VehicleVerdict

2015 Volkswagen Passat engine problems

The 2015 Volkswagen Passat has 55 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 14% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

55

Engine complaints

14%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Passat engine complaints by model year156 complaints1990: 13 complaints1991: 6 complaints1992: 18 complaints1993: 20 complaints1994: 10 complaints1995: 21 complaints1996: 12 complaints1997: 14 complaints1998: 46 complaints1999: 92 complaints2000: 109 complaints2001: 100 complaints2002: 150 complaints2003: 156 complaints2004: 80 complaints2005: 63 complaints2006: 131 complaints2007: 60 complaints2008: 53 complaints2009: 64 complaints2010: 41 complaints2011: 6 complaints2012: 44 complaints2013: 109 complaints2014: 81 complaints2015: 55 complaints2016: 19 complaints2017: 7 complaints2018: 11 complaints2019: 2 complaints2020: 5 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 3 complaints
Passat engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

15V705000EngineOctober 26, 2015 · 91,867 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.

Consequence

If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.

What owners report

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO REPOND. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS USED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 19, 2016 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2015 Volkswagen Passat have?

NHTSA has 55 complaints about the 2015 Volkswagen Passat engine — 14% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2015 Volkswagen Passat engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 15V705000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.