2012 Volkswagen Passat Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 6%of 484 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 6% of the 484 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car has 59900 miles, key gets stuck in ignition when turning off the engine, I can not turn off my car now. I searched online, this is a common issue to vw cars, many vw owners complain the key is stuck in ignition and can not turn off engine, they had to bring the car to dealer to replace ignition switch.”
NHTSA complaint #11119761, filed 2018-08, 59,900 miles“My 13 Passat se 2.5 started having an issue with the rear passenger door lock about three weeks ago. The normal operation of the locks is that when the vehicle hits 10mph the door will automatically lock. After this has happened and I come to a stop light or slow down below 10mph and then speed up again, the rear passenger lock tries to lock itself again.”
NHTSA complaint #10872325, filed 2016-06, 43,000 miles“First the glow plugs were bad. Within the same year I had an issue with diesel particulates and now the adblue heating element!!! All issues occurred while the car was in motion, literally felt my life was in jeopardy. However after having to come out the pocket with now thousands of dollars I feel like the company is raping me!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10908831, filed 2016-09, 65,000 miles“When backing out of my driveway, I heard a loud pop come from the steering wheel column. Immediately following, an alarm came up for airbag error . Also, all other functionality on my steering wheel was disabled, including the bluetooth access, radio buttons, etc. I contacted my vw dealership (boucher vw in racine, wi) and they stated that the issue was the airbag clock spring and that the air bag is not functional if this alarm is active. …”
NHTSA complaint #11062344, filed 2018-01, 88,000 miles“My car caught on fire while I was driving and almost killed me and my daughter. The fire department came and put it out but it is a total loss. I think it could well be the starter as many 2011 build vw passats were affected.”
NHTSA complaint #11208500, filed 2019-05, 121,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11038143Sep 9, 2026This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036868Aug 6, 2026Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
- 11036870Aug 4, 2026Differences between a leak and seepage
- 11030841Mar 25, 2026Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
- 11030838Mar 19, 2026Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors
- 11030828Mar 5, 2026Paint color and/or finish of the engine compartment may not match the exterior paint color
- 11026185Nov 17, 2025Replace Door Lock and Cap.
- 11025442Oct 6, 2025GFF Requirements regardless of concern plus System flush requirement
- 11018938May 12, 2025How to check for HVAC system leaks using nitrogen.
- 11012464Dec 4, 2024Diesel Models only. Repurchase Prior to Repairs
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 5% |
| 2020 | 4 | 22% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2018 | 3 | 7% |
| 2017 | 22 | 20% |
| 2016 | 13 | 12% |
| 2015 | 40 | 16% |
| 2014 | 59 | 10% |
| 2013 | 77 | 10% |
| 2012 | 31 | 6% |
| 2011 | 2 | 13% |
| 2010 | 13 | 8% |
| 2009 | 9 | 6% |
| 2008 | 13 | 8% |
| 2007 | 9 | 3% |
| 2006 | 13 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 5% |
| 2004 | 9 | 3% |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% |
| 2002 | 18 | 3% |
| 2001 | 9 | 2% |
| 2000 | 12 | 2% |
| 1999 | 11 | 2% |
| 1998 | 5 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 5% |
| 1996 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat
296 complaintsElectrical system
95 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsSteering
46 complaintsEngine
40 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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