This page covers 4 recalls, 15 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat.
27 mpg combined
8.7 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.
The 2016 to 2020 Volkswagen Passat received an overall rating of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, it earned 4 stars. Side crash protection was rated at 5 stars, while rollover resistance received 4 stars. Side pole crash testing resulted in a 5-star rating. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2016 to 2020 range.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints filed for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat are spread across a small number of systems, with forward collision avoidance generating the most reports. Owners describe the front assist system becoming unavailable, often flagged by a dashboard warning, sometimes alongside the airbag warning light illuminating simultaneously. A couple of engine-related reports describe oil pressure sensor failure leading to elevated oil pressure, valve cover damage, and oil leaking from the pan. One report describes steering wheel controls and the horn going non-functional, with the owner noting the airbag may also be inoperative as a result. The overall complaint volume for this model year is low, and several of the reported issues appear in only one or two filings rather than as consistent patterns across the owner base.
15
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat has 4 recalls, the most serious being an improperly folded front passenger airbag that can deploy with too much force in a crash, raising the risk of injury to the front passenger.
A separate airbag concern involves the driver and front passenger side impact airbags, where an incorrect airbag may have been installed at the factory. In a side collision, these airbags may not deploy as intended, leaving occupants with less protection than expected. On the exterior lighting side, certain vehicles may be missing a blocking cap on the headlight assembly that prevents the horizontal aim from being adjusted. Without it, the headlight beam can be pointed out of its proper range, either blinding oncoming drivers or reducing the light thrown ahead of the car, both of which raise the chance of a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger-front airbag may not have been folded correctly at the factory. If it deploys in a crash, it could inflate with excessive force.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will mail you instructions to visit a dealer, who will replace the passenger-front airbag.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 passenger front air bag may have been folded incorrectly, which could affect how forcefully it deploys in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag at no cost to you.
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 driver or front passenger side impact airbag may be incorrect, potentially affecting its function in a side collision.
What the fix does
Volkswagen inspects and replaces the side airbags at no cost. Contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 for scheduling.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
