2012 Volkswagen Passat Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 4%of 484 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the body and structure of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 4% of the 484 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 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 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“The passenger side front door latch fails while I'm driving the car. The door has opened on its own numerous times as I am driving the car at speed. The latch fails at rest while the car is on or off, and as the car is moving down the road. The door quite literally flies open while the car is in motion and will not latch unless the car is shut off and restarted several times.”
NHTSA complaint #10821611, filed 2016-01, 35,000 miles“I live in the northeast us where it tends to get colder than 0 degrees celsius constantly during winter. Everytime it is below freezing my driver side door latch gets stuck. This is definitely a known problem for vw passats, but vw response to fixing it is completely unacceptable. I reported the problem to the dealership prior to december 16th and explained that I normally warm up the car for over 20 minutes(while I walk my dog). …”
NHTSA complaint #10560918, filed 2014-01, 8,000 miles“I was in a car accident. I was not at fault, but I was t-boned with almost over $11,000 in damage. The case was settled but the vehicle is still not in good shape. The air bags did not go off in the accident and I just received a recall for a steering wheel electronic clock issue that could prevent the air bags from going off. I accrued over $7,000 in medical bills, and I owe over $15,000 on the vehicle. I am not sure what to do because I feel I am driving a vehicle that isn't safe”
NHTSA complaint #10825639, filed 2016-02, 45,000 miles“Every time it is cold outside my door latch stops functioning so I cant open it from the outside or inside. I sprayed lubricant in it which helps sometimes but I think a new car shouldn't have a issue like that. Also when I can get it open sometimes it wont close. The issue is the actual latch which of course isn't covered. Pretty embarrassing climbing through a passenger door to get in the driver seat . What happens if im in a wreck and my door wont open? Will I own a part of Volkswagen?”
NHTSA complaint #10559530, filed 2014-01, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11033526May 19, 2026This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11010024Oct 30, 2024Lack of paint under roof
- 11008846Sep 12, 2024Wind & Water Leak Checking
- 10232117Feb 20, 2023Strut or Shock leak assessment.
- 10220342Sep 6, 2022update to required vehicle wash shampoo.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 6% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% |
| 2016 | 4 | 4% |
| 2015 | 5 | 2% |
| 2014 | 12 | 2% |
| 2013 | 31 | 4% |
| 2012 | 17 | 4% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 10 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 16 | 6% |
| 2003 | 29 | 5% |
| 2002 | 30 | 5% |
| 2001 | 23 | 5% |
| 2000 | 10 | 2% |
| 1999 | 11 | 2% |
| 1998 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 8% |
| 1996 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 6 | 6% |
| 1994 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat
296 complaintsElectrical system
95 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsSteering
46 complaintsEngine
40 complaintsOther or unknown
31 complaintsExterior lighting
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 28, 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