2017 Volkswagen Passat Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 15%of 110 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the brakes of the 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 15% of the 110 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 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.
“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“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 miles“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. Then I hit the other car my vehicle stopped after the hit but as soon as the other vehicle moved forward to pull to side my car hit it again and my foot was still on the brake, I pulled my e brake and my car stopped. …”
NHTSA complaint #11165864, filed 2019-01, 2,000 miles“The brakes have squealed since ai have leased the vehicle ew in 2017. I have had them looked at several time by a vw shop and they have said it is normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11362712, filed 2020-10, 1,000 miles“While my wife was driving to work and getting ready to get on the interstate, a caution light and alert tone suddenly came on. Display read front assist: no sensor view. Nothing else happened and the alert turned off after a few miles. This is the system that automatically applies the brakes if it senses a possible collision. If this system was to fail, the brakes could automatically apply while traveling at highway speeds with possible disastrous results. Many vw owners have complained and had the same issue. There is currently a class action lawsuit against vw (dack, et al., v. …”
NHTSA complaint #11383621, filed 2020-12, 60,656 milesRelated recalls
- 18V536000Aug 15, 2018Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket…Covers: Volkswagen Passat 2017–2018, Atlas 2018
- 17V075000Feb 8, 2017Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Passat vehicles. Brake fluid may leak slowly from the some of the brake line…Covers: Volkswagen Passat 2017
Related service bulletins
- 11026174Nov 3, 2025Alignment sheet submission.
- 10214795Jun 22, 2022Brake Rotor, Vibration / Pulsation. Addition of mandatory brake form and reference to Volkswagen Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual.
- 10207832Feb 3, 2022Brake Rotor, Vibration / Pulsation Instruction (U.S. Only)
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 23% |
| 2021 | 5 | 25% |
| 2020 | 2 | 11% |
| 2019 | 3 | 25% |
| 2018 | 13 | 28% |
| 2017 | 17 | 15% |
| 2016 | 17 | 16% |
| 2015 | 28 | 12% |
| 2014 | 8 | 1% |
| 2013 | 8 | 1% |
| 2012 | 12 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 4% |
| 2007 | 16 | 6% |
| 2006 | 49 | 9% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 42 | 7% |
| 2002 | 72 | 11% |
| 2001 | 63 | 15% |
| 2000 | 207 | 41% |
| 1999 | 233 | 35% |
| 1998 | 90 | 27% |
| 1996 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 14 | 15% |
| 1994 | 4 | 16% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 3 | 8% |
| 1991 | 3 | 13% |
| 1990 | 3 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2017 Volkswagen Passat
28 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsForward collision avoidance
16 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsLane departure
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 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