2018 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
27% of complaints: service brakes — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I AM AT THE BURGER KING DRIVE THRU JAN 23, 2021, THERE ARE A FEW CARS AHEAD OF ME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210126
24% of complaints: engine — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY FATHER WAS HEADING HOME WHEN HE STOPPED THE HILL DOWN FROM HIS HOUSE. UPON TRYING TO ACCELERATE HE NOTICED THE VEHICLE DID NOT WANT TO GO. THE ENGINE HAD STALLED/HESITATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190201
First/only owner of a 2018 VW Passat GP r-line, scheduled maintenance intervals followed religiously and performed by VW; only filled with top tier fuel (mid/premium), no prev.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230920
18% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
First/only owner of a 2018 VW Passat GP r-line, scheduled maintenance intervals followed religiously and performed by VW; only filled with top tier fuel (mid/premium), no prev.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230920
9% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Collision around 45 to 50 mph. Airbags frontal and side airbags didnt deployed Two vehicles invaded my lane and I ran into the second vehicle .
NHTSA ODI report, 20240106
SAFETY TIMELINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked.
Campaign 18V369000 — 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. (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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V369000 (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 20V561000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Volkswagen Passat is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Volkswagen Passat?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Volkswagen Passat have?
4 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.