NHTSA vehicle safety data

2006 Volkswagen Passat Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2006 Volkswagen Passat has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 576 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volkswagen dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2006 Volkswagen Passat, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2006 Volkswagen Passat owner complaints

Owners have filed 576 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Volkswagen Passat, describing incidents dated October 21, 2005 to October 9, 2025.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 148 complaints
Engine 130 complaints
Steering 112 complaints
Electrical System 79 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 64 complaints
Power Train 47 complaints

Of the 576 complaints on file, 21 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 576 complaints, owners report 9 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11692301 · Filed October 9, 2025
The contact owned a 2006 Volkswagen Passat . The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
ODI #11671216 · Filed July 4, 2025
recalled airbag
ODI #11660470 · Filed May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel…

Read all 576 complaints

Owner-reported

2006 Volkswagen Passat mileage at failure

407 of the 576 complaints on file for the 2006 Volkswagen Passat give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Air Bags	Median 95,000 miles	Middle half 55,000–120,000 miles	Based on 46 complaints
Engine	Median 80,000 miles	Middle half 50,000–105,000 miles	Based on 109 complaints
Steering	Median 65,000 miles	Middle half 50,000–80,000 miles	Based on 106 complaints
Electrical System	Median 60,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–105,000 miles	Based on 66 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System	Median 95,000 miles	Middle half 65,000–120,000 miles	Based on 43 complaints
Power Train	Median 60,000 miles	Middle half 15,000–90,000 miles	Based on 37 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2006 Volkswagen Passat in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA11-002: Engine Compartment Fire
Closed February 17, 2012

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Driver's Side Front Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #24V834000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported October 30, 2024 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 248,330 vehicles

Repair completion: 30.74% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 69EG,69GQ,69E6 · Owners notified December 4, 2024 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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 degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.

Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #18V247000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported April 18, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 71,335 vehicles

Repair completion: 12.12% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 69Q8 · Owners notified April 30, 2018 · Vehicles built February 15, 2005 – November 3, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q8. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-079.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fuel Pump Failure Cause Engine Stall

NHTSA #17V509000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported August 16, 2017 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 280,915 vehicles

Repair completion: 49.44% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 20AE · Owners notified June 26, 2018 · Vehicles built February 15, 2005 – June 1, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.

Safety consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #16V079000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported February 10, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 151,767 vehicles

Repair completion: 40.4% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified March 10, 2017 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

BRAKE VACUUM LINE

NHTSA #06V472000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Power Assist — Vacuum · NHTSA notice

Reported December 12, 2006 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Potentially affected: 58,800 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign P7 · Owners notified January 12, 2007 · Vehicles built May 1, 2005 – April 30, 2006 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L ENGINE WITH 147 KW MAY HAVE A VACUUM LINE THAT MAY FRACTURE AND BECOME DISCONNECTED AT LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.

Safety consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE POWER ASSIST CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE, AND THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE INCREASED EFFORT TO APPLY THE BRAKES POSSIBLY INCREASING VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED VACUUM LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.

Notes

VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO. P7. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION?S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

WIPER MOTOR

NHTSA #06V470000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer — Motor · NHTSA notice

Reported December 12, 2006 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Potentially affected: 57,291 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign P6 · Owners notified January 12, 2007 · Vehicles built March 1, 2005 – January 31, 2006 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN '6' GENERATION PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DURING HEAVY RAIN DUE TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE ENTERING THE WIPER MOTOR. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE WIPERS CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED VISIBILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPECIAL COVER AND SEALING KIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.

Notes

VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO. P6.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION?S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

TIE ROD SECURING NUTS

NHTSA #05V540000 · Steering — Linkages — Tie Rod Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported November 30, 2005 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Potentially affected: 15 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign M5 · Owners notified December 7, 2005 · Vehicles built March 3, 2005 – May 5, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD SECURING NUT MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TORQUED.

Safety consequence

AN INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED TIE ROD NUT MAY LOOSEN, RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF A TIE ROD. THIS CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL NEW LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD SECURING NUTS AT THE PROPER TORQUED SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 7, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.

Notes

VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO. M5.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2006 Volkswagen Passat 4-DR. w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

1 investigation

576 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Volkswagen Passat.

Air Bags

ODI #11692301

Incident: October 9, 2025 · Filed: October 9, 2025

The contact owned a 2006 Volkswagen Passat . The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.

Air Bags

ODI #11671216

Incident: April 1, 2018 · Filed: July 4, 2025

recalled airbag

Fuel System, Gasoline; Engine

ODI #11660470

Incident: May 12, 2025 · Filed: May 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V509000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure to obtain assistance with reimbursement. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags

ODI #11631089

Incident: December 16, 2024 · Filed: December 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted however, the manufacturer was not.

Electrical System; Air Bags; Engine

ODI #11577635

Incident: January 10, 2024 · Filed: March 15, 2024

My family and I have been VW owners for over 60 years. Unfortunately, the 2006 VW Passat has been layered with defects, negligent manufacturing issues, faulty wiring, electrical problems, computer glitches, to mention a few. There have been many recalls including an official recall by the NHTSA, for steering linkage problems and tie rod assembly which caused a loss of steering, crashes and deaths. Over 292 complaints are filed with Consumer Affairs, over 561 defects reported, and thousands of horror stories like mine about this car. It's considered a lemon by many car professionals. Many dealerships in the USA offered to inspect, and replace the electronic steering column lock free of charge and address any other concerns, which should be standard, reasonable behavior for all VW dealerships, mandated by this Federal agency. Shortly after this car almost killed me in 2013, VW put me through countless stressful hours of calls, emails and the like and still refused to be fully accountable. Shortly after my almost end of life, the notorious VW Emissions Scandal spoke volumes. VW was well aware of their defects including the electrical system in the steering column/immobilizer, (the system won’t recognize the key; a module in the car that connects the key and starts the engine is defective). In many cases, the entire steering column is defective and has to be completely replaced because the car’s pistons, internal combustion and engine are all subpar. Even the Sunroof and drains are defective and every time it rains, there is a flood in my car which has caused life threatening mold and mildew. I am respectfully asking for your help in having VW provide me, a near [XXX] woman, a safe, reliable, car without another defective sunroof and without defective water drains. It can be used as long as it's reliable and without deadly mold and mildew. I have photos. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train

ODI #11523759

Incident: March 1, 2023 · Filed: May 24, 2023

Transmission clunks into gear and loses traction while shifting.

Engine

ODI #11514628

Incident: January 1, 2015 · Filed: March 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while approaching an off ramp while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where an unknown diagnostic test and repair was completed. Additionally, the dealer fractured an unknown part underneath the hood and water entered the vehicle near the sun visor and there was water accumulating on the rear passenger’s side door location. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Power Train

ODI #11500131

Incident: January 4, 2023 · Filed: January 4, 2023

We owned vehicle approx 8yrs and in late 2022 will driving/on highway 55mph or local roads like Broadway 15-20mph the vehicle goes into neutral. VErY dangerous it wil work as it should after a restart

Air Bags; Engine

ODI #11483092

Crash Fire

Incident: September 1, 2022 · Filed: September 6, 2022

The contact owned a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while her husband was driving in traffic, he rear-ended a vehicle at approximately 25 MPH. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. While her husband was exchanging information with the other driver, the other driver alerted him that his vehicle had caught fire. As her husband attempted to retrieve a fire extinguisher from the truck, he was alerted that the fire had worsened and was instructed to move away from the vehicle. Within minutes, the vehicle became engulfed in flames and was incinerated. A police report was filed. No injuries were reported. The contact had the vehicle towed to her home where it remained in her possession. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was a total loss. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

Air Bags

ODI #11474741

Incident: July 18, 2022 · Filed: July 19, 2022

Stalled out as I started to accelerate from a stop light. It's like not getting and fuel. Possibly some type of issue pertaining to that Then my airbag light keeps flashing. Floor board lights cut on an off for no reason. Electrical equipment Possibly incorrect?

Other Volkswagen Passat model years

Check your 2006 Volkswagen Passat VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Volkswagen Passat at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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