2010 Volkswagen Passat Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 163 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,899miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2010 Volkswagen Passat, 2% of the 163 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,899 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have been having electrical issues with this car after owning it for 4 years. It started with the tail light bulb always burning out. I have had issues with the windows before and had it replaced. Last year I paid almost $2200 for window which won't roll down and the door which won't lock, water pump, oil leak and other minor issues. The keypad will lock 3 doors only and the lights won't come on when locked but when unlocked it'll come on. I have purchased 3 batteries thus far because the car constantly drains the battery. …”
NHTSA complaint #10920020, filed 2016-10, 61,899 miles“As the trunk hatch opens and closes, the wiring to the hatch wears down, frays, and then shorts or breaks. This killed our rear view camera, which is a safety issue. This also can cut off light to the license plate. The rear hatch also cannot then be opened from the rear of the car, as the handle is electrical and gets disconnected, possible causing another safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11535909, filed 2023-08“The daytime running lights (drl) as implemented on the 2010 Volkswagen Passat wagon are a safety hazard. The only lights that light up are the headlights, not the rear, front, to side running lights. A driver can easily start driving at night without any rear or side lights on. The drl headlights on, gives the driver the false impression that their lights are on. When in fact, only the headlights are on.”
NHTSA complaint #10360607, filed 2010-10Related service bulletins
- 10210225Apr 7, 2022Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation. Update model year applicability to include 2022.
- 10188562Mar 2, 2021Exterior lighting moisture in lens updated to exclude LED lighting.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 10% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 5 | 5% |
| 2015 | 6 | 2% |
| 2014 | 10 | 2% |
| 2013 | 60 | 8% |
| 2012 | 17 | 4% |
| 2011 | 1 | 6% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% |
| 2006 | 12 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 16 | 6% |
| 2003 | 39 | 6% |
| 2002 | 32 | 5% |
| 2001 | 30 | 7% |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% |
| 1999 | 15 | 2% |
| 1998 | 4 | 1% |
| 1997 | 2 | 5% |
| 1996 | 3 | 8% |
| 1995 | 5 | 5% |
| 1993 | 4 | 6% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2010 Volkswagen Passat
45 complaintsEngine
41 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
34 complaintsFuel system
33 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsBrakes
5 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 31, 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