RoadVitals

2020 Volkswagen Passat

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
18
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Sep 2, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 18 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat, most frequently naming the engine, airbags and driver assistance categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 453 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine519.2%
  • Airbags415.4%
  • Driver assistance415.4%
  • Electrical311.5%
  • Fuel system27.7%
  • Brakes27.7%
  • Other / unspecified27.7%
  • Steering27.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20V533000

AIR BAGS:PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL:CUSHION

Sep 2, 2020
1,829 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Passat vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk: An incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AY.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 69AYView on NHTSA.gov
19V389000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 22, 2019
662,185 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 94L9View on NHTSA.gov
19V218000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Mar 20, 2019
3 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
The risk: In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 69Y8View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 18
BrakesElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Sep 10, 2026

my 2020 vw passat has less than 60k mikes and i am replacing my 3rd wheel sensor. they fail without warning disabling my antilock brakes. And other safety features

NHTSA ID
11763407
Incident
Sep 9, 2026
Driver assistanceElectricalVisibility
Filed Aug 28, 2026

The front information center which is responsible for the rear camera system is shutdown due to the radio / entire screen being dead without reason

NHTSA ID
11760236
Incident
Aug 14, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Aug 24, 2026

While driving and after, we noticed gas fumes both inside and outside of vehicle. The gas tank was approximately half full. Became very concerned over the the possibility of a fire. Did research online and realized that this was and is a common problem with older models of the Passad (ours is a 2020 model that we bought new and had zero accidents) plus Jetta and Golf models. We took it to a VW Dealer (Ken Graff VW Gilbert, AZ ) nearest our home for fear of a fire hazard and safety. They repaired it stating that the gas tank had various creaks neasr the top of the tank which allowed fumes to be released. My cost to repair was approximately $1,100 which for a vehicle with some 62,000 miles and no accidents seems to be concerning. The service advisor stated not covered under warranty or not under a recall notice. Thjs is plainly wrong and is certainly a fire hazard. Thank you for looking into this important issue.

NHTSA ID
11759077
Incident
Aug 21, 2026
Engine
Filed Mar 23, 2026

2020 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0L VIN: [XXX] Complaint Summary: I am reporting a persistent and unresolved fault involving the secondary air injection system (DTC P0491 – insufficient airflow) that has resulted in repeated, conflicting diagnoses across multiple repair facilities. This raises concerns about a potential systemic defect affecting this vehicle model. Detailed Description: The issue began prior to March 2025 while the vehicle was still under warranty. The vehicle displayed a Check Engine Light associated with diagnostic trouble code P0491 (secondary air injection system insufficient airflow). On April 3, 2025, a repair facility diagnosed the issue as a failed secondary air injection pump and replaced the component. However, the Check Engine Light returned within 24 hours with the exact same fault code, indicating that the repair did not resolve the issue. A second independent diagnostic evaluation was performed later in April 2025. This inspection confirmed that: The secondary air injection pump was functioning correctly Airflow through the system was present Electrical controls and PCM commands were operating properly The fault was attributed instead to a mechanically stuck secondary air injection combination valve Despite this revised diagnosis, the issue has remained unresolved. As of 2026, a dealership evaluation has now attributed the same fault condition to a potential failure within the cylinder head assembly, indicating a significantly more serious underlying condition. Safety Concern: This issue involves the emissions and engine air management system and has resulted in: Persistent Check Engine Light Repeated failure of emissions-related components Conflicting and escalating repair diagnoses across multiple qualified service providers I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this issue for potential investigation into a systemic defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11726512
Incident
Mar 3, 2025
AirbagsDriver assistanceSteering
Filed Dec 18, 2025

Steering wheel controls stopped working, no horn either. Probably no airbag but haven't got into an accident. There was recall on the same part for the until 2018, but the new part I was going to install lists that if fits cars 2016-2022 Part # 5K0-953-569-BC Recall from VW. Number: VWP-18-11, Will replace part for my fiance,

NHTSA ID
11705961
Incident
Dec 11, 2025
AirbagsDriver assistance
Filed Mar 17, 2025

Error message alerted to maintenance needed and the air bag light has turned on and remained on. Also said message that front assist inls unavailable.

NHTSA ID
11648696
Incident
Mar 17, 2025
Engine
Filed Oct 6, 2024

Oil pressure sensor fails. Causing high oil pressure. Causing the valve cover to be destroyed and the oil pan to leak. Draining the car oil.

NHTSA ID
11618293
Incident
Oct 1, 2024
Filed Apr 22, 2024

VIN: [XXX] Dealership: Vanguard Volkswagen 6900 Burnet Rd Austin, TX 78757 I bought 2020 Passat back in Aug 2020 with CarNet included. It was showing that CarNet will be installed later when available at no cost. So in 2021 they installed carnet and everything was working fine up until 2024. The light turned off and no connection to the car. I called CarNet and they told me that most likely an issue with HW module and suggested to take to the dealer to get reset/replaced. Went to the dealer few days ago. Left them a car for 3 days for diag. No fault codes. So dealer sent a ticket to the Volkswagen to see how to proceed. I got a call from dealership today that Volkswagen responded to them that 2020 Passat is no longer eligible for the CarNet. Excuse me? At the time of sale CarNet was included. It was working fine no issues. And now Volkswagen taking car feature away that it came with and I paid for.. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11584569
Incident
Apr 22, 2024

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

V4622022067177_5

SERVICE BRAKES

Repair or Replace Information

SM 35-2026

ENGINE

This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward.

V4015022033347_8

POWER TRAIN

Replacement instruction

TT 00-13-04_7

Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order

V0026012081638_2

Differences between a leak and seepage

V4823022072282_3

STEERING

Clean and install an additional plastic "ring" to prevent ingress of dirt,hair. Foreign bodies into the clock spring.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volkswagen Passat by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025000—
2024000—
2023000—
2022130044.3
2021181048.7
2020Viewing183055.1
2019121030.5
2018454059.7
20171107056.8
20161065051.5
20152437052.6
201459410359.1
20137489358.5
201248311359.4
2011160253.8
20101634354.9
20091464157.8
20081684047.4
20072627152.9
20065767153.3
20051484361.4
20042794362.2
20036347667.2
20026364963.1
20014304760.2
20005075762.0
19996646858.6
19983315658.1
1997701245.7
19961421448.2
1995931246.2
1994251243.2
1993683364.3
1992391042.3
1991241037.0
1990342050.1
1989010—
1988010—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.