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2017
Used 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Volkswagen Passat

EPA MPG: 28 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
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Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2017 Passat is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2017 Volkswagen Passat has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2017 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2017 Volkswagen Passat owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Android Auto

"Stopped working with this car completely. Haven't made any serious attempt to resolve the problem"

Anonymous A., (2017 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Apple CarPlay

"It stopped working after three years and was prohibitive to replace."

Anonymous A., OR (2017 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Many times the radio fails to connect so I have to resort to bluetooth"

Anonymous, MI (2017 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Display screen freezes up

"In 2024 I couldn't scroll between screens while selecting stations. It was intermittent, then it just started working again."

Anonymous, MD (2017 Volkswagen Passat SE Unsure)

"Establishing a connection to CarPlay is finicky and can take a few attempts at first. Occasionally, the system will freeze up entirely and it will take about 30 seconds to restart and reestablish connection the freeze seems to occur when changing volume and accelerating at the same time. Became more frequent the more miles I put on the vehicle, and it first started showing up around 80,000-100,000 mile in."

Anonymous A., GA (2017 Volkswagen Passat R-Line 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Some areas of the display screen are no longer responsive to touch. It started during 2024. Others have experienced similar problems. It's apparently a problem in the assembly of the screen itself. I initially tended to take my eyes off the road in order to see what's going wrong with the screen. But now I'm used to it and just say harsh things to the system."

Anonymous, (2017 Volkswagen Passat SEL 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Hardware replacement

"rear wheel tire pressure monitor unit not working resulting in the tire pressure monitor on the main display showing an under inflated tire(s)."

Anonymous, NC (2017 Volkswagen Passat SEL 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"VW stopped providing updates to the navigation system maps only a few years after 2017. Some areas of the display screen are now unresponsive to touch. Apparently it's a common problem that's quite expensive to repair."

Anonymous, (2017 Volkswagen Passat SEL 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"System did not update without a major repair."

Anonymous A., OR (2017 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Radio

"It was a heat related problem that made my radio unresponsive. It was replaced under extended warranty."

Anonymous, PA (2017 Volkswagen Passat SEL 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Load more

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Heated or cooled seats

"Driver side heated seat stopped working 2 years ago"

Anonymous, CT (2017 Volkswagen Passat SEL 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Driver seat heater stopped working"

Anonymous, CA (2017 Volkswagen Passat SEL 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

""The linkage to the stick broke, had to be replaced""

Anonymous, FL (2017 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Premature brake wear

""The rotor wear margins are thin, and after an interval where getting new pads is sufficient, with VW, the rotors almost always need to be replaced, too. It's kind if a crappy way to treat consumers, turning a normal wear-and-tear job into a costly repair.""

Anonymous, CA (2017 Volkswagen Passat Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Locks and latches

"Windows control in driver side are broken"

Anonymous, FL (2017 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Water pools in the trunk tire well. Leak source has not been identified."

Anonymous A., BC (2017 Volkswagen Passat SEL 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Blower (fan) motor

"Device that controls flow of air between dark vents and floor"

Anonymous, PA (2017 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"control unit for gas pump failed"

Anonymous, NS (2017 Volkswagen Passat SE 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine computer

"Why do you call engine computer problems as minor? It costs a fortune to replace them Same for the transmission computer in VW"

Anonymous, CA (2017 Volkswagen Passat SEL 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Warning lights

"When starting the car, the electrical system sometimes trips a handful of warning lights for problems that do not currently exist ABS brake system, airbag, power steering, and front-drive assist errors. The lights will go away shortly into the drive, I imagine as the system recognizes the lack of any real issues."

Anonymous A., GA (2017 Volkswagen Passat R-Line 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

2017 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY
AIR BAGS
Oct 30, 2024
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
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.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V834000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 248330
Hide Recall Details
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 05, 2021
Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
What should you do:
Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.
For more information:
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.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V321000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 46
Hide Recall Details
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sep 16, 2020
Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
What should you do:
Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.
For more information:
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.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V561000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 23
Hide Recall Details
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sep 25, 2019
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible 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.
What should you do:
Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
For more information:
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.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V679000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 113
Hide Recall Details
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 22, 2019
Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
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.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V389000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 662185
Hide Recall Details
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Aug 15, 2018
The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
What should you do:
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary, free of charge. For Passat vehicles, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for proper connection, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46H6.
For more information:
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.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V536000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 8416
Hide Recall Details
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Feb 08, 2017
A low brake fluid level may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Passat vehicles. Brake fluid may leak slowly from the some of the brake line connections, resulting in a low brake fluid level.
What should you do:
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake lines, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47N3.
For more information:
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.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V075000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1007
Hide Recall Details
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