2020 Volkswagen Passat Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2020 Volkswagen Passat has 18 complaints, a complaint index of 24, and 3 recalls, ranking 14th worst of 18 model years. It earns a Best verdict relative to other Passat years, with Engine as the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 24/100
- #14 of 18 Passat years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 18
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 27
- 23 city / 34 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2020 Volkswagen Passat problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine5 (28%)
- Airbags4 (22%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (22%)
- Other4 (22%)
- Electrical System3 (17%)
- Brakes2 (11%)
- Fuel System2 (11%)
- Steering2 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (11%)
- Seat Belts1 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine issues include abnormal noises, unintended swerving, and vibration while driving at various speeds.
- Some owners report oil pressure sensor failures that destroy the valve cover and cause oil pan leaks.
- Head gasket problems have appeared with the engine, in one case after the warranty period ended.
- Airbag clock spring failures can trigger the airbag warning light and disable horn and steering wheel controls.
- The Front Assist collision system has engaged and braked the vehicle to a stop with no traffic or obstacle present.
- A brake complaint at 200 miles described weak stopping power and a slow response when braking hard.
2020 Volkswagen Passat recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V533000Sep 2, 2020Airbags1,829 vehicles
Air bags:passenger side frontal:cushion
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Passat vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AY.
- 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 19V218000Mar 20, 2019Airbags3 vehicles
Air bags:side/window
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
Risk: In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.
2020 Volkswagen Passat fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 34 MPG
- Combined
- 27 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,400
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other Passat years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 18 complaints and a complaint index of 24 for the 2020 Passat, ranking 14th worst out of 18 model years, which earns it a Best verdict relative to other Passat years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2020 Passat?
- Engine complaints lead the list, making up 28% of all complaints for the 2020 Passat, with a median mileage at failure of 4,500.
- Does the 2020 Passat have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Passat: two involving airbags and one involving the electrical system's headlight aim adjustment.
- How does the 2020 Passat compare to other years?
- The 2020 Passat has a complaint index of 24, far lower than Avoid-rated years like 2013 (100) and 2012 (88), making it one of the lower-complaint Passat years.
- What fuel economy does the 2020 Passat get?
- EPA rates the 2020 Passat at 27 mpg combined (23 city / 34 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $2,400.