2018 Volkswagen Passat Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 11%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,900miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the air bags of the 2018 Volkswagen Passat, 11% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,900 miles. 1 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.
“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 miles“We have been having numerous sensor issues. Sensors showing air bag malfunction and with passenger side seat belt on the front right side. We bought the car in used condition from pat lobb toyota of mckinney less than a year ago. Constantly having sensor issues with it.”
NHTSA complaint #11674522, filed 2025-07“Clockspring. Failed 1st time under recall and was replaced by dealer. Failed 2nd time and replaced outside of recall by indepenent. Failed 3rd time and has not been replaced. This has affected the adaptive cruise control, the electronic stability control, and now it engages the brake system when not called for.”
NHTSA complaint #11469260, filed 2022-06“Airbag error notice and cracking sound when turning steering wheel. Error light for cruise control, front end assistance. This is the second time this has occured. It was previously fixed in 2018.”
NHTSA complaint #11462069, filed 2022-04Related service bulletins
- 11034621Jun 11, 2026Inquiries
- 11030826Mar 2, 2026The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used…
- 11013855Jan 8, 2025This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication for the airbag control module. For trouble code DTC B10001B. Driver airbag…
- 11011377Nov 5, 2024This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication for the airbag control module. For trouble code DTC B10001B. Driver airbag…
- 10231584Feb 2, 2023VW contact when reporting a Airbag or Pyrotechnic safety belt deployment. Update to model year applicability.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 15% |
| 2020 | 4 | 22% |
| 2018 | 5 | 11% |
| 2017 | 28 | 25% |
| 2016 | 25 | 24% |
| 2015 | 88 | 36% |
| 2014 | 354 | 60% |
| 2013 | 382 | 51% |
| 2012 | 296 | 61% |
| 2011 | 5 | 31% |
| 2010 | 45 | 28% |
| 2009 | 12 | 8% |
| 2008 | 32 | 19% |
| 2007 | 106 | 40% |
| 2006 | 148 | 26% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 8 | 3% |
| 2003 | 23 | 4% |
| 2002 | 11 | 2% |
| 2001 | 26 | 6% |
| 2000 | 17 | 3% |
| 1999 | 21 | 3% |
| 1998 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2018 Volkswagen Passat
13 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 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