2012 Volkswagen Passat Volkswagen Passat 2012

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2012 Volkswagen Passat repairs by problem area

Engine (34%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (4%)

Brakes and Traction Control (1%)

Suspension and Steering (8%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (29%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (17%)

Other (6%)

Chart based on 247 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat.

2012 Volkswagen Passat repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (4%)

$500 - $999 (7%)

$100 - $499 (24%)

< $100 (63%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 134 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Volkswagen Passat

Engine not specified

Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Jan 2017 - Jan 2017
Jan 2017

70000 mi

US $150
replaced intake manifold absolute pressure sensor 

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2012 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Michigan, United States
Jun 2013 - Nov 2016
Jun 2016

62000 mi

US $1200
Heating element in the emissions fluid tank 
Volkswagen Passat in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2012 - Mar 2014
May 2012

3700 mi
compass module failed and caused short which discharged battery 
Volkswagen Passat in New Brunswick, Canada
Oct 2016 - Dec 2016
Dec 2016

114700 mi
Adblue heater 

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2012 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Minnesota, United States
Jun 2012 - Nov 2016
Mar 2014

17000 mi
Garage door opener on visor 
Volkswagen Passat in New Jersey, United States
Apr 2012 - Mar 2014
Jul 2012

3000 mi
The cosmetic trim that covered the sunroof track was cracked. Dealer replaced part. 
Jul 2013

20000 mi
Headlight socket melted and headlight stopped working. Dealer replaced headlight assembly. Trim around radio was creaking. 
Aug 2013

21000 mi
Sunvisor replaced as light would not shut off. Replacement sunvisor light also would not shut off. Replaced again. Steering wheel airbag was rattling and cover was warping. Airbag replaced. 
Sep 2013

23000 mi
Creaking on turning the wheel. Caused by heat shield touching steering gear. 
Feb 2014

26000 mi
Navigation system started freezing and acting erratic. Reset and updated firmware, even though dealer had no idea updated firmware for unit existed 
Volkswagen Passat in Colorado, United States
Apr 2012 - Dec 2016
Oct 2012

5500 mi
Check Engine Light came on. A VW TSB said engine management software needed to be updated. Update done while I waited. No cost; no issues. 
Jun 2013

16000 mi
Turbo leaking oil. Noticed while on rack for oil change. Dealer replaced turbo under warranty. 
Volkswagen Passat in Tennessee, United States
Feb 2012 - Sep 2014
May 2014

43000 mi
Nitrous sensor was not working correctly, ordered part but then it started to function normally again without repair after a day or two. 
Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States
Mar 2012 - Dec 2015
Apr 2012

8500 mi
bad driver's side cv joint, bad steering wheel (replaced), trunk doesn't open all the way 
Jun 2012

11000 mi
Homelink, the three-way remote system on the driver's visor used to open garage doors, fell off and onto me in intense traffic, at night, at 70 mph. Scary and horribly distracting.took two visits to repair because parts had to be ordered. 
Feb 2013

21800 mi
20k checkup plus a look at the tires again. Tires declared abnormally worn and need replacing. Tire problems started at 10k. No one seems to understand what has gone wrong but I suspect the suspension is not designed for 18-inch o.e. wheels 
Jun 2013

26000 mi
Vibration and noise in front end still there despite replacing all tires as suggested by dealer. Both front wheel bearing sets replaced 
Dec 2013

35000 mi

US $375
two front tires replaced, one under VW warranty. Car pulls to right after replacement. Alignment indicates castor is out of specs, as has always been the case with this car. 
Jul 2014

42000 mi
Car failed to start. Needed new fuel regulator valve to keep the line pressurized when car is turned off. When it fails, fuel feeds by gravity bsck into tank and engine starves. Very rarely fails (dealer had never seen this happen before). Initially $913. Repair failed. Tech Center got involved. Replaced electronic control module ($2,500), but that didn't fix the problem. Appealed to VW Customer Care. Finally a new fuel pump plus other fuel system parts fixed it. VW paid all of $5k bill except the tow. 
Apr 2015

50500 mi

US $250
Since the day I bought the car the battery has occasionally gone dead and required a jump start. The dealer always said the battery was fine. This time they said it was fine but during a software update in the shop it failed completely. 
May 2015

52000 mi
Urea injection pump (Ad Blue system) failed as well as several other parts in the system. 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Feb 2013 - Apr 2018
Mar 2013

29000 mi
Failed battery two months after warranty ended 
Dec 2015

89000 mi

US $249
Replace driver's side visor containing garage door controller. Garage door switch cover had broken off during use 
Dec 2017

119000 mi

US $6000
oil leak on rear of engine 
Apr 2018

130000 mi

US $3499
Major coolant system failure. Shop determined electric fan failure caused overheating, and while in there, replaced timing belt, water pump and fixed crankshaft seal oil leak 
Volkswagen Passat in British Columbia, Canada
Mar 2012 - Jan 2014
Feb 2013

7800 mi
Clicking sound when pressing the clutch pedal. Pedal also wobbled. 
Sep 2013

19840 mi
Trunk lid making clunking sound when closed. Some part was loose and they fixed it 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Mar 2015 - Mar 2016
Jul 2015

55800 mi

US $450
Front right wheel bearing needed to be replaced due to noise 
Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States
Nov 2011 - Mar 2014
Apr 2012

8700 mi
Leak at fuel filter canister gasket. Fuel filter canister (and FF) replaced, Safety Recall 20R7 
Sep 2013

32000 mi
Nox sensor/module set CEL, "out of range". ECM was reflashed to correct the issue 
Nov 2013

33700 mi
Failed left front headlight. Headlight assembly replaced. 
Volkswagen Passat in Nebraska, United States
Jan 2012 - Dec 2016
Nov 2012

11700 mi
Passenger side rearview mirror was not moving down when in reverse 
Oct 2013

20500 mi
The driver side headlamp was out and it was determined that the driver side headlight unit needed to be replaced. 
Feb 2014

23000 mi
Turbo failed. 
Nov 2016

44000 mi
AdBlue heater and level sensor failed. Initially not covered, but then a month later VW extended the warranty coverage. 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
May 2012 - Mar 2017
Jan 2013

30000 mi
Squeeky seat, bolts replaced still happening 
Mar 2015

56000 mi

US $50
Took in for cel, o2 sensor recall item 
Sep 2015

58000 mi
High pressure fuel pump died 
Dec 2015

60000 mi
Clock spring recall 
Volkswagen Passat in British Columbia, Canada
Sep 2012 - Mar 2016
Apr 2013

15680 mi
gas release lid not closing properly. under warranty 
Feb 2014

31040 mi
Drivers door locking mechanism would not unlock when below freezing. Had to go through passenger door. Couldn't even unlock drivers door from inside. It warmed up a couple of days later, and was fine. 
Oct 2014

38440 mi
driving light burnt out. Covered under warranty 
Volkswagen Passat in Kansas, United States
Aug 2014 - Sep 2016
Jan 2016

56000 mi

US $50
Replaced faulty trunk latch, lock and actuator. Open trunk switch did not work. Head up display never showed trunk open, trunk light would not illuminate. 
Feb 2016

80400 mi

US $230
Removed bumper, dropped tank, replaced Adblue pump and heater assembly. Installed part 7L6-198-970-A, lengthened 4 wires 6 inches. Reinstalled tank. Drove a short trip until engine light turned off. Added 2.5 gal of Adblue. 
Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States
Jan 2013 - Feb 2014
Mar 2013

30000 mi
The turbo failed. 
Jan 2014

46000 mi
Failed turbo, seized engine. They say they are replacing the engine and the turbo and probably the exhaust system. Sad isn't it? 
Volkswagen Passat in Germany
Oct 2012 - Apr 2017
Apr 2016

68400 mi

€1000
Tdi ad blue tank code 202b, not replaced. Will likely return the car as part of the buy back. 
Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States
Nov 2012 - Feb 2017
Dec 2013

20000 mi
Oil housing leaking 
Volkswagen Passat in South Carolina, United States
Mar 2014 - Aug 2017
Sep 2015

27000 mi

US $100
Modular regulater 
Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Jul 2012 - Dec 2016
Nov 2012

6000 mi
Driver's side power seat (memory function) didn't work. Needed to replace the seat motor. 
Mar 2013

11000 mi
Passenger overhead light, drivers side lock switch, passenger side window switch,  sunroof trim, and both front door exterior molding (all replaced). 
Jul 2013

15000 mi
Drivers side power mirror will not work. When selecting drivers side the passenger mirror will adjust. When select passenger the passenger will adjust. Drivers side can only be adjusted manually with force. 
Jun 2014

31000 mi
Passenger power mirror stopped tilting down, tried to fix twice and finally got it on the third try. Kessy failed and needed to be reset. Bluetooth then malfunctioned. Each on seperate occassions. 
Nov 2014

38000 mi
Kessy system stopped working 
Dec 2014

40000 mi
kessy system again 
May 2016

60700 mi

US $500
AdBlue Sensor - Heat Element 
Volkswagen Passat in Washington, United States
May 2012 - Jan 2017
Sep 2012

5000 mi
Replaced faulty oxygen sensor. Antenna for keyless start replaced. 
Mar 2013

13000 mi
CEL illuminated 2x. Dealer performed recall to fix. Keyless start error returned. Dealer reprogrammed both keys and the problem has no returned. Error with satellite radio causing it not to function. Would happen several times each week. Replaced roof antenna. Previous satellite radio error fix unsuccessful. Replaced entire radio/nav unit and so far the problem has not returned. 
Sep 2013

23000 mi
Passenger headlamp error. Bulb replacement didn't remedy. Dealer had to order new bulb holder and found the old to be melted. 
Jul 2014

36700 mi
CEL for nox sensor. Software update performed. 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Mar 2012 - Mar 2017
Jan 2013

47800 mi
updated radio software 
Jun 2014

65000 mi
Replaced split intercooler hose 
Jan 2016

96000 mi
Turbo replaced under extended warranty program 
Jun 2016

100000 mi

US $145
CEL for low fuel pressure at rail. Fuel filter replaced. CEL reset. 
Volkswagen Passat in Missouri, United States
May 2015 - Jan 2017
May 2015

49000 mi

US $350
The secondary fuel pump failed. The problem appeared as the car failing to start. I thought it was caused by the blue additive running out. Replaced fuel pump and a fuel filter. Problem solved. No recurrence. 
Dec 2015

58000 mi
The pump for injecting urea into hot exhaust in order to reduce pollution failed and had to be replaced. VW replaced it at no charge as if covered by warranty. 
Volkswagen Passat in Rhode Island, United States
Aug 2011 - Mar 2012
Oct 2011

3000 mi
Rear tail light replacement 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Jul 2012 - Apr 2017
Dec 2015

49000 mi
AdBlue heater went bad. Apparently this is a common issue in warmer climates ironically. 
Volkswagen Passat in North Carolina, United States
May 2012 - Feb 2017
Nov 2013

16700 mi
Driver door lock latch stuck, could not lock/unlock electrically. Lock mechanism replaced under warranty. 
Volkswagen Passat in British Columbia, Canada
Feb 2012 - Jun 2017
Dec 2014

24800 mi
trunk strut weld failed 
Aug 2015

30960 mi
Fuel Gauge intermittent. 
Jun 2016

39060 mi
Went in for knock sound when engine goes from pulling the car to engine breaking. No solution found. Not sure what the problem is. 
Mar 2017

44020 mi
grinding sound.. did not fix 
Volkswagen Passat in British Columbia, Canada
Sep 2011 - Sep 2015
Sep 2014

37820 mi
Replace heater in Urea tank. 
Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Jan 2012 - Mar 2017
Oct 2014

26500 mi

US $250
Battery failed after 2.5 years. Replacement excluded from warranty. 
May 2015

32300 mi

US $300
Wheel bearing 
Volkswagen Passat in Wisconsin, United States
Oct 2011 - Aug 2017
Mar 2016

142000 mi

US $70
Check engine light on. Was related to urea tank heater, module needs to be replaced per code. This will be over $1000, and tank never froze during 2 months light was on. VW emissions a joke as we know. I refused repair at this time 
Feb 2017

165000 mi

US $500
Car not starting intermittently. Door ajar light on for a couple months, replaced door switch assembly 
Apr 2017

165000 mi

US $500
Car not starting intermittently. Battery replaced and starter relay replaced 
Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2011 - May 2017
Oct 2014

52700 mi

US $1050
AdBlue Heating Element. Total cost of diagnosis and repair ~$1050. Fought VW to cover at least part which they did. Lot's of reported AdBlue issues in VW and TDI forums. 
Jan 2016

59300 mi

US $280
Glow Plug replacement for #2 cylinder 
Jul 2016

79200 mi
Adblue fluid level low. Either being used at higher rate or was not properly filled. 
Volkswagen Passat in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2014 - Mar 2015
Jan 2014

58000 mi

US $112
Dealer re-calibrated exhaust sensor 
Dec 2014

87000 mi
Locking Lug Nuts cannot be removed. Dealer was unable to remove three of the factory locking lug nuts. Damaged three VW keys. Dealer estimate to drill out the locking lugs is $100.00 per wheel. Contacted VW of North America. 
Mar 2015

87000 mi
A dealership in a nearby community had the vehicle for one week, was unable to remove the factory locking lug nuts. 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Sep 2011 - Jun 2014
Aug 2012

12700 mi
Console side trim came loose. 
May 2014

33702 mi
Check engine light caused by AdBlue tank heater element. Dealer replaced AdBlue tank heater. Dealer replaced failed Ad-Blue tank heater. 
Volkswagen Passat in North Carolina, United States
Nov 2020 - Nov 2021
Apr 2021

103000 mi
Turbocharger and high pressure pump failed at the same time. VW has not been able to source replacement parts as yet. Covered under warranty.bb 
Volkswagen Passat in Arizona, United States
Sep 2011 - Nov 2016
Aug 2012

13000 mi

US $10
The sub-woofer enclosure squeaked and rattled due to connection bolts loosening. Added rubber washers and lock-tite to bolts. 
Mar 2013

22000 mi
The headliner was coming loose above the drivers. New headliner was installed. 
Dec 2013

33000 mi
Two speaker related rattles. One fixed by replacing bolt. One not fixed yet (part on order). 
Feb 2014

35600 mi
Rattle in passenger door. They replaced the speaker in passenger door. Fixed the rattle for a while, but it has recently returned. 
Oct 2015

63500 mi
The sensor pack (level, temperature, etc) for the reductant tank failed. Dealer replaced it under 8/80 federal emissions laws. It isn't technically covered under VW warranty, but VW covered it. 
Volkswagen Passat in North Carolina, United States
Oct 2011 - Oct 2013
Dec 2011

1000 mi
Wind noise front passenger door. Rubber seal on passenger door realigned. Solved noise problem. 
Volkswagen Passat in Illinois, United States
Sep 2016 - Jan 2022
Jan 2017

97000 mi

US $465
Heater core replacement due to blockage. Not covered under warranty unlike the 2013-2014 model Passat. 
Dec 2021

139000 mi
Bad fuel injector (#3). 
Volkswagen Passat in Alabama, United States
Jan 2012 - Jan 2017
Sep 2012

10000 mi
Corrected the infamous rear deck rattle, and a cracking, creaking sound coming from the front dash. The dash cracking/creaking has returned since repair. 
Jun 2014

48000 mi
Headlight housing recall. Passenger side headlight housing contacts had failed. 
Apr 2016

83000 mi
Clockspring broke while I was turning around in my driveway - with a very discernible "pop" sound within my steering column. The airbag warning light came on immediately, and I knew what had happened. Common problem, recall. 
Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Feb 2012 - Apr 2017
Aug 2013

20000 mi
Sirius radio is intermittent. 
Sep 2013

20000 mi
First replacement head did not fix the Sirius cutting out problem and added a screen to dark issue. Second replacement head fixed screen problem, improved but did not completely fix Sirius issue. 
Dec 2013

23000 mi
Third replacement head to fix Sirius radio cutting out. So far so good. 
Jan 2014

39500 mi
Battery failed 600 miles after warrantee ran out. Car had to be towed in. 
Volkswagen Passat in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2012 - Feb 2013
Jul 2012

10000 mi
Headliner pulling away at door Seat discomfort 
Jan 2013 Fuel line leak 
Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2016 - Jan 2017
May 2016

45600 mi

US $1500
The right front sway bar and other parts are to be changed and the dealer changed it but still have the Issue. 
Jan 2017 Sound on right front wheel suspension when hits pothole and was never identified by the dealership. 
Volkswagen Passat in Wisconsin, United States
Jan 2012 - Feb 2012
Feb 2012

5000 mi
Repair ding in hood. Dashboard rattle, front passenger door rattle, driver's area rattle. All resolved in a single trip to dealer. Wonderful service. 
Volkswagen Passat in Alberta, Canada
Sep 2015 - Mar 2018
Jun 2017

52700 mi

C $120
Ac leaking. 
Nov 2017

56420 mi
Emissions scandal 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Jan 2012 - Dec 2016
Sep 2014

32000 mi
Dash top had voids in foam under cover. These areas became obvious when heat swelled vinyl covering creating bubbles on dash top. 
Jul 2015

41300 mi
Failed urea heater. Part still on order. 
Oct 2016

57000 mi
Fuel return line separated. Body control module failed The fuel return line repair was quoted at $500 at the dealer. I made a temporary repair with shrink tubing and two clamps. 
Dec 2016

57000 mi
Engine would not start. Dealer found bad relay. 

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2012 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed automated manual FWD

Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Sep 2011 - Dec 2011
Dec 2011

1000 mi
Dealer kept me waiting 4 hours and didn't do a thing to resolve the problems. One-touch windows and rain-sensing wipers not working. Sold car. 
Volkswagen Passat in Delaware, United States
Dec 2012 - Apr 2023
Mar 2016

40000 mi
Check engine light on. Dirty fuel line. 
Apr 2018

59500 mi

US $985
engine cover gasket replaced Heater core replaced Water pump replaced 
Jun 2021

94000 mi

US $3000
One radiator fan stopped working.  AC compressor stopped working. 
Jan 2022

99000 mi

US $1500
Heat core and thermostat replacement 
Volkswagen Passat in Kentucky, United States
Aug 2012 - Sep 2012
Jun 2012

5000 mi
Dealer did not warn me that this engine still was one that needed a break in period. As known it will burn 1 quart of oil. This either caused the oil pressure sensor to malfunction or was coincidence. 
Volkswagen Passat in Indiana, United States
Oct 2014 - Jun 2021
Sep 2017

77000 mi

US $2500
Mechtronic device in transmission failed. Replaced transmission with used transmission. 
Dec 2017

80000 mi

US $120
Engine light warning of catalytic converter failure. Dealer could not find issue & reset the engine light. However, 3 months later, it appears that the catalytic converter is failing. 
May 2018

88000 mi

US $600
First thought it was catalytic converter. Turned out to be head gasket leaking oil into spark plug cavity and cc was having issues clearing it 
Jan 2021

124000 mi
Heater core has a design defect where contamination from engine block will clog heater port as it is very small. Repair shop indicated that over the last 12-16 months they have had over 14 VWs come back within 1-2 years with contaminated heater cores after the heater core was replaced. 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Dec 2011 - Sep 2018
Mar 2012

4000 mi

US $15
The car is equipped with KESSY. I would start the car, it would run for two seconds and then shut off. Dealer could not replicate the problem. It has happened 6 times since purchase. Driver error has been ruled out. The headliner on the A pillar was unraveling. Paint on the drivers side rear fender was chipping. After evaluation, it was not due to rock chip or environmental factors. 
Jul 2012

10700 mi
the rear suspension was making a deep creaking noise when going over bumps and dips. An engineer from VWOA came and determined that a rear strut failure occurred and they replaced both of them under warranty. Loaner car was given. 
Dec 2012

18000 mi
Headliner began to unravel at the A pillar again. Plastic trim on B pillar loose. They replaced the headliner and trim pieces under warranty 
Feb 2013

20900 mi
Rear decklid and subwoofer were rattling and creaking incessantly. A new deck lid was installed along with the appropriated fasteners. 
Apr 2013

23800 mi
There is a creaky rattling sound coming from the lower front end of the vehicle when you remove your foot from the brake and let the car roll. 
Jul 2015

48000 mi
Clutch packs for DSG were faulty. They were replaced under warranty 
Jan 2018

77000 mi
Control arms were cracked. 
Volkswagen Passat in North Carolina, United States
Apr 2012 - Dec 2012
Oct 2012

19500 mi
Driver seat squeak 
Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2017 - Jun 2018
Jul 2017

78000 mi

US $1500
ECM-Engine Control Module 
Volkswagen Passat in Ohio, United States
Nov 2012 - Dec 2014
Dec 2012

2000 mi
ECU computer died. Car would not shut off. Sunroof would open but not close. 

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2012 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Florida, United States
Sep 2014 - Mar 2017
Mar 2016

70000 mi

US $300
Oil pan needed to be resealed 
Dec 2016

80000 mi
Oil pan was leaking (again). 
Jan 2017

85000 mi

US $200
New front pads, rotor refinish 
Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States
Feb 2014 - Mar 2015
Dec 2014

31000 mi
Battery had to be replaced 
Volkswagen Passat in Florida, United States
Oct 2014 - Feb 2022
Jun 2015

51000 mi
Tranny clunks occasionally and where PRNDL usually shows up on the dash is replaced by a wrench -- service transmission wrench, not the oil change wrench. Going back this week for the FOURTH time to repair it. 
Jul 2015

51200 mi
Took the Passat to a different dealership, which fixed the transmission on the first try. 
Jul 2016

59300 mi

US $150
Power window - right passenger's would auto-reverse when going up. Dealer took apart door, readjusted something, cleaned & lubed track. 
Oct 2017

68000 mi

US $180
Problem: ABS / Traction Control / Tire Pressure / Airbag sensors illuminate yellow with chime. Solution: Wheel speed sensor replaced. Problem resolved. 
Dec 2020

89000 mi

US $300
Transmission will start normally then within the first 20 or so minutes of operation made a very pronounced thunk with car shuddering. The transmission light would then illuminate and stay illuminated for the rest of the trip. 
Volkswagen Passat in District of Columbia, United States
Aug 2015 - Mar 2018
Sep 2015

47000 mi

US $645
Engine light on & wrench off & on randomly. Also tranny seemed jumpy/clunky. Purge valve and maf sensor malfunctioning - had to replace both. 
Mar 2018

73000 mi

US $940
Replaced alternator. 
Volkswagen Passat in Tennessee, United States
Jun 2013 - Oct 2017
Oct 2017

89000 mi
Replaced Takata air bag inflator 
Volkswagen Passat in Utah, United States
Jul 2017 - Oct 2020
Dec 2017

90000 mi

US $430
jerking downshifts. dealer could not duplicate. 
Volkswagen Passat in Utah, United States
Jun 2015 - Sep 2021
Jul 2021

103000 mi

US $800
Throttle sensor out. EPC error code on dash - car worked in "limp" mode as long as gas pedal was not pushed down more then a light touch 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Dec 2015 - Dec 2015
Dec 2015

59000 mi
The side panel came loose 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Sep 2015 - Oct 2018
Jan 2017

63200 mi
Throttle body mechanism malfunctioning and required full replacement. Paid by CA PZEV Warranty. 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Nov 2014 - Apr 2016
Nov 2015

64000 mi
Noise from front end when driving on bumpy road. Replaced struts and springs. Check engine light. Replaced throttle sensor 
Volkswagen Passat in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2013 - Jun 2016
Dec 2013

37820 mi
AC water condenser drain tube installed incorrectly during factory assembly. Water drained inside the car. New carpet liner replaced. A/C water hose installation corrected. 
Jan 2014 Driver door lock actuator mechanism. 
Volkswagen Passat in Utah, United States
Nov 2014 - Sep 2020
Jan 2015

US $170
A creaking noise could be heard when the car was driving over bumps and dips. As the car would bounce a loud creak would come from the front of the car. My mechanic stated that the front swaybar links needed replacing. 
Volkswagen Passat in Connecticut, United States
Mar 2012 - Mar 2014
Dec 2013

32000 mi
Wind noise in front & back passenger side windows. They adjusted windows. All is quiet. 
Volkswagen Passat in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2012 - Mar 2014
Apr 2012

3000 mi
Noticed an oily substance running along the right side in the passenger foot well. Dealer indicated it was production grease that got heated and melted from the ascent light located in the foot well. 
Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States
Feb 2012 - Jan 2015
Feb 2014

22200 mi
Drivers side headlight out. Had to repair wiring. I believe there has been a recall for this or similar issue. 
Jun 2014

28000 mi
Passenger side headlight out. 
Volkswagen Passat in British Columbia, Canada
Aug 2013 - Sep 2014
Jul 2014

7220 mi
One of the bolts to secure the sub-woofer was missing. so it makes noise when the car went through a bump. VW stated it is not covered by warranty, but the dealer waived the $65 repairing fee for me. 
Volkswagen Passat in Michigan, United States
Jan 2012 - Apr 2015
Mar 2013

14000 mi
Headliner had separated/ripped on driver's door. Complete replacement was authorized by VW. Work took 2+ days. Equivalent loaner car provided. About a week after replacement of headliner, I noticed that daylight running lights were ALWAYS on - previous functionality missing. Also LED indicators next to shift lever were dark. Full check carried out and defects rectified. 
May 2013

16000 mi
Turning of steering wheel produced slight clicking noise (sounded like a small ratchet malice shop manager guessed that a clock spring in the steering column was at fault. Turns out that the airbag was making the noise. Clicking is still present 
Aug 2013

19000 mi
This was a continuation of the "clicking sound" in the steering wheel when turning. After installation of 2 faulty airbags as remedies, it was indeed determined that faulty airbags were the cause. This took lots of effort to nail down. 
Dec 2014

36000 mi
During cold weather phase it was impossible to open the driver's door. This turned out to be more serious than simply a frozen door lock - the lock was actually broken.The interior door handle was "inoperative" as well.The door was "dead&# 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Dec 2011 - Feb 2013
Jun 2012

7500 mi
Ordered parts for rear view mirror trim and drivers visor home link panel. Lots of rattling from the mirror trim. Home link panel broken. Ordered parts for rear view mirror trim and drivers visor home link panel. Lots of rattling from the mirror trim. Home link panel broken. 
Volkswagen Passat in New Jersey, United States
Sep 2011 - Dec 2021
Dec 2013

27000 mi
Driver door freezes near, at, or below freezing temperatures. Driver door again began to freeze shut near, at , or below freezing temperatures. 
May 2014

33000 mi
Right rear taillight went out 
Sep 2014

36000 mi
One of the 4 rear backup sensors failed. A replacement sensor was ordered by the dealer and I was told they would call me when it came in. 
May 2015

44000 mi
Check Engine Light came on. Brought it to the dealer, was told software needed to be updated. They completed the software update and the light went out. 
Dec 2015

53000 mi
The car wouldn't start. Next day it did. Went to dealer. Nothing wrong was found. License plate light bulb. Charged for half an hour of labor. 
Sep 2017

78000 mi

US $250
Sensor 
Nov 2017

79000 mi

US $485
Replaced brake lining and rotors 
Sep 2019

92500 mi

US $150
Coolant tank cracked, replaced 
Oct 2020

100500 mi

US $550
Front drive axle assembly replaced, leaking 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Nov 2011 - Dec 2011
Dec 2011 Left rear door not locking - faulty actuator 
Volkswagen Passat in Ohio, United States
Dec 2011 - Oct 2016
Aug 2012

16000 mi

US $1166
AC needed major overhaul. 
Dec 2012

26000 mi

US $90
Replaced Battery 
Volkswagen Passat in Connecticut, United States
Jun 2012 - Mar 2016
Oct 2012

6700 mi
Loose fuel cap turn check engine light on and did not turn off after driving for couple of days. 
Mar 2013

15000 mi
Faulty fuel cap. 
May 2013

17000 mi
Same problem "very small gas leak" cause engine light on. Replace the fuel cap before and last time replace the purge valve, but problem came back. This time replace the "leak detection pump". I really hope this time they can fix it. 
Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States
Feb 2012 - Jun 2016
Dec 2015

40000 mi
Wiper motor replaced. 
Volkswagen Passat in South Carolina, United States
Jan 2013 - Mar 2013
Feb 2013

1000 mi
Hesitation on acceleration 
Volkswagen Passat in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2013 - Aug 2016
Nov 2013

25000 mi
Passenger side vanity light stayed on. Required new visor. 
Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2013 - Apr 2013
Apr 2013

10000 mi
Left rear window motor issue. Replaced the motor. 
Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2012 - May 2015
Oct 2012

6700 mi
the problem was with the gasoline cap door, which wouldn't open on account of a failed actuator. 
Apr 2013

14300 mi
loose connection with rack, caused power steering fluid to leak. I don't know what the rack is--but that is what i was told. 
Jul 2013

16800 mi
This is the second time I brought it in for this problem. Power steering fluid completely leaked out. They put dye in to see if they could find the source of the leak, but were unable to find it. Topped it off and returned it to me. 
Oct 2013

21000 mi
power steering rack replaced. 
Volkswagen Passat in Florida, United States
Sep 2012 - Mar 2018
Apr 2014

45000 mi

US $200
Steering wheel had an internal part failure 
Jun 2016

83000 mi

US $600
power rear window end-of-travel sensor failed. Totally discharged battery within 24 hours. 
Oct 2017

103000 mi

US $51
P0106 code. S/W update 
Volkswagen Passat in Florida, United States
May 2013 - Feb 2017
Jul 2013

9500 mi
Replace headliner. Edge of headliner fabric was exposed at top of driver's side door. Rubber gasket could not be adjusted to conceal exposed edge. Dealer damaged 3 headliners trying to replace. Finally removed windshield to get it in. Squeaking and rattling from Fender stereo subwoofer housing. Dealer added padding and tightened bolts. 
Aug 2013

12000 mi
Grinding sound was occurring when windshield wipers were in use. Dealer stated bearing failing in wiper motor. Ordered replacement motor. 
Feb 2014

20000 mi
Homelink buttons fell off the drivers sun visor. Dealer ordered and replaced the sun visor. 

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2012 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Michigan, United States
Oct 2011 - Mar 2017
Jan 2012

6000 mi
Broken fuse box cover. Recall for front end noise while turning right. Incorrect fuel cap (won't fit in holder on re-fueling). Also the small plastic wind deflectors at the front of both front wheelwells have broken and been pushed back into the tires, so they also create noise on turns! 
Apr 2012

10800 mi
Both front inner wheelwell liners (plastic) have cracked. Dealer needs to consult w/VW for advice! 
Dec 2016

118000 mi

US $400
Check engine light on; needed intake cleaned. Clogged with carbon. 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Oct 2011 - Dec 2015
May 2014

53000 mi

US $250
MAP sensor 
Jun 2014

55000 mi
Updated the MAP sensor limits. Repair successful. 
Nov 2014

66700 mi

US $500
Secondary air injection valve replaced. 
Volkswagen Passat in New York, United States
Oct 2011 - Dec 2011
Dec 2011

2000 mi
Change engine light came on twice. First repair at dealer for N80 valve replacement. Second time check engine light came on car began to stutter and less acceleration. Third repair rear windows would not go down. 
Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States
Oct 2011 - Apr 2012
Nov 2011

707 mi
Front passenger ceiling handle has to be replaced as it came out.  Still awaiting molding replacement on driver side rear door. paint chip from delivery. roof painted but still not correct. Will be going back in January bought with paint chip on roof. Will have to go back again as it still isn't "correct." 
Volkswagen Passat in Pennsylvania, United States
Oct 2011 - Dec 2014
Jul 2012

3300 mi
Noisy front springs replaced 
Aug 2014

26100 mi
Front passenger window slow to go up. Sometimes when auto-up is used, the window would go almost to the top and then would auto-reverse and go down instead. 
Volkswagen Passat in Maryland, United States
Mar 2012 - Apr 2015
Jun 2014

33000 mi
Air Conditioner blowing hot air. This was the second time in one year for this condition. Dealer repaired. 
Oct 2014

36300 mi
Air Conditioner not working. Dealer stated it was OK, but again it was not working one week later. 
Apr 2015

42000 mi

US $200
Air conditioner has been repaired now 4 times. 3 times at the dealer, who last said everything was working properly, but it was not. As winter approached, I let it go. Took car to my regular shop and found the Freon refill valve broken. 
Volkswagen Passat in Wisconsin, United States
Feb 2015 - Dec 2016
Mar 2015

26000 mi
Compas module came loose from trunk lid mounting. Re-attached by technician. 
Mar 2016

39000 mi

US $50
Lock mechanism in drivers side door was non responsive, replaced under warranty. 
Jul 2016

41700 mi

US $50
Car made rumbling noise over bumps at low speed. 
Aug 2016

43000 mi

US $50
Broken power steering fluid hose. 
Volkswagen Passat in Pennsylvania, United States
Jan 2012 - Jul 2018
Jan 2014

30000 mi
Bad driver's door latch replaced. 
Volkswagen Passat in Michigan, United States
Oct 2011 - Jun 2014
May 2013

10000 mi
Rattle in/by headliner. 
Volkswagen Passat in Illinois, United States
Mar 2013 - Apr 2013
Apr 2013

10000 mi
DRL bulb out when car was purchased. Dealer fixed at no cost to me because of warranty. 

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2012 Volkswagen Passat Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2012 Volkswagen Passat problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.