Used Volkswagen Passat Estate 2015-2024 reliability
Category: Estate car
The VW Passat Estate has a vast boot, lots of kit and space for all the family. It’s an excellent estate car and a great used buy
What should I look for in a used Volkswagen Passat estate?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
It’s a large car so check the bodywork extremities for any scuffs picked up in supermarket car parks. Check the alloy wheels too, for kerb damage. Make sure the rear seats fold and raise as they should, and that the electric operation of the rear tailgate, if fitted, works as it should. The interior is durable and hard-wearing, but you should check all the electrical systems thoroughly. It’s also worth checking the suspension carefully, especially if you plan to carry or tow heavy loads.
What are the most common problems with a used Volkswagen Passat estate?
At the time of writing, the Passat has 14 recalls listed. To check whether they have affected your car, you can contact your local Volkswagen dealer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.
Reason for recall
Front wheel bearing housings with insufficient hardness may have been fitted. This can lead to a fracture of a wheel bearing housing which can affected the directional control of the vehicle.
How the manufacturer will repair: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the casting dates of both front wheel bearing housings. Where the affected wheel bearing housings are found they will be replaced.
Number of affected vehicles: 303
Date of recall: 24/06/2015
Reason for recall
The central wiring harness may not have been correctly connected to the central electrics unit. If the connector comes loose it can affect certain electrical components including braking assistance.
How the manufacturer will repair: On affected vehicles Check wiring connection and if necessary secure connection.
Number of affected vehicles: 11,589
Date of recall: 18/02/2016
Reason for recall
On certain vehicles with a panoramic sunroof, the legally specified limits of the clamping forces for opening and closing of the sunroof may not be kept. When closing the sunroof from outside with the vehicle key (convenience closing) if any body parts are in the operating area of the sunroof they can get pressed against the roof frame and possibly get injured.
How the manufacturer will repair: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and deactivate the convenience opening and closing of the sunroof. To do this the software for the on-board supply control unit and the sunroof control unit must be updated and configured.
Number of affected vehicles: 606
Date of recall: 30/03/2016
Reason for recall
The central wiring harness may not have been correctly connected to the central electrics unit. If the connector comes loose it can affect certain electrical components including braking assistance.
How the manufacturer will repair: On affected vehicles, check wiring connection and if necessary secure connection.
Number of affected vehicles: 11,589
Date of recall: 30/03/2016
Reason for recall
The door child locks may disengage without driver knowledge. Though the door remains close it is possible for the door to then be opened from the inside.
How the manufacturer will repair: On affected vehicles inspect lock mechanism and replace where necessary.
Number of affected vehicles: 13,620
Date of recall: 23/06/2016
Reason for recall
The electronic stability control (ESC) unit may have not have been manufactured to the correct specification. This may cause the control unit to malfunction during operation
How the manufacturer will repair: On affected vehicles check the ESC unit and where necessary replace.
Number of affected vehicles: 5
Date of recall: 09/09/2016
Reason for recall
It has been identified that due to a programming issue with the On-Board Supply Control Unit it is possible that the failure of one of the vehicle lights (dipped beam/main beam/daytime running light/rear fog light or indicator) may not be recognised by the control unit and therefore not shown in the instrument cluster. It is also possible that vehicle lights may be shown as faulty when they are not. Furthermore, a failure of a dipped beam may not trigger a replacement response (activation of side lights). A light failure without a display in the instrument cluster or without replacement response can pose a danger of an accident, especially in the dark.
How the manufacturer will repair: Recall all affected vehicles to reprogram the On-Board Supply Control Unit.
Number of affected vehicles: 12,440
Date of recall: 23/01/2017
Reason for recall
A possible faulty bonded joint between the sunroof panel and sunroof frame.
How the manufacturer will repair: The sunroof trim panel is replaced on affected vehicles.
Number of affected vehicles: 8
Date of recall: 07/03/2019
Reason for recall
A welded connection of the rear seat bench may not have been correctly performed.
How the manufacturer will repair: Check the welding of the mounting for right rear head restraint guides and if necessary replace the backrest frame.
Number of affected vehicles: 54
Date of recall: 22/07/2019
Reason for recall
Too little torque may be provided by the engine at low engine speeds.
How the manufacturer will repair: On the affected vehicles the software of the engine control unit must be updated.
Number of affected vehicles: 373
Date of recall: 09/08/2019
Reason for recall
The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal may come loose resulting in a loss of all service braking ability.
How the manufacturer will repair: Vehicles are not to be driven and the bolted connection of the input rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal must be checked and if necessary retightened
Number of affected vehicles: 145
Date of recall: 10/09/2021
Reason for recall
The fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was in some cases produced with too little so-called fire sand.
How the manufacturer will repair: An additional protective insulating mat is to be fitted to the switching unit for the high-voltage battery.
Number of affected vehicles: 1868
Date of recall: 07/04/2022
Reason for recall
The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
How the manufacturer will repair: Replace airbag.
Number of affected vehicles: 36
Date of recall: 13/06/2023
Reason for recall
On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases, the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment.
How the manufacturer will repair: A check of the installation of the heat protection mat on affected vehicles will be conducted. If necessary, the correct heat shield condition will be restored and in a damage case the damaged components will be replaced.
Number of affected vehicles: 26,721
Date of recall: 12/01/2024
Is a used Volkswagen Passat estate reliable?
The Passat scored badly in the executive car class in our most recent reliability survey, finishing 19th out of 20 cars. Its score was 82.2%. That placed it below the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class and nearly all its main rivals.
Volkswagen as a brand finished in 18th place out of 31 manufacturers in the same survey. Its score of 90.5% was an improvement on recent years. The brand finished above Audi, Jaguar and Mercedes, but below BMW, Honda and Skoda.
Used Volkswagen Passat Estate reliability: the owners’ view
The 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey reveals a range of experiences from Volkswagen Passat owners for 2015-2024 models, covering petrol, diesel, and hybrid versions.
While many owners commended the car for its reliability during the initial years of ownership, recurring problems became evident as the vehicles aged. Frequent complaints included malfunctioning sensors, electrical issues, and troublesome warning lights. Hybrid models were often criticised for software-related problems, while diesel variants faced specific challenges with costly and repetitive emissions system repairs.
Feedback on dealership service varied. Some owners appreciated prompt and helpful support, particularly for warranty-covered repairs. However, many others reported delays in part availability and high costs for out-of-warranty services. Hybrid owners frequently expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of dealership expertise in handling their models.
In summary, the Passat offers notable strengths but demonstrates inconsistent reliability and dealer support, especially for older or more technically complex versions.
If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.
