2015 Volkswagen Passat Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 5%of 243 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the visibility of the 2015 Volkswagen Passat, 5% of the 243 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,000 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.
“I had recently scanned my vehicle with a diagnostic scanner because my window washers were not spraying to clear the windshield when manually activated by the stalk. The code shows a short in the circuit somewhere between the stalk and the washer pump. I tried replacing the pump but same outcome no washer fluid would dispense this is a very big inconvenience mostly because where I live most commutes are part highway and part sideroads/ dirt roads, so things start to get dirty and visibility is dramatically reduced. …”
NHTSA complaint #11343758, filed 2020-08, 98,000 miles“I was driving down I-20 towards shreveport and all of the sudden, my sunroof glass spontaneously shattered. There were no cars in front of me so sling and rocks or projectiles.”
NHTSA complaint #10712027, filed 2015-04, 16,363 miles“The heater core becomes clogged and limits heat available for defrosting the windshield. The heat available is insufficient to defrost and maintain visibility while driving under adverse conditions. The cabin also becomes uncomfortable because of limited heat during cold weather operation. Volkwagen issued TSB VWP-16-05 for this issue for this model for the model year prior to my car. I had this issue repaired in December 2024. The same problem and symptoms have returned in December 2025.”
NHTSA complaint #11703917, filed 2025-12“I have a 2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI that I purchased in 2018. The car has no heat and needs a second heater core replacement, currently with 85,565. In researching the issue, i found the Warranty extension on the NTSB website Number: VWP-16-05 that covers model years 2013 and 2014 prior to my model. As winter approaches, lack of heat for the windshield creates visibility issues in cold, wet, and snowy weather. I am limiting the use of the vehicle until i can get a repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #11626997, filed 2024-11“The defroster failed to keep the windshield fog free. The dealer said the heater core was plugged up and we replaced it now a year and a half later we have the same thing the heater core plugged up. We have not had an accident yet but have come close.”
NHTSA complaint #11483849, filed 2022-09Related service bulletins
- 10249414Jan 18, 2024A/C Compressor leak diagnosis
- 10245617Nov 13, 2023Reporting procedure for A/C compressor replacement regardless of the reason for failure. Update to model year applicability and new warranty GFF labor operation number
- 10226226Nov 10, 2022A/C requirements, update to model year applicability.
- 10217846Aug 11, 2022Additional instruction before replacing A/C compressor. Updated to include additional model and model year applicability.
- 10212136May 18, 2022Cleaning of Heating and Ventilation system, Updated to include additional model year applicability and cost of cleaning solution in warranty table.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 6% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2017 | 6 | 5% |
| 2016 | 3 | 3% |
| 2015 | 12 | 5% |
| 2014 | 16 | 3% |
| 2013 | 23 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 6 | 4% |
| 2007 | 8 | 3% |
| 2006 | 21 | 4% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 13 | 5% |
| 2003 | 22 | 4% |
| 2002 | 27 | 4% |
| 2001 | 31 | 7% |
| 2000 | 26 | 5% |
| 1999 | 33 | 5% |
| 1998 | 27 | 8% |
| 1997 | 16 | 43% |
| 1996 | 12 | 30% |
| 1995 | 20 | 22% |
| 1994 | 2 | 8% |
| 1993 | 17 | 25% |
| 1992 | 7 | 18% |
| 1991 | 6 | 25% |
| 1990 | 8 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2015 Volkswagen Passat
88 complaintsEngine
53 complaintsElectrical system
48 complaintsOther or unknown
40 complaintsBrakes
28 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 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