VehicleVerdict

2019 Volkswagen Passat problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Passat — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

18

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Passat years?

Passat NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted1,026 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 50 complaints1991: 30 complaints1992: 60 complaints1993: 90 complaints1994: 36 complaints1995: 142 complaints1996: 185 complaints1997: 105 complaints1998: 476 complaints1999: 854 complaints2000: 625 complaints2001: 558 complaints2002: 772 complaints2003: 823 complaints2004: 348 complaints2005: 172 complaints2006: 779 complaints2007: 341 complaints2008: 240 complaints2009: 211 complaints2010: 226 complaints2011: 27 complaints2012: 660 complaints2013: 1,026 complaints2014: 785 complaints2015: 388 complaints2016: 179 complaints2017: 173 complaints2018: 65 complaints2019: 18 complaints2020: 24 complaints2021: 28 complaints2022: 19 complaints
Passat NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Passat years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Volkswagen Passat problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System422%
Brakes317%
Engine211%
Fuel System211%
Transmission211%
Visibility & Wipers16%
Driver Assistance16%
Other16%
Seats16%
Steering16%

Does the 2019 Volkswagen Passat have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V389000LightingMay 22, 2019 · 662,185 units

Defect

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. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE WAS SOLD WITH REMOTE START FEATURE. DEALER AND SALESMAN KNEW THE REMOTE START DID NOT WORK. THIS WAS A SELLING POINT ON THE CAR. THEY KEEP PUTTING OFF FIXING THE ISSUE WITH THE CAR.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 22, 2019

“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. If the brakes dont engage immediately then there is a potential for an accident if I need to brake at a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 7, 2025

“CAR HESITATES ERRATICALLY AND UNPREDICTABLY WHEN ACCELERATING MOST NOTICEABLY FROM A DEAD STOP, AND AT SLOW SPEEDS WHILE TURNING. ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP TO CROSS A STREET IN BUSY TRAFFIC THE CAR WILL JUST SIT UNRESPONSIVE FOR SECONDS AND BARELY ACCELERATE AND THEN UNPREDICTABLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 1, 2019

“VEHICLE WAS SOLD WITH REMOTE START FEATURE. DEALER AND SALESMAN KNEW THE REMOTE START DID NOT WORK. THIS WAS A SELLING POINT ON THE CAR. THEY KEEP PUTTING OFF FIXING THE ISSUE WITH THE CAR.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 22, 2019

“The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and then lost motive power. The contact pushed the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 1, 2022

2019 Volkswagen Passat — common questions

Is the 2019 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2019 Passat problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (4 complaints), brakes (3 complaints), fuel system (2 complaints).

Does the 2019 Volkswagen Passat have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 Volkswagen Passat. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volkswagen Passat years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Passat years to avoid are 2013, 1999, 2003, 2014, 2006, 2002, 2012, 2000, 2001, 1998, 2015, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011. The cleanest record among Passat years belongs to 1989.

How safe is the 2019 Volkswagen Passat?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Volkswagen Passat earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.