2011 Volkswagen Passat Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 25%of 16 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Volkswagen Passat, 25% of the 16 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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 am not able to open my trunk via fob, switch on the door nor remote. I have read this seems to be a common occurrence after rear light failures. My rear lights, headlights, and turning lights have all been replaced multiple times within the last few years. I went into the grocery store and when I attempted to open the trunk it wouldn't open. I have repeatedly tried again to no avail.”
NHTSA complaint #11301283, filed 2020-01, 116,000 miles“Vehicle missing engine cradle after being repaired at a certified dealer. Vehicle missing subframe screw after being repaired at certified Volkswagen deslership(stone mountain vw and marietta vw) both locations in georgia. Vehicle was driven with defect without my knowledge. Vehicle has multiple settlements. Dealership in jacksonville, florida: o'steen vw, was caught shredding records. Company refused to provide vehicle VIN history. Vehicle is located at o'steen vw, without repair. Car has been sitting over 30 days and I have been stranded. Please I”
NHTSA complaint #11316670, filed 2020-03, 11 miles“Water pump defect causes timing chain malfunctioning as vehicle may stall while driving. Vehicle may overheat as water failure causes antifreeze to leak and cause overheating to fire hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #11364544, filed 2020-10, 203,000 miles“The rcd-510 premium 8 radio with bluetooth cell phone connectivity completely failed in my 2011 jetta sportwagon tdi manufactures in 2010 at about 3 1/2 years and 77k miles. Radio was fine one day and black screen with no function at all the next including the bluetooth and hands free calling capabilities which are built into the radio. This failiure results in any use of a phone while driving requiring the use of hands, which is dangerous as well as illegal in many states throughout the us. …”
NHTSA complaint #10643842, filed 2014-10, 77,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10238400Jun 30, 2023This communication is a notice for software changes with the ODIS program for specific cars.
- 10238301Jun 27, 2023Software Version Management (SVM) instruction.
- 10228178Dec 6, 2022Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
- 10207834Feb 7, 2022"Instructional document regarding the installation of a hotfix for the ODIS service software. Hotfix is to be used during the following actions: Brake Electronics (ABS) A3 Passat…
- 10204722Dec 15, 2021This bulletin contains general instructions for software updates.
- 10174571Apr 30, 2020Voltage Drop Testing. Updated for picture clarity.
- 10169140Dec 2, 2019This document outlines updates to the ODIS diagnostic software. Updates include corrected diagnostic test plans for the stated vehicles.
- 10164255Aug 15, 2019This document outlines updates to the software used to perform vehicle diagnostics
- 10163508Jul 26, 2019Vehicle Fuse location assistance.
- 10163370Jul 24, 2019Document detailing changes and fixes to ODIS Service Diagnostic software.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 23% |
| 2021 | 4 | 20% |
| 2020 | 3 | 17% |
| 2019 | 4 | 33% |
| 2018 | 10 | 22% |
| 2017 | 18 | 16% |
| 2016 | 22 | 21% |
| 2015 | 48 | 20% |
| 2014 | 74 | 12% |
| 2013 | 93 | 12% |
| 2012 | 95 | 20% |
| 2011 | 4 | 25% |
| 2010 | 21 | 13% |
| 2009 | 18 | 12% |
| 2008 | 21 | 13% |
| 2007 | 34 | 13% |
| 2006 | 79 | 14% |
| 2005 | 9 | 6% |
| 2004 | 23 | 8% |
| 2003 | 90 | 14% |
| 2002 | 220 | 35% |
| 2001 | 73 | 17% |
| 2000 | 43 | 8% |
| 1999 | 58 | 9% |
| 1998 | 28 | 8% |
| 1997 | 13 | 35% |
| 1996 | 14 | 35% |
| 1995 | 15 | 16% |
| 1994 | 5 | 20% |
| 1993 | 14 | 21% |
| 1992 | 3 | 8% |
| 1991 | 2 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2011 Volkswagen Passat
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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