This page covers 8 recalls, 107 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat.
23–27 mpg combined
8.7–10.2 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2017 Volkswagen Passat, the most frequently reported complaints center on the forward collision avoidance system and steering. Owners commonly report the automatic emergency braking or collision warning system activating unexpectedly, firing when no obstacle is present, which can feel jarring and disorienting at highway speeds. Steering complaints typically describe a vague, inconsistent, or pulling sensation that owners notice during normal driving. Service brake complaints also appear with some frequency, with owners describing grinding noises, loss of braking feel, and in a few cases concerns about brake hardware. A smaller number of owners report cruise control cutting out with power loss on inclines, accompanied by the EPC warning light. An isolated report mentions a fuel smell traced to what appeared to be a leak near the rear of the vehicle.
107
Total Complaints
8
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat has 8 recalls, the most serious being loose brake caliper bracket bolts that can reduce braking ability and a driver's airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin.
Two other brake-related recalls address a separate issue where brake fluid slowly leaks from brake line connections, lowering the fluid level over time and extending stopping distances. On the lighting side, a missing blocking cap on the headlight assembly means the horizontal aim can be adjusted out of spec, reducing how well the road ahead is illuminated at night. Three recalls cover vehicles that were sold as internal-use or fleet units without full confirmation that they met all applicable regulatory requirements, meaning certain safety standards may not have been satisfied on those specific vehicles.
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.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
These vehicles were sold without verification that they met all federal safety standards and may have been altered before sale, potentially failing to comply with required safety standards.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 for details.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
These vehicles were sold without verification they met all federal safety standards and may have been modified before sale, potentially causing non-compliance with various safety requirements.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will contact owners and repurchase the vehicles.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During internal evaluation, modifications were made to these vehicles that may prevent them from meeting all applicable safety and emissions regulatory requirements.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will repurchase the affected vehicles. Owners will be notified and can contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The blocking cap that prevents headlight horizontal aim adjustment may be missing, allowing unintended headlight aiming changes that don't meet federal lamp standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect headlights and install the blocking cap if needed to prevent horizontal adjustment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts that attach the brake caliper bracket may not be tight enough, potentially causing the caliper to shift or detach.
What the fix does
Dealer will check and tighten all brake caliper bracket bolts and related fasteners to proper specifications. Passat owners will also have parking brake cable connection inspected.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake line connections may be defective and leak brake fluid. Low fluid levels reduce braking power, extending stopping distance and increasing crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected brake lines to restore proper brake function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid may slowly leak from some brake line connections, causing the brake fluid level to drop.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected brake lines at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
