NHTSA (USA)Critical
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 a driver's airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Braking is a recurring concern across several recalls. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts may not have been tightened sufficiently, which allows the caliper to shift and reduces stopping power, raising the risk of losing control. Separately, brake fluid can leak slowly from brake line connections, causing the fluid level to drop over time. As the fluid level falls, stopping distances grow longer, and the low fluid warning light may eventually come on. These two braking issues affect different parts of the system but both reduce the car's ability to stop reliably.
Three recalls involve vehicles that were originally used internally and sold without confirmation that they met all applicable regulatory requirements, with some potentially modified before sale. These filings do not specify which individual systems may fall short, but the noted risks include crash, fire, or injury. Owners of affected vehicles would need a VIN check to know whether their specific car is included.
On the lighting side, a headlight blocking cap that limits horizontal aim adjustment may be missing. Without it, someone can manually rotate the headlight beam out of its intended position, which can reduce what the driver sees ahead or send light into oncoming drivers' eyes. The recall covers a wide range of Passat model years, so this particular issue is not unique to the 2017 model year, though it remains open for these vehicles.
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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 →
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.
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.
