2014 Volkswagen Passat Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 6%of 594 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,550miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2014 Volkswagen Passat, 6% of the 594 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,550 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving the car the epc light came on. I took the vehicle to the dealership where they determined the oil level was so low that no oil was showing on the dip stick. Dealership added 3.8 quarts its and noted they suspect based on my history of timely oil changes that the engine is consuming oil. The low oil indicator light never came on. The car is still consuming oil and no indicator light is coming on.”
NHTSA complaint #11377358, filed 2020-12, 119,000 miles“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“2014 vw Passat tdi se 2.0l manual my vehicle has 62,583 mi. On it. I was driving on the highway when the diesel glow plug light began flashing on the dashboard and I lost all engine power. I was fortunate to be able to reach the roadside safely and I was able to bring the car to a halt on the roadside. Trying to start the vehicle however was not possible, the glow plug light continued to flash and the vehicle would not start. …”
NHTSA complaint #11015049, filed 2017-08, 62,583 miles“Transmission fluid cooler leakage dripping fluid where it might contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire. Allegedly according to vw this is not supposed to happen in vehicles with my VIN, but my mechanic says it is happening.”
NHTSA complaint #11089922, filed 2018-04, 109,900 miles“Regarding recall NHTSA bulletin 14v182000 - my 2014 vw Passat is experiencing the same issues outlined in the bulletin outline above however, it appears my VIN does not correspond with the manufactures recall. I have a o-ring that is faulty and has created a leak between the oil cooler and transmission. Based on the recall it could result in a vehicle fire. I believe the issue regarding the seal is expanded beyond the manufactures criteria and should be expanded to cover all 2014 vw Passat. Please note this was leak was identified by the independent service station. …”
NHTSA complaint #11093683, filed 2018-05, 90,000 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
- 14V182000Apr 15, 2014Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T…Covers: Volkswagen Passat 2014, Jetta 2014, Beetle 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 2014 Volkswagen Passat
354 complaintsEngine
77 complaintsElectrical system
74 complaintsOther or unknown
59 complaintsFuel system
50 complaintsSteering
44 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 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