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.
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 a front passenger airbag that was folded incorrectly and can deploy with too much force in a crash, raising the risk of injury to the occupant.
A separate airbag concern involves the side impact airbags for the driver and front passenger, where an incorrect unit may have been installed. An airbag that is the wrong part for the application may not deploy as intended in a side collision, leaving occupants without proper protection. On the exterior lighting side, a blocking cap that prevents manual adjustment of the headlights' horizontal aim may be missing, which means the aim can be shifted out of the correct range and reduce the light thrown onto the road ahead.
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.
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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 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.
