The 2006 Volkswagen Passat has 13 recalls, the most serious being the driver's frontal airbag inflator, which can rupture or explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, potentially causing serious injury or death.
The airbag issue appears across multiple filings and covers both a risk of rupture from excessive pressure at deployment and longer-term propellant degradation from heat and humidity that makes the inflator increasingly dangerous over time. On the steering side, tie rod securing nuts may not have been tightened sufficiently at the factory, and a loose nut can allow the tie rod to separate, causing a sudden loss of steering control. Two recalls address the brake power assist vacuum line, which can crack and disconnect in cold weather, leaving the driver with significantly higher pedal effort and longer stopping distances. A fuel system recall covers an electrical interruption to the fuel pump control module that can cause the pump to run continuously until the battery drains, or fail outright and stall the engine while driving. The wiper motor can also fail when moisture gets inside it during heavy rain, leaving the driver without wipers and reduced visibility.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's side front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown caused by long-term exposure to high humidity, high heat, and repeated temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Heat and humidity exposure over time may degrade the propellant in the driver-front airbag, potentially causing it to deploy with excessive force or rupture, sending fragments toward occupants.
What the fix does
Replace the driver-front airbag assembly at a Volkswagen dealership.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In certain vehicles, heat and humidity can degrade the driver's front airbag propellant over time. If this happens, the airbag may deploy with excessive force in a crash, potentially sending fragments toward occupants and damaging the airbag assembly.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the driver's front airbag inflator.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may build up excessive pressure during deployment and rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag inflator with an alternate inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump control module may lose electrical power, causing the fuel pump to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump control module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump control module may lose electrical power, causing the fuel pump to run continuously. This drains the battery, prevents starting, or cuts engine power while driving, risking crashes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump control module and relocate it to a better position in the vehicle.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may rupture due to excessive internal pressure when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front airbag inflator may build up too much pressure when deploying. This could cause the inflator to rupture and spray fragments at occupants, or damage the airbag module and prevent the airbag from deploying properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front airbag inflator with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A vacuum line may crack and disconnect in cold weather on certain 2.0L engine vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a redesigned vacuum line.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Excessive moisture can enter the wiper motor during heavy rain, causing it to fail and making the wipers stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a special cover and sealing kit to prevent moisture from entering the wiper motor.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A vacuum line may crack and disconnect in cold weather, causing the brake power assist to stop working. This makes braking harder and could increase stopping distance.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the vacuum line with a redesigned version that resists cracking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiper motor can fail during heavy rain when moisture enters it, which stops the wipers from working and reduces visibility.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective cover and sealing kit to prevent moisture from entering the wiper motor.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nuts that secure the left and right tie rods may not be tightened enough, which could cause them to loosen over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the tie rod nuts and install new ones tightened to the correct specification.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
