2013 Volkswagen Passat
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 34 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 39 |
| 1993 | 68 |
| 1994 | 25 |
| 1995 | 93 |
| 1996 | 40 |
| 1997 | 37 |
| 1998 | 331 |
| 1999 | 664 |
| 2000 | 507 |
| 2001 | 430 |
| 2002 | 636 |
| 2003 | 628 |
| 2004 | 279 |
| 2005 | 148 |
| 2006 | 576 |
| 2007 | 262 |
| 2008 | 168 |
| 2009 | 146 |
| 2010 | 163 |
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2012 | 481 |
| 2013 | 747 |
| 2014 | 592 |
| 2015 | 242 |
| 2016 | 106 |
| 2017 | 107 |
| 2018 | 45 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
50% of complaints: air bags — 371 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
PASSAT WAS TRAVELING SOUTH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN, TURNED NORTH INTO THE SOUTHBOUND LANE, AND HIT PASSAT ON PASSENGERS SIDE FRONT CAUSING CAR TO SPIN AND COME TO A STOP WHEN IT HIT FRONT CENTER INTO A LIGHT POLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200309
CAR OWNER WAS DRIVING AT APPROX. 60MPH REACHED ACROSS THE SEAT THE CAR SWERVED SHE OVER CORRECTED TWICE DUE TO VERY "TOUCHY" STEERING. THE CAR THEN CAREENED ACROSS FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC, AND DOWN A 30FT EMBANKMENT BOUNCING OFF SEVERAL TREES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130709
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CRASH FORCED THE VEHICLE INTO A CONCRETE WALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130213
14% of complaints: engine — 104 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
TAKATA INFLATORS I GOT INTO A VEHICLE COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AND SUFFERED A CONCUSSION DUE TO MY AIRBAGS FAILING TO DEPLOY IN MY VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190817
The timing belt are known to go out on the Volkswagen CC even though Volkswagen says they should last the entire life of the engine. Also the camshaft, cam bridge, and spool valve will need replacing when it goes out.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230917
12% of complaints: electrical system — 92 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE DEATH9% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 65 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE DEATH8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 58 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Passat vehicles manufactured January 2011 through November 2012. In the affected vehicles, the low beam headlight bulb may become loose and lose electrical contact.
Remedy: Volkswagen notified owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holder, free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagens recall number associated with this campaign is 94G8/7V.
Campaign 14V125000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off.
Campaign 15V483000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines.
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.
Campaign 16V171000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available.
Campaign 16V078000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Passat vehicles, equipped with diesel engines and Direct-Shift Transmissions (DSG).
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft heat shield, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23W5.
Campaign 17V309000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 18V148000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
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.
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.
Campaign 19V389000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019.
Campaign 19V862000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 24V834000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (371 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (104 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (92 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V125000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V483000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V171000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V078000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V309000 (engine and engine cooling, power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V148000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V389000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V862000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V834000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Volkswagen Passat is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Volkswagen Passat have?
9 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.