Last updated: 2026-10-10

Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen Passat Years to Avoid

5 scored model years (2018–2022) · model average 76/100

No Passat year is one to avoid. Model years 2018 through 2022 all rate good, and they differ mainly in recall counts and how many owner complaints they drew. The 2021 is the year to buy.

Verdict

Avoid
No outlier years
Buy
2021 78/100
Model average
76/100
See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Volkswagen Passat Problems?

SERVICE BRAKES

17 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2021, 2022

2018: ABS kicks in during ordinary stops, so the car takes longer to stop, and ABS warning lights come on.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

16 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

2018: The infotainment screen goes black or stops responding to touch, taking the radio, navigation and backup camera with it, and dealer visits do not always fix it.

ENGINE

10 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2022, 2020

2018: Oil disappears between changes, sometimes before 7,000 miles, and dealers respond with top-offs and repeat consumption checks rather than repairs.

STEERING

8 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2021, 2020

2022: Power assist can cut out for a moment as the car slows, leaving the wheel suddenly stiff.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2018

2020: A check engine light with code P0491 points to insufficient airflow in the secondary air injection system, and different repair shops give conflicting diagnoses.

AIR BAGS

6 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020

2018: Airbag warning lights and sensor faults come and go, sometimes along with errors for adaptive cruise, front assist and the passenger seat belt.

Best Volkswagen Passat Year to Buy Instead

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 has had one recall and 18 owner complaints, well below the 2018, which has four recalls and 45 complaints. The 2020 has three recalls. Check the rear brakes, since early wear is the main 2021 complaint, and ask whether the lane assist has been a nuisance.

Score: 78/100 (Good)1 recalls18 complaints
View full 2021reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2021 Volkswagen Passat has 1 recall on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Volkswagen Passat Years by Generation

Volkswagen Passat Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Volkswagen Passat years should I avoid?
None. All five model years from 2018 to 2022 rate good, and none sits far below the model's own average. The 2018 and 2020 rate lowest, so inspect those more closely, and choose the 2021 if you can.
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Passat a bad year?
Not a bad year, but it is the weakest on paper. It has four recalls and 45 owner complaints, the most of any year. Electrical, brake, and engine complaints lead. It still rates good, so a clean inspection and service history can justify it.
Is the 2020 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Yes, it rates good, though it is among the two lowest-rated years. It has three recalls and 15 owner complaints. Complaints are scattered, with steering and air bags each named twice. Check that any open recalls were completed before buying.
Which Volkswagen Passat years have transmission problems?
The data does not show transmission as a leading problem for any year. The most reported areas are service brakes, electrical system, engine, and steering. Test drive any Passat and have a mechanic check it before you buy.
Is the 2022 Volkswagen Passat the safest buy because it has no recalls?
No. It has no recalls and 11 complaints, but its complaint rate per car sold is the highest of any year. Brakes, lane departure, and engine lead. The 2021 is the better-supported pick.

How we score every Volkswagen Passat model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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