2010 Volkswagen Passat Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 41about this part
- Share
- 25%of 163 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,898miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 41 complaints about the engine of the 2010 Volkswagen Passat, 25% of the 163 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,898 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“108k miles. Got off of work and I went to start the vehicle. I started the vehicle the battery light started to flash and the check engine light came on and started flashing I just did a quick loop and put it right back into the parking spot that I was in. I took it into a shop they found that the starter was getting way too hot. They took the starter out and put in a new one and when they went to start the vehicle the engine seized”
NHTSA complaint #11394790, filed 2021-02, 108 miles“The timing chain failed immediately prior to shutting the car down. As I had turned the ignition off, I didn't notice the defect, but when I went to start the car in the morning, there was no compression. I had it towed to a local garage where they informed me that the engine would need replacement, not only due to the failed timing chain, but that damage to the valves had occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #11014851, filed 2017-08, 130,000 miles“While driving the vehicle looses power, I can stop shut it down and it runs fine for a period. The problem is unpredictable, I am afraid to drive the vehicle on on interstate highways, because a serious accident would occur.”
NHTSA complaint #11385499, filed 2020-12, 104,000 miles“I drove to school in the morning and parked my car stationary for 2 hours. Once I returned the vehicle it would not start. I towed car to dealership and turns out the timing chain had failed. I only have 100,399 miles on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11101283, filed 2018-06, 100,399 miles“Purchased the car at 62k engine timing chain went out at 72k I'm very frustrated they are not communicating with me on anything and nobody is helping.”
NHTSA complaint #11328576, filed 2020-06, 72,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Suggested fuel additive
- 11035762Jul 9, 2026Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034617Jun 4, 2026Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11030847Mar 27, 2026This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the…
- 11025437Oct 14, 2025G12Evo can now be mixed with previous coolants.
- 11025430Oct 14, 2025Engine misfire diagnostic aid.
- 11025436Oct 9, 2025How to measure engine oil consumption.
- 11025431Oct 6, 2025A list of suggested fuel stations
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 23% |
| 2021 | 3 | 15% |
| 2020 | 4 | 22% |
| 2019 | 2 | 17% |
| 2018 | 11 | 24% |
| 2017 | 7 | 6% |
| 2016 | 17 | 16% |
| 2015 | 53 | 22% |
| 2014 | 77 | 13% |
| 2013 | 105 | 14% |
| 2012 | 40 | 8% |
| 2011 | 6 | 38% |
| 2010 | 41 | 25% |
| 2009 | 60 | 41% |
| 2008 | 43 | 26% |
| 2007 | 28 | 11% |
| 2006 | 64 | 11% |
| 2005 | 12 | 8% |
| 2004 | 18 | 6% |
| 2003 | 23 | 4% |
| 2002 | 13 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 0% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2010 Volkswagen Passat
45 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
34 complaintsFuel system
33 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology