NHTSA vehicle safety data

2007 Volkswagen Passat Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2007 Volkswagen Passat has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 262 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 2007 Volkswagen Passat, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2007 Volkswagen Passat owner complaints

Owners have filed 262 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007 Volkswagen Passat, describing incidents dated April 23, 2006 to December 29, 2025.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 106 complaints
Engine 60 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 42 complaints
Electrical System 34 complaints
Service Brakes 16 complaints
Steering 15 complaints

Of the 262 complaints on file, 4 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 262 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11707536 · Filed December 29, 2025
The contact owned a 2007 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V148000(Air Bags) and 17V509000 ( Fuel System, Gasoline), and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted.
ODI #11541436 · Filed August 29, 2023
I am filing a complaint in regards to Volkswagen failing to offer a solution to repair the Takata airbag which was recalled. I have tried contacting VW numerous times over the past two years as I live in Juneau, Alaska, which is landlocked and the only option is to send the vehicle on a ferry to…
ODI #11475005 · Filed July 20, 2022
The timing belt is terrible on this vehicle. This is the same model and engine as the last recall but mine didn’t qualify because it is a 2007 not a 2008. The belt is and chain are completely unstable and prone to catastrophic failure that can happen anytime while driving especially on the highway…

Read all 262 complaints

Owner-reported

2007 Volkswagen Passat mileage at failure

164 of the 262 complaints on file for the 2007 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 100,000 miles	Middle half 75,000–135,000 miles	Based on 33 complaints
Engine	Median 55,000 miles	Middle half 16,000–100,000 miles	Based on 55 complaints
Electrical System	Median 80,000 miles	Middle half 50,000–135,000 miles	Based on 31 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 2007 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.

Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #18V148000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported March 6, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 363,713 vehicles

Repair completion: 68.39% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 69Q9 · Owners notified March 16, 2018 · Vehicles built November 2, 2006 – May 27, 2009 (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 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat 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 vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

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 #16V078000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

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

Potentially affected: 659,493 vehicles

Repair completion: 58.54% (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 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 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 vehicle occupants potentially 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. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. 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 – April 30, 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.

2007 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

2007 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 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

262 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2007 Volkswagen Passat.

Fuel System, Gasoline; Air Bags

ODI #11707536

Incident: December 29, 2025 · Filed: December 29, 2025

The contact owned a 2007 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V148000(Air Bags) and 17V509000 ( Fuel System, Gasoline), and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted.

Air Bags

ODI #11541436

Incident: August 29, 2023 · Filed: August 29, 2023

I am filing a complaint in regards to Volkswagen failing to offer a solution to repair the Takata airbag which was recalled. I have tried contacting VW numerous times over the past two years as I live in Juneau, Alaska, which is landlocked and the only option is to send the vehicle on a ferry to either Anchorage or Seattle, WA to have this repair completed. The vehicle has not been driven in years due to the fear of what could happen if there were an accident and the airbag deployed. Please help me resolve this issue as Volkswagen is not taking action on this.

Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11475005

Incident: July 20, 2022 · Filed: July 20, 2022

The timing belt is terrible on this vehicle. This is the same model and engine as the last recall but mine didn’t qualify because it is a 2007 not a 2008. The belt is and chain are completely unstable and prone to catastrophic failure that can happen anytime while driving especially on the highway. This could cause a huge accident. There is also a major issue with the fuel pumps and the hoses. My fuel tank is leaking gas above 3/4 of a tank and can cause a severe fire even if someone dropped a lit cigarette under the car while I am driving.

Electrical System; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11468771

Incident: May 25, 2022 · Filed: June 11, 2022

To start off, this car has common failures of the High Pressure Fuel Pump Cam Follower. This poses serious risk of damage to the engine when the follower is blown throw and the car goes into limp mode and if this happens on road it could be catastrophic. There were no warnings that this was the issue besides researching videos on YouTube while getting a fuel pressure code to find out the cam follower was completely blown throw which means my engine has MANY METAL pieces inside of my engine. If I did not catch this soon the next failure would’ve been the CAMSHAFT. The camshaft going bad at and given moment could also be catastrophic on the road and possibly even spark a fire. Another issue is with the timing chain on specific FSI engines. If this chain snaps mid drive then your engine could potentially blow in the middle of the road causing an accident. This problem is known by Volkswagen and they have yet to take serious action in regards to this safety hazard. Another potential for catastrophic events is the wiring harness specifically the one that runs under the Vacuum pump. These wires are covered in oil from the vacuum pump being prone to leaking and any fluid that goes on top of it. I also discovered that near my ECU to that wiring harness there was a spot of gasoline in which I was able to determine when I smelt the fluid with a glove on of course. This year make and model of Volkswagen can cause serious harm to those driving ESPECIALLY on the high way. The wiring harness and all components around it soak with oil and when you take off the manifold fuel also gets all over it even when you try to prevent it as much as you can. This has caused increased idle in my vehicle while driving with and EPC light that makes the car stall out of no where. If it happened when I was turning my wheel it could’ve caused an accident on the road or even a driver to have road rage behind me. Please help myself and fellow Passat owners of this year stay safe.

Power Train; Service Brakes

ODI #11463112

Incident: April 20, 2022 · Filed: May 2, 2022

The brakes totally went out on my vehicle with no warning. It first started when I bought the car, the brake pad (almost brand new) almost set my left front rotor on fire within 10 minutes of driving. If I didn’t pull over there’s no question that my car would’ve set on fire. My fuel like was leaking heavily, and the emergency brake which is hydraulic wouldn’t even deploy. I could’ve gotten killed. There is also an extreme issue with the power train system. Completely unsafe.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11461423

Incident: March 1, 2022 · Filed: April 19, 2022

While I was operating the vehicle the vehicle stopped in the middle of the street. It was told to me it's the fuel system. The car has been diagnosed back in November of 2021. The fuel pump is not getting fire to the other.

Air Bags

ODI #11445877

Incident: November 20, 2021 · Filed: January 2, 2022

The Air bag fault message came on the dash. My VW Passat car was not involved in any accident. I took the car to VW dealer for the diagnosis for which I was charged. The air bag fault message is no longer there but I am sure my air bags have not been replaced. I have been advised that I may have to change the airbags in future.

Electrical System; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11396193

Incident: February 14, 2021 · Filed: February 14, 2021

I WAS DRIVING AND 2 LIGHT CAME ON , THE BATTERY LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I RAN IT THOUGH A SCANNER AND THE CODES THAT POPPED UP WERE CODE P0087 AND P2293

Electrical System; Unknown or Other; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11373840

Incident: November 2, 2020 · Filed: November 9, 2020

JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR AND AT 94206 MILES ON IT I CAN'T SEE HOW THE AIR COMPRESSOR WOULD GO OUT AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR IT I WANT TO SEE IF THERE IS RECALL ON THIS AT ALL IT'S A 2007 PLUS THERE 2 RECALLS NUMBER ARE 1ST ONE IS 20AE- NHTSA RECALL NUMBER IS 17V509 AUGUST 16 2017 AND NOW 2ND ONE IS MARCH 15 2018 MANUFACTURER RECALL # 69Q9 NHTSA RECALL # IS 18V148 I DON'T SEE ANYWHERE IF THE RECALL WERE FIXED

Engine; Visibility/Wiper

ODI #11327752

Incident: May 22, 2020 · Filed: June 8, 2020

MY 16 BOUGHT A CAR FROM BOMMARITO VW HAZELWOOD, THEY TOLD US IT HAD PRIOR ENGINE WORK AND THE CUSTOMER COULDN'T PAY FOR THE CHARGES SO THEY SOLD US THE CAR. WHEN TEST DRIVING WE HEARD A CLUNK EVERY TIME YOU WOULD EXCEL. THE SALESMAN SAID IT WAS STUFF IN THE TRUNK. COME TO FIND OUT THERE ARE NO MOTOR MOUNTS HOLDING THE MOTOR AND THE MOTOR GOES UP IN THE AIR WHEN YOU GIVE THE CAR GAS, THE MOTOR HIT THE EXHAUST AND BROKE IT. THERE IS NO WAY THIS CAR PASSED INSPECTION WITH A MOTOR HANGING THERE, YOU CAN'T SEE THROUGH THE BACK WINDOW BECAUSE THE TINT IS SO BAD. A DEALERSHIP SHOULD NOT OF SOLD A VEHICLE WITH A MOTOR LIKE THIS, IT'S A BIT DANGEROUS TO PUT A YOUNG GIRL IN. IT HAS TAKEN ME TWO WEEKS FOR SOMEONE TO CALL ME BACK. *TR

Other Volkswagen Passat model years

Check your 2007 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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