This page covers 4 recalls, 44 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat.
22–29 mpg combined
8.1–10.7 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
Complaints for the 2018 Passat split fairly evenly across brakes, the electrical system, and the engine. On the electrical side, owners report battery drain that leaves the car unable to start after sitting overnight, with at least one case traced to a fuel pump control module that fails to shut off. Infotainment unresponsiveness, touchscreen inputs not registering and GPS becoming inaccessible, also shows up across multiple reports. The service brake complaints are the highest-volume named system, though the descriptions vary. Engine reports include stalling without warning lights, hesitation under acceleration, and starting failures sometimes accompanied by a fuel odor. Wiring harness faults come up as a diagnosed cause in a subset of the engine and electrical complaints.
44
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat has 4 recalls, the most serious involving loose brake caliper bracket mounting bolts that can allow the caliper to shift, reducing braking force and potentially causing a loss of control.
A second brake recall covers the caliper pistons, which may have insufficient coating and can lose braking performance over time. Taken together, both brake issues point to the same general concern: reduced stopping power that raises the risk of a crash. On the lighting side, a missing blocking cap on the headlight assembly means the horizontal aim can be adjusted out of its intended position, reducing how well the headlights illuminate the road ahead. There is also a compliance recall for certain vehicles that were used internally and sold without confirmation they met all applicable regulatory requirements, which may have included undocumented modifications.
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.
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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
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 caliper pistons may lack sufficient protective coating, which can reduce braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will bleed the brake system to restore proper brake function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
