2018 Volkswagen Passat recalls and problems
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat has 4 safety recalls and 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2018 Volkswagen Passat recalls
Recall 20V-561: Unknown or Other
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Risk: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.
Recall 19V-389: Exterior Lighting
Problem: 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."
Risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 18V-536: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
Risk: The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary, free of charge. For Passat vehicles, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for proper connection, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46H6.
Recall 18V-369: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
2018 Volkswagen Passat problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 12 | |
| Engine | 11 | |
| Electrical System | 11 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | |
| Air Bags | 5 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | |
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 3 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Suspension | 2 | |
| Wheels | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1
- Electrical System › Ignition › Interlock/Lockout — 1
- Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette — 1
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
- Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
- Structure › Body — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 35,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2018 Volkswagen Passat complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Volkswagen Passat years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2018 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat: 20V-561 (unknown or other), 19V-389 (exterior lighting), 18V-536 (service brakes, hydraulic), 18V-369 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Volkswagen Passat?
Owners report service brakes problems most often (12 reports), followed by engine (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 35,000 miles.
Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.