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 51% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Volkswagen Passat have?

9 recalls on file for this model year.

2013 Volkswagen Passat

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2013 Volkswagen Passat
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 748
Recalls: 9
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2013: 748 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1988	0
1989	0
1990	34
1991	24
1992	40
1993	68
1994	25
1995	94
1996	142
1997	70
1998	331
1999	664
2000	507
2001	430
2002	636
2003	629
2004	279
2005	148
2006	576
2007	262
2008	168
2009	146
2010	163
2011	16
2012	484
2013	748
2014	594
2015	243
2016	106
2017	110
2018	46
2019	12
2020	18
2021	18
2022	13

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

51% · 382 reports

Most commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette.

CRASHINJURY

Show 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, 2020-03-09

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, 2013-07-09

Also filed under Steering

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, 2013-02-13

Engine

14% · 104 reports

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Show 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, 2019-08-17

Also filed under Structure

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, 2023-09-17

Electrical system

13% · 95 reports

Most commonly citing horn and alternator/generator/regulator.

CRASHFIREDEATH

Fuel/propulsion system

9% · 65 reports

CRASHFIREDEATH

Exterior lighting

8% · 60 reports

Most commonly citing turn signal and headlights.

CRASH

Safety timeline

9 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2013Complaint volume 748 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2014-05-13Exterior lighting14V125000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2015-03-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-09-28 Air Bag Clockspring Failure
R

2016-01-15Air bags15V483000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-09-15Electrical system16V171000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-03-10Air bags16V078000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-07-07Engine and engine cooling, power train17V309000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2017-11-13Recall queryClosed 2018-05-04 Air Bag Clockspring Failure
R

2018-03-16Air bags18V148000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2018-04-18Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Clockspring Failure
R

2019-07-16Exterior lighting19V389000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-12-20Air bags19V862000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-12-04Air bags24V834000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 382 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 104 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 95 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 14V125000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 15V483000 · Air bags
Recall 16V171000 · Electrical system
Recall 16V078000 · Air bags
Recall 17V309000 · Engine and engine cooling, power train
Recall 18V148000 · Air bags
Recall 19V389000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 19V862000 · Air bags
Recall 24V834000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 51% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Volkswagen Passat have?: 9 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.