NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 Volkswagen Passat Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns and 484 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 2012 Volkswagen Passat, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2012 Volkswagen Passat owner complaints

Owners have filed 484 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, describing incidents dated September 26, 2011 to July 31, 2026.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 296 complaints
Electrical System 95 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 46 complaints
Steering 46 complaints
Engine 43 complaints
Unknown or Other 31 complaints

Of the 484 complaints on file, 14 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 484 complaints, owners report 10 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11768138 · Filed September 30, 2026
I received a recall for the airbag. No lights were on in my car, so I brought in in for the service. I picked up my car, it seemed ok. I went to the gym. When I restarted my car every single light was on on the dashboard. When I brought it back to the dealer they said "oh its the ABS module they…
ODI #11754408 · Filed August 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer refused to perform the repair until the contact paid for…
ODI #11753554 · Filed July 29, 2026
Car accident and all left side airbags deployed but not the drivers airbag which we had the recall repaired on.

Read all 484 complaints

Owner-reported

2012 Volkswagen Passat mileage at failure

252 of the 484 complaints on file for the 2012 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 70,000 miles	Middle half 45,000–100,000 miles	Based on 100 complaints
Electrical System	Median 60,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–80,000 miles	Based on 68 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System	Median 40,000 miles	Middle half 25,000–70,000 miles	Based on 36 complaints
Steering	Median 65,000 miles	Middle half 45,000–85,000 miles	Based on 35 complaints
Engine	Median 50,000 miles	Middle half 30,000–80,000 miles	Based on 38 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.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

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 2012 Volkswagen Passat in 3 investigations. 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 EA18-003: Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Open since April 18, 2018
Recall Query RQ17-009: Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Closed May 4, 2018
Preliminary Evaluation PE15-010: Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Closed September 28, 2015
- Recall 15V-483

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 Side Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #19V862000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported December 4, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 226 vehicles

Repair completion: 65.04% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 69R6,69Q8,69Q9,69Y5 · Owners notified December 20, 2019 · Vehicles built July 7, 2011 – May 27, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side 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

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.

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.

Headlights can be Adjusted/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #19V389000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice

Reported May 22, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 662,185 vehicles

Repair completion: 68.8% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 94L9 · Owners notified July 16, 2019 · Vehicles built December 23, 2010 – October 2, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Safety consequence

Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.

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.

Modifications to Vehicles Made them Noncompliant

NHTSA #18V329000 · Unknown or Other · NHTSA notice

Reported May 16, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 252 vehicles

Repair completion: 78.09% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 01C5/01C6 · Owners notified November 29, 2018 · Vehicles built April 18, 2011 – April 18, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

Safety consequence

If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

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 December 23, 2010 – July 25, 2014 (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.

Heat Shield not Long Enough to Prevent Damage

NHTSA #17V309000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported May 11, 2017 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 84,262 vehicles

Repair completion: 21.3% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 23W5 · Owners notified July 7, 2017 · Vehicles built April 11, 2011 – July 25, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Passat vehicles, equipped with diesel engines and Direct-Shift Transmissions (DSG). The vehicle's underbody heat shield may not be long enough to protect the right half-shaft grease boot from heat, potentially resulting in a grease leak.

Safety consequence

If the leaking grease contacts a heated surface, such as the exhaust system and/or the diesel particulate filter (DPF), it could increase the risk of fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft heat shield, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23W5.

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.

Water Corrosion on Electrical Terminals

NHTSA #16V171000 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice

Reported March 24, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 91,442 vehicles

Repair completion: 47.91% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 23T3 · Owners notified September 15, 2016 · Vehicles built April 6, 2011 – July 25, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical connectors of the sensor, causing an electrical short.

Safety consequence

An electrical short can cause the electrical connectors of the sensor to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in September. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23T3.

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.

Air Bag Clock Spring may Fail

NHTSA #15V483000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice

Reported August 4, 2015 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 415,825 vehicles

Repair completion: 76.45% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 69L2 · Owners notified January 15, 2016 · Vehicles built December 22, 2010 – January 13, 2014 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.

Safety consequence

A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.

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.

Loss Of Low Beam Headlight

NHTSA #14V125000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice

Reported March 17, 2014 · Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 150,201 vehicles

Repair completion: 87.13% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 94G8/7V · Owners notified May 13, 2014 · Vehicles built January 1, 2011 – November 30, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Passat vehicles manufactured January 2011 through November 2012. In the affected vehicles, the low beam headlight bulb may become loose and lose electrical contact.

Safety consequence

A loss of low beam headlights may reduce the driver's visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen notified owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holder, free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagens recall number associated with this campaign is 94G8/7V.

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.

DIESEL FUEL FILTER ELEMENT

NHTSA #12V146000 · Fuel System, Diesel · NHTSA notice

Reported April 5, 2012 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Potentially affected: 153 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign 20R7/W3 · Owners notified April 27, 2012 · Vehicles built January 1, 2011 – June 1, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PASSAT VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 1, 2011. DURING ASSEMBLY, THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DIESEL FUEL FILTER ELEMENT THAT MAY NOT SEAL CORRECTLY.

Safety consequence

OVER TIME, OR AFTER CERTAIN DRIVING DISTANCES, THESE VEHICLES ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIESEL FUEL FILTER ELEMENTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Notes

VOLKSWAGENS SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS 20R7/W3.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIONS VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2012 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

11% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

3 investigations

484 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat.

Air Bags; Forward Collision Avoidance

ODI #11768138

Incident: January 1, 2026 · Filed: September 30, 2026

I received a recall for the airbag. No lights were on in my car, so I brought in in for the service. I picked up my car, it seemed ok. I went to the gym. When I restarted my car every single light was on on the dashboard. When I brought it back to the dealer they said "oh its the ABS module they just go" and they are expensive to replace. I think they broke the module when they did the airbag. They offered to get me a rebuilt one, so I had it put in. Now when it rains my tires are spinning even though the tread is like new. I have to bring it in tomorrow it's probably something with the module again.

Air Bags

ODI #11754408

Incident: July 31, 2026 · Filed: August 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer refused to perform the repair until the contact paid for a diagnostic test for an internal communication error code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

Air Bags

ODI #11753554

Crash

Incident: July 23, 2026 · Filed: July 29, 2026

Car accident and all left side airbags deployed but not the drivers airbag which we had the recall repaired on.

Power Train; Electrical System

ODI #11738147

Incident: December 17, 2025 · Filed: May 15, 2026

I own a 2012 Volkswagen Passat [VIN [XXX] ] with approximately 1315xx miles. On December 17, 2025, I took the car to Rockwall County Volkswagen for three recalls. The car was running and was driven 9.5 miles to the dealership under its own power. I left the engine running when I left the it with the service advisor. When I returned to retrieve the car the following day, the service advisor informed me the car would not start. Their explanation shifted within the same conversation — first that someone had shut it off and it would not crank, then that it would crank but would not start. They claimed they had to pushed it into the service bay, replaced the airbag, and "code the computer for the clock-spring." The dealer refused to repair the no-start condition that occurred in their custody. I towed the car home at my own expense - $161. I performed my own diagnostic work using VW scan tools. The vehicle exhibited a textbook immobilizer or component protection rejection pattern: it would crank, start briefly for 1–2 seconds, then shut off, with three instrument cluster chimes and the coolant fan activating. The scan tool could not communicate with all vehicle modules, consistent with a failed module programming. After contacting the dealer's service manager, I towed the car back to the dealership [$64]. The dealer kept it from December 2025 through April 7, 2026 — approximately four months. During this time, they replaced the battery (charging me) and replaced the engine control module with a used unit they sourced and reprogrammed (charging me a total of $804.38). On April 7, 2026, I drove the car home. The vehicle was driven less than 35 miles after pickup before failing again. On April 27, 2026, my daughter — who had just undergone a serious medical procedure — was driving the car home and was stranded on the side of the road in 90+ degree Texas heat when the car suddenly stopped running with no warning or indication of impending failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Tires

ODI #11721277

Incident: March 1, 2026 · Filed: March 1, 2026

The tire size is 235/45r18 and the tread is coming off, we just noticed it and there has not been any accident nor incident

Unknown or Other

ODI #11708435

Incident: December 30, 2025 · Filed: January 2, 2026

Sunroof shattered without warning

Electrical System

ODI #11703929

Incident: November 25, 2025 · Filed: December 9, 2025

We would have been in a life threating situation (very cold) if we would have not walked down highway to get internet service to look up the issue. What happened. We drove up from Phoenix to the mountains in Arizona. When starting the car after a stop (to look at a heard of Elk in a pasture) the car would not start. It would briefly start for a second then die. The dash lit up with many errors. We were stranded with no cell phone service with night approaching. We walked down the road and got cell service again and called family. Found out from online video while waiting for family to arrive you could disconnect the battery and reconnect to get the car started. We did this and it worked but engine light still was on. Car would not start again next morning and dash lit up. We would have been in a really bad situation (very cold) if we would have not walked down highway to get internet service to look up the issue. More internet research shows thousands of people have this problem.

Air Bags

ODI #11692378

Incident: October 9, 2023 · Filed: October 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000(Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bags warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Air Bags

ODI #11689492

Incident: September 24, 2024 · Filed: September 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V148000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Air Bags

ODI #11687307

Incident: September 15, 2025 · Filed: September 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Other Volkswagen Passat model years

Check your 2012 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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