How many engine complaints does the 2016 VW Passat have?

NHTSA lists 29 engine-related complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat, which is 27% of all 106 complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do 2016 Passat engine problems usually occur?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2016 Passat is 46,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2016 VW Passat engine?

Yes. Recall campaign 15V705000 covers 2015-2016 Passat and other VW models for a camshaft lobe issue; the remedy is a dealer software update to the engine control module.

Were there any crashes or fires linked to these engine complaints?

No. NHTSA data for this engine complaint set shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.

How does the 2016 Passat compare to other Passat years for engine complaints?

The 2016 Passat's 27% engine complaint share is similar to 2015 (26%) and 2010 (26%), but higher than 2017 (9%) and 2013 (16%).

2016 Volkswagen Passat Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 29 engine complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat, 27% of its 106 total complaints that year. Median mileage at failure was 46,000. A related recall (15V705000) addresses a camshaft lobe issue tied to the engine control module.

Engine complaints: 29; 27% of 106
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 46,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden loss of power or stalling while driving, sometimes requiring a tow, with one case describing a blown engine and jumped timing chain.
Some describe a hesitation or pause during acceleration followed by a sudden surge of power, described as a turbo lag issue.
Several report the engine shaking or shuddering violently when put into gear, with no power delivered even though the engine idles fine in park or neutral.
One owner reported the check engine light coming on along with shaking, followed by a shop diagnosis of engine failure after roughly two and a half years of ownership.
Another owner described the vehicle downshifting abruptly to near-neutral at speeds up to 40 mph, feeling like the drivetrain locked up underneath the car.

When 2016 Volkswagen Passat engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 19, 2016, latest Jun 26, 2025.

29 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2016 to Jun 2025; peak Oct 2018 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat

NHTSA 15V705000Oct 26, 2015Engine91,867 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
Risk: If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.

Engine complaints by Passat model year

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

200567 (45%)
2006160 (28%)
200764 (24%)
200855 (33%)
200965 (45%)
201042 (26%)
20116 (38%)
201254 (11%)
2013116 (16%)
201492 (15%)
201562 (26%)
201629 (27%)
201710 (9%)
201813 (29%)
20192 (17%)
20205 (28%)
20212 (11%)
20223 (23%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2016 VW Passat have?: NHTSA lists 29 engine-related complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat, which is 27% of all 106 complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do 2016 Passat engine problems usually occur?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2016 Passat is 46,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2016 VW Passat engine?: Yes. Recall campaign 15V705000 covers 2015-2016 Passat and other VW models for a camshaft lobe issue; the remedy is a dealer software update to the engine control module.
Were there any crashes or fires linked to these engine complaints?: No. NHTSA data for this engine complaint set shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.
How does the 2016 Passat compare to other Passat years for engine complaints?: The 2016 Passat's 27% engine complaint share is similar to 2015 (26%) and 2010 (26%), but higher than 2017 (9%) and 2013 (16%).