2014 Volkswagen Passat Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 74about this part
- Share
- 12%of 594 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 74 complaints about the electrical system of the 2014 Volkswagen Passat, 12% of the 594 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, 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.
“Stopped at intersection at green light idling when I went to put on the gas the car stalled. Restarted the car and would not work. Stuck in middle of the road with potential of causing other accidents. Vw said the problem was due to an update and after an update was done that I had to pay out of pocket for the car was fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10950222, filed 2017-02, 39,000 miles“Was entering the 241 toll road at portola rd. In lake forest. Have just come to speed the car completely shut off. The engine and all electronic came to an instant stop. I was able in this case to roll to the shoulder, however, had this happened in another place at another time I could have been killed. It was bad enough at it was. This should never happen.”
NHTSA complaint #10615846, filed 2014-07, 7,725 miles“I was driving about 40mph when a car tried to merge into my lane. I tried to blow the horn and the horn failed to work. This has happened several times but not at a point where I have been this close to being crashed into. When this happens, the change track and volume buttons do not work, as well as the hands free calling button. It's like the whole steering wheel goes dead.”
NHTSA complaint #10578811, filed 2014-04, 6,565 miles“I have had several problems with the tsi sel navigation and radio system in my car. It seems as though you cannot touch any buttons until this system is fully up and running. It is extremely slow at start up. Most of the time I can finish my backing out of the driveway even before the back up camera comes on. On a few occasions I have started the vehicle and the radio will suddenly go to full volume. I have had the navigation system lock up on me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10853466, filed 2016-04, 36,000 miles“The problem I'm having with my 2014 Passat is that one day out the blue my airbag light came on. I parked and turn of the car thinking that would solve the problem. When I started my car back up, the airbag is still on and now the horn and also the buttons on the steering wheel isn't working anymore. I have not hit anything or had any accidents period. I see many complaints from vw owners about the same issue....but I don't see any recalls about this problem. This is a big issue for me because I live in illinois and my car horn doesn't work.”
NHTSA complaint #11277718, filed 2019-11, 58,000 milesRelated recalls
- 16V171000Mar 24, 2016Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly…Covers: Volkswagen Passat 2012–2014
Related service bulletins
- 11035772Jul 15, 2026This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the…
- 11030829Mar 6, 2026This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct…
- 11028490Jan 6, 2026This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct a…
- 11007398Aug 28, 2024Battery testing
- 10249136Jan 11, 2024Addressing Cybersecurity or Vehicle Hack concerns
- 10241183Aug 3, 2023Installation of accessory alarm added instead of referring out to another website.
- 10239654Jul 13, 2023Diagnostic assistance for excessive static current draw
- 10238400Jun 30, 2023This communication is a notice for software changes with the ODIS program for specific cars.
- 10239655Jun 28, 2023Battery Testing and Charging using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000 Vas Charger
- 10238308Jun 28, 2023Battery Testing and Charging using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000 Vas Charger
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 2014 Volkswagen Passat
354 complaintsEngine
77 complaintsOther or unknown
59 complaintsFuel system
50 complaintsSteering
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
37 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2014 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