How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2014 Volkswagen Passat?

NHTSA lists 82 Electrical System complaints for the 2014 Passat, which is 14% of the 594 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat?

Yes. Recall 16V171000 covers 2012-2014 Passat TDI models with improperly assembled wire seals in an underbody sensor connector that can let water intrude. Recall 19V389000 covers 2012-2020 Passat headlight aim adjustment issues.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2014 Passat?

NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 49,574.5 for Electrical System complaints on the 2014 Passat.

Have electrical issues caused crashes or fires in the 2014 Passat?

NHTSA records 2 crashes, 2 fires, and 1 injury tied to Electrical System complaints for the 2014 Passat.

2014 Volkswagen Passat Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 82 Electrical System complaints for the 2014 Volkswagen Passat, 14% of all 594 complaints filed for that year, with a median failure mileage of 49,574. Two related recalls (16V171000 and 19V389000) cover connector water intrusion and headlight aim issues, though neither is a do-not-drive order.

Electrical System complaints: 82; 14% of 594
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 49,575 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Vehicles have suddenly stalled or shut off completely while driving at low speed, cutting power to steering and brakes without warning.
Steering wheel controls, including the horn, volume, and hands-free calling buttons, have gone dead intermittently while driving.
The touchscreen navigation and radio system has been reported as very slow to start up, sometimes not responding to input for an extended period after startup.
Bluetooth and phone-pairing features have failed to recognize contacts, forcing drivers to look away from the road to find numbers.
Owners report a fire occurring after a frontal collision that destroyed the vehicle, along with a separate case of engine smoke traced to multiple electronic component failures.

When 2014 Volkswagen Passat electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 30, 2013, latest Aug 28, 2026.

82 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2016 Q3 (5).

Electrical System recalls for the 2014 Volkswagen Passat

NHTSA 19V389000May 22, 2019Electrical System662,185 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
NHTSA 16V171000Mar 24, 2016Electrical System91,442 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical connectors of the sensor, causing an electrical short.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the electrical connectors of the sensor to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in September. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23T3.

Electrical System complaints by Passat model year

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

201022 (13%)
20114 (25%)
2012107 (22%)
2013139 (19%)
201482 (14%)
201551 (21%)
201625 (24%)
201719 (17%)
201810 (22%)
20194 (33%)
20203 (17%)
20215 (28%)
20223 (23%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2014 Volkswagen Passat?: NHTSA lists 82 Electrical System complaints for the 2014 Passat, which is 14% of the 594 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat?: Yes. Recall 16V171000 covers 2012-2014 Passat TDI models with improperly assembled wire seals in an underbody sensor connector that can let water intrude. Recall 19V389000 covers 2012-2020 Passat headlight aim adjustment issues.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2014 Passat?: NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 49,574.5 for Electrical System complaints on the 2014 Passat.
Have electrical issues caused crashes or fires in the 2014 Passat?: NHTSA records 2 crashes, 2 fires, and 1 injury tied to Electrical System complaints for the 2014 Passat.