2020 Volkswagen Passat problems
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.
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Common 2020 Volkswagen Passat problems
The Volkswagen Passat has been a popular midsize sedan since its inception in 1973, and it is the second best-selling model after the Volkswagen Golf. However, like any vehicle, the Passat has had its fair share of problems over the years. This article will focus on common problems with the 2020 Volkswagen Passat, based on complaints from owners.
- Transmission Issues: Some owners of the 2020 Passat have reported issues with the transmission, specifically jerky movements at slow stop-and-go speeds due to the gas-saving 6-speed transmission.
- Apple CarPlay Issues: A few owners have reported experiencing strange issues with Apple CarPlay, which were resolved by using an actual Apple USB cable instead of wireless connectivity.
- Road Noise: A handful of owners have mentioned that road noise is more pronounced on highways, which could be due to surface quality or tire changes.
- Engine Stalling or Misfiring: While not specifically related to the 2020 model year, engine stalling or misfiring is a common problem across all 31 model years of the Passat, with 926 complaints recorded.
- Reduced Acceleration: Another engine-related issue, reduced acceleration with engine hesitating or jerking, has been reported by some Passat owners.
- Poor Fuel Economy: Some owners have expressed disappointment with the Passat's fuel economy, which could be related to engine performance or driving habits.
- Bad Idle Performance: Engine idle performance has been a concern for some Passat owners, with warning lights sometimes appearing due to issues with the mass airflow sensor or other engine components.
It is important to note that these issues are not necessarily widespread or indicative of a systemic problem with the 2020 Volkswagen Passat. Many owners have reported positive experiences with the car, praising its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and safety features.
When considering the purchase of a 2020 Volkswagen Passat, it is always a good idea to research the vehicle thoroughly, including its history of recalls and common problems. Regular maintenance and addressing issues in a timely manner can help ensure a reliable and enjoyable ownership experience.
What is the common problem in VW 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 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.
Is a Volkswagen Passat a good reliable car?
Is a used Volkswagen Passat saloon reliable? The Passat got a good score of 96.4% in the executive car class in our most recent reliability survey, and came in fifth place out of 26 cars.
How many miles will a Volkswagen Passat last?
between 100,000 and 200,000 miles
Most Volkswagen vehicles will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, although well-kept models can last even longer than that. All VWs are remarkably reliable vehicles. When it comes to longevity, the Golf, Passat, Jetta, and Beetle are known to be particularly long-lasting.
How reliable is VW Passat 2020?
The 2020 VW Passat has a predicted reliability score of 83 out of 100.
What is the common problem in VW 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.
Which model of Passat is best?
Best Volkswagen Passat for...
- Best for Economy – VW Passat GTE 1.4 TSI DSG. ...
- Best for Families – VW Passat 2.0 TDI 150 SE Business. ...
- Best for Performance – VW Passat 2.0 BiTDI DSG 4Motion GT. ...
- One to Avoid – VW Passat 1.6 TDI S. ...
- Engine 2.0 TDI BMT 150. ...
- Trim level SE Business. ...
- Gearbox DSG.
Is it good to buy Passat?
Spacious interior: The Passat has a spacious interior, making it a good choice for families or anyone who needs a lot of space. Good fuel economy: Depending on the model and engine, the Passat can get good fuel economy. Reliable: The Passat has a reputation for being reliable, with many models lasting for many miles.
2020 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:
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Air bags problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Volkswagen Passat vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2020 Volkswagen Passat complaints
The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Volkswagen Passat.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 1VWWA7A37LC
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Oil pressure sensor fails. Causing high oil pressure. Causing the valve cover to be destroyed and the oil pan to leak. Draining the car oil.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-22
- VIN: 1VWCA7A32LC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: VIN: [XXX] Dealership: Vanguard Volkswagen 6900 Burnet Rd Austin, TX 78757 I bought 2020 Passat back in Aug 2020 with CarNet included. It was showing that CarNet will be installed later when available at no cost. So in 2021 they installed carnet and everything was working fine up until 2024. The light turned off and no connection to the car. I called CarNet and they told me that most likely an issue with HW module and suggested to take to the dealer to get reset/replaced. Went to the dealer few days ago. Left them a car for 3 days for diag. No fault codes. So dealer sent a ticket to the Volkswagen to see how to proceed. I got a call from dealership today that Volkswagen responded to them that 2020 Passat is no longer eligible for the CarNet. Excuse me? At the time of sale CarNet was included. It was working fine no issues. And now Volkswagen taking car feature away that it came with and I paid for.. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-14
- VIN: 1VWSA7A35LC
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Bought car from dealer. Vw Manhattan. 42000miles. 8 months later at 53000 miles. Engine problems. Went to Vw service. Head gasket. Lemon car. Warranty till 50000 miles. Cost? 4800$ Worse car possible.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-04
- VIN: 1VWWA7A32LC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Our vehicle will not speed up after accelerating but you can hear the engine making noise like it’s trying to speed up. We have taken our vehicle 3-4 times back to the dealership and they have told us they found nothing.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
- VIN: 1VWSA7A37LC
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Car wasn’t pulling up the road the epc light came on had to have my vehicle rolled to the next dealer which was 36 miles from where I was. I was traveling from grapevine tx and it start acting up in Huntsville tx. Came out of pocket 1085.00 and that was with a discount for the fuel injector #3 My warranty expired 3000 miles ago. I am the first owner on my vehicle.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-31
- VIN: 1VWSA7A34LC
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: My clock spring isn’t working after having my vehicle for barely a year. My air bag light is currently on. I can’t use my horn nor use any of the controls on my steering wheel. I’ve paid already 800 plus on previous car issues such as my harness hose. I’m still awaiting reimbursement. Further review and assistance needed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-15
- VIN: 1VWWA7A31LC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made abnormal sounds. The contact stated that the vehicle started independently, and the Driver Assist function engaged independently. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was swerving unintendedly and would vibrate while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the dealer informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The dealer later replaced the brake rotors; however, the failure persisted. The electronic power control (EPC), the Adaptive Cruise Control and low oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the message "Front Assist Error" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake caliper was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the thermostat as the message "Coolant Error" was displayed on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1VWMA7A36LC
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: HELLO MY DOUGHTER HAD A ACCIDENT CAR WAS TOTAL LOSS AND AIR BAGS DID NOT POP UP AND SEAT BELT WAS NOT TIGHT ENOUGH
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-15
- VIN: 1VWMA7A31LC
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The Volkswagen Front Assist (sometimes referred to as Forward Collision Warning) system employed without having anything/anyone in front of the vehicle - no traffic in front, behind or on the side and the brakes engaged the brought the car to a complete stop in the street. This has been reported to Volkswagen and we have been told that their engineers are working on this issue but the vehicle is safe to drive. The day was a clear day. Date is approximate - I don't have my phone on me with the photo.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-15
- VIN: 1VWSA7A38LC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THE BREAKS IS VERY WEAK I WAS GOING TO HIT THE CAR AT THE FRONT OF ME WITH 1 INCH ! IT TOOK THE CAR LIKE 4 SECONDS TO STOP NOT SURE WAS IT JUST THE BREAKS OR THE BREAKS AND TIRES , THE CAR KEPT MOVING AFTER PRESSING THE BREAKS HARD ENOUGH , I WAS SHAKING SINCE I JUST GOT THE CAR 4 DAYS AGO !
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-25
- VIN: 1VWMA7A39LC
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY SOUTH SHORE IN RANDOLPH MA STOUGHTON EXITS AND I HEARD A POP IN MY DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE AND WHEN I PULLED OVER I CHECKED MY TIRE AND MY TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT AND THERE WAS A HOLE APPROXIMATELY THE SIZE OF A HAND GUN BULLET HOLE IN MY RIM. I WAS GOING A LITTLE UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT DUE TO HAVING A 3 YEAR OLD IN THE VEHICLE IN THE FAR RIGHT SLOW LANE. THE FOLLOWING MORNING I WENT TO GET THE TIRE INSPECTED IT WAS CONFIRMED THERE WAS A HUGE PIECE OF GLASS IN MY TIRE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-02
- VIN: 1VWSA7A34LC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: PARK ASSIST NOT AVAILBLE. LOSS OF ENGINE POWER ON LEFT OR RIGHT TURN
2020 Volkswagen Passat recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2020 Volkswagen Passat.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL:CUSHION
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Passat vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: An incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AY.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
- Consequence: In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.
Negative 2020 Volkswagen Passat car reviews
Positive 2020 Volkswagen Passat car reviews
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My first Passat was a 2008, driven to 230,000 miles. I knew I would eventually own another, so when I found this 2020 Passat, it was inevitable. I am very pleased with the engineering, handling, overall look, and luxury. Thank you, Volkswagen.
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I purchased my 2020 Passat SE about two years ago and have since driven it for 22,000 miles. The exterior is a sleek Platinum Gray Metallic, reminiscent of my dad's 2006 Jetta, while the interior is spacious and black, providing ample legroom for my 6'1
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This cozy space is perfect for a family of up to three people of average size.
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Congratulations on your purchase of a low mileage certified Passat SE! The seats look like leather but are actually much more durable, which is great. It's good to hear that the car has been reliable and fuel efficient. It's also smart to plan ahead for upgrading the tires and shocks when needed. Changing the oil at 6 months/6,000 miles is a great idea for a turbo engine. The clean styling and bright LED headlights are definitely a plus. Overall, it sounds like you made a great choice and I hope you continue to enjoy your Passat!
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I've been the proud owner of a used Volkswagen Passat 2.0T Wolfsburg Edition for over three years now, and it has passed the test of time with flying colors. The bronze color is absolutely stunning, and I always receive compliments on its unique sheen. It's also zippy when you need it to be, making it perfect for urban highway on-ramps. The car handles turns and quick movements with ease, and the interior feels elevated and classy. I receive compliments on the car all the time, and the leather seats are durable and easy to clean. All the touch points are soft to the touch, making for a comfortable ride. The technology is also great, with modern necessities like a touch screen and Carplay/Android Auto. However, occasionally Carplay will freeze up or glitch out unexpectedly, requiring a restart of the infotainment center by holding the power button. One convenience I miss is a digital tire-pressure reading in the computer readings. The only issue I've had is with the AC Compressor, which needed to be replaced, but thankfully it was covered under the certified warranty.
Other years of Volkswagen Passat
Are you having problems with your 2020 Volkswagen Passat?
Jose Toy 2025-01-08
The Passat has some room for improvement in terms of power and sound insulation, but it offers great interior space for tall people and durable seating material. While some may prefer a Toyota Camry, the Passat still has a place in the market with some engineering changes. It's important to note that VW has not yet invested in improving this internal combustible model, as they are focusing on E cars.
Dillan Bogisich 2024-11-06
For a car with a $33,000 MSRP, it may not ride as smoothly as expected. The transmission may shift erratically and some features may be complicated to use. However, we are here to help you navigate these features and ensure that you get the most out of your car!
Ernie Ferry 2024-10-13
The 2019 Passat is comfortable and rides well. However, the acceleration can be unpredictable. When pressing on the gas pedal, it may lunge forward and slow down, rev up to 5K RPM's in each of the first two gears as it creeps across an intersection, or just sort of noisily rear back and take off. It is important to test drive the car before making a purchase or lease to ensure it meets your expectations.
Colton Simonis 2024-10-05
Hello! Recently, I purchased a new 20-year Passat R line with finance from Volkswagen. Since my existing car broke down in August, I was thinking about buying a new one. I heard that there is a Korean dealer in Atlanta and, as I like Volkswagen, I thought about buying from them. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away from late September to October, so I had to go to Korea in a hurry. When I returned to Atlanta on Saturday the 10th, I visited an Atlanta Volkswagen dealership to buy a car. Even though the car I liked on the internet was not stocked yet, I was told to write the contract first. After test-driving the car with the same color option trim, I bought it at the end of 5 hours and came back to Montgomery, Alabama. Although I had too much luggage, I was feeling complacent. However, when I arrived home and checked the exterior and interior of the car, I found that the car had black marks and A-pillar scratch trunk hinges that could not be restored. Additionally, the tire balance and wheel alignment were not fitting well for my daily commute. When I told the dealer about these issues, he was able to inspect the car quickly and said that the Passat car was perfect. He even offered to test-drive with me when I come back to Atlanta. As a first-time buyer, I didn't know about the other options (accessories), so I thought it was the original condition that my car had no tints and leather protectors. When I asked the dealer how much tint it was, he said it was $399. I thought that since it's a new car, I had to invest. Thank you for your time and help!When I got home, I discovered that the contract did not include basic tanning and leather seat protection. After contacting the dealer, he admitted his mistake and offered to take care of it when I come up to Atlanta for a car problem and tinting. Although I was initially frustrated, I am grateful to work in the quality department of the car manufacturing industry and have knowledgeable coworkers. I almost fell for the dealer's mistake, but I am glad I caught it. I have documented all the facts, and I am wondering if I can get a refund or exchange by contacting Volkswagen headquarters. I would appreciate any help or advice. Additionally, I have noticed some issues with the trim in the rear seat's door and too many sealers in the driver's compartment, which suggests that the car was not inspected properly or may be defective.
Gillian Weissnat 2024-08-24
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with the car I recently purchased. While I enjoy driving it, I have noticed that the road noise inside the cabin can be quite loud, which has been a bit of a challenge for me. Additionally, I have found that the engine can be a bit noisy at times. The radio quality is not quite what I was hoping for, and the controls feel a bit cheap. Overall, I'm not sure if this was the right car for me, but I'm still trying to make the best of it. Thank you for listening!