2015 Volkswagen Passat problems

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The Volkswagen Passat is a nameplate of large family cars (D-segment) manufactured and marketed by the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen since 1973. It has been marketed variously as the Dasher, Santana, Quantum, Magotan, Corsar and Carat, with varying body styles such as saloon, estate, and hatchback.

A "four-door coupé" variant of the Passat with a lower roof was released in the North American market in 2008 as the Passat CC, which was then renamed to Volkswagen CC. The CC was succeeded by the Arteon in 2017.

In January 2011, Volkswagen introduced a separate Passat model line, internally designated "Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan" or NMS, that was manufactured in the US at the Chattanooga assembly plant and in China at Nanjing by SAIC-Volkswagen. Developed to increase Volkswagen sales in North America, the Passat NMS is larger and cost less to produce. sold in the North America, South Korea, China, and Middle East. The separate B8 Passat model entered production in Europe in 2014, based on the MQB platform.

In 2019, the Passat NMS program was split into two as the North American one continued being produced on an older platform while the Chinese Passat moved on to the MQB platform, which resulted in Volkswagen marketed three models under the Passat nameplate globally at that time. The North American Passat was discontinued after the 2022 model year.

Volkswagen ended the production of the saloon Passat for the European market in 2022. The B9 Passat, released in 2023, is only available in an estate body style. The Passat continues to be available as a saloon in China.

2015 Volkswagen Passat

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Common 2015 Volkswagen Passat problems

The 2015 Volkswagen Passat has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues are related to the rear wheel bearing housing, sunroof trim, engine torque, keyless entry system, fuel system, suspension, and parking sensors.

  • Sunroof Trim: The sunroof trim can become damaged or come loose, causing water leaks and rattling noises. This issue is particularly prevalent in the 2015 Volkswagen Passat, with owners reporting that the trim can become detached, leading to water damage and potential electrical issues.
  • Engine Torque: Some owners of the 2015 Volkswagen Passat have reported that the engine lacks sufficient torque, particularly at low speeds. This issue can make the car feel sluggish and unresponsive, making it difficult to accelerate or merge onto highways.
  • Keyless Entry System: The keyless entry system in the 2015 Volkswagen Passat can suddenly stop working, requiring the use of a traditional key to unlock the doors. This issue can be frustrating, particularly if the keyless entry system is a significant selling point for the car.
  • Fuel System: The 2015 Volkswagen Passat can suffer from fuel system problems, particularly in the 2.0-litre TDI engine. The fuel pressure sensor can become faulty, causing poor starting, an illuminated glow plug warning light, and a shuddery engine when running. This issue can be diagnosed with a fault-code reader, and the solution is to replace the fuel pressure sensor.
  • Suspension: The rear suspension in the 2015 Volkswagen Passat can rumble at low speeds, leading to a noisy and uncomfortable ride. This issue is caused by a faulty lower-arm hydro bush, which can be replaced relatively easily with the help of the Haynes Passat manual and Autofix.
  • Parking Sensors: Parking sensors are designed to make parking easier, but they can fail in the 2015 Volkswagen Passat. If the sensors fail, it can be challenging to park the car safely, particularly in tight spaces. The issue can be diagnosed with a fault-code reader, and the solution is to replace the faulty sensor.

In conclusion, the 2015 Volkswagen Passat has several common problems that owners have reported. These issues are related to the rear wheel bearing housing, sunroof trim, engine torque, keyless entry system, fuel system, suspension, and parking sensors. While some of these issues can be relatively easy to fix, others can be more significant and require professional attention. It's essential to thoroughly check the car before purchase and rely on the honesty of the vendor to ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly.

2015 Volkswagen Passat engine

What is the most common problem with Volkswagen Passat?

The VW Passat scores well in major reliability ratings with a 3.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal and a 4.5 out of 5.0 from J.D. Power. Common Volkswagen Passat problems include issues with interior accessories, steering problems, and oil sludge problems.

Is Volkswagen Passat 2015 reliable?

How Reliable Is the 2015 Volkswagen Passat? The 2015 VW Passat earned a reliability rating of three out of five from J.D. Power. That's below average for the midsize car class, but it's about average for the industry.

How many miles does a 2015 Volkswagen Passat get?

2015 Volkswagen Passat

VehicleEPA Fuel EconomyDriver MPG
35 MPG 30 42 combined city/hwy city hwy 2.9 gal/100 mi45.9
462 miles Total Range
2015 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 L, 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd, Turbo, Diesel
34 MPG 30 42 combined city/hwy city hwy 2.9 gal/100 mi47.4

What are the common problems with 2015 Passat TDI?

The seventh-generation Passat with the 2.0-litre TDI engine occasionally suffers from poor starting, an illuminated glow plug warning light, and a shuddery engine when running. The cause of these issues lies with a faulty fuel pressure sensor.

Is Volkswagen Passat 2015 reliable?

How Reliable Is the 2015 Volkswagen Passat? The 2015 VW Passat earned a reliability rating of three out of five from J.D. Power. That's below average for the midsize car class, but it's about average for the industry.

What is the most common problem with Volkswagen Passat?

The VW Passat scores well in major reliability ratings with a 3.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal and a 4.5 out of 5.0 from J.D. Power. Common Volkswagen Passat problems include issues with interior accessories, steering problems, and oil sludge problems.

What are the common problems with 2015 Passat TDI?

The seventh-generation Passat with the 2.0-litre TDI engine occasionally suffers from poor starting, an illuminated glow plug warning light, and a shuddery engine when running. The cause of these issues lies with a faulty fuel pressure sensor.

Is Volkswagen Passat high maintenance?

The 2021 Passat and Arteon have lower maintenance costs than similar midsize sedans by Toyota, Honda, or Hyundai. The 2021 Atlas Cross Sport has the lowest maintenance costs of the midsize SUV category. The 2021 Tiguan has lower maintenance costs than other compact SUVs by Honda, Toyota, and Subaru.

2015 Volkswagen Passat car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Passat problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Air bags problems
  • Engine problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2015 Volkswagen Passat vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2015 Volkswagen Passat

The NHTSA has received 225 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2015 Volkswagen Passat. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2015 Volkswagen Passat vehicles.

2024-09-30

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
  • VIN: 1VWAT7A31FC
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, East Dallas Volkswagen (12635 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy., Garland, TX 75041); where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump was leaking fuel and that the gasket and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
2024-09-27

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-23
  • VIN: 1VWBV7A34FC
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: This is the second car like this that I have had. Both had the same issues. when at highway speeds of 65 or greater the steering wheel will shake left and right. It is almost like there is a wheel that is not balanced. That is not the case, I have had the car in the shop 3 times now for this same issue. The last car I had(2015 VW Passat TDI) my son totaled it out in January. It also had the same issues but the dealer ship in Fort Wayne Indiana got it fixed and never really told me what was wrong with it other than they had to call the manufacturer to resolve the issue. The new car has been to the shop and I recorded what it was doing while driving for the technician to see and he put it back up on his lift the day after I got it back from them. he was able to replicate what it was doing for me on the road in the air and on his lift without the car moving. The steering wheel will shake from left to right and as speed picks up it becomes faster and more violent. I was told that I needed a new "Rack and Pinion". The dealership explained to me that the main steering gear is bad and since it is electronic the computer doesn't know where zero should be, thus causing the jerking of wheel from left to right as the computer is guessing and then over correcting. This information would have been more helpful upfront before I paid to have the car worked on chasing other issues that did not resolve the problem. So as of right now I am $1,700.00 in on this issue and being told that it's another $3,500.00 to fix said issue with no guarantee that it will actually be fixed. I asked what would happen if the gear actually broke and I was told to always wear my seatbelt and to keep both hands on the steering wheel. The faster you go the harder it shakes, when your at highway speeds and go to pass someone the car really shakes.
2024-09-13

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-12-05
  • VIN: 1VWCV7A38FC
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while attempting to activate the defroster, the defroster failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the tubing of the heater core needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred approximately 100 miles later. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
2024-09-09

STEERING,AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-08
  • VIN: 1VWBV7A3XFC
  • Components: STEERING,AIR BAGS
  • Summary: I was driving the car as usual. I needed to make a u turn at a light where it was safe and legal to do so. I heard a clicking sound and I don’t know what happened. I can’t use anything on the steering wheel.
2024-08-25

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-25
  • VIN: 1VWAS7A33FC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: Gas and Oil comsumption is way too high … Almost every 600-1000 the low oil lights turns on! Check engine on almost all the time due to an error with the oxígen sensor. EPC light gets on very frequently and the car loses speed. Also vehicle has a constant rattlesnake sound when speed is low. Issue was reported some years ago to a local VW dealership in Georgia but they never took care of the issue. Ongoing for a couple of years!. No additional details
2024-08-16

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-17
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1VWAT7A32FC
  • Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: The vehicle was totaled but I continue to receive recall notices to the point of harassment. I have called the hotline number and notified them dozens of times. I signed the vehicle over to the insurance. It is scrapped. I don't know how else to make that more clear.
2024-08-07

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-06
  • VIN: 1VWBT7A30FC
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: Looks like the plastic the fuel pump housing is made out of is low quality or prone to degradation by fuel. Hairline cracks have formed on the fuel pump housing causing fuel to leak when the pump is pressurized and running. In my case a pin hole also appeared causing the leak to be quite significant. When reviewing the attached image. Most the major looking hairline cracks seep fuel. The pin hole can’t really be seen in that image but is located in the middle of the raised lettering that starts with a “C” (in between M and E) (I have a video of it)
2024-03-20

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-03-11
  • VIN: 1VWAT7A32FC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and veering to the left, the vehicle stalled. The battery warning light was illuminated. A towing service performed a diagnostic test on the vehicle and informed the contact that the failure was not related to the battery and the alternator. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer replaced the battery and serviced the cooling system; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,300.
2023-12-05

AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-09-02
  • VIN: 1VWBV7A31FC
  • Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: The three issues above seems to be related or affect the other and does not allow cruise control to operate. The air bag light remains on and associated component light up the dash. Surprisingly, my VIN does not show up for air bag repair. I wish I did not have to wait for possible recall announcement for my vehicle before I can get it repaired and instead to fix it now. Frustrating.
2023-10-03

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-03
  • VIN: 1VWAS7A30FC
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: The windshield started separating at he top, makes strange popping sounds. That separation has now migrated around the entire screen. Concerned this might cause a failure and lead to harm for the occupants. It could also result in a loss of control causing harm to other drivers or structures.
2023-09-18

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-09-18
  • VIN: 1VWCV7A34FC
  • Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: After having the government approved and MANDATED Phase 1 and 2 Dieselgate fixes performed on my VW Passat TDI it has randomly lost power and or stalled while at highway speeds at least 6 times. The last time my 16 year old son was left stranded in the middle of a busy four lane highway narrowly avoiding being hit and seriously injured and/or killed. Apparently there are thousands of these cases (a class action lawsuit filed in 2018) on the road. Why haven't I been notified? This mandatory fix is much more dangerous then the original issue it seeks to address. From what I understand, the fix is causing the DPF regeneration sequence to occur much more often and much hotter, thereby cooking/melting/boiling the entire cooling system and shutting the engine down without warning. My vehicle has been in the service dept of VW for over 6 months (this last time) because they cannot figure how to fix it permanently. VW Corporate is very aware of the situation and has fed me a bunch of [XXXX] not even a child would believe and has refused my suggestion to self report the problems to NTHSA and CARB. If the cars are not taken off the road this issue will definitely (if not already) result in major injuries and likely death. I have done my duty notifying this government agency and now if a tragedy occurs there will have been actual notice as required by the law. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023-09-17

AIR BAGS,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-09-19
  • VIN: 1VWAT7A31FC
  • Components: AIR BAGS,ENGINE
  • Summary: While driving the EPC light came on and the car stopped driving. Vehicle was towed to local VW dealership, a FULL engine rebuild took place and a faulty intake valve spring was found, after replacing the injectors and seal kits. Then to replace the faulty electronic ignition switch. Over $3k in repairs for faulty parts. It was a safety risk because the vehicle stopped working in the middle of driving, in traffic with no other indication that something was wrong prior on a major road in the city. Since then, the vehicle has had constant issues with oil being low even after an oil change, no leaks were detected or reported. Also, the airbags and clockspring was supposed to be replaced. My airbag light came on in 3/2023 and it sounds like the clock spring is broken. Horn and electronics do not work from the steering column.
2023-09-17

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-09-16
  • VIN: 1VWAT7A31FC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: Upon further inspection a bushing was needed to be replaced. The bushing that holds the shift connection component together disconnected and popped off the shifting mechanism. The problem was reproduced several times. My safety was at risk, I was pulling into a parking space, put my vehicle in park, my car did not display a 'P' the option was empty (no R or D either was displayed). My car jumped forward and started to go and I was able to hold the brake and pull the emergency brake. I shut the car off after the shifter was stuck into the 'Drive' position. Manually putting the vehicle in park was able to fix the issue. No warning lights or issues prior occurred, the vehicle stuck in drive and it would have caused a crash if I were reversing or elsewhere. The issue happened again after the replacement part, the bushing popped off and the same behavior happened.
2023-09-14

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-09-07
  • VIN: 1VWBT7A34FC
  • Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: I take my car to the dealership for maintenance when it is scheduled. The ignition would not allow me to put the key inside. I did a little internet research and it seems to be a common problem with this car. I could not put the key in the ignition. I then used some wd40 and got it to go in eventually but thought I should report it as this could pose a safety hazard.
2023-09-12

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-09-12
  • VIN: 1VWCV7A35FC
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: Severe crack in sidewall of one tire. (4) 235/45R18 GOODYEAR ASSURANCE MAXLIFE I stopped by the installer today 9/12/2023. At risk for Blow-out. No signs of running underinflated. To my surprise - they Identified that the three other tires are show similar sidewall cracking emerging. Pictures available. Pictures of the other three tires are available upon request. I purchased four tires from Tire rack January 5, 2020. RHP Reference Number(s): XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX NOTE: Is this similar to complaint # NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11510140 ( March 4, 2023 ) Similarities: Both cars had: Same "brand" Tire. Similare make. Passat. 2017 vs my 2015 (TDI = extra weight) Hot climate Texas vs Arizona INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
2023-08-18

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-08-18
  • VIN: 1VWAT7A31FC
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: I was driving my 2015vVolkswagen Passat and noticed that the airbag light came on without any prior warning. It's not showing for a recall but a couple years ago Volkswagen fixed something on the car pertaining to the airbag. The horn , none of the control buttons on the steering when work
2023-07-28

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-28
  • VIN: 1VWBT7A32FC
  • Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
  • Summary: Failed part: Clock spring. Yes, the work was appropriately installed. This is my fourth replacement within less than 100k miles. No additional inspections as of yet. No warning lights, just a faint click coming from the steering wheels while making turns two days prior to hearing a snapping noise. My air bag light illuminated and my dash notified me of an air bag error. Lost all connection to steering wheel controls and horn. This is the same thing that has happened every time prior. The car is inoperable, once again, due to clock spring failure. I cannot drive my vehicle as I am concerned about not having safety features of an air bag and a horn. This has been an ongoing issue with VW. I have been the only owner of this vehicle for almost nine years.
2023-07-15

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-14
  • VIN: 1VWAT7A36FC
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: Rear coil spring is broken. Normal driving conditions and we noticed a significant vibration. Upon inspection of rear suspension we found a broken rear coil spring. I researched this issue and found that VW recalled several other 2015 models for rear coil springs breaking. This is a major safety issue. Currently we cannot use the car due to this safety issue.
2023-05-24

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-20
  • VIN: 1VWBV7A35FC
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: I have no heat on the passenger side of the vehicle from any of the vents. The windshield would ice up due to this. The drivers side works fine. This car does not have Climatronic. It has manual controls. I have been told the heater core is clogging by my mechanic. This is a 2015. VW extended the warranty for 2012-14 Passat TDI's with the CKRA engine however this is a 2015 with the CVCA TDI engine. Is there any extended coverage for this generation engine? I don't want this to develop into a larger issue with deficient EGR cooling problems. The heater core in the 2015 is the same part number used in previous model years which are covered by the recall.
2023-04-14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-04-01
  • VIN: 1VWBS7A36FC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: Rear back left light keeps going out. Could be an electrical issue. I have had to change light 5 times. The rear left back light blinker keeps going out.
2023-03-24

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-03-01
  • VIN: 1VWAT7A30FC
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unable to immediately restart the vehicle. After several attempts, the vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. After parking the vehicle, the vehicle would no longer start. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the EPC warning light remained illuminated. The local dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 3,500.
2023-02-20

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-02-19
  • VIN: 1VWAT7A3XFC
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Engine cylinder number one piston broke while driving. Vehicle has only 91,000 miles on it and now entire engine needs replacing. Ironically, it was taken to a VW dealership only a few weeks ago for normal servicing, and no problems detected.
2023-02-12

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-02-12
  • VIN: 1VWCV7A31FC
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Heater core big problem on 2015 vw passat Early models from 2012 to 2014 have a recall on heater core, and they have extended warranty. But problem still occurs on 2015 models, but still no recall or covered warranty, big problem and constantly Heater core broking
2023-02-01

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-01-17
  • VIN: 1VWCV7A3XFC
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the defroster failed and became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the heater core needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. There was a previous coolant flush and timing belt replacement at approximately 80,000. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
2023-01-18

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-01-01
  • VIN: 1VWCV7A38FC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: Mice and rodents just love eating various electrical wires, vacuum lines, diesel fuel lines (both from tank to engine & return lines), etc. Never once had any animals issues with my other vehicles. Discovered that VWoA thought it would be a brilliant idea to use Soy in the manufacturing of electrical insulation, fuel hoses, vacuum lines, etc. ANIMALS LIKE EATING SOY. Very frustrating. My vehicle has been disabled before and one time I sprang a nice leak, leaving a trail of diesel behind me. Since all repairs and parts were ordered and conducted at local VW dealership. All records are both on carfax & stored in VWoA servers.

2015 Volkswagen Passat recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 2015 Volkswagen Passat.

2019-12-04
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • 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.
  • Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: 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.
2019-05-22
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
  • 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."
  • Consequence: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: 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.
2019-01-11
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • 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.
  • 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 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).
2015-10-26
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
  • 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.
  • Consequence: 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.
  • Remedy: 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.
2015-06-15
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • 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.
  • Consequence: 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.
  • Remedy: 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.
2015-01-23
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
  • 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.
  • Consequence: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
  • Remedy: 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.
2014-10-24
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: SEATS
  • 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.
  • Consequence: Unexpected movement of the driver's seatback may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: 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.

Negative 2015 Volkswagen Passat car reviews

  1. Anibal Greenholt 2024-11-12

    Last year in May 2016, we had an unfortunate hail storm in Billings, Montana, which totaled my favorite car. Luckily, my fiancé had a pickup truck for me to drive while we looked for a new car. As Ford enthusiasts, we decided to try something different and found a beautiful, classy, and fuel-efficient car. Although there are pros and cons to this car, unfortunately, I have experienced more cons. My Wolfsburg car was very fast and handled well, but I have had nothing but problems with this new car. Everything was fine until November when my windshield wiper motor stopped working during a snowstorm. I tried to use the wipers with fluid, but nothing came out, and I was unable to see through the brown snow smears on my windshield. Three weeks later, on a 5-degree morning with snow, I started my car in the driveway to warm it up before work. However, the heater went out, and I had to scrape the inside of the windows to see. Thankfully, I still had warranty left, so I didn't have to pay for any of these issues. Dealing with our dealership in town has been challenging, but I will be taking my car in soon to fix the seatbelt light that keeps dinging while I'm driving. Despite these issues, I have heard nothing but good things about VW, which is why we took the leap and tried something new.Hey there! I wanted to share my experience with this car. Unfortunately, I had some issues with it and I wanted to give you a heads up. Maybe I just got unlucky, but I thought it was worth mentioning. Thanks for reading!

  2. Royce Dietrich 2024-11-01

    I really enjoyed driving this car! It had a smooth ride, plenty of room, great power acceleration, and was very comfortable. Everything I had read about it seemed to be true. Unfortunately, the car left me stranded on the side of the road with the EPC and battery lights on, as well as other lights flashing at me. The mechanic informed me that two cylinders were no longer working. I was surprised that something like this would happen so soon, as there were no previous signs of anything going wrong. I had always kept up with regular maintenance, such as oil changes, etc. We had previously owned a 1998 Passat that lasted 120K miles, but we had to get rid of it after the power train broke and the electronics started going haywire (things like windows going up/down on their own). Despite reading many positive things about VW Passats, we have decided that we will not be purchasing another VW again after our experiences.

  3. Danny Hermann 2024-10-17

    I've been driving this car for a month now and unfortunately, I've noticed some design flaws that make it less enjoyable to drive. The windshield is sloped more than my previous car, which can make night driving challenging due to the glare from oncoming traffic. Additionally, the door opening is smaller, making it difficult to get in and out, especially if the seat isn't all the way down. The armrest area has extra space that can leave your arms hanging in space, and the seat is designed for someone without a butt, which can be uncomfortable. The door has a wide swing path, so you need to be careful when opening it to avoid hitting other cars. The footrest is also in an awkward position, which can cause discomfort. The brake and gas pedals are not on the same plane, which can make it difficult to switch between them. Despite these issues, I'm hopeful that I can still enjoy driving this car with some adjustments.Regarding the center console, it sticks out too far, causing discomfort while driving. During my 40-minute commute, my knee constantly rubs against the hard plastic, making it sore. I should have paid more attention during the test drive, which was only 25 minutes long. I want to warn potential buyers to be aware of this issue. Additionally, the handling is good, but the backend can get jumpy on winding roads, making the ride feel unsteady. The gas mileage is not great, and I have only achieved 30 miles per gallon a couple of times. The low beams are not very bright, so I find myself using the high beams more often than I would like. The front defrosting takes a while, and I am not looking forward to when winter really hits. Lastly, I miss having a center armrest, which my previous car had. Overall, the car is fun to drive, but the design issues that result in discomfort may make this my last VW.

  4. Izaiah Torp 2024-10-09

    This car is really impressive! It has great handling, incredible mileage (36 hwy), and is quick and fairly comfortable. However, if you're older like me, you may find it a bit difficult to get in and out of due to the low roof line. Additionally, the smallish opening of the trunk can make loading and unloading a bit challenging. Nevertheless, the car has a spacious trunk and back seats. It's worth noting that it can be a bit noisy, but it's nothing worse than my Outback. And let me tell you, this car moves! By the way, have you tried the sport setting on the transmission?

  5. Griffin Frami 2024-04-02

    My 2015 Passat has been a nightmare. However, I have taken care of all the necessary repairs and replacements, even though they were out of warranty. Despite the issues, I am confident in my ability to maintain and care for my car. While German cars may have higher maintenance costs, I am willing to invest in the quality and performance they offer. Although I have had some setbacks, I still appreciate the spacious cabin and large trunk of my Passat. I am committed to keeping it running until it is paid off. In the future, I may consider other German car brands, such as Porsche, which are known for their reliability. Overall, I am confident in my decision to invest in a high-quality car like the Passat.

Positive 2015 Volkswagen Passat car reviews

  1. Waldo Murray 2025-01-01

    This is my 3rd Passat. My previous 2006 V-6 model gave its life when a deer tried to occupy the same space. It had 163K miles and was fit for 100K more. Sorry to give it up, but luckily, I was only 10 miles from a VW dealership and it was the end of the month (deal time). I took a step down on options but went from 28 mpg on premium to 1.8 TSI limited on regular. I'm old and drive pretty easy, with 84 freeway miles a day. I'm tickling 40mpg. The new Passat is almost paying for itself (low payments). I love this new Passat. It's comfortable, quick enough, and very sure-footed in the first Wisconsin snow. This car is a great cruiser, with a little softer ride than the '06 but still sporty. I don't feel the expansion joints like in the old one. Our other car is an Acura TSL, which is nice, but everyone in our family prefers driving the VWs. Hope this helps. As of 12/26/17, still lovin' it. No issues at 43,000 mi. As of 6/26/18, 54K on the odometer, still happy. Brakes feel like I have a bad rotor, really? I never use them, 90% freeway. But that's my only complaint. No other issues, still love driving it, hope it lasts a long time. Oh yeah, I moved up an age bracket. Acura traded for a Jeep Unlimited. As of 12/28/19, 63K. Yep, bad rear rotor, that and oil changes are my only expenses so far. I really am very happy with it, still love driving it. Paying it off this month, ultra-cheap car to own. Watch out Bambi, I hope to be driving this car deep into retirement! UPDATE, 1/7/21, 106,000 mi. Just recently replaced front struts and some steering components, also rear springs at a cost of $2300, ouch! I still enjoy the drive and it's still an mpg champ. Still looks great, no other issues, still happy with it overall. As of 7/9/'21, 117,000 miles. Still going strong, no new issues. Still looks great. Retiring soon! I will be driving this car for a while as my commute disappears.As of 12/29/2021 and 123,000 mi., the car had no issues and was going strong. However, I got the itch and decided to trade it in for a '22 Toyota Avalon XSE hybrid. The test drive sold me.

  2. Rodger Kirlin 2024-11-14

    I hope you're doing well! I noticed that you mentioned you have a Volkswagen Jetta (2008) and you really like it. That's great to hear! I also noticed that you were interested in a Passat and found one that you really liked. Even though it was a bit more expensive than you initially thought, you decided to go for it because it's a great car. I'm so glad to hear that you're happy with your purchase and would definitely recommend it!

  3. Trevion Bins 2024-10-20

    Great car for the money! It's amazing how much leg room there is, even for someone as tall as me (6 foot 3 inches). I absolutely love the way it drives and handles the road. The interior is also very quiet, which is a big plus. I've had it for a year and a half now and have only used it for commuting and short trips (up to 160 miles), but I haven't had any mechanical problems. I highly recommend buying this car! Update: This is a very nice and dependable car. Although I no longer own it because I needed a truck, I would definitely consider buying a Volkswagen truck if they come out with a medium to large size.

  4. Ewell Hyatt 2024-10-16

    When I first got my car, I thought the Passat was just okay. But as I started to drive it more and make some changes, I began to really like it. When I inspected the car and looked at the engine, I was blown away. It was the most beautiful engine I had ever seen. I call her my baby because she runs so smoothly and powerfully. I've had no problems at all, and she loves the highway. I have a 2015 S Passat, and we made a deal with each other: she keeps running smoothly with no major issues, and I'll keep her well-maintained. We've held up our end of the bargain for three years now. If you're looking for a great car, this is the one. You won't regret it. Best regards, Wanda K.

  5. Halle Walker 2024-09-18

    A true manual would be great, but I'm a bit of a purist. I'm a big guy at 603 and 300 lbs., so getting in and out can be a bit of a hassle, but it's a fantastic ride for long distances. The best part is that it's maintenance-free - just change the oil every 10K. If you have a diesel, remember to change the fuel filter every 40-50K miles too.

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