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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No need to worry, the Passat is a great car in its own right! It's comfortable, reliable, and affordable compared to its Japanese competitors. The rear seat leg room and spacious trunk are definite positives, and the controls are easy to use. The display screen may be smaller than others, but it's still perfectly functional. The seating is very comfortable and supportive, and the steering is responsive, making the car very maneuverable. In sport mode or manual tiptronic mode, the car can perform well off the starting line and accelerates smoothly. The warranty is also excellent. While road noise can be a bit pronounced on highways, this can be improved with a change in tires. The transmission can be a bit jerky at slow stop and go speeds, but this is due to the gas-saving 6 speed transmission. Some users have experienced issues with Apple CarPlay, but using an actual Apple USB cable can fix that. Overall, I'm very happy with my Passat and look forward to driving it as our family car for years to come.
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Looking for a family car that fits taller than average people? Look no further! This car is perfect for you. My kids are 6.3 and 6.0, and I am 6.0, and we all have plenty of room in the back. The driver and front passenger side are also very spacious. While the power is a bit on the low end of the low RPM range, it has excellent performance in the higher RPM ranges once you punch it. Plus, it gets great MPG - I get 30-33+ on the highway at 70 MPH. If you're planning on going skiing in the winter, the rear folding seat is a great option for your skis and gear.
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I absolutely love my 2019 Passat Wolfsburg Edition! It drives and handles perfectly, and I never experience any loud noises on the highway. The ride is always a pleasure. If you're interested, I highly recommend visiting a VW dealer and taking it for a test drive on the highway. It's possible that there may be an issue with the door gaskets, but I'm confident that you'll still enjoy the ride. I've compared it to my wife's 2017 Subaru Outback, and while I do like the Subaru, I have to say that there's a lot more wind and engine noise on the highway. But don't just take my word for it - test drive the Passat for yourself! I would definitely buy one again and recommend it to my friends and family.
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I was a bit hesitant about purchasing a car based on an older platform, but the refreshed R-Line caught my eye and I decided to take it for a test drive. To my surprise, it handled like a dream and was a welcome change from my previous SUV. The suspension did a great job of smoothing out the potholes on Ohio's roads, and the driver assistance features were helpful without being intrusive. The interior is spacious and practical, with plenty of legroom and the ability to fit longer items in the back with the seats down. Overall, the value and style of the VW R-Line are unbeatable, especially with the great incentives currently available. While some reviews mention occasional slow upshifting, I have not found it to be a significant issue. Additionally, while some may find the interior dated, I appreciate the simplicity and layout. This car is perfect for road trips and has great style to boot!
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I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with my 2020 Passat S model that I purchased in October 2020 for only $17,500. I think it's a great value for a midsize sedan. The car drives very well and has enhanced torque with its 2.0 Turbo engine. It's also very roomy and has good standard safety features. I was pleasantly surprised when I drove it at 120 mph on the highway without hearing any noise or vibration. Additionally, I love the super size roomy trunk. The car comes with a 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty, which is more than most competitors, except for the Hyundai Sonata. Lastly, it also has good gas mileage. Let me know if you have any questions!
Other years of Volkswagen Passat
Are you having problems with your 2020 Volkswagen Passat?
Alexzander Runolfsson 2025-05-10
I have been a loyal VW customer for 15 years, owning a Passat wagon for 6 years, leasing 2 CCs, and currently leasing a 2018 Passat SEL, which was the top of the line Passat at the time. However, my experience with this car has been disappointing overall. Although it came loaded with options, the performance and functionality of those extra features have been inconsistent. This Passat was made in TN, not Germany, and I had no issues with the German-made VWs. Unfortunately, the turbo needed replacing after just 1 year, resulting in a lackluster drive that has never been consistently powerful since. Additionally, the rear seats are inconvenient to fold down, requiring the trunk to be popped to pull two seat release tabs, which are in an awkward position. The left side never worked consistently, and the heated mirrors did not work either. Lastly, the push engine start button is covered with thin metal plating or foil, which one day peeled into a triangular shape and cut my finger. Although this occurred during the early Covid shutdown, I opted to cover the button with 5-6 layers of glass tape, which still remain. As a friendly reminder, I wanted to share my experience with other buyers who may be considering a Passat. It's time for me to lease again, and I am exploring other options.
Billy Ledner 2025-04-27
I've had the car for just over three weeks now and have put 2400 miles on it, including a trip to Florida last week. There are definitely some positives to the car, such as the ice-cold air conditioning, better-than-rated gas mileage on the highway, and impressive sound quality from the standard radio. The car also has a great ability to handle long distances on the highway with ease. However, I have encountered some issues that have been a bit frustrating. For example, the alignment is off and the grille is not aligned properly. Additionally, the passenger side rear door is not flush with the fender or front door, and the sealant applications under the hood and in the trunk area are sloppy. Despite these issues, I am hopeful that the selling dealer will be able to address them tomorrow. Overall, I believe that the car has a lot of potential and I am looking forward to seeing how it performs once these issues are resolved.I've worked in a production environment before, so I understand how factories are re-started with smaller crews and operators being placed in unfamiliar positions. Based on my experience, I would guess that a car built earlier in the model run would be superior.
Crawford Stokes 2025-03-11
My wife and I recently purchased two cars from VW of Ontario. I got the 2020 Jetta GLI and she got the 2020 Passat R-Line. Although we got decent deals, her car has unfortunately experienced some electrical issues. We have had a few problems with the car, such as the car pulling to the right and the radio turning off unexpectedly. We have taken the car to the dealership and they have tried to fix the issues, but unfortunately, they still persist. Despite these issues, we still find the car smooth and enjoyable to drive. ***UPDATE*** The car was returned to VW under the lemon law.
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!