2011 Volkswagen Passat Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2011 Volkswagen Passat ranks as one of the best years for this model, with a complaint index of 12, only 16 complaints, and zero recalls. It ranks 16th worst out of 18 model years, meaning most other years report more owner complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 12/100
- #16 of 18 Passat years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 16
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2011 Volkswagen Passat problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine6 (38%)
- Airbags5 (31%)
- Electrical System4 (25%)
- Fuel System3 (19%)
- Other2 (13%)
- Steering2 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy in crashes, including one case where the warning light had been illuminated beforehand.
- Some describe the steering clock spring recall repair failing again months later, accompanied by loss of power steering and an airbag warning light.
- Several report the infotainment radio screen going completely black and losing all function, including Bluetooth and hands-free calling.
- Owners describe the timing chain needing repeated replacement, followed by rocker arm failure that locked the engine completely.
- Some report the trunk and remote lock system failing to open after repeated rear light failures.
- One owner reported the engine cutting off while driving and being unable to restart.
2011 Volkswagen Passat recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2011 compared with other Passat years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 Passat is rated Best among Passat model years, with a complaint index of 12 and only 16 complaints logged.
- What problems does the 2011 Volkswagen Passat have?
- The top problem area is the engine, making up 38% of complaints, followed by airbags at 31% and electrical system issues at 25%. Median mileage at failure for engine complaints was 110,000.
- Does the 2011 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2011 Passat, compared to other years like 2013 and 2014 which had 9 and 10 recalls respectively.
- How does the 2011 Passat compare to other Passat years?
- The 2011 Passat ranks 16th worst out of 18 model years, meaning only two years had fewer reported complaints relative to their index. Years like 2013 and 2012, with complaint indexes of 100 and 88, are rated Avoid.
- Did the 2011 Passat have airbag deployment failures?
- Yes, NHTSA complaints include reports of airbags failing to deploy during crashes, accounting for 31% of complaints for this year, including one crash with an associated death.