Last updated: 2026-07-26

Volkswagen Passat

0 Volkswagen Passat Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Volkswagen Passat average of 76/100

All Volkswagen Passat years score consistently around the model average of 76/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2021 78/100 and the weakest is 2018 71/100.

Verdict

All Volkswagen Passat years score consistently around the model average of 76/100 (71–78 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2021 78/100 and the weakest is 2018 71/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Volkswagen Passat Problems?

Top reported issues across all Volkswagen Passat model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

SERVICE BRAKES

17 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

16 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

ENGINE

10 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2022

STEERING

8 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020

AIR BAGS

6 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020

Best Volkswagen Passat Year to Buy Instead

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Volkswagen Passat

The 2019 Volkswagen Passat has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 12 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Passat. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (4), Service Brakes (2), Fuel System, Gasoline (1).

Score: 77/100 (Good)1 recalls12 complaints
View full 2019reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Volkswagen Passat year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Volkswagen Passat Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Volkswagen Passat Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2022 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Volkswagen Passat years should you avoid?
All Volkswagen Passat years in our database score consistently around the model average of 76/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
What is the best year for the Volkswagen Passat?
The best year for the Volkswagen Passat is 2021, with a reliability score of 78/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 18 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Volkswagen Passat have?
Across all years in our database, the Volkswagen Passat has a total of 9 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Volkswagen Passat worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2021 model year, which scores 78/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 76/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Volkswagen Passat problems?
The most common Volkswagen Passat problems are service brakes (17 complaints), electrical system (16 complaints), engine (10 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Volkswagen Passat reliable long-term?
The Volkswagen Passat has an average reliability score of 76/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Volkswagen Passat generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Volkswagen Passat generation is the Eighth generation (B8) with an average score of 76/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Volkswagen Passat?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Volkswagen Passat is $639 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat a good used buy?
Yes, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 78/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 18 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue