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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2020 Volkswagen Passat Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 18 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 2020 Volkswagen Passat, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2020 Volkswagen Passat owner complaints

Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Volkswagen Passat, describing incidents dated September 2, 2020 to September 9, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Engine 5 complaints
  • Air Bags 4 complaints
  • Unknown or Other 4 complaints
  • Electrical System 3 complaints
  • Forward Collision Avoidance 3 complaints
  • Fuel/Propulsion System 2 complaints

Of the 18 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash; across all 18 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11763407 · Filed

    my 2020 vw passat has less than 60k mikes and i am replacing my 3rd wheel sensor. they fail without warning disabling my antilock brakes. And other safety features

  • ODI #11760236 · Filed

    The front information center which is responsible for the rear camera system is shutdown due to the radio / entire screen being dead without reason

  • ODI #11759077 · Filed

    While driving and after, we noticed gas fumes both inside and outside of vehicle. The gas tank was approximately half full. Became very concerned over the the possibility of a fire. Did research online and realized that this was and is a common problem with older models of the Passad (ours is a 2020…

Read all 18 complaints

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Folded Wrong/FMVSS 208

NHTSA #20V533000 · Air Bags — Passenger Side Frontal — Cushion · NHTSA notice

Reported September 2, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 1,829 vehicles

Repair completion: 94.31% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 69AY · Owners notified October 14, 2020

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Passat vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Safety consequence

An incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AY.

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 October 17, 2018 – December 19, 2018 (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.

Incorrect Side Impact Air Bag Installed

NHTSA #19V218000 · Air Bags — Side/Window · NHTSA notice

Reported March 20, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 3 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volkswagen campaign 69Y8 · Owners notified April 24, 2019 · Vehicles built October 31, 2018 – October 31, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.

Safety consequence

In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.

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.

Other Volkswagen Passat model years

Check your 2020 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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