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2013 Volkswagen Passat Airbags Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the airbag system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Airbags reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
382
Latest Aug 10, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
51%
of 748 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
21
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
18

What this page shows

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2013 Volkswagen Passat submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 382 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming airbag

The 25 most recent of 382, in the owner's own words

Airbags
Filed Aug 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags). The contact called the three closest dealers but no assistance with transporting the vehicle or offering an alternative option for repair was provided. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and refused to help. While requesting to speak with a manager, the contact was informed that a supervisor would provide the same response. The contact feared for her safety while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired.

NHTSA ID
11755868
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
Airbags
Filed Oct 13, 2025

My airbag light is on, steering wheel controls don’t work, and my horn doesn’t work. Safety is put at risk because the airbag won’t deploy if needed, won’t be able to think in case someone can’t see me.

NHTSA ID
11693057
Incident
Oct 13, 2025
Airbags
Filed Oct 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted several times. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11692331
Incident
Oct 9, 2025
Airbags
Filed Oct 3, 2025

My vehicle has an open Takata airbag recall with recall number 69E6. I have been placed on a waiting list at nearby dealerships for over 6 months. Each time I contact the dealerships, I am told to wait and call back in another month. No proactive communication has been provided and no remedy has been scheduled despite repeated follow-ups. The vehicle continues to display an airbag error light indicating an active safety hazard. The manufacturer has not provided a repair appointment, loaner vehicle, or any timeline for when the safety recall remedy will be available. This extended delay poses a serious risk given the known dangers of defective Takata airbags.

NHTSA ID
11691269
Incident
Sep 7, 2025
Airbags
Filed Sep 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000(Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11688321
Incident
Sep 19, 2025
Airbags
Filed Sep 18, 2025

I've been waiting almost a year for an airbag recall replacement and still can't get an appointment anywhere because it's out of stock. I'm driving around with a air bag that can kill me. How long do I need to wait until something happens.

NHTSA ID
11688264
Incident
Sep 18, 2025
Airbags
Filed Sep 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (AIR BAGS). The contact stated that the dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts availability. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11688199
Incident
Dec 31, 2024
Airbags
Filed Sep 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was unexpectedly illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,770.

NHTSA ID
11687971
Incident
Sep 17, 2025
Mileage
82,770 mi
Airbags
Filed Sep 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11687889
Incident
Sep 17, 2025
Airbags
Filed Sep 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11686868
Incident
Sep 12, 2025
Airbags
Filed Sep 1, 2025

Drivers airbag is not operational because of defective clock spring

NHTSA ID
11684314
Incident
Aug 29, 2025
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Aug 29, 2025

My 2013 VW Passat SE did have a recall on the airbag in the past. I brought it to the VW dealership & had it fixed. Now it suddenly came on again. Maybe they never fixed it properly.

NHTSA ID
11683987
Incident
Feb 1, 2025
Airbags
Filed Aug 19, 2025

Recall still not complete and no date from Volkswagen on when the repairs will be done. I have been working with VW for 3 weeks to arrange getting a loaner car (no date of when this will be available either).

NHTSA ID
11681551
Incident
Dec 1, 2024
Airbags
Filed Aug 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11681549
Incident
Jan 15, 2025
Airbags
Filed Jul 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact called the manufacturer but received no response. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11676230
Incident
Jul 25, 2025
Airbags
Filed Jul 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer informed the contact that to order the part for the recall repair, the contact needed to get a loaner vehicle; however, if the contact refused, he would wait longer for the recall part to be ordered. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11675383
Incident
Dec 24, 2024
Airbags
Filed Jul 16, 2025

2013 Volkswagen Passat [XXX] I received a recall notice for the Takata driver airbag inflator in 2016, and as of July 2025, I am still being told by Volkswagen that the repair is “Not Yet Available” and will not be until September 2025. This means I will have waited over 9 years for a critical safety repair. I live in Texas, a region identified by NHTSA as high-risk for airbag explosion due to heat and humidity. I’m requesting NHTSA’s assistance in holding Volkswagen accountable for this delay and in compelling the manufacturer to provide a safe alternative or transportation accommodation immediately. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11674064
Incident
Apr 1, 2013
Airbags
Filed Jul 8, 2025

Manufacturer Recall Number 69EG NHTSA Recall Number 24V834 This recall was announced in October and I have been calling the dealership every month since then to have it repaired. They've said the part is on backorder with no estimate on when it will come in. It's been almost a year and I am anxious every time I drive my car that my airbag could explode resulting in injury. If a recall can result in DEATH, shouldn't it be repaired in under a year? It's heat sensitive and it gets over 100 degrees where I live, which is even hotter in the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11671949
Incident
Oct 30, 2024
Airbags
Filed Jun 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11669650
Incident
Dec 5, 2024
Airbags
Filed Jun 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11669112
Incident
Jun 25, 2025
Mileage
75,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11668920
Incident
Dec 5, 2024
Airbags
Filed Jun 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11668721
Incident
Jun 23, 2025
Airbags
Filed Jun 20, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11668069
Incident
May 15, 2025
Airbags
Filed Jun 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000(Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. No further information was available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available .

NHTSA ID
11666502
Incident
Jun 9, 2025
Airbags
Filed Jun 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact was referred by the dealer to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11665283
Incident
Jun 2, 2025

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.

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