2016 Volkswagen Passat
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
21% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Steering column makes noises when turning. Airbag Light is on and the none of the steering wheel controls for the radio, phone etc are functioning properly.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231002
21% of complaints: air bags — 22 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TAKATA RECALL- NOT SURE IF IT IS BUT MY CAR HAS ISSUE ON THE STEERING. ALSO MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND ALONG WITH THAT MY HORN IS DISABLED. NOT SURE IF ITS UNDER RECALL BUT HOW DO I GET THOSE REPAIR
NHTSA ODI report, 20180704
18% of complaints: steering — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TAKATA RECALL- NOT SURE IF IT IS BUT MY CAR HAS ISSUE ON THE STEERING. ALSO MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND ALONG WITH THAT MY HORN IS DISABLED. NOT SURE IF ITS UNDER RECALL BUT HOW DO I GET THOSE REPAIR
NHTSA ODI report, 20180704
16% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while parked, the horn, cruise control, and the radio became inoperable. The message âair bag not availableâ, check clockspring, and check oil messages were displayed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230921
14% of complaints: service brakes — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TAKATA RECALL- NOT SURE IF IT IS BUT MY CAR HAS ISSUE ON THE STEERING. ALSO MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND ALONG WITH THAT MY HORN IS DISABLED. NOT SURE IF ITS UNDER RECALL BUT HOW DO I GET THOSE REPAIR
NHTSA ODI report, 20180704
SAFETY TIMELINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles.
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.
Campaign 15V705000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 16V403000 — check if this car was fixed
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 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.
Campaign 20V561000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.
Campaign 21V321000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V705000 (engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V403000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V389000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V561000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V321000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Volkswagen Passat is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Passat?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Passat have?
5 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.