2016 Volkswagen Passat Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2016 Volkswagen Passat, 5% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,000 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.
“While driving the ABS light came on (constant speed, highway, dry conditions), disabling cruise control. The airbag light then came on. Then the tire sensor light and finally the steering wheel light and exclamation point icon next to the steering wheel light.”
NHTSA complaint #11330287, filed 2020-06, 50,000 miles“There was a recall on the clock spring. I brought it in for service and it got replaced 10/7/15. It snapped again 5 months later was replaced 3/8/16. It snapped again 6 months later. Now volkwagon offers a 12,000 mile 12 year warranty on parts. I bright the vehicle in 10/18/16 and they told me it wasn't covered under warranty. This is a major safety issue seeing that it controls my horn and will not let my airbag deploy. I have contacted vw headquarters several times concerning this on going issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11040513, filed 2017-10Electronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 5 | 5% |
| 2015 | 4 | 2% |
| 2014 | 7 | 1% |
| 2013 | 10 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 7 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 9 | 2% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 0% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 4 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2016 Volkswagen Passat
25 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsEngine
17 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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