YearToAvoid

2013 Volkswagen Passat Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 18 brake complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat, 2% of the year's 748 total complaints, with 1 crash and 2 injuries reported. Median mileage at failure was 40,961 miles, and there is no related brake recall on file.

Brakes complaints
18
2% of 748
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
40,961 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe the vehicle failing to stop when the brake pedal was depressed, in one case leading to a rear-end crash and airbag deployment.
  • Some report a rear brake caliper failing and exploding, causing fluid loss and a loss of usable brakes while driving.
  • Others report the EPC warning light coming on with a total loss of power and the engine dropping into a low-rpm safe mode, with no clear diagnosis from dealers.
  • Several complaints describe front and rear brake pads and rotors rusting and grinding at stops despite adequate pad material remaining.
  • Some owners note the lack of a manual traction/stability control bypass switch, which they say hurts braking traction in rain, snow, and sleet.

When 2013 Volkswagen Passat brake complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 20, 2014, latest Jan 18, 2024.

2013 Volkswagen Passat brakes complaints: complaints filed per month2Jan 2014Jul 2014Feb 2015May 2016Mar 2017Jul 2018Dec 2018Mar 2021
18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2014 to Jan 2024; peak Dec 2018 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Brakes complaints by Passat model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20106 (4%)
  2. 20110 (0%)
  3. 201216 (3%)
  4. 201318 (2%)
  5. 201414 (2%)
  6. 201532 (13%)
  7. 201621 (20%)
  8. 201718 (16%)
  9. 201813 (29%)
  10. 20193 (25%)
  11. 20202 (11%)
  12. 20215 (28%)
  13. 20223 (23%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2013 Volkswagen Passat have?
NHTSA lists 18 brake-related complaints for the 2013 Passat, which is 2% of the 748 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?
No. The data shows no related recalls listed for brake problems on the 2013 Passat.
At what mileage do brake problems usually show up on the 2013 Passat?
The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints is 40,961 miles.
Did any 2013 Passat brake complaints involve a crash or injury?
Yes. NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 2 injuries tied to brake complaints on the 2013 Passat, with no fires reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.