2016 Volkswagen Passat Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 12%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,604miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2016 Volkswagen Passat, 12% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,604 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“When I went to start the car the air bag warning light came on and stated error . All the functions on the steering wheel would not work, this included the horn, cruise control, radio system and air bag. I was afraid that either the air bag could just go off or would not go off if I got into an accident. I also could not use my horn in case of an emergency situation. The vehicle had to be repaired. Sunrise Volkswagen in lynbrook,ny replaced the clock spring.”
NHTSA complaint #11096639, filed 2018-05, 46,000 miles“When I park the car and think I have put it in park and turn the engine off, I get out ( if on a very slight slope) it is stationary for a few seconds before it starts to roll, I jump back in and see, it is not all the way in to park. In my previous cars the engine could not be turned off, if not in park. Yes I know one should always check and I do; however. We we all make mistakes; if the car only turned off when in park some one may not be run over. (in the future will will always appy my hand brake.)”
NHTSA complaint #11091917, filed 2018-05, 13,363 miles“I often will be driving and car slams on brakes by itself causing me to nearly wreck and also twice I've had air bag lights appear and clicking steering wheel”
NHTSA complaint #11099984, filed 2018-06, 36,000 miles“I was slowing down and pulling into a parking spot in front of a restaurant for lunch. My 2016 vw passt v6 suddenly swirled to the left, jumped over curbs, and busted all four tires because of the impact. Towed to the dealer and was told that I could stepped on gas instead of break ot it could be the parking assistance took over the control of the car. When they replaced my tires,, they found an open record/campaign as described 96d6 2016-05-04 w-update - park assist and blind spot detection (nvlw). I am not sure what this record means. Is it related to my incident? …”
NHTSA complaint #10864774, filed 2016-05, 400 miles“The air bag light illuminated and then soon after all steering wheel buttons became inoperable. Diagnosed as clock spring failure. Vehicle has less than 35,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11246174, filed 2019-08, 31,656 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11038143Sep 9, 2026This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036868Aug 6, 2026Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
- 11036870Aug 4, 2026Differences between a leak and seepage
- 11030841Mar 25, 2026Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
- 11030838Mar 19, 2026Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors
- 11030828Mar 5, 2026Paint color and/or finish of the engine compartment may not match the exterior paint color
- 11026185Nov 17, 2025Replace Door Lock and Cap.
- 11025442Oct 6, 2025GFF Requirements regardless of concern plus System flush requirement
- 11018938May 12, 2025How to check for HVAC system leaks using nitrogen.
- 11012464Dec 4, 2024Diesel Models only. Repurchase Prior to Repairs
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 5% |
| 2020 | 4 | 22% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2018 | 3 | 7% |
| 2017 | 22 | 20% |
| 2016 | 13 | 12% |
| 2015 | 40 | 16% |
| 2014 | 59 | 10% |
| 2013 | 77 | 10% |
| 2012 | 31 | 6% |
| 2011 | 2 | 13% |
| 2010 | 13 | 8% |
| 2009 | 9 | 6% |
| 2008 | 13 | 8% |
| 2007 | 9 | 3% |
| 2006 | 13 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 5% |
| 2004 | 9 | 3% |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% |
| 2002 | 18 | 3% |
| 2001 | 9 | 2% |
| 2000 | 12 | 2% |
| 1999 | 11 | 2% |
| 1998 | 5 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 5% |
| 1996 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2016 Volkswagen Passat
25 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsEngine
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 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 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