2020 Volkswagen Passat
Only 18 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 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2020
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2020: 18 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 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine
4 of 18 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, 2024-04-19
Park assist not availble. Loss of engine power on left or right turn
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-22
Air bags
4 of 18 total reports mention: air bags.
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, 2023-05-19
Also filed under Seat belts
Forward collision avoidance
4 of 18 total reports mention: forward collision avoidance, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
Electrical system
3 of 18 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
The front information center which is responsible for the rear camera system is shutdown due to the radio / entire screen being dead without…
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-28
Also filed under Visibility/wiper
Wheels
2 of 18 total reports mention: wheels.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2019-04-24Air bags19V218000 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.
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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.
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2020-10-14Air bags20V533000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2020 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Forward collision avoidance: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 19V218000 · Air bags
- Recall 19V389000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 20V533000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
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 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Volkswagen Passat have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.