2018 Volkswagen Passat Problems

ABS sensor warning lights are coming on showing there is an issue.

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH or at various speeds, there was a delay while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle was also pulling to the left and the right while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the suspension was loose while driving over bumps in the roadway causing the vehicle to bounce. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

A major engineering and material design failure occurred involving internal fluid containment seals, resulting in a severe electrical safety hazard. Pressurized engine coolant breached an internal component seal and began migrating internally directly through the vehicle's engine wiring harness via capillary/siphoning action. The fluid used the sealed wiring loom as a literal pipeline, traveling inside the wire insulation to bypass all outer weather seals and completely flood the Engine Control Module (ECM) pin connectors. The vehicle's dealership service department documented extensive galvanic corrosion and shorting inside the primary vehicle computer pins due to this blue-green fluid pooling. Because the dealership has not yet completed the full repair, the exact originating component source of the leak (e.g., the engine coolant temperature sensor or the coolant expansion tank housing barrier) remains unconfirmed. However, the physical mechanism of the coolant migration through the sealed harness into the primary electrical architecture is fully verified. This defect presents a critical safety risk. The sudden flooding and short-circuiting of the Engine Control Module can cause an immediate and unexpected loss of engine propulsion, power steering assist, and electrical control while driving at highway speeds, creating an imminent risk of a high-speed collision.

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then towed to a different dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.

A major engineering and material design failure occurred involving internal fluid containment seals, resulting in a severe electrical safety hazard. Pressurized engine coolant breached an internal component seal and began migrating internally directly through the vehicle's engine wiring harness via capillary/siphoning action. The fluid used the sealed wiring loom as a literal pipeline, traveling inside the wire insulation to bypass all outer weather seals and completely flood the Engine Control Module (ECM) pin connectors. The vehicle's dealership service department documented extensive galvanic corrosion and shorting inside the primary vehicle computer pins due to this blue-green fluid pooling. Because the dealership has not yet completed the full repair, the exact originating component source of the leak (e.g., the engine coolant temperature sensor or the coolant expansion tank housing barrier) remains unconfirmed. However, the physical mechanism of the coolant migration through the sealed harness into the primary electrical architecture is fully verified. This defect presents a critical safety risk. The sudden flooding and short-circuiting of the Engine Control Module can cause an immediate and unexpected loss of engine propulsion, power steering assist, and electrical control while driving at highway speeds, creating an imminent risk of a high-speed collision.

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the infotainment screen failed to respond to touch commands, preventing the contact from viewing the GPS feature. The contact performed a hard reset on the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

ABS sensor warning lights are coming on showing there is an issue.

First/only owner of a 2018 VW Passat GP r-line, scheduled maintenance intervals followed religiously and performed by VW; only filled with top tier fuel (mid/premium), no prev. indicator lights ever illuminated until ECM light (no accompanying warning lights) came on while driving at highway speed with Adaptive Cruise Control engaged. Immediate loss of power and shaking vibration upon any attempt to accelerate/change lanes to safely get off of roadway. Once off roadway, all systems shut down and engine turned off for several minutes. Restarted car w/o difficulty, remained parked for 5 more minutes to monitor ECM light which did not return after shut down/restart. Returned to highway while safely merging into lane with conservative acceleration. ECM warning light did not return and vibration/shutterring had ceased. No unusual or abnormal gas mileage readings found upon close monitoring. Vehicle was driven x3 (relatively short distances) with speeds no greater than 65 mph; no return of ECM or any other warning lights. On the 4th drive, while attempting to evade an idiot, accelerator was applied more aggressively so as to avoid a near-catastrophic collision (nowhere to slow down or go to shoulder safely within 0.75/sec) which triggered the ECM light accompanied with loss of power/shuttering/vibration when pressure applied to accelerator. Pulled over, shut down, waited, panicked a little, then restarted engine. ECM light did not reappear after shut down/restart. Vehicle operated flawlessly once more. Injector/fuel system cleaner added to fuel tank and driven 40 mins in Sport mode to burn corrosive buildup effectively. Fuel tank refilled at new fueling station (thinking bad gas was a differential) and no issues since. Codes not showing up when diagnostics are ran. VW won’t fix something that isn’t presenting itself as a problem, at that very moment. 93k miles w/ NO prev. engine/emissions/transmission probs.

I initially brought my vehicle in for service due to a strong gasoline odor and the vehicle failing to start. At that time, I was informed that no gasoline smell was detected and that the issue was instead a faulty starter, which I authorized for repair. Approximately two weeks later, my vehicle again would not start. I was then informed that the issue was a lower fuel injector, which required additional repairs. Just three days after that service, the vehicle once again failed to start, and I was told this time that the upper fuel injector was the cause. As a result of these events, I incurred a total of $3,946.96 in repair costs across two service visits and was forced to have my vehicle towed three separate times. Before the third visit, I was informed that I would need to pay an additional $1,500, on top of the nearly $4,000 I had already paid. I challenged the accuracy and consistency of the diagnoses at that point, and ultimately, the vehicle was repaired without charging me the additional $1,500. While I appreciate that the final repair was completed without further cost, I am deeply concerned about the pattern of repeated breakdowns, inconsistent diagnoses, and the financial burden placed on me as a customer. The original concern of a gasoline smell appears to have been valid from the outset, yet it took multiple failures, repairs, and significant expense before the underlying issue was resolved.

Battery drains overnight. Started with a boost all dashboard warning lights on, vehicle runs fine all day with many starts and stops, battery dies again overnight. Diagnosed with a bad fuel pump control module that continues to run and does not shut off until all battery power is drained. Mechanic changed the fuel pump control module, cleared all fault codes, and vehicle fixed. I saw a Carfax report for an identical 2018, SEL Premium Passat to mine with the exact same issue of a bad fuel control module in that vehicle Carfax report and realized it was a much bigger issue. I am aware of a similar recall for vehicles up till 2016 model year, but this issue is wider for higher model years. Besides the other identical problem listed below in the Carfax report, I am aware of many other fuel pump control module problems reported to online VW forums and online. The identical Passat vehicle information is below: 2018 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0T SEL PREMIUM VIN: [XXX] XXX SEDAN 4 DR 2L I4 F DOHC 16V GASOLINE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE 06/27/2025 69,955 mi Piazza Volkswagen Ardmore Ardmore, PennsylvaniaArdmore, PA Ardmore, XXX [XXX] 4.6 / 5.0 88 Verified Reviews 2,091 Vehicle serviced Maintenance inspection completed Fuel pump module replaced Vehicle washed/detailed URL for this vehicle Carfax report is below: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

We have been having numerous sensor issues. Sensors showing air bag malfunction and with passenger side seat belt on the front right side. We bought the car in used condition from pat lobb toyota of mckinney less than a year ago. Constantly having sensor issues with it.

Collision around 45 to 50 mph. Airbags frontal and side airbags didnt deployed Two vehicles invaded my lane and I ran into the second vehicle .

The catalytic converter on my 2018 Volkswagen Passat failed and the vehicle has been at an authorized Volkswagen dealership since May 16, 2025. The dealership confirmed that the catalytic converter is defective and must be replaced, but the part has been on national backorder with no estimated delivery date for several months. The vehicle cannot be safely driven in its current condition and has been unavailable for all normal use. The issue has been confirmed by the dealership and the vehicle is available for inspection. There were warning lights related to emissions prior to the failure. Volkswagen has not been able to provide a timeline for repair, which has created an ongoing safety and reliability concern.

The 2018 vw Passat se is only 3 years old and the transmission went out. The mileage was just a little over 98,000. The car has been kept up with as far as oil change, routine maintenance, and extras, such as tires and brakes. We have been given no reason to why the transmission would have went out like it did. But we are stuck making payments on it and the cost of repair from the dealership itself is $4,500

Purchased on 08/05/2021. The suspension in the rear right passenger side. Went on a 5 minute test drive with Yancey Cobb who stated there was nothing wrong with the car and that I needed to call the Finance company and finalize the deal or I wouldn't have a car. Meaning I couldn't get my traded car back either. They shut the dealership down on me and left me on the lot to retrieve my articles from one car to the next and there was no gas in the car because the gas light was on. They gave no paperwork. I had no idea there was no warranty until I took it to Heritage Harford Rd who gave the car back broken. 3 times. They keep saying they can't duplicate the problem. I contacted the BBB and they Mike Molnar lied and said he contacted me. Never responded to the rebuttal. I contacted Volkswagen customer care via Twitter with Stephani S. Nothing. I went to Country Dubbs, nothings wrong, Brooks Huff, Nothing wrong. T&S Auto, nothing. This vehicles stops traffic everyday on York Rd. I've contacted the FairTrade Commission. Nobody will help with this issue. It sways, it wiggles, the wheel rides like it's bent, it feels like it sticks at times and looks like crap on the road, but nody knows what's wrong. I've called Antwerpen Corporate. Spoke to Aileen Sanders who won't return my calls after telling me there was no paperwork in the jacket for the deal. Who sells a car at 19k miles on it with no warranty, they don't give you a bill of sale, and they treat women like dirt. They have so many negative and sheisty reviews on their website. Why are car dealers such liars and cheats. I don't want this car for all the hassle and deception and a note on a car that's been broke since the turn of the key for me.

WHILE GOING THROUGH A CURVE, IF ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN, MY BRAKES SEEM TO MAKE SOME TYPE OF SCRAPING SOUND AND I CAN FEEL THE SCRAPE OR VIBRATION OF THE PROBLEM THROUGH THE PEDAL.

WHILE GOING THROUGH A CURVE, IF ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN, MY BRAKES SEEM TO MAKE SOME TYPE OF SCRAPING SOUND AND I CAN FEEL THE SCRAPE OR VIBRATION OF THE PROBLEM THROUGH THE PEDAL.

MY VEHICLE ATTEMPTS TO STRAIGHTEN ITSELF OUT AS I'M GOING THROUGH A CURVE AND I ACTUALLY HAVE TO PUT MORE EFFORT THAN NECESSARY TO KEEP STEERING WHEEL APPROPRIATELY TURNED TO GO THROUGH THE CURVE ENTIRELY. ALSO WHILE GOING THROUGH A CURVE, IF ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN, MY BRAKES SEEM TO MAKE SOME TYPE OF SCRAPING SOUND AND I CAN FEEL THE SCRAPE OR VIBRATION OF THE PROBLEM THROUGH THE PEDAL. BOTH THESE ISSUES CAN AND HAVE OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING AT A LOW SPEED SUCH AS 30 MPH OR AT HIGHER SPEED, SUCH AS 50-60 MPH. I HAVE HAD A FEW CLOSE CALLS WITH OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD DIE TO THESE ISSUES. I WILL SPECIFY A DATE BECAUSE IT ASKS FOR A DATE BUT IT'S BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH or at various speeds, there was a delay while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle was also pulling to the left and the right while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the suspension was loose while driving over bumps in the roadway causing the vehicle to bounce. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

SHARP LEFT HAND TURNS IT EMITS A CLICKING NOISE. GOOGLED AND THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED SINCE 2011. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP TODAY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. WAS TOLD SAFE TO DRIVE AND HAD NOT HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. GOOGLE SAID PROBLEM WITH CT JOINT.

I HAD REPORTED THE ISSUE TO VW VERBALLY AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT BASICALLY ADVISED I WILL HAVE TO PLACE IT ON THE MACHINE TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT IS NOT COVERED. I DID NOT HAVE THE FUNDS BUT THEY SAID IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN LET THEM KNOW. IT DID SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER THAT ALL THE WAY UP UNTIL 3 DAYS AGO AS OF 09.26.19. IT IS KINDA HARD TO REPORT THINGS TO WEST BROAD VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHEN THEY ARE RUDE AND UNFRIENDLY AND MAKE A CUSTOMER UNCOMFORTABLE. I LIKE ONLY SPEAKING TO MR. FRANK IN SALES WHEN I HAVE AN ISSUE BECAUSE HE GOES OVER AND BEYOND. IF IT WASN'T FOR HIM I WOULD BE VERY UNCOMFORTABLE ASKING OR GOING TO THAT DEPARTMENT. WHEN TRYING TO BACK UP THE CAMERA DOESN'T COME ON IT TAKES A WHILE OR IT BLANKS OUT AT TIMES. ALSO WHEN PULLING OFF MY VEHICLE IS SLOW ALSO ADVISED THAT. I HAD A LOANER CAR AND IT DROVE BETTER. MINES HAS A LOT OF NOISES AND SOUNDS.