2014 Volkswagen Passat Engine Problems

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the Check Engine warning light illuminated, and there was no heat coming from the front passenger’s or driver’s side air vents. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine heater core had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on three different occasions. The engine heater core was replaced four times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no assistance was available due to the mileage on the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11744586

Incident

Jun 4, 2026

Mileage

130,000 mi

The vehicle experienced repeated catastrophic engine failures, including failure of a replacement engine. Approximately six months after purchase and at around 80,000 miles, the engine failed and required a complete engine replacement through Volkswagen and the MaxCare service contract. Approximately one to one and a half years later, at around 120,000 miles, the replacement engine also failed. The vehicle developed rough idle conditions, check engine light warnings, timing chain and camshaft-related issues, lubrication-related concerns, and severe engine performance problems. Volkswagen later recommended another complete engine rebuild or replacement along with additional engine-related repairs. The vehicle became non-operable and could no longer be safely or reliably driven. The repeated failure of both the original engine and replacement engine suggests an ongoing defect-related condition rather than normal wear or an isolated mechanical failure. The problems were confirmed and documented by Volkswagen service personnel. Similar engine-related concerns involving oil consumption, lubrication issues, timing system concerns, and engine performance problems are also reflected in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletins involving this type of engine.

NHTSA ID

11737686

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

I am reporting a recurring engine defect in a 2014 Volkswagen Passat that has resulted in repeated engine failure and loss of power while driving. Approximately six months after purchase, the vehicle required a complete engine replacement. One to two years after the replacement, the vehicle began exhibiting the same engine-related failures and has since become inoperable again. Manufacturer-issued Technical Service Bulletins addressing these engine defects were issued prior to the sale of the vehicle, indicating the condition was known. The repeated engine failures create unsafe driving conditions, including the risk of sudden loss of power during vehicle operation.

NHTSA ID

11713396

Incident

Nov 12, 2025

Components failed, Nitrogen Oxide Sensor, codes P2201 NOx sensor "Circut" bank 1 P20EE NOx catalytic Reduction P205B Reductant tank temperature " Circut" implausible signal

NHTSA ID

11682641

Incident

Aug 18, 2025

Local dealership requesting for Volkswagen to authorize an inspection at no charge due to excessive oil consumption. Please see attachment from dealership.

NHTSA ID

11663975

Incident

May 30, 2025

There has been an excessive oil consumption in this vehicle , and reading other reports there maybe an issue, also this vehicle has been part of several recalls previously and I am concerned and I don’t feel safe to drive it . I would like for VW to inspect the car free of charge for this particular issue.

NHTSA ID

11645121

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

Heater core has clogged after replacement in less than 12 months. This is the 4th occurrence of this failure on this vehicle. Failure has the risk to overheat engine. VW Technical Service Bulletin has been modified multiple times, but still doesn't fully resolve the issue.

NHTSA ID

11638507

Incident

Jan 24, 2025

Unknown. I was driving down the interstate and car just lost power and wouldn’t get no gas. Got it to the side of the road and it wouldn’t crank back up. Took it to shop and the mechanic stated motor need to be replaced.

NHTSA ID

11631316

Incident

Oct 4, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated and remained illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were false DTC codes displayed while performing the diagnostic test. The vehicle was then taken the dealer and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

NHTSA ID

11629250

Incident

Jun 17, 2024

Mileage

92,000 mi

Emissions system on engine has premature failures following the TDI scandal modifications, causing the coolant system to fail prematurely. Have had 2 heater cores clogged in the past 3 years, resulting in EGR failures, impacting emissions and potential engine overheats.

NHTSA ID

11584499

Incident

Apr 22, 2024

The component that failed is in the official dealer report. I am not an expert however definitely an issue with electrical, engine, steering and acceleration meter. The car shakes/jolts aggressively. Once the shaking of the vehicle begins it accelerates with the breaks being pressed in under a red light and also under parked mode. In the red light case the vehicle then turns off the steering wheel freezes and all power comes off. The shaking/jolting takes place as I am driving as well. Which I then have to pull to the right to ensure my safety and others. This is major safety concern as it accelerates /jolts forward which can cause harm to pedestrians crossing the street, having me enter crossing traffic causing a major accident to myself and others. I have the brakes pressed in having no control of the vehicle. The vehicle turning off as I am driving is a major safety concern as I can cause an issue specially going on higher speed like freeways. The steering wheel comes into a complete freeze once the vehicle turns off as I’m operating the vehicle which then does not allow me to control the movement of the vehicle if I want to pull to the right away from traffic to avoid collisions. Once the car looses electricity and the steering wheel freezes I have to force my car to the right or a safe space. I then have to take my car key off the ignition and then turn it back on in hopes that it does turn on. No warning lamps have turned on. My dashboard is cleared with no lights. The dealer in downtown Los Angeles was informed of this issue, inspected and the report did come back reporting manufacturing issues. My vehicle did have a steering wheel recall before which I assumed was resolved as I did previously visit their center to ensure I was safe driving and leaving the dealer I trusted that the issue was resolved by their expert and experienced personnel. I am not sure or it’s unknown if this might have anything to do with the current issue I have.

NHTSA ID

11573211

Incident

Feb 19, 2024

Bought my car in November 2019 from an individual after bout 6 months i noticed that my car would slighty cut out when slowing down or cominv to a stop but it wasnt often til bout another 6 months that it began to cut out when slowing down and stopping more and aggressively and it would die then it does it just idling and even when im driving at a low speed as long as i stay at a higher speed ot isnt as bad theres no warning or check engine lights that come on at all when it dies sometime i dont even know it did until i see thr red battery light illuminated car will start back up but if i dont give it high speed it again will cut out aggressively and die if im going 40mph in mid drive it does it. Ive had thr spark plugs changed oil changed thr cam position sensor changed the alternator and battery check they were fine i do however sometime after turninv my car off hear the fuel pump still on so i have to turn key over and back off for it to go off it throws no coded an last mechanic said it did ok aftet clearing all codes but wasnt sure if it would fix it whivh it didnt ive seen online car blogs of anothers with same year make an model having same issue and some said it was the fuel pump control module/fuel pump there is a recall but my car is not under it its dangerous risking driving because any slow speed or having to stop slow doen to turn my car will stall and shut off instantly which can lead to accidents its said this is an issue among same year make an model but cars like mine arent under the recall for the fuel pump issues it needs to be addressed please thank you

NHTSA ID

11509434

Incident

May 6, 2020

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, she noticed an excessive amount of fluid underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who performed an unknown repair; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, who performed an oil change and added antifreeze. The next morning, the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the oil and antifreeze were empty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

NHTSA ID

11500091

Incident

Dec 15, 2022

Mileage

119,000 mi

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that he was unable to immediately restart the vehicle. The contact stated that after an hour the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become recurring. The vehicle was towed back to the residence after one failure. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11496628

Incident

Jun 11, 2022

Mileage

140,000 mi

The contact owns 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that puddles of oil could be found on the ground after parking the vehicle. The contact also stated that while making a turn in either direction the vehicle would wobble causing him to lose control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the tread in the driver’s and passenger’s side front tires were wearing excessively. The contact stated that the front tires had been replaced multiple times; however, the failure persisted. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on multiple occasions; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,103.

NHTSA ID

11487321

Incident

Sep 1, 2021

Mileage

32,103 mi

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving a 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where she informed the mechanic that she had to top off the oil reservoir with 1 to 2 quarts of oil every two weeks. The mechanic informed her that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil and referred her to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where she was informed that the upper timing chain cover and transmission oil cooler needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V182000 (Power Train) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and she was informed that her vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

NHTSA ID

11460019

Incident

Apr 3, 2022

Mileage

149,000 mi

I bought an extended warranty on this car and it does not cover ESC light coming on . Car is burning oil. I’m afraid to drive due to the ESC also car misfires hardly

NHTSA ID

11452967

Incident

Feb 1, 2022

Took vehicle to shop report oil leak no warning signs causing timing chain problems what is the cause of oil leak is the recall issue on the engine?

NHTSA ID

11452632

Incident

Feb 3, 2022

After having parked the car long enough to eat dinner out, I pulled out onto the main street and the car engine showed clear signs of distress, sputtering, missing and ultimately going into what seemed to be limp mode. I was able to pull off the main lanes before the car died and would not re-engage after three attempts to restart. On the third attempt, the car stopped attempting to crank and the dash lights all began to blink until the only extra light that was left was the coil (glow plug indicator). We were left stranded in the street for a while until we could safely exit to push it out of the road and to a safe place. I later had the car towed to my mechanic where the issues were accessed and diagnosed. The causation of the failure is a combination of the first fuel pump failing and disintegrating then dispersing medal shards throughout the fuel system and ruining it entirety. I have never had any indicators or issues with this vehicle. There were no prior warnings or problems with the car. I was very blind sided and stranded in the road then felt forced to put myself in harms way to get it pushed out of danger and prevent an accident with another vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11434632

Incident

Sep 24, 2021

there is a TDI/AEM Emissions service action CODE: 23Z3 for this year TDI, that requires Dealer Software 'fix" , I have owned the car for a year now , with no contact from VW. Also, have read that there is a Recall on the Heater Cores getting clogged, and causing fogging windsheilds, driving hazard. And no contact from VW ?

NHTSA ID

11429986

Incident

Aug 21, 2021

While driving on a highway, I heard a mild noise under the hood and things went chaotic, the coolant temperature went high above nominal, the speedometer went crazy, the brakes weren't working, the steering got locked (Not able to move freely) and I literally felt dreadful, I was lucky enough that there were no vehicles front or back of me, otherwise it would have been a fatal incident. I managed to use my hand brakes to slow down and slightly move the vehicle to the shoulder. Oil was leaking underneath the engine at its first look. The vehicle then had to be towed to the dealership. The dealership inspected and confirmed that they found a hole in the engine block and they came back to me and mentioned the whole engine block and also the turbo has to be replaced. The vehicle was right after a fully recommended service from the dealership. no warning or other symptoms appearing.

NHTSA ID

11418700

Incident

Sep 4, 2020

THE CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE A SLOW OIL LEAK APPARENTLY ON THE RIGHT REAR OF THE ENGINE. IT HAS BEEN CHECKED AT VW AND WITH OTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WITHOUT RESOLUTION OR FINDING THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK. THERE IS NO OIL EVER ON THE GROUND. THE CAR IS NOT BURNING OIL.

NHTSA ID

11416464

Incident

May 10, 2021

Mileage

75,000 mi

I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO IN ARIZONA. IT HAS ONLY EVER BEEN SERVICED BY VOLKWAGEN DEALERSHIPS. SINCE HAVING THE CAR, I HAVE HAD TO HAVE ITS TURBO REPAIRED, NEW FUEL LINES PUT IN, SEVERAL ELECTRONIC PARTS, AND FINALLY ON MY WAY TO SCHOOL FROM BOSTON TO PITTSBURGH, MY ENGINE STARTS SMOKING. AFTER THIS INCIDENT IT WENT TO 'MINUTEMAN VOLKSWAGEN' JUST OUTSIDE OF BOSTON, WHERE THE ISSUE WAS STILL NOT ABLE TO BE RESOLVED. I THEN HAD TO HAVE THE CAR SHIPPED OUT OF POCKET TO A VOLKWAGEN DEALERSHIP IN PITTSBURGH WHERE A NEW ELECTRONICS UNIT WAS PUT IN. I WAS ASSURED AFTER THIS ELECTRONIC UNIT WAS INSTALLED, MY CAR WOULD BE BACK TO NORMAL, AS THIS WAS NOT AN ENGINE ISSUE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. TODAY I RECEIVE A CALL INFORMING ME THAT THE ELECTRONICS UNIT WAS INSTALLED AND IT TURNS OUT THAT IT IS, IN FACT, AN ENGINE ISSUE. I WAS IN SERIOUS DANGER AT THE TIME MY ENGINE STARTED SMOKING. MY FAMILY HAS FUNDS AND ARE MORE THAN WILLING TO TAKE WHATEVER STEPS NECESSARY TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. MY MOTHER DIED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN 2018 IN A CAR ADVERTISING EXCEPTIONAL SAFETY (JUST LIKE THIS ONE). IT HAS PROVIDED ME WITH THE OPPOSITE. I FEEL CONSTANTLY UNSAFE IN THE VEHICLE, AND THE SMOKING ENGINE WAS THE TIPPING POINT FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. THIS ISSUE WILL BE ADDRESSED.

NHTSA ID

11398787

Incident

Dec 26, 2020

Mileage

70,000 mi

VEHICLE STALLS AT RED LIGHTS OR WHEN IDLE. EPC LIGHT CONTINUES TO LIGHT UP. CONTINUE TO TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALERS EACH TIME THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX STATING CHANGE THE OIL IT IS BAD. AT THIS TIME WE ARE REPLACING ENGINE AT 86,000 MILES, FUEL PUMP WAS ALSO CHANGED IN DECEMBER 2020.

NHTSA ID

11389622

Incident

May 1, 2020

THE HEATING OF THE WINDSHIELD AND SIDE WINDOW DEFROSTING SYSTEM NOT WORKING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. VW HAS ALREADY RECALLED THE 2014 PASSAT WITH THE DIESEL ENGINE. GOING BACK HOME FROM TENNESSEE ON THE INTERSTATE AT 66 MPH THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS NEGATIVE 9 THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED ICE ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR ALONG WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW. WE HAD TO PULL OFF AT A EXIT AND SCRAPE THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND SIDE WINDOW. WE CONTINUED ON ARE TRIP HOME AND HAD TO STOP ABOUT AN HOUR LATER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. WE HAD TO WAIT FOR THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE TO RISE UP AND THE SUN TO COME OUT. THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD AND SIDE WIDOW INSIDE WOULD NOT CLEAR UP AND HAD TO BE TOWEL DRIED ALL THE WAY HOME. TALKED TO VW OF AMERICA THERE COMMENT WAS THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. TALKED TO THE LOCAL VW DEALER AND THERE COMMENT WAS THAT THEY ARE REPLACING HEATER CORES ON OTHER YEARS OF THE PASSAT'S BUT NOT ARE YEAR YET. THEY RECOMMENDED THAT WE PAY FOR THE REPAIR AND TRY TO GET VW OF AMERICA PAY FOR IT. VW HAS WARRANTIED OTHER VWS WITH A LETTER EXTENDING THE WARRANTY ON SOME 2013-2014 PASSAT'S TO 10 YEARS AND UP TO 120K MILES.

NHTSA ID

11385522

Incident

Dec 26, 2020

Mileage

100,000 mi