Volkswagen Passat — Specs, Problems & Recalls
Volkswagen Passat: The Volkswagen Passat is a sedan sold in the U.S. market. Enter its 17-character VIN below to pull the exact build from NHTSA vPIC: model year, trim, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant, plus any open safety recalls filed for that model year. Decode a specific VIN below to confirm the exact year, trim and equipment, and to check for open safety recalls.
Research any Volkswagen Passat model year
Specs, engines, MPG and open safety recalls for each production year.
Each year page has that year's specific specs, EPA MPG, NHTSA crash-test ratings and every open recall campaign filed for that year and model.
| Make | Volkswagen |
|---|---|
| Model | Passat |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Production Years | Multiple model years |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
Fuel Economy (2018 Volkswagen Passat)
Official EPA fuel-economy estimates via FuelEconomy.gov.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA) · Fuel: Regular · CO₂ emissions: 396.0 g/mile.
NHTSA Safety Ratings (2022 Volkswagen Passat)
Official NHTSA crash-test star ratings (5 = best).
Source: NHTSA NCAP.
Volkswagen Passat generations
Model-line generations with their production years. Each generation hub lists every model year with its data.
| B1 (Type 32) | 1973–1981 |
|---|---|
| B2 (Type 32B) | 1981–1988 |
| B3 (Type 35i) | 1988–1993 |
| B4 (Type 35i) | 1993–1997 |
| B5 (Type 3B) | 1996–2001 |
| B5.5 | 2000–2005 |
| B6 (Type 3C) | 2005–2010 |
| B7 (Type 3C) | 2010–2015 |
| B8 (Type 3G) | 2014–2019 |
| B8 (Facelift) | 2019–2026 |
Why Buyers Choose the Volkswagen Passat
- Verify the exact build with a free VIN decode
- Check open NHTSA recalls in seconds
- Confirm the listing matches the factory specification
Common Problems to Check
Known issues reported for the Volkswagen Passat. Always inspect the specific vehicle and decode its VIN for recall status.
- Wear items (brakes, suspension bushings, tires) at a rate set by mileage and prior care
- Electronics and infotainment faults reported on some model years
- Any open recall: verify by VIN, since repairs are free at the dealer
Reliability: How long a used Volkswagen Passat lasts depends mostly on its maintenance history, not the badge. Pull the recall list for the model year, read the service records and pay for an independent inspection before you commit.
Check engine light on your Volkswagen Passat?
Every 1996-and-newer car uses the OBD-II standard. Enter any stored code, then P0300, P0420, or search our full database of over 2,000 codes, to see what it means and how serious it is.
Recent Recalls (2024 Volkswagen Passat)
✓ No open NHTSA recalls found for the 2024 Volkswagen Passat in our latest check. Recall data changes over time, always confirm by decoding the specific VIN.
Related Guides for Volkswagen Passat Owners & Buyers
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MPG of the 2018 Volkswagen Passat?
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat gets an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), according to FuelEconomy.gov.
How do I decode a Volkswagen Passat VIN?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the box above. VinSpecs returns the exact year, trim, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant for your Volkswagen Passat, plus any open recalls, free.
Is the Volkswagen Passat reliable?
How long a used Volkswagen Passat lasts depends mostly on its maintenance history, not the badge. Pull the recall list for the model year, read the service records and pay for an independent inspection before you commit.
How do I check the Volkswagen Passat for recalls?
Use our free recall checker by year, make and model, or decode a specific VIN for its exact recall status.
What should I check before buying a used Volkswagen Passat?
Run a VIN decode + recall check here, get a NMVTIS-backed title history report to catch salvage/flood brands, then have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle on a lift. Cross-reference the seller's mileage claim against the odometer history on record.
Where is the VIN located on a Volkswagen Passat?
The 17-character VIN is stamped in several places: visible through the windshield on the driver's-side dashboard, on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, and on the vehicle registration and insurance card. All should match, mismatched VINs are a fraud red flag.