2010 Volkswagen Passat Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2010 Volkswagen Passat, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags4521.1%
- Engine4119.2%
- Fuel system3315.5%
- Powertrain (other)2913.6%
- Electrical219.9%
- Steering136.1%
- Transmission52.3%
- Brakes52.3%
- Exterior lighting41.9%
- Driver assistance41.9%
- Body & structure31.4%
- Visibility31.4%
- Suspension20.9%
- Other / unspecified20.9%
- Tires & wheels10.5%
- Interior & seats10.5%
- Seat belts10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car was hit broadside on the passenger side front door, spun around and hit head in to a power pole. With all this happening none of the airbags deployed.
In 2018, my VW clockspring/airbag was replaced under the VW recall. Last week the airbag clockspring failed, causing my air bag pop out. Luckily I was not driving. There is no current recall on the recalled replacement and this is unacceptable. I took my VW back to the dealer that did the work and they stated that there was no recall and they would not replace. It is incredibly dangerous that this has happened. I am very angry that VW's replacement would not hold up for the lifetime of the car nor will they honor their parts.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased a used vehicle but have found out the oxygen sensor is feeding false error codes to the main OBC causing leaks into driver compartment causing engine to stall while auto in motion and most importantly causing steering wheel to lock, have spoken with VWoA but they have no direct influence with VW or dealerships even if a warranty issue because all parties are independent contractors and all they are able to do is try and help. My name has not been transferred to registration because of smog requirements so you may call me [XXX] my telephone number is [XXX] my case# with VWoA is [XXX], I myself have learned to deal with defects but should this matter be more widespread which I cannot find out because the last case regarding the sensors was sealed in an agreement made by the California ARB, EPA and VW and Audi through a settlement signed in December 2021. Once again my hands are tied from taking much more action but I believe your department whether is able to enforce this matter or not should at least investigate and issue warnings to advise people of what can happen so if they can even at own cost seek appropriate repairs before more damages accrued. Also if this sensor is effecting more models and manufacturers an appropriate temporary fix should be seeker since no long term solutions are available at this time INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a strong fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted while the vehicle was parked and turned off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the strong fuel odor had caused her to have headaches while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module had failed, causing the fuel pump to leak. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start and was undrivable. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to bring the vehicle to their location for the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V509000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) had already been completed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2010 Volkswagen CC became completely inoperable because of the active fuel pump control module recall (NHTSA 17V509). The vehicle stalled and nearly caused an accident. The check engine light came on just before I noticed a burning smell coming from the backseat of my car immediately after smelling that the car suddenly stalled out in the middle of a busy intersection and the engine would not start back up. I had to push it to a gas station parking lot across 3 lanes of traffic. I lifted up the backseat and found that the fuel control module was overheated and melting on top of the fuel pump so I carefully and properly disconnected it from the vehicle. The next day I had the vehicle towed to Lokey Volkswagen in Clearwater, FL. Today 3/14/2026 They did the recall repair and told me my vehicle is safe to drive. Today 3/14/2026 I drove the car 1 mile from the dealership when the exact same thing happened again the car stalled out, and I had to carefully maneuver to the shoulder of hwy us 19 s narrowly missing vehicles in the other lanes. The vehicle was then towed back to lokey Volkswagen. It is pretty clear that the issue was not resolved, and that this fuel control module failing may have affected other parts of the fuel system/wiring and or the fuel control module failed again. I have pictures of the fuel control module, and I gave the initial melted/failed fuel control module to the service department and they took it. The dealership service department is stating that this may be to do something other than the recall repair and that I may be liable for the diagnostic and towing charges. This is a very serious safety issue that almost cost me to get in accidents on the highway twice. I feel that they (Volkswagen) needs to be held responsible for rectification and to find out if there is a connection between this recall and the continuing failure of the vehicle to operate safely.
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a strong fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted while the vehicle was parked and turned off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the strong fuel odor had caused her to have headaches while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module had failed, causing the fuel pump to leak. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start and was undrivable. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to bring the vehicle to their location for the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V509000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) had already been completed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND GOING UPHILL, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. AN AUDIBLE SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. THE CONTACT WAS THEN UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN OF CLARKSVILLE (406 E LEWIS AND CLARK PKWY, CLARKSVILLE, IN 47129) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
VW FOUND OUT THAT THE TIMING CHAIN IS DEFECTIVE IN THEIR VW CC 2.0 T ENGINE. THIS PART CAN GO OUT AT ANYTIME. IF YOU ARE TRAVELING AT A HIGH SPEED YOU CAN BE FATALLY INJURED IF THIS TIMING CHAIN GOES OUT. IT HASN'T HAPPENED BUT I WAS WARNED. WITH THE SOLUTION OF A 3800.00 REPAIR. *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2010 Volkswagen CC became completely inoperable because of the active fuel pump control module recall (NHTSA 17V509). The vehicle stalled and nearly caused an accident. The check engine light came on just before I noticed a burning smell coming from the backseat of my car immediately after smelling that the car suddenly stalled out in the middle of a busy intersection and the engine would not start back up. I had to push it to a gas station parking lot across 3 lanes of traffic. I lifted up the backseat and found that the fuel control module was overheated and melting on top of the fuel pump so I carefully and properly disconnected it from the vehicle. The next day I had the vehicle towed to Lokey Volkswagen in Clearwater, FL. Today 3/14/2026 They did the recall repair and told me my vehicle is safe to drive. Today 3/14/2026 I drove the car 1 mile from the dealership when the exact same thing happened again the car stalled out, and I had to carefully maneuver to the shoulder of hwy us 19 s narrowly missing vehicles in the other lanes. The vehicle was then towed back to lokey Volkswagen. It is pretty clear that the issue was not resolved, and that this fuel control module failing may have affected other parts of the fuel system/wiring and or the fuel control module failed again. I have pictures of the fuel control module, and I gave the initial melted/failed fuel control module to the service department and they took it. The dealership service department is stating that this may be to do something other than the recall repair and that I may be liable for the diagnostic and towing charges. This is a very serious safety issue that almost cost me to get in accidents on the highway twice. I feel that they (Volkswagen) needs to be held responsible for rectification and to find out if there is a connection between this recall and the continuing failure of the vehicle to operate safely.
Replaced cracked fuel pump 3 times. Electrical problem to fuel pump ; also all were cracked from pressure. Thx !! Dr.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased a used vehicle but have found out the oxygen sensor is feeding false error codes to the main OBC causing leaks into driver compartment causing engine to stall while auto in motion and most importantly causing steering wheel to lock, have spoken with VWoA but they have no direct influence with VW or dealerships even if a warranty issue because all parties are independent contractors and all they are able to do is try and help. My name has not been transferred to registration because of smog requirements so you may call me [XXX] my telephone number is [XXX] my case# with VWoA is [XXX], I myself have learned to deal with defects but should this matter be more widespread which I cannot find out because the last case regarding the sensors was sealed in an agreement made by the California ARB, EPA and VW and Audi through a settlement signed in December 2021. Once again my hands are tied from taking much more action but I believe your department whether is able to enforce this matter or not should at least investigate and issue warnings to advise people of what can happen so if they can even at own cost seek appropriate repairs before more damages accrued. Also if this sensor is effecting more models and manufacturers an appropriate temporary fix should be seeker since no long term solutions are available at this time INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. I HAD DRIVEN ABOUT 1 BLOCK ON THIS STREET AFTER HAVING TURNED ONTO IT FROM ANOTHER STREET. WHEN THE CAR DIED, "STEERING WHEEL LOCKED" DISPLAYED ON DASH PANEL. CAR WOULD NOT START, STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T MOVE BEYOND ABOUT 1" TO THE RIGHT. MESSAGE WOULD DISPLAY "STEERING WHEEL STILL LOCKED" OR "MOVE STEERING WHEEL." AFTER 40 MINUTES OF THIS ROTATION OF MESSAGES AND TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE, MOVED THE STEERING WHEEL UP AND DOWN. CAR FINALLY STARTED BUT ONLY FOR 3 SECONDS. BATTERY LIGHT WOULD COME ON. WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES DOING THIS AND MOVING IT 30 FEET TO SAFELY PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS ABOUT 30 DEGREES F. FOR ABOUT 1 MONTH PRIOR TO THIS, I WOULD PERIODICALLY HEAR A TICKING SOUND AFTER REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. AFTER THE TICKING STOPPED, A MESSAGE WOULD DISPLAY ON THE DASH PANEL "STEERING COLUMN LOCKED. VISIT WORKSHOP!" IT WAS EXTREMELY COLD WHEN THIS HAPPENED, BUT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME I TURNED OFF THE CAR, AND THE CAR STARTED FINE EACH TIME AFTER. OUTSIDE TEMP WAS IN THE TEENS (F) WHEN THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENED.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED 2010 VW PASSAT IN JUNE 2010. THE CAR STARTED TO JUMP ON ACCELERATION FROM STOP, AUTO HOLD BUTTON DID NOT WORK, AND CAR WAS ROLLING BACK ON MILD SLOPE. I TOOK CAR TO THE VW DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THAT IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR. I HAD TO WAIT FOR 2 WEEKS SINCE THE PART WAS COMING FROM GERMANY. THEY REPLACED THE MECHATRONIC UNIT AND AUTOHOLD BUTTON. THE CAR IS NOT JUMPING NOW BUT I HAVE A FEELING THE PROBLEM IS COMING BACK SINCE IT DOES NOT GO SMOOTHLY FROM STOP TO DRIVE SOMETIMES. AUTOHOLD BUTTON IS WORKING. IF THE AUTOHOLD BUTTON IS NOT ON, A CAR IS STILL ROLLING BACK ON A MILD SLOPE SO YOU HAVE TO MOVE YOUR FOOT QUICKLY FROM BRAKE TO GAS AND PRAY THERE IS NO CAR BEHIND YOU. 2010 VW PASSAT PERFORMS VERY WELL AFTER YOU REACH 60 MILES AND OVER BUT BELOW THAT SPEED, IT TAKES TIMES TO PICK UP A SPEED. SOMETIMES, THE GAS PEDAL HITS THE FLOOR AND A CAR IS STILL NOT PICKING UP THE SPEED. DRIVING IN A SPORT MODE DOES NOT HELP, SINCE THE TRAFFIC IS ON STOP AND GO. *TR
TEST DROVE NEW VW PASSAT (2010) NOT UNDERSTANDING THE DSG TYPE OF TRANSMISSION, FIRST DRIVE FROM A RED LIGHT HAD THE CAR JERKING A LITTLE. THOUGHT THIS WAS UNUSUAL BUT ACCEPTED THE CAR FOR THE PERFORMANCE. AFTER READING ABOUT THE DSG AND DOUBLE CLUTCH TRANSMISSION BEING A SMOOTH TRANSMISSION. I KNEW I HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE TRANS. (VERY JERKY STARTS FROM A DEAD STOP AFTER ENGINE GOT WARM) I THOUGHT THE "AUTO HOLD" SWITCH WAS STUCK IN THE ON POSITION. VW CONFIRMED NO PROBLEM WITH THAT SWITCH. (THE ROUGH STARTS FELT LIKE A BEGINNER ON A MANUAL DRIVE TRANSMISSION ON A STEEP HILL.). 1ST ROUND OF COMPLAINANTS, VW REPLACED "CLUTCH PACK" BUT SYMPTOMS WOULD NOT GO AWAY . AFTER MANY FRUSTRATING DAYS HOPING THE SYMPTOM WOULD GO AWAY, I PUSHED VW TO FIX OR BUY BACK THE CAR. FINALLY HAD VW CONSULTANT (AN OUTSIDE MECHANIC WORKING THE REGIONAL AREA) TEST AND APPROVE THE "MECHATRONIC UNIT " SWAP OUT FOR IT WAS AT FAULT. VW REPLACED AT 3254 MILES. WAITING SEE HOW LONG THIS WILL LAST AS MANY BLOGS HAVE STATED THIS IS A GROWING TREND. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE IS A GAS LEAK BY REAR TIRE. THE MECHANICS THAT CHANGED MY TIRES SAID IT WAS WATER. WENT FOR AN OIL CHANGE, AND THEY REFUSED TO DO IT BECAUSE IT'S A GAS LEAK. THEY CAN'T TELL WHERE IT'S COMING FROM.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND GOING UPHILL, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. AN AUDIBLE SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. THE CONTACT WAS THEN UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN OF CLARKSVILLE (406 E LEWIS AND CLARK PKWY, CLARKSVILLE, IN 47129) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
As the trunk hatch opens and closes, the wiring to the hatch wears down, frays, and then shorts or breaks. This killed our rear view camera, which is a safety issue. This also can cut off light to the license plate. The rear hatch also cannot then be opened from the rear of the car, as the handle is electrical and gets disconnected, possible causing another safety issue.
There is a short in the wiring for the tail lights the short in the wires also effects the trunk wiring. The design of the wiring in the trunk bends the tail light wires and wears them out so now there is a short in the tail light, reverse light , fog light and the trunk release. It is very unsafe to have these lights not work and to have a faulty wiring.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2010 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving slowly towards a stop sign, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and drove forward causing another vehicle to crash into the driver’s side of the vehicle. There were no injuries reported. A police report was filed. Neither the local dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000. The vehicle was destroyed.
108K MILES. GOT OFF OF WORK AND I WENT TO START THE VEHICLE. I STARTED THE VEHICLE THE BATTERY LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED FLASHING I JUST DID A QUICK LOOP AND PUT IT RIGHT BACK INTO THE PARKING SPOT THAT I WAS IN. I TOOK IT INTO A SHOP THEY FOUND THAT THE STARTER WAS GETTING WAY TOO HOT. THEY TOOK THE STARTER OUT AND PUT IN A NEW ONE AND WHEN THEY WENT TO START THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE SEIZED
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN HIGHWAY ACCIDENT
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE SUNROOF CLOSED. OUT OF THE BLUE AND UNPROVOKED - THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. IT WAS NOT HIT BY ANYTHING TO CAUSE THIS. THE MAJORITY OF THE GLASS FLEW OUT, BUT HAD THE INNER PLASTIC SUNROOF MATERIAL BEEN OPEN IT CERTAINLY COULD HAVE INJURED THOSE INSIDE. ADDITIONALLY OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT FEW DAYS I DID FIND DARK GLASS SHARDS IN MY HAIR THAT HAD CLEARLY COME FROM THE SUNROOF. MY STORY IS LUCKY, BUT EASILY COULD HAVE ENDED IN INJURY TO DRIVER FROM THE GLASS OR FROM INJURIES TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD CAUSED BY AN ACCIDENT PROMPTED BY THE SHOCK OF UNPROVOKED SHATTERING GLASS TO THE DRIVER. THE CAR IS NOT VERY OLD (2010) AND THE SUNROOF IS CERTAINLY NOT OVERUSED. THIS ABSOLUTELY CAN'T BE THE USERS' FAULT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
As the trunk hatch opens and closes, the wiring to the hatch wears down, frays, and then shorts or breaks. This killed our rear view camera, which is a safety issue. This also can cut off light to the license plate. The rear hatch also cannot then be opened from the rear of the car, as the handle is electrical and gets disconnected, possible causing another safety issue.
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE SUNROOF CLOSED. OUT OF THE BLUE AND UNPROVOKED - THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. IT WAS NOT HIT BY ANYTHING TO CAUSE THIS. THE MAJORITY OF THE GLASS FLEW OUT, BUT HAD THE INNER PLASTIC SUNROOF MATERIAL BEEN OPEN IT CERTAINLY COULD HAVE INJURED THOSE INSIDE. ADDITIONALLY OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT FEW DAYS I DID FIND DARK GLASS SHARDS IN MY HAIR THAT HAD CLEARLY COME FROM THE SUNROOF. MY STORY IS LUCKY, BUT EASILY COULD HAVE ENDED IN INJURY TO DRIVER FROM THE GLASS OR FROM INJURIES TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD CAUSED BY AN ACCIDENT PROMPTED BY THE SHOCK OF UNPROVOKED SHATTERING GLASS TO THE DRIVER. THE CAR IS NOT VERY OLD (2010) AND THE SUNROOF IS CERTAINLY NOT OVERUSED. THIS ABSOLUTELY CAN'T BE THE USERS' FAULT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
COMPLAINT #11046964 WAS FILED 11/17/2017 AND MORE PROBLEMS HAVE SURFACED SINCE THEN. THE HORN STOPPED WORKING, ALL THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL DO NOT WORK - THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN TRACED TO THE WRONG AIR BAGS REPLACED BY RECALL BY THE DEALER . THE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG IS THE WRONG AIR BAG AND IT HAS THE OTHER CONNECTIONS NOT WORKING.
MY WIFE BOUGHT A 2008 TOUAREG FROM A LOCAL DEALER WITH ABOUT 16,000 MILES ON IT AND SHE SELDOM DRIVES THE VEHICLE (TO AND FROM WORK). AFTER ABOUT 3 OR 4K MILES THE TIRES BEGAN TO MAKE ALOT OF NOISE. I NOTED FEATHERING/CUPPING ONLY ON THE INSIDE REAR TIRES. THE TIRES WITH NEW ONES AND AFTER ABOUT 8,000 MILES (W/ROTATIONS) THE REAR TIRES BEGAN TO FEATHER?CUP AGAIN. I HAVE A 2010 PASSAT THAT HAS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. WHEN THE TIRES BEGIN TO FEATHER/CUP THE NOISE SOUNDS LIKE SNOW TIRES.THIS IS THE REAR TIRES ONLY AND ON THE INSIDE TREAD. I CAN'T ROTATE THE TIRES CAUSE WHEN YOU DO, IT SOUNDS LIKE ONE IS RUNNING ON ALL FLAT TIRES.I CHECKED THE WEB AND THERE IS THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND OF COURSE VW DENIES ANY WRONGDOING. I BELIEVE ITS A REAR GEAR-BOX, OR AXLE PROBLEM. I HAVE SPOKE TO MANY VW OWNERS 07 THRU 2010 AND MOST HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, WHILE ONLY A FEW DO NOT. I BELIEVE A RECALL IS ON ORDER. VW ENGINEERS SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR ALLOWING THIS DEFECT TO LEAVE THEIR FACTORIES AND VOLKSWAGEN TO YOU I SAY..NOT BUILT TO LAST! *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
NOTICED EXCESSIVE WEAR ON ALL FOUR TIRES. WENT TO DEALERSHIP TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THEY SAID THE EXCESSIVE CUPPING AND FEATHERING WAS NOT A VOLKSWAGEN PROBLEM. I JUST NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ALL FOUR TIRES AT MY OWN EXPENSE. I WENT TO MY OWN MECHANIC AND THE EXCESSIVE CUPPING AND FEATHERING WAS NOT AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM OR PROBLEM INHERENT IN THE TIRE. THE WEIGHT IN THE REAR WAS TOO LIGHT. PROBABLY WHEN THE MANUFACTURER USED A LIGHT WEIGHT SMALL SPARE, THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE CHANGED AND CAUSED THE EXCESSIVE CUPPING AND FEATHERING. I ADDED A 40LB BAG OF PLAY SAND IN THE TRUNK OVER THE SMALL SPARE TIRE AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY EXCESSIVE CUPPING AND FEATHERING ISSUES SINCE. *TR
I BOUGHT A USED 2001 VW PASSAT FOR MY DAUGHTER IN AUGUST OF 2009. IT KEPT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH LOOSING TIRE PRESSURE AND I FOUND CRACKS ON THE BACK SIDE OF ALL FOUR RIMS WHERE THE BEAD OF THE TIRE SEALS. I THEN REPLACED ALL FOUR WHEELS WITH THE SAME OEM VW WHEEL, PART # 69745, ABOUT A YEAR AGO WITH RECONDITIONED RIMS OFF EBAY; THE SUPPLIER TOLD ME THEY CANNOT RECONDITION WHEELS WITH CRACKS. LAST WEEK I CHECKED A LOW TIRE ON THE CAR AND AGAIN FOUND A CRACK ON THE NEW RIM AT THE SAME LOCATION. AS FAR AS MY DAUGHTER KNOWS, SHE HAS NOT IMPACTED ANYTHING AGAINST THE WHEEL . I HAVE TO BELIEVE THERE IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT IN THE DESIGN AND OR MANUFACTURING OF THIS RIM AND VW SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MY PURCHASE AND FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE RIMS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
NOTICED EXCESSIVE WEAR ON ALL FOUR TIRES. WENT TO DEALERSHIP TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THEY SAID THE EXCESSIVE CUPPING AND FEATHERING WAS NOT A VOLKSWAGEN PROBLEM. I JUST NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ALL FOUR TIRES AT MY OWN EXPENSE. I WENT TO MY OWN MECHANIC AND THE EXCESSIVE CUPPING AND FEATHERING WAS NOT AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM OR PROBLEM INHERENT IN THE TIRE. THE WEIGHT IN THE REAR WAS TOO LIGHT. PROBABLY WHEN THE MANUFACTURER USED A LIGHT WEIGHT SMALL SPARE, THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE CHANGED AND CAUSED THE EXCESSIVE CUPPING AND FEATHERING. I ADDED A 40LB BAG OF PLAY SAND IN THE TRUNK OVER THE SMALL SPARE TIRE AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY EXCESSIVE CUPPING AND FEATHERING ISSUES SINCE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SEAT FRAME ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT FAILED IN MY CAR. THE STEEL HAD POOR WELD POINTS AND BROKE IN HALF. IT LOOKED LIKE CHEAP STEEL AND HAD IT HAPPENED IN A WRECK, IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT STEEL WOULD HAVE IMPALED THE DRIVER.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
COMPLAINT #11046964 WAS FILED 11/17/2017 AND MORE PROBLEMS HAVE SURFACED SINCE THEN. THE HORN STOPPED WORKING, ALL THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL DO NOT WORK - THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN TRACED TO THE WRONG AIR BAGS REPLACED BY RECALL BY THE DEALER . THE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG IS THE WRONG AIR BAG AND IT HAS THE OTHER CONNECTIONS NOT WORKING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .