2013 Volkswagen Passat Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 1%of 749 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the equipment of the 2013 Volkswagen Passat, 1% of the 749 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 200 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.
“Backup camera is slow to start. May take from 5 to 20 seconds to become operational after start up. This is hazard with respect to reliance on backup cameras by drivers to see obstructions behind the car. Failure of camera to start up quickly results in reduced safety because drivers will back up without camera operational. I can start my car and back out of driveway and reach the corner of my block before the camera starts up and shows me the road disappearing behind me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10575997, filed 2014-03, 200 miles“Was turning in a parking lot and heard a loud cracking sound. The air bag light came on immediately and noticed the steering wheel controls and the horn were not working. Checked online and apparently issues were found on same model. It is a broken clock spring. Contacted dealer, they said to bring it in for diagnostics which would cost $120. I informed them of the broken part but they said they still would have to do the diagnostic. The clock spring itself would cost $485 if that was broken plus labor charges. Car has approximately 57250 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10715305, filed 2015-05, 57,250 miles“I purchased the vw Passat in december 2012. I noticed within the first week the slow response of the navigation but I thought maybe because of the cold weather. I live in michigan. When spring came around I still saw the slow response and it was agitating me. I put the car in reverse and back out of my drive way and the camera still doesn't come on till after. At the same time my seat was squeaking. I took it to the dealer and they said the seat is fine and they will ask about the navi unit. At one point the navi restarted while I was driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10512945, filed 2013-05“The infotainment screen and system have malfunctioned. The screen goes black and attempts to reboot repeatedly, never actually starting up. This prevents any access to the infotainment system and and use of the backup camera. Not only is this an inconvenience but a safety hazard as all cars are now required to have a backup camera. Upon further research, this is a common problem among many Volkswagen models and has cost Volkswagen customers thousands per incident/case.”
NHTSA complaint #11477301, filed 2022-08Related service bulletins
- 10247540Dec 13, 2023Diesel Fuel System and Repair
- 10245607Nov 22, 2023VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10243299Sep 28, 2023VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10242897Sep 7, 2023Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000VAS Charger. Update Tool terminology
- 10242894Sep 5, 2023Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
- 10241198Aug 3, 2023Helpline & Parts Dept. contact information.
- 10238307Jun 20, 2023Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards, updated to include model year 2024.
- 10238306Jun 20, 2023Engine Oil Consumption Measurement Instruction and Work sheet.
- 10238309Jun 15, 2023Noise Diagnostic for Manual Transmission vehicles.
- 10231587Feb 6, 2023This Document informs dealers on VWP-23-01
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 5% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 4 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 9 | 2% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 12 | 2% |
| 2002 | 17 | 3% |
| 2001 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 1% |
| 1999 | 8 | 1% |
| 1998 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 8% |
| 1995 | 4 | 4% |
| 1993 | 4 | 6% |
| 1991 | 1 | 4% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2013 Volkswagen Passat
382 complaintsEngine
105 complaintsElectrical system
93 complaintsFuel system
88 complaintsOther or unknown
77 complaintsExterior lighting
60 complaintsSteering
51 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsBody and structure
31 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsSuspension
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 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