DOOR LATCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE WITH A FAULTY DOOR LATCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
NHTSA ODI #10671109
Official recalls
4Mar 6, 2018
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
Aug 16, 2017
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.
Feb 10, 2016
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 bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Nov 3, 2008
VW IS RECALLING 130 MY 2009 PASSAT, PASSAT WAGON, AND PASSAT CC VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING GEAR CONTROL UNIT THAT CAN MALFUNCTION DUE TO A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURS, THE DRIVER'S STEERING INPUT IS NOT PROPERLY PROCESSED BY THE SYSTEM AND THE VEHICLE MAY NOT RESPOND AS THE DRIVER INTENDS. THIS DEFECT CAN ONLY OCCUR IMMEDIATELY AFTER VEHICLE START-UP WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED FOR THE FIRST TIME AND AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 5 MPH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO OVERCOME THE SYSTEM DURING MALFUNCTION WILL CAUSE (1) VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL; (2) THE STEERING SYSTEM MOTOR TO TURN OFF; (3) THE RED STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE; AND (4) AUDIBLE WARNINGS TO CHIME. A MALFUNCTIONING STEERING SYSTEM COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗