2017 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
25% of complaints: air bags — 27 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND IN STOPPED TRAFFIC AND PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A TWO-WAY ROAD WHEN HIT. THE DRIVER AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AND THE COLLISION INSPECTOR TOLD ME THAT MY SEAT BELT DIDN'T EITHER!
NHTSA ODI report, 20180413
16% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: steering — 16 distinct reports on file.
14% of complaints: service brakes — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Passat vehicles. Brake fluid may leak slowly from the some of the brake line connections, resulting in a low brake fluid level.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake lines, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 17V075000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge.
Campaign 18V536000 — 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.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7.
Campaign 19V679000 — 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
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
2017 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V075000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V536000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V389000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V679000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V561000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V321000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V834000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Volkswagen Passat is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Volkswagen Passat?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Volkswagen Passat have?
7 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.