2018 Volkswagen Passat Problems
Compared with other Volkswagen Passat years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
20/100 0.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.5× 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.
- 16 of its 46 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported part: Brakes (13 complaints, median 34,853 mi).
- 1 recall with a do-not-drive warning, 4 in total. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 46filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles, 17 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 41 do-not-drive
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 29 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 36 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 46 consumer complaints for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat. The part named most often is brakes, with 13 complaints (28% of the total), followed by engine (11) and electrical system (10). 17 of the complaints include a mileage, and 71% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 35,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns (1 marked do-not-drive) and 609 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the caliper and 23 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Engine complaints overlap with 71 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 9 Volkswagen Passat model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 20 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than 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.
- Brakes13 28%
- Engine11 24%
- Electrical system10 22%
- Fuel system6 13%
- Air bags5 11%
- Vehicle speed control4 8.7%
- Other or unknown3 6.5%
- Steering2 4.3%
Also reported: Suspension (2), Wheels (2), Exterior lighting (1), Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Abs intermittently comes on when brakes are being used under regular pressure. Sometimes when trying to stop at a light or slowing down when a car is turning in front of me, the ABS comes on and the car does not stop as it should. I have almost hit the back of a car in front of me because the ABS came on when the car normally would have just stopped as usual. This problem has been intermittent for roughly 6 months.”
NHTSA complaint #11327705, filed 2020-06, 4,000 milesEngine: “My car is under 7000 miles, don't even have the first schedule oil change and experience excessive oil consumption. I have taken it to the car dealer and just top off the oil. Something is wrong with the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11156844, filed 2018-12, 6,700 milesElectrical system: “While reversing in my driveway, my dash lights up with warning: acc error and warning : airbag error and stayed while I was parked and kept my car stationary. The next day it showed up again and I am worried about my airbag deploying on me while driving and causing an accident. I am worried also that my airbag might never go off and these codes damage something else internally in the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11387703, filed 2021-01, 49,900 milesFuel system: “I initially brought my vehicle in for service due to a strong gasoline odor and the vehicle failing to start. At that time, I was informed that no gasoline smell was detected and that the issue was instead a faulty starter, which I authorized for repair. Approximately two weeks later, my vehicle again would not start. I was then informed that the issue was a lower fuel injector, which required additional repairs. Just three days after that service, the vehicle once again failed to start, and I was told this time that the upper fuel injector was the cause. …”
NHTSA complaint #11715421, filed 2026-02Mileage when problems were reported
71% of the 17 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 6,700 and 55,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 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 2018 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: 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 2018 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 | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 36 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Passat FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,050 |
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › CaliperCovers: Volkswagen Passat 2018, Audi SQ5 2018, Volkswagen Atlas 2018 +6 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient…
- 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…
- 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.
Recall details for the 2018 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. 609 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.
- 11036878Aug 27, 2026Brakes. Repair or Replace Information
- 11036867Aug 21, 2026Engine. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward.
- 11036874Aug 10, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Replacement instruction
- 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
- 11036880Aug 3, 2026Steering. Clean and install an additional plastic "ring" to prevent ingress of dirt,hair. Foreign bodies into the clock spring.
- 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
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 | 20 | 27,232 | 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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Volkswagen Passat have?
NHTSA recorded 46 consumer complaints for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Volkswagen Passat is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 13 complaints (28% of the total), followed by engine with 11.
Has the 2018 Volkswagen Passat been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 Volkswagen Passat do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 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 2018 Volkswagen Passat get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Volkswagen Passat (Passat, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 29 mpg combined, 25 city and 36 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Volkswagen Passat reported?
Among the 17 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 35,000 miles and the middle half falls between 6,700 and 55,000 miles; 71% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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.