2019 Volkswagen Passat
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2019
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2019: 12 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 | 749 |
| 2014 | 594 |
| 2015 | 243 |
| 2016 | 106 |
| 2017 | 110 |
| 2018 | 46 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2022 | 13 |
Known problem areas
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
4 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Speedometer reads 2 MPH lower than actual speed at 70 MPH as measured by radar instruments on road and my gps which reads the same as the radar. I also am drinking a loaner vehicle of the same make and model and reads 1 MPH slower at 70 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-29
Service brakes
3 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
Brake issues that consist of brakes not engaging immediately as I press the brake pedal. Brake pedal also doesn't return as fast as my foot lets off of it. It could be inspected upon request.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-03-16
Normal heel toe relationship between gas pedal and brake impossible. While driving, I went to step on brake. Position of pedal way ahead of gas pedal. Result I was pushing down on fire wall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-16
Power train
2 of 12 total reports mention: power train.
Engine
2 of 12 total reports mention: engine.
Visibility/wiper
1 of 12 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
Windshield began cracking in the middle from passenger side toward driver side. No rock or other debris hit windshield. It is a continuous crack that is a fine link crack that continues to spread.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-12
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2019 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 19V389000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2019 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Volkswagen Passat?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2019 Volkswagen Passat have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.