Volkswagen Passat research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The U.S. Passat is a spacious, comfortable midsize sedan with one of the biggest back seats in its class and a large trunk. Early cars (2012-2015) offered a 2.5L five-cylinder, a frugal TDI diesel rated up to about 43 mpg highway, or a 280-hp VR6; a 1.8T turbo four replaced the 2.5L for 2014, and a 2.0T took over for 2018. The 2016 refresh added Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and modern safety features, and 2020 brought new styling with standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Volkswagen ended U.S. Passat production after the 2022 model year.

Model years covered: 2012–2022. The U.S. Passat ended with the 2022 model year (production ended December 2021); no 2011 Passat sedan was sold in the U.S., and there are no 2023 or later U.S. Passats.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Very roomy rear seat
Large trunk
Comfortable highway ride
Excellent highway mpg TDI
Strong VR6 performance 2012 2018
Smartphone integration 2016 and later
Standard automatic emergency braking 2020 2022
Good used value versus class leaders

Things to know before you buy

Engine choice changes by year resolve by VIN
TDI models need emissions settlement status check
DSG requires scheduled fluid service
Turbo fours should be checked for coolant leaks
2016 is a major refresh year
2020 is a major facelift year
VR6 and GT end after 2018
US passat discontinued after 2022
Resale values trail camry and accord
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 7 (2012–2022)

The Chattanooga-built Passat (Volkswagen's 'New Midsize Sedan') replaced the imported Passat for 2012 and was sized and priced for American buyers. It ran through three phases: 2012-2015 with 2.5L, 1.8T (from 2014), TDI diesel and VR6 engines; the 2016-2019 refresh with modern infotainment and driver aids, the 2.0T from 2018, and the VR6 Passat GT for 2018; and the 2020-2022 facelift with new styling, a single 174-hp 2.0T and standard automatic emergency braking. Production ended in December 2021.

Buyer takeaway: For the lowest price, a 2014-2017 1.8T with good maintenance records is a sensible pick; for the most modern safety features, choose 2020-2022; for performance, a 2012-2018 VR6 (the 2018 GT especially). TDI models offer outstanding highway mpg but need their emissions-settlement status confirmed.

Volkswagen Passat by model year

2022 Volkswagen Passat

The 2022 Passat is the last U.S. Passat; production in Chattanooga ended in December 2021 and the plant moved to building the ID.4 electric SUV. Trims are SE, R-Line and a well-equipped Limited Edition, built in a run of 1,973 cars to mark the year the first Passat launched. Mechanically it is the same 174-hp 2.0T and 6-speed automatic as 2020-2021. Parts and service remain available through Volkswagen dealers.

Engines: 2.0 liter turbo TSI I4 174 hp 206 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Final model year in the US
S trim dropped
Limited edition trim of 1973 cars
US production ended december 2021

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Coolant leaks water pump and thermostat housing; Driver assistance sensors and warnings; Sunroof drains and water leaks if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Passat continues with the 174-hp 2.0T and 6-speed automatic. The SEL was dropped, leaving S, SE and R-Line, and the SE gained standard 18-inch wheels and a sunroof, making it the sweet spot of the lineup.

Engines: 2.0 liter turbo TSI I4 174 hp 206 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

SEL trim dropped
R line becomes the top trim
Se gains standard 18 inch wheels and sunroof

2020 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Passat is a major makeover of the same U.S. platform, not an all-new design: new bodywork front to rear, an updated interior, and more standard safety gear, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear traffic alert on every trim. The only engine is the 2.0T, now with 174 hp and 206 lb-ft, with a 6-speed automatic (about 23/34 mpg city/highway). Trims are S, SE, R-Line and SEL.

Engines: 2.0 liter turbo TSI I4 174 hp 206 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

New exterior sheetmetal and refreshed interior
Torque rises to 206 lb ft
Standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
Standard blind spot monitor and rear traffic alert
Trims s se r line and SEL

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Coolant leaks water pump and thermostat housing; Driver assistance sensors and warnings; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Sunroof drains and water leaks if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2019 Volkswagen Passat

The 2019 Passat was simplified to a single engine, the 174-hp 2.0T with a 6-speed automatic, and two trims: Wolfsburg Edition and SE R-Line. The VR6 and GT were dropped. As the last year before the 2020 makeover, a 2019 can be a good value if its price reflects the older styling.

Engines: 2.0 liter turbo TSI I4 174 hp
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

VR6 engine and GT trim dropped
Lineup cut to wolfsburg edition and se r line
Only one engine offered

2018 Volkswagen Passat

For 2018 a 174-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (2.0T, a newer EA888 engine able to run an efficient Miller-type cycle) replaced the 1.8T, rated about 29 mpg combined. The new Passat GT paired the 280-hp VR6 with sport styling and suspension, and the VR6 was also available on the SEL. 2018 is the last year of the VR6, so a GT or V6 SEL is the pick for buyers who want the quickest Passat.

Engines: 2.0 liter turbo TSI I4 174 hp; 3.6 liter VR6 280 hp
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 2.0T; 6 speed DSG dual clutch VR6
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

New 2.0 liter turbo four replaces the 1.8T
New sporty GT trim with the VR6
Last model year of the VR6

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Coolant leaks water pump and thermostat housing if 2.0T; DSG service records if VR6; Driver assistance sensors and warnings; Sunroof drains and water leaks if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2017 Volkswagen Passat

The 2017 Passat largely carries over the refreshed 2016 car, with the 170-hp 1.8T turbo four (6-speed automatic) or the 280-hp VR6 (6-speed DSG). It was the last year of the 1.8T. A well-maintained 2016-2017 Passat offers the refreshed styling and smartphone integration at a lower price than later years.

Engines: 1.8 liter turbo TSI I4 170 hp; 3.6 liter VR6 280 hp
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 1.8T; 6 speed DSG dual clutch VR6
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2016
Last year of the 1.8T

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Coolant leaks water pump and thermostat housing if 1.8T; Driver assistance sensors and warnings; DSG service records if VR6; Sunroof drains and water leaks if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2016 Volkswagen Passat

The 2016 refresh is the most important update of the early years: new hood, grille, bumpers and fenders, a nicer cabin, MIB II infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a standard rearview camera, and available driver aids such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning. The first R-Line appearance package arrived. The 170-hp 1.8T and 280-hp VR6 carry over; the TDI diesel was not sold new after Volkswagen's emissions stop-sale.

Engines: 1.8 liter turbo TSI I4 170 hp; 3.6 liter VR6 280 hp
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 1.8T; 6 speed DSG dual clutch VR6; Manual availability verify by VIN
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Refreshed front and rear styling
New infotainment with apple carplay and android auto
Standard rearview camera
Available forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
Available adaptive cruise blind spot monitor and lane departure warning
Available LED headlights and taillights
First r line appearance package
TDI diesel not sold new after emissions stop sale

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Coolant leaks water pump and thermostat housing if 1.8T; Driver assistance sensors and warnings; Infotainment and smartphone integration; DSG service records if VR6; Sunroof drains and water leaks if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2015 Volkswagen Passat

The 2015 Passat's TDI diesel switched to Volkswagen's newer EA288 engine (150 hp, 236 lb-ft), which uses AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid; it was the last Passat TDI sold new in the U.S. The 170-hp 1.8T is now the core engine (about 24/35-36 mpg) and the 280-hp VR6 continues with the DSG. Like earlier TDIs, 2015 TDIs are covered by the diesel emissions settlement, so check that the approved emissions modification has been performed and documented.

Engines: 1.8 liter turbo TSI I4 170 hp; 2.0 liter TDI diesel I4 150 hp 236 lb ft; 3.6 liter VR6 280 hp
Transmissions: 5 speed manual 1.8T; 6 speed automatic 1.8T; 6 speed manual TDI; 6 speed DSG dual clutch TDI and VR6
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

New ea288 TDI diesel with 150 hp and 236 lb ft
TDI adds adblue DEF urea injection
Last model year the TDI was sold new

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Coolant leaks water pump and thermostat housing if 1.8T; TDI emissions modification status and paperwork; Diesel particulate filter and EGR operation; Adblue DEF system on 2015 TDI; DSG service records if equipped; Sunroof drains and water leaks if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2014 Volkswagen Passat

For 2014, Volkswagen phased in a 1.8L turbocharged four-cylinder (1.8T, 170 hp and 184 lb-ft) in place of the 2.5L five-cylinder. It matches the old engine's horsepower, has more low-end torque, and is rated about 24/34-35 mpg city/highway, a few mpg better on the highway. Some early 2014 cars still have the 2.5L, so confirm the engine by VIN. The TDI diesel and VR6 continue unchanged.

Engines: 1.8 liter turbo TSI I4 170 hp 184 lb ft; 2.5 liter I5 170 hp early production; 2.0 liter TDI diesel I4 140 hp; 3.6 liter VR6 280 hp
Transmissions: 5 speed manual 1.8T; 6 speed automatic 1 8t and 2.5 liter; 6 speed manual TDI; 6 speed DSG dual clutch TDI and VR6
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

1 8t turbo four replaces 2.5 liter five cylinder during the model year
Better fuel economy from the 1.8T

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Coolant leaks water pump and thermostat housing if 1.8T; TDI emissions modification status if TDI; DSG service records if TDI or VR6; Sunroof drains and water leaks if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2013 Volkswagen Passat

The 2013 Passat carries over the 2012 recipe: a 170-hp 2.5L five-cylinder, a 140-hp 2.0L TDI diesel, or a 280-hp 3.6L VR6, all front-wheel drive. The 2.5L is the simplest, most conventional choice; the TDI delivers excellent highway mileage but carries diesel-specific emissions history and maintenance; the VR6 is the quickest and pairs with the DSG dual-clutch transmission.

Engines: 2.5 liter I5 170 hp; 2.0 liter TDI diesel I4 140 hp; 3.6 liter VR6 280 hp
Transmissions: 5 speed manual 2.5 liter; 6 speed automatic 2.5 liter; 6 speed manual TDI; 6 speed DSG dual clutch TDI and VR6
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2012

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; TDI emissions modification status if TDI; DSG service records if TDI or VR6; Sunroof drains and water leaks if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

2012 Volkswagen Passat

The 2012 Passat was the first built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was larger, roomier and less expensive than the imported Passat it replaced, with one of the biggest back seats in the class. Three engines were offered: a 170-hp 2.5L five-cylinder (5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, about 22/31 mpg city/highway with the automatic), a 140-hp 2.0L TDI diesel (6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG dual-clutch, about 30/40 mpg with DSG and 31/43 mpg with the manual), and a 280-hp 3.6L VR6 with the DSG (about 20/28 mpg). TDI cars are part of the diesel emissions settlement, so confirm their emissions-modification status.

Engines: 2.5 liter I5 170 hp; 2.0 liter TDI diesel I4 140 hp; 3.6 liter VR6 280 hp
Transmissions: 5 speed manual 2.5 liter; 6 speed automatic 2.5 liter; 6 speed manual TDI; 6 speed DSG dual clutch TDI and VR6
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

All new US built sedan from chattanooga tennessee
Larger and roomier than the previous imported model
Lower starting price than the previous model
No 2011 model year was sold in the US

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; TDI emissions modification status if TDI; DSG service records if TDI or VR6; Automatic transmission shift quality 2.5 liter; Sunroof drains and water leaks if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.

Known issues and what to check

TDI Diesel Emissions Settlement Status (2012–2015)
Every 2012-2015 Passat TDI is covered by Volkswagen's U.S. diesel emissions settlement. Owners could sell the car back or have an approved emissions modification installed. A TDI still on the road today should have that modification done; it can slightly change how the car drives and its fuel economy, and modified cars received extended emissions warranty coverage. A 2016 Passat TDI was not sold new in the U.S.
What to do: Ask for proof the approved emissions modification was performed and check the VIN with Volkswagen before buying a Passat TDI.
DSG Dual-Clutch Transmission Service and Operation (2012–2018)
The 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic in TDI and VR6 Passats needs its fluid and filter changed on Volkswagen's schedule (commonly every 40,000 miles). Skipped service can lead to rough shifts, shudder from a stop, or mechatronic unit faults. Gas four-cylinder Passats use a conventional 6-speed automatic instead.
What to do: On a TDI or VR6 Passat, look for DSG fluid-service records and test drive in stop-and-go traffic before buying.
Turbo Four-Cylinder Coolant Leaks (2014–2022)
The 1.8T (2014-2017) and 2.0T (2018-2022) belong to Volkswagen's EA888 family, which has a reputation for coolant leaks from the plastic water pump and thermostat housing as mileage builds. It is a known repair rather than a certain failure, but it should be checked.
What to do: Check the coolant level and look for leaks or residue; a documented water-pump replacement is a plus.
Direct-Injection and Turbo Engine Maintenance (2012–2022)
The turbocharged gas engines and the VR6 use direct injection, which can build carbon deposits on the intake valves over time, and turbo engines are sensitive to on-time oil changes with Volkswagen-approved oil. The 2.5L five-cylinder (2012-2014) is the simplest of the engines.
What to do: Favor cars with regular oil changes using oil that meets Volkswagen's specification.
VR6 Timing Chain Wear at High Mileage (2012–2018)
The 280-hp 3.6L VR6 is strong and smooth, but high-mileage engines can develop timing-chain wear, an expensive repair. A rattle at cold start or timing-related trouble codes call for a closer look.
What to do: On a VR6 Passat, listen at a cold start and scan for timing codes before buying.
Sunroof Drain and Water Leak Check (2012–2022)
On cars with a sunroof, clogged drain tubes can let water into the cabin, causing damp carpets, musty smells or electrical problems.
What to do: Check carpets and the headliner for water stains on sunroof-equipped Passats.
Passat, Passat CC, and Engine Disambiguation (2012–2022)
This record covers the U.S.-built 2012-2022 Passat sedan. The Volkswagen CC (sold earlier as the Passat CC) is a different, lower-roof sedan with its own engines, and Passats sold outside the U.S. are different vehicles. Engine choices change by year (2.5L, 1.8T, 2.0T, TDI diesel, and VR6), so confirm the engine by VIN.
What to do: Confirm the exact year, engine, transmission and trim before comparing prices or specs.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, transmission, equipment, and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies; for TDI models, also confirm the emissions-settlement modification status.

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Questions this guide answers

What generation is this Volkswagen Passat?
What engine does this Passat have?
What changed in the 2016 and 2020 Passat?
Is the Passat TDI safe to buy after the diesel settlement?
Does this Passat have a DSG transmission, and what service does it need?
What should I inspect on a used Passat?
What fuel economy does the Passat get?
What happened to the Passat after 2022?
What recalls should I check by VIN?
What similar vehicles should I consider?