RoadVitals

2014 Volkswagen Passat Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
593
Latest Jul 27, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
21

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 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

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.

353
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Clockspring Recall. Horn not working, buttons on steering column not working, when turning steering wheel it makes a clicking noise, sounds like spring being pulled, driver side air bag light is illuminated on dash.

NHTSA ID 11753037 · filed Jul 27, 2026

I was driving and the airbag light randomly came on out of the blue. While trying to parallel park I noticed my steering wheel clicking. We ran codes on the car and we are confident that the clock spring failed. My horn and cruise control also no longer work.

NHTSA ID 11743564 · filed Jun 11, 2026
All 353 reports naming airbags

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

80
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 16, 2026

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 · filed May 13, 2026
All 80 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

75
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Clockspring Recall. Horn not working, buttons on steering column not working, when turning steering wheel it makes a clicking noise, sounds like spring being pulled, driver side air bag light is illuminated on dash.

NHTSA ID 11753037 · filed Jul 27, 2026

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 · filed Dec 6, 2024
All 75 reports naming electrical

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

50
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 13, 2026

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 · filed May 30, 2025
All 50 reports naming fuel system

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

44
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Clockspring Recall. Horn not working, buttons on steering column not working, when turning steering wheel it makes a clicking noise, sounds like spring being pulled, driver side air bag light is illuminated on dash.

NHTSA ID 11753037 · filed Jul 27, 2026

I was driving and the airbag light randomly came on out of the blue. While trying to parallel park I noticed my steering wheel clicking. We ran codes on the car and we are confident that the clock spring failed. My horn and cruise control also no longer work.

NHTSA ID 11743564 · filed Jun 11, 2026
All 44 reports naming steering

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

36
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 13, 2026

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 · filed Jan 26, 2026
All 36 reports naming powertrain (other)

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving and the airbag light randomly came on out of the blue. While trying to parallel park I noticed my steering wheel clicking. We ran codes on the car and we are confident that the clock spring failed. My horn and cruise control also no longer work.

NHTSA ID 11743564 · filed Jun 11, 2026

I was taking an exit ramp onto the highway when my car just started accelerating on its own. I pulled onto the highway and was cruising at 55 mph. The car then jerked a little and started to accelerate past 60 then to 70. I pressed the brakes and nothing happened. My car then accelerated to 80 mph. I continued pressing the brakes to try to slow down but nothing happened. Then I heard a loud crack sound and all of a sudden the car started to slow down. That is when I realized it had actually shut off. So I pulled to shoulder and had it towed to a mechanic shop. It turns out the road hazard that I ran over was probably what saved me from serious injury or death. It busted my oil pan and that is what caused the car to shut off.

NHTSA ID 11499132 · filed Dec 28, 2022
All 21 reports naming driver assistance

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I'm having issues with the heat in my vehicle. There is no heat on the passenger side which also affects the visibility of seeing out the windshield because the defroster does not function properly. The original owner replaced the heater core somewhere around 40-45000 miles. I have owned 2 other vehicles of this model and had the same issue on everyone of them where the heater core was replaced.. This is more than a inconvenience it is a potential hazard not being able to see when the windshield is frosted or fogged up. It is a poor design and this needs to be addressed and investigated further. It's a bad time of year to have an equipment failure like this. There was no accident or incident but there is a potential hazard waiting to happen.

NHTSA ID 11563624 · filed Jan 4, 2024

heater core getting clogged again, after multiple replacements, vwgoa will not perform recall because of other not related recall not performed. when heater core gets clogged three things happen, passenger side stops producing heat, windshield defrost does not operate correctly, and coolant lost due to evaporating and or leak into intercooler that can lead to engine damage

NHTSA ID 11444365 · filed Dec 19, 2021
All 16 reports naming visibility

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

In 2022 I was in an accident on the highway; a dear hit my car while I was traveling at 70 MPH. My airbags did not deploy and I ended up hitting my head on the driver side window really hard and it gave me a concussion and I injured one of the disks in my back. I almost got hit by semi trucks traveling behind me as well. Again, my airbags didn’t deploy after this and I’ve seen many recalls on the 2014 VW Passat specifically about the vehicles airbag deployment being that they’re also Takata airbags that had major recalls too. They should’ve deployed on a head on collision. My insurance didn’t total my car but I have proof that the entire frame was bent from the accident and my entire front headlight, fender and bumper are smashed in and wires for my transmission were severed. I still haven't settled this claim yet. I’m considering getting a lawyer about it.

NHTSA ID 11526897 · filed Jun 13, 2023

Door latch failed to lock driver door. Door can't lock and will fly open when your operating. Acted up on a cold day where it wouldn't open then got stuck in the open position and wouldn't lock afterwards.

NHTSA ID 11497971 · filed Dec 19, 2022
All 12 reports naming body & structure

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle at night, the contact became aware that the driver’s side exterior headlamp was not functioning properly, potentially compromising nighttime visibility. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V389000 (Exterior Lighting), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 65,000.

NHTSA ID 11557329 · filed Nov 28, 2023

headlight adjustment recall

NHTSA ID 11476815 · filed Jul 31, 2022
All 9 reports naming exterior lighting

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On Saturday October 30, 2021 my car was parked on the driveway. I tried to put the key in the ignition and the key would not go in. There is a white plastic piece in the ignition that will not allow the key to go in. My steering wheel and front tires locked. I called AAA and had a tow truck come so that I could have the car towed to the dealership. The driver was able to wiggle the key and start the car. I dropped off the car at the dealership on Saturday Oct 30th. I was told by the dealership that the key cylinder and steering wheel lock housing plus keys need to be replaced. I contacted VW of America and was told that they will not replace the part because the car is out of warranty. This is obviously a defect as there have been many recalls with this part in different model VW's. The dealership is trying to charge me $934.03 for this repair which I believe is a defect. Service advisor at Volkswagen stated that it is not safe to drive the car as it could leave me stranded. There were no warning lights or other symptoms prior to failure on Saturday October 30, 2021.

NHTSA ID 11439341 · filed Nov 4, 2021

AS I WAS DRIVING ON SHIVER POND RD. IN CAMDEN, SC I NOTICE A POTHOLE WAS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THERE WAS NO WAY FOR ME TO AVOID IT AT THE TIME BECAUSE ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS DRIVING ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IMMEDIATELY THE TIRE WENT DOWN AND I HAD TO PULL OVER AND CALL FOR HELP TO GET A SPARE ON. I HAD TO GO BUY ANOTHER TIRE FOR $90 FROM WALMART.*DT

NHTSA ID 11375053 · filed Nov 17, 2020
All 8 reports naming other / unspecified

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN AN ONGOING THING SINCE I PURCHASED IT IT IS NOW PAID FOR EVEN UNDER WARRANTY IT WAS MISDIAGNOSED THE BRAKING SYSTEM PULSATES AND I WAS TOLD THAT WAS NORMAL BECAUSE THEY HAD JUST CHANGE THE BRAKES AND THEN NOW THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE IT TELLS ME THAT THE THERE'S A FEW THE STEERING WHEEL LIGHTS UP THE AIRBAG LIGHTS UP THE ROAD CONDITION LIGHTS UP AND THEN I WOULD TURN THE CAR OFF A PULSATES WHEN I'M BREAKING AT 60 MILES AN HOUR OR 70 MILES AN HOUR. I'VE TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AS WAS THERE ANY RECALLS AND THE ONLY RECALL WAS SOMETHING I HAD TO DO NOTHING WITH THE THE VEHICLE ISSUES THEY DO NOT SEEM VOLKSWAGEN DOES NOT SEEM TO FIND THESE ISSUES THAT I'M READING IN PREVIOUS MESSAGES AN ISSUE BUT IT'S OUR SAFETY SO I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT EVEN PURCHASING ANOTHER VOLKSWAGEN.

NHTSA ID 11282110 · filed Nov 25, 2019

TRANSMISSION LEAK COOLANT LEAK ENGINE LIGHT AND BRAKES RADIATOR LEAK

NHTSA ID 11174642 · filed Feb 5, 2019
All 8 reports naming brakes

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that upon performing an oil change on the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact that both rear driver's side and passenger's side suspension springs were fractured and needed to be replaced. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA ID 11662644 · filed May 22, 2025

Rear control arm rusted through, ejecting the spring and collapsing the suspension.

NHTSA ID 11592682 · filed Jun 5, 2024

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

215/60/r16- replaced 6 tires all under 2500 miles of use. Have all receipts. The tires were always losing air even with being Brandy new, would slide with brand new tread and it did not have to be raining. I spent a lot of money on the tires to only go with a different brand finally after going to have to replace 4 more tires under the 2500 mark, yes I had the warranty for free replacement. But discount tires deemed the Sentury touring tires a road hazard. I also have pictures of how they looked even with air in them. I purchased them from a discount tire store as well. They have all my documents on file to prove my statement. Sentury company needs to investigated on their tire quality as the tires could have caused blow outs and killed my family or myself or even another person. As you can see in the picture yes they are dirty, but plenty of tread. These tires are supposed to be reliable for 40k miles. These were either the second or 3rd replacement for this brand depending on what part of the car, either front or back. And again not even 2500 miles did they last.

NHTSA ID 11576138 · filed Mar 8, 2024

I WAS DRIVING ON THE NORTHERN STATE PARKWAY GOING EAST AROUND 8 AM. THERE WAS CONSTRUCTION ALONGSIDE THE ROAD, AS WELL AS MANY POTHOLES. AS I WAS EXITING FOR THE LIE, THERE WAS A BIG POTHOLE THAT I COULD NOT AVOID. I HIT THE POTHOLE AND MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10604450 · filed Jun 19, 2014

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WOLFSBURG EDITION. IN FEB 2018 AT 40,000 MILES THE PASSENGER SEATBELT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REAR DOOR LATCH ALSO FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME. NOW AT JUNE 29, 2018 AT 46,000 MILES THE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT HAS FAILED AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE AIRBAG RECALL WAS COMPLETED AT 40,000 MILES ALSO. SAFETY EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO LAST AND THESE SEATBELTS HAVE ALREADY FAILED THROUGHOUT THE CAR.

NHTSA ID 11104646 · filed Jun 29, 2018

TAKATA RECALL: VW TRAVELING IN RIGHT MOST LANE OF 4 LANE CITY STREET WHEN VEHICLE IN OPPOSING LANE MADE AN ILLEGAL LEFT ON TURN IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT OF VW. VW IMPACTED TURNING VEHICLE IN MIDDLE OF PASSENGER SIDE. ACCIDENT REPORT ATTACHED. DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER/STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG RESULTED IN SEVER GASH TO DRIVER'S LEFT HAND - PHOTOS ATTACHED.

NHTSA ID 10924417 · filed Nov 5, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH there was no issue with the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, he noticed a fluid leak on the floor underneath the vehicle. The contact was later informed by the dealer that it was a transmission fluid that was leaking from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and he was informed that the transmission oil cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was then informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V182000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

NHTSA ID 11451045 · filed Feb 8, 2022

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

Data on this page last refreshed .