MYRModel Year Report

2020 Volkswagen Passat

○ Not enough data
2020 Volkswagen Passat
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:04:50.598Z

Only 15 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 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Volkswagen Passat Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2020 highlighted. 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 34 complaints 1991: 24 complaints 1992: 39 complaints 1993: 68 complaints 1993 1994: 25 complaints 1995: 93 complaints 1996: 40 complaints 1997: 37 complaints 1998: 331 complaints 1998 1999: 664 complaints 2000: 507 complaints 2001: 430 complaints 2002: 636 complaints 2003: 628 complaints 2003 2004: 279 complaints 2005: 148 complaints 2006: 576 complaints 2007: 262 complaints 2008: 168 complaints 2008 2009: 146 complaints 2010: 163 complaints 2011: 16 complaints 2012: 481 complaints 2013: 747 complaints 2013 2014: 592 complaints 2015: 242 complaints 2016: 106 complaints 2017: 107 complaints 2018: 45 complaints 2018 2019: 12 complaints 2020: 15 complaints 2020 2021: 18 complaints 2022: 11 complaints 2022
2020: 15 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19880
19890
199034
199124
199239
199368
199425
199593
199640
199737
1998331
1999664
2000507
2001430
2002636
2003628
2004279
2005148
2006576
2007262
2008168
2009146
2010163
201116
2012481
2013747
2014592
2015242
2016106
2017107
201845
201912
202015
202118
202211

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE

4 of 15 total reports mention: engine.

Show complaint excerpts

Bought car from dealer. Vw Manhattan. 42000miles. 8 months later at 53000 miles. Engine problems. Went to Vw service. Head gasket. Lemon car. Warranty till 50000 miles. Cost? 4800$ Worse car possible.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240419

PARK ASSIST NOT AVAILBLE. LOSS OF ENGINE POWER ON LEFT OR RIGHT TURN

NHTSA ODI report, 20200922

AIR BAGS

4 of 15 total reports mention: air bags.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

HELLO MY DOUGHTER HAD A ACCIDENT CAR WAS TOTAL LOSS AND AIR BAGS DID NOT POP UP AND SEAT BELT WAS NOT TIGHT ENOUGH

NHTSA ODI report, 20230519

STEERING

2 of 15 total reports mention: steering.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 of 15 total reports mention: forward collision avoidance.

WHEELS

1 of 15 total reports mentions: wheels.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20190424 — air bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.

Remedy: Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.

Campaign 19V218000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190716 — exterior lighting

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

R 20201014 — air bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Passat vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289.

Campaign 20V533000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2020 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 19V218000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V389000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V533000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1990 ▲ 1997 ▲ 1992

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 1999 ■ 2003

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2020 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 2020 Volkswagen Passat?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2020 Volkswagen Passat have?

3 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.