2013 Volkswagen Passat Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 4%of 749 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,400miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Volkswagen Passat, 4% of the 749 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,400 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have the turbo diesel version. I was driving on hwy 695 in baltimore, maryland during rush hour (0800ish) when I began to accelerate only to lose power. The car had just enough power to get me off the road and become stranded on the side of this major highway for 80+ minutes. Dealership reported failed turbo. This was not a pleasant experience and one that I hope others do not have to experience.”
NHTSA complaint #10565213, filed 2014-02, 22,000 miles“When I operate my car and shift into 3rd gear I feel a noticeable stutter, this occurs at around 1200 RPM. I am afraid that it is linked to the numerous turbo failures that are occurring with the 2012 and 2013 tdi passats. Other people have noted complete loss of power followed by a turbo failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10572875, filed 2014-03, 25,400 miles“2013 Passat tdi diesel lost power while driving is down a city street. Once I pulled off the road engine light and service now light were on. A catastrophic failure occurred in the high pressure fuel pump . Thus occurred in euless texas. Vw will not cover my indecent under a warranty extension. They will cover 2012 models my car was manufactured before july 2012 but has a 2013 listing. As of 12/17 no repair scheduled due to $6,000 cost.”
NHTSA complaint #10811032, filed 2015-12, 113,000 miles“I was driving in the right lane of I-84 shifting from 5th to 6th when the clutch pedal stayed on the floor and the car slowly came to a stop with no sudden jerking motion. The brake pedal was not involved nor did it stay on the floor as the clutch did.”
NHTSA complaint #10608238, filed 2014-07, 19,000 miles“Total failure of transmission on a nearly new car. Fortunately occurred as I was parking at a destination and not on highway. Vw replaced the entire transmission while we were out of the country but never told me what or why it failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10552604, filed 2013-11, 8,151 milesRelated recalls
- 17V309000May 11, 2017Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Passat vehicles, equipped with diesel engines and Direct-Shift Transmissions…Covers: Volkswagen Passat 2012–2014
Related service bulletins
- 11025440Oct 14, 2025Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids.
- 11025439Oct 9, 2025Diagnosing Manual Transmission Noise
- 11008861Sep 17, 2024Fluid requirements
- 11008851Sep 17, 2024Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008860Sep 11, 2024Manual transmission noise diagnosing
- 10238310Jun 21, 2023Automatic Transmission Fluid Requirements
- 10238309Jun 15, 2023Noise Diagnostic for Manual Transmission vehicles.
- 10218953Aug 25, 2022Manual transmission noise diagnostic assistance
- 10214473Jun 14, 2022Auto Trans fluid requirements.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 15% |
| 2019 | 2 | 17% |
| 2018 | 3 | 7% |
| 2017 | 5 | 5% |
| 2016 | 5 | 5% |
| 2015 | 12 | 5% |
| 2014 | 37 | 6% |
| 2013 | 33 | 4% |
| 2012 | 15 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 6% |
| 2010 | 34 | 21% |
| 2009 | 10 | 7% |
| 2008 | 12 | 7% |
| 2007 | 13 | 5% |
| 2006 | 47 | 8% |
| 2005 | 13 | 9% |
| 2004 | 38 | 14% |
| 2003 | 35 | 6% |
| 2002 | 25 | 4% |
| 2001 | 34 | 8% |
| 2000 | 19 | 4% |
| 1999 | 29 | 4% |
| 1998 | 16 | 5% |
| 1996 | 2 | 5% |
| 1995 | 10 | 11% |
| 1994 | 4 | 16% |
| 1993 | 4 | 6% |
| 1992 | 7 | 18% |
| 1991 | 2 | 8% |
| 1990 | 8 | 24% |
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 complaintsBody and structure
31 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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