2017 Volkswagen Passat Problems
Compared with other Volkswagen Passat years
Typical for this model
54/100 1.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.1× that of a typical Volkswagen Passat year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 33 of its 110 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Brake noise, vibration and unexpected pedal behavior (22 complaints, median 35,000 mi).
- 7 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2018
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 110filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles, 51 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 7campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 27 mpgcombined, 1.8L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 34 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2017 Passat most often describe problems with the steering wheel clock spring, which knocks out the horn, steering-wheel buttons and airbag circuit, and with the forward collision avoidance/front assist system braking or warning on its own. Electrical faults, brake concerns and sunroof glass shattering also appear. Reports span a wide mileage range, from a few hundred miles to well over 100,000.
- Forward collision avoidance
Front assist brakes or warns with no obstacle
- 16 complaints (15%)
- median 45,000 mi at 4.2 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2026
Complaints describe the forward collision avoidance or front assist system engaging the brakes, or showing an alert and tone, when no vehicle is ahead, sometimes on open highway or while crossing railroad tracks. Others report messages such as 'Front Assist: No Sensor View' and park distance sensors detecting objects that are not there. Several owners say dealers could not duplicate the fault or found no stored errors. Reported from a few hundred miles up to about 137,000 miles, in varied weather including rain and clear conditions.
What to check: Drive the car in traffic and watch for spurious warnings or brake application; ask whether any front assist or camera/sensor software updates have been applied and whether warning messages have been logged.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2017 vw Passat se. Front assist breaks or gets ready to break (shows the big car symbol on dashboard and beeps) in bad weather like while it is rainy and there are no cars around me. It also happened a few times during sunny weather. The car slammed the breaks for no reason. There was no car in front of me. I was going like 40-45 MPH. I am super scared it will brake one day when I am going with 60+ on the highway and cause a crash. …”
NHTSA complaint #11416643, filed 2021-05, 46,000 miles“Park distance control with no vehicles close will automatically operate, this then leads to the automatic braking system wanting to stop the car. This bothers me at 70mph with no cars within 500 feet.”
NHTSA complaint #11327524, filed 2020-06, 45,000 miles - Air bags
Clock spring failure (horn, buttons, airbag light)
- 17 complaints (15%)
- median 47,500 mi at 4.2 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2025
Owners describe a popping or crunching noise from the steering column while turning, after which the airbag warning light comes on and the horn and all steering-wheel buttons stop working. Some say cruise control, lane assist and blind spot functions also drop out. Complaints mention diagnosis of the clock spring, some replacements done more than once, and at least one owner told the vehicle was not covered by an extended warranty program. Reported from roughly 20,000 to about 150,000 miles, often on vehicles several years old and sometimes during a low-speed turn.
What to check: Test the horn and every steering-wheel button, and confirm the airbag light goes out after start-up. Ask whether the clock spring has ever been replaced and keep records if it is.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When turning the wheel while driving, I heard a clicking sound from the steering wheel. Then the airbag light turned on. Now my horn does not work or any of the controls on the steering wheel. I know this is the clock spring malfunction, with the takata airbag malfunction that happened with the 2015 passats.”
NHTSA complaint #11378090, filed 2020-12, 100,000 miles“Failed steering wheel clock spring on a 2017 vehicle that has been driven 20,000 miles over 14 months. After being parked for approx 40 mins, pulling out of a parking spot my steering wheel make popping/clicking sounds and immediately the airbag error sensors went off along with my service vehicle warning. Upon turning out of the parking lot the steering wheel made a few additional pops/clicks. Immediately drove to the dealership where they diagnosed the steering wheel clock spring issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11062894, filed 2018-01, 20,000 miles - Brakes
Brake noise, vibration and unexpected pedal behavior
- 22 complaints (20%)
- median 35,000 mi at 3.8 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2025
Complaints describe squealing or groaning front brakes, steering-wheel shake when braking, and uneven pad wear or warped rotors found at relatively low mileage. Some owners report the brake pedal locking or the vehicle braking on its own briefly, and others note brake fluid leaking with the warning light on, referencing a related recall. Mostly between a few thousand and about 55,000 miles, with some reports at higher mileage.
Recall 18V536000Recall 17V0750001 related service bulletin
What to check: Check brake fluid level and look for leaks near the lines and calipers, feel for pulsation through the pedal during a test drive, and ask whether the brake fluid recall work was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When coming of the freeway to an exit to the right I was already slowing down there was a vehicle parked in front of me about 1 car lengths away, it was waiting for a chance to merge off the exit ramp.I was already slowing down and I had the brakes pressed, my car was slowing down but it wasn't stopping and I pressed harder but it didn't stop. …”
NHTSA complaint #11165864, filed 2019-01, 2,000 miles“Ever since we purchased our Passat we noticed issues with alignment and uneven braking. After several attempts to address the issue with the service department of university Volkswagen in albuquerque, we learned that our vehicle would need the rotors and brake pads replaced after 40,000 miles. The rotors were warped and the front left pad was down to 1mm, while the front right still had 4mm left. …”
NHTSA complaint #11206810, filed 2019-05, 40,000 miles - Electrical system
Electrical faults: no-start, power loss, camera and blower
- 21 complaints (19%)
- median 20,129 mi at 2.0 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2025
Owners report the vehicle failing to recognize the key fob and refusing to start, with a reset or module replacement needed, and in some cases the engine shutting off while driving and restarting later. Others describe the backup camera failing to display, a dead heat/defroster blower, seat heaters operating on the wrong seat, and folding mirrors that stop working without storing a code. Spread from very low mileage up to roughly 100,000 miles or more, with no single clear pattern.
What to check: Check that the car starts reliably with each fob, test the backup camera, climate blower and mirrors, and ask for any module replacement or reprogramming history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving, I turned on my seat heater. It never came on upon exiting the vehicle I grabbed my purse which was on the passenger seat. It was hot. The seat heaters are crossed.”
NHTSA complaint #11280020, filed 2019-11, 12,155 miles“Both side mirrors are automatic. The side mirrors are supposed to fold in when turning the car off, and fold out when the car is on. One or both of the mirros either fail to fold out when the car is started, or fold in unexpectantly while driving. This creates a highly dangerous life and safety hazard when it happens. The car has been to the dealership's shop while the event occurs, and the issue does not record an error code in the car's system. Due to the lack of an error code, the dealership states they cannot fix the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11143383, filed 2018-10, 35,000 miles - Other or unknown
Sunroof glass shattering
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe a loud pop followed by the sunroof glass shattering, sometimes while parked and sometimes while driving, with glass falling into the cabin and no sign of an impact. Complaints mention that the glass could crack, that a frame replacement was needed, and that repair cost was quoted or handled by the owner. Reported from around 1,000 to about 70,000 miles, in both parked and moving situations.
What to check: Inspect the sunroof glass closely for chips, cracks or previous replacement, and operate it through its full range to confirm it moves smoothly.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving on the freeway on 10/8/2019 and at approximately 3:05pm I heard a loud glass explosion above me. Once I arrived at my destination, I observed that my sunroof had shattered. There was no evidence of anything hitting the sun roof.”
NHTSA complaint #11267349, filed 2019-10, 24,400 miles“While driving on a rural road at about 50 MPH a loud pop was heard and then the sunroof shattered with glass falling into the front seat of the car. The sunroof cover was opened at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #11373592, filed 2020-11, 70,500 miles
Buying note. On a used 2017 Passat, the steering-wheel clock spring and the front assist behavior are the two things owners raise most, so test both carefully and ask for service records. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a scan for stored codes is worthwhile given the electrical reports.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 110 consumer complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat. 51 of the complaints include a mileage, and 75% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 32,000 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 679 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 9 Volkswagen Passat model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 54 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags28 25%
- Other or unknown22 20%
- Electrical system18 16%
- Brakes17 15%
- Steering16 15%
- Engine7 6.4%
- Fuel system7 6.4%
- Lane departure6 5.5%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (5), Wheels (4), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (3), Body and structure (3), Suspension (3), Tires (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Seat belts (2), Electronic stability control (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “I was hit from behind in stopped traffic and pushed into the car in front of me. I was stopped in heavy traffic on a two-way road when hit. The driver airbag didn't deploy and the collision inspector told me that my seat belt didn't either! I am lucky I wasn't hurt worse. The car I was driving was not a safe car, but was sold to me as a certified preowned car.”
NHTSA complaint #11084887, filed 2018-04, 12,000 milesOther or unknown: “Ac takes 5-20 minutes to blow cold air. Multiple complaints to dealer and service do not result in any attempt to fix problem because by the time we arrive at the dealer, the problem has corrected itself. This occurs first thing in the day. After it starts blowing cold air, it works fine the rest of the day. This is the 3rd vw Passat we've driven that has this problem. Vw will not acknowledge problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11113588, filed 2018-07, 1 milesElectrical system: “On 1/12/21 while turning into a fast food restaurant I heard clicking in the steering column and then the air bag light came on and error codes across the digital screen and a clock emblem signal came on. Pulled over and looked at my manual. Drove on home and did research and found that the clock spring is a major issue with vws. I went back out to test the steering column and sure enough the horn and all controls on the column did not work. Called the local vw dealer the next day. They said there was a recall on this 2017 Passat sel model. They replaced 6 days later.”
NHTSA complaint #11390094, filed 2021-01, 47,500 milesBrakes: “Since I have this car having problems vibrations I took the car on vw dealer few times I explain to them my car is vibrating when I apply the brakes also when I cruise over 55mph. They told me always car is performing to manufacture specifications so now I have 6500 miles on my car I took my car to different dealership they found out my tires ar cupping. And my roots are out of round and alignment was correct tire balancing they did few time tire roatation so now I have 6500 miles on the car less then 1 year old car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11113466, filed 2018-07, 6,100 milesMileage when problems were reported
75% of the 51 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,000 and 50,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passat · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 10.7% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2017 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Volkswagen Passat version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passat FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 23 | 34 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Passat FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 24V834000Oct 30, 2024Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Volkswagen Passat 2006–2007, 2012–2014, 2017, Beetle 2017–2019, Beetle Convertible 2017–2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant…
- 21V321000May 5, 2021Unknown or otherCovers: Volkswagen Passat 2016–2017, Golf R 2018–2019, Golf 2017 +5 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were…
- 20V561000Sep 16, 2020Unknown or otherCovers: Volkswagen Passat 2016–2018, Golf Alltrack 2017, Atlas 2018 +2 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all…
- 19V679000Sep 25, 2019Unknown or otherCovers: Volkswagen Passat 2017, Jetta 2007–2009, 2011–2013, 2015, 2019, Beetle 2008–2010, 2012–2013 +4 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and…
- 19V389000May 22, 2019Exterior lighting › HeadlightsCovers: Volkswagen Passat 2012–2020, Atlas 2018–2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles…
- 18V536000Aug 15, 2018Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › CaliperCovers: Volkswagen Passat 2017–2018, Atlas 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
See all 7 recalls for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 679 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Engine. Suggested fuel additive
- 11038143Sep 9, 2026Other or unknown. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036867Aug 21, 2026Engine. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward.
- 11036868Aug 6, 2026Other or unknown. Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
- 11036870Aug 4, 2026Other or unknown. Differences between a leak and seepage
- 11035772Jul 15, 2026Electrical system. This 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 issue: DA 0019…
- 11035762Jul 9, 2026Engine. Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Engine. Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Engine. Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034621Jun 11, 2026Air bags. Inquiries
Other model years of the Volkswagen Passat
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 13 | 90 | 0 | 4 | 28 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 18 | 16,116 | 1 | 4–5 | 28 | — | Rising |
| 2020 | 18 | 4,500 | 3 | 5 | 27 | — | Rising |
| 2019 | 12 | 3,500 | 1 | 5 | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 46 | 35,000 | 4 | 5 | 29 | 20 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2017 | 110 | 32,000 | 7 | 5 | 27 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 106 | 34,000 | 5 | 5 | 29 | 45 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 243 | 47,386 | 7 | 5 | 28 | 77 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 594 | 49,220 | 10 | 5 | 26 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2013 | 749 | 51,000 | 9 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2012 | 484 | 58,000 | 11 | 5 | 25 | 98 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 16 | 85,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 163 | 71,000 | 4 | — | 25 | 38 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 146 | 79,826 | 4 | — | 23 | 36 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 168 | 90,000 | 4 | — | 22 | 25 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 262 | 71,000 | 7 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 576 | 64,000 | 7 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 148 | 71,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 279 | 69,800 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 628 | 59,000 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 636 | 48,973 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 430 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 507 | 69,250 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 664 | 75,000 | 5 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 331 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 37 | 100,300 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 40 | 84,200 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 93 | 130,853 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 25 | 120,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 68 | 107,387 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 39 | 120,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 24 | 180,995 | 1 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 34 | 146,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Volkswagen Passat model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Volkswagen Passat?
Owners of the 2017 Passat most often describe problems with the steering wheel clock spring, which knocks out the horn, steering-wheel buttons and airbag circuit, and with the forward collision avoidance/front assist system braking or warning on its own. The issues reported most often: Front assist brakes or warns with no obstacle; Clock spring failure (horn, buttons, airbag light); Brake noise, vibration and unexpected pedal behavior.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Volkswagen Passat have?
NHTSA recorded 110 consumer complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Volkswagen Passat is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 28 complaints (25% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 22.
Has the 2017 Volkswagen Passat been recalled?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Volkswagen Passat do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Volkswagen Passat 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Volkswagen Passat get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Volkswagen Passat (Passat, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 23 city and 34 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Volkswagen Passat reported?
Among the 51 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 32,000 miles and the middle half falls between 7,000 and 50,000 miles; 75% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.