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Volkswagen Passat safety recalls

Every road vehicle recall DVSA lists for the Volkswagen Passat since 1992: what the problem is, how it is put right, how many vehicles it covers and when they were built. Newest first.

Recalls for the Volkswagen Passat. Also see car recalls by year and make.

Last updated
Records analysed
40 recalls matched to this model
Methodology
View methodology
  • Recalls since 1992 40 launched 1995 to 2025
  • Most recent 22 August 2025 DVSA recall R/2025/357
  • Recalls 2016 to 2025 27 launched in those ten years
  • Busiest year 2016 5 recalls launched

Does a recall affect your Volkswagen Passat?

Not every Volkswagen Passat is affected. Each recall covers cars built on particular dates or with particular VINs, which DVSA’s file does not list in full. To check a specific car, use GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check with its registration, or ask the manufacturer or a dealer, who can check the VIN.

Volkswagen Passat recalls by year

Recalls launched each year, 1995 to 2026

2016 had the most, with 5. A count of recalls is not a measure of safety: one recall can cover a handful of cars or tens of thousands.

Volkswagen Passat safety recalls by year of launch
Year Recalls
’95 1
’96 1
’97 0
’98 2
’99 1
’00 0
’01 0
’02 0
’03 0
’04 1
’05 2
’06 1
’07 1
’08 0
’09 1
’10 0
’11 1
’12 0
’13 0
’14 0
’15 1
’16 5
’17 3
’18 5
’19 5
’20 0
’21 4
’22 1
’23 1
’24 1
’25 2
’26 0

Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis January 1992 to September 2026 Updated

Every Volkswagen Passat recall, newest first

2025 2 recalls

Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement

Launched 22 August 2025 DVSA recall R/2025/357 Manufacturer ref. DS69

Defect
Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Our information shows your vehicle was originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Issue: The front airbag in your VW vehicle contains an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. Risk: If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.
Remedy
The front airbag must be replaced. Immediate Action Required: Stop driving your vehicle immediately. Contact the Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM to arrange your recall service.
Vehicles affected
24 Passat vehicles
Built
28 Sept 2005 to 6 May 2013

Replace front passenger airbag

Launched 9 June 2025 DVSA recall R/2025/208 Manufacturer ref. 69UN

Defect
The front passenger airbag may be faulty. In the event of an accident-related deployment the front passenger airbag may have a reduced protective effect also the gas generator housing may burst and components of the gas generator housing may come loose and cause serious or deadly injuries to vehicle occupants.
Remedy
The passenger airbag must be replaced.
Vehicles affected
10 Passat vehicles
Built
20 Jan 2025 to 17 Mar 2025

2024 1 recall

On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) 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.

Launched 12 January 2024 DVSA recall R/2024/014 Manufacturer ref. 47U4

Defect
On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) 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.
Remedy
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.
Vehicles affected
26,721 across everything the recall covers
Built
8 Aug 2019 to 20 Oct 2023

2023 1 recall

2022 1 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

Launched 7 April 2022 DVSA recall R/2022/086 Manufacturer ref. 93N4

Defect
The fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was in some cases produced with too little so-called fire sand.
Remedy
An additional protective insulating mat is to be fitted to the switching unit for high-voltage battery.
Vehicles affected
1,868 across everything the recall covers
Built
23 Jan 2019 to 10 Feb 2022

2021 4 recalls

Driver's air bag may not deploy correctly if activated

Launched 21 October 2021 DVSA recall R/2021/403 Manufacturer ref. 69CO

Defect
Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.
Remedy
On the affected vehicles the airbag unit for the driver is to be checked and if necessary the gas generator replaced.
Vehicles affected
64 across everything the recall covers
Built
19 Oct 1999 to 22 Dec 2000
Also covers

Driver's air bag may not deploy correctly if activated

Launched 11 October 2021 DVSA recall R/2021/404 Manufacturer ref. 69AR

Defect
Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.
Remedy
On the affected vehicles the airbag unit for the driver is to be checked and if necessary the gas generator replaced.
Vehicles affected
300 across everything the recall covers
Built
22 May 1998 to 22 Dec 1999
Also covers

The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal could come loose

Launched 10 September 2021 DVSA recall R/2021/320 Manufacturer ref. 47R3

Defect
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.
Remedy
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
Vehicles affected
145 across everything the recall covers
Built
13 Jan 2019 to 20 May 2021

The positive battery cable and the control unit cable may have been mixed up

Launched 8 April 2021 DVSA recall R/2021/142 Manufacturer ref. 97FF

Defect
The positive battery cable and the cable to the control unit for battery monitoring on the main fuse box in the boot may have been mixed up.
Remedy
Inspect the two connected cables on the main fuse box and if necessary swap them into the correct positions.
Vehicles affected
243 across everything the recall covers
Built
12 Dec 2020 to 18 Feb 2021
Also covers

2019 5 recalls

A condenser may fail in the airbag control unit

Launched 5 November 2019 DVSA recall R/2019/378 Manufacturer ref. 69Z5

Defect
A condenser in the airbag control unit may fail.
Remedy
The software of the airbag control unit must be updated.
Vehicles affected
17,988 across everything the recall covers
Built
6 Jan 2015 to 17 Dec 2015
DVSA lists it as
“PASSAT CC”

Too little torque may be provided by the engine at low engine speeds

Launched 9 August 2019 DVSA recall R/2019/264 Manufacturer ref. 24ER

Defect
Too little torque may be provided by the engine at low engine speeds.
Remedy
On the affected vehicles the software of the engine control unit must be updated.
Vehicles affected
373 across everything the recall covers
Built
9 Oct 2018 to 28 May 2019

Possible incorrect welded connection of rear seat bench

Launched 22 July 2019 DVSA recall R/2019/232 Manufacturer ref. 72J7

Defect
A welded connection of the rear seat bench may not have been correctly performed.
Remedy
Check the welding of the mounting for right rear head restraint guides and if necessary replace the backrest frame.
Vehicles affected
54 Passat vehicles
Built
12 Feb 2019 to 22 Feb 2019

The joint between the sun roof trim and sun roof frame is incorrctly bonded

Launched 7 March 2019 DVSA recall R/2019/081 Manufacturer ref. 60D6

Defect
A possible faulty bonded joint between sun roof trim panel and sun roof frame.
Remedy
The sun roof trim panel is replaced on affected vehicles.
Vehicles affected
8 across everything the recall covers
Built
2 Nov 2015 to 31 May 2017
Also covers

Driver airbag generator housing could come loose

Launched 24 January 2019 DVSA recall R/2019/019 Manufacturer ref. 69X3

Defect
Increased humidity may have got into the propellant of the gas generator for the drivers air bag.
Remedy
The gas generator of the front airbag on the driver side is replaced.
Vehicles affected
786 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Jan 2002 to 31 Dec 2002

2018 5 recalls

Rear seat bench welded connection may not be correctly performed

Launched 12 December 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/352 Manufacturer ref. 72H8

Defect
The rear back rest head restraint mounting is not correctly welded.
Remedy
Check and replace rear back rest frame if required.
Vehicles affected
4,027 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 May 2018 to 31 Aug 2018
Also covers

Head restraint guide retaining spring may be faulty

Launched 7 August 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/212 Manufacturer ref. 72H7

Defect
On Passat vehicles of a limited production period the retaining spring of the head restraint guide may be faulty because of a production problem. Because of a faulty retaining spring in an accident the head restraint may not be sufficiently secured in the guide and can come off the backrest. In the event of an accident the head restraint will come off the backrest increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
On the affected vehicles the left head restraint guides on both front seats have to be replaced.
Vehicles affected
428 Passat vehicles
Built
5 May 2018 to 18 May 2018

Head restraint may be insecure

Launched 11 May 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/133 Manufacturer ref. 72H5

Defect
On a limited production period a burr may have developed on the locking bar of the head restraint guide.
Remedy
On affected vehicles the left head restraint guide on both front seats must be replaced.
Vehicles affected
2,881 across everything the recall covers
Built
14 Feb 2018 to 31 Mar 2018

Starter motor may malfunction and overheat

Launched 7 March 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/062 Manufacturer ref. 27F9

Defect
On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.
Vehicles affected
16,625 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Mar 2011 to 30 Nov 2011

Passenger airbag may not deploy as intended

Launched 29 January 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/034 Manufacturer ref. 69S9

Defect
A connection between the detonator and generator in the front passenger airbag module may not be correctly welded. Therefore the airbag may not be triggered in the event of a collision.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front passenger airbag module.
Vehicles affected
32 across everything the recall covers
Built
13 Sept 2016 to 2 Nov 2016
Also covers
DVSA lists it as
“PASSAT CC”

2017 3 recalls

Rear wheel bearing housings may be incorrectly manufactured and could fail prematurely

Launched 17 November 2017 DVSA recall R/2017/294 Manufacturer ref. 42I2

Defect
The hardening process for the rear wheel bearing housings may not have been correctly performed. In the worst case this could lead to a fractured housing. Should a fractured housing occur there would be abnormal noises bad tyre wear and a theoretical possibility of wheel loss.
Remedy
Recall the 420 vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the right and left rear wheel bearing housings.
Vehicles affected
420 across everything the recall covers
Built
21 Aug 2017 to 29 Aug 2017

Airbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident

Launched 22 March 2017 DVSA recall R/2017/079 Manufacturer ref. 69P4

Defect
Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision
Remedy
On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seatbelt pretensioner where necessary.
Vehicles affected
3,879 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 May 2016 to 31 Oct 2016

Lights may fail without warning

Launched 23 January 2017 DVSA recall R/2017/040 Manufacturer ref. 97CH

Defect
It has been identified that due to a programing 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.
Remedy
Recall all affected vehicles to reprogramme the On-Board Supply Control Unit.
Vehicles affected
12,440 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Jun 2015 to 31 Oct 2016

2016 5 recalls

Electronic stability control system may fail

Launched 9 September 2016 DVSA recall R/2016/212 Manufacturer ref. 45E4

Defect
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
Remedy
On affected vehicles check the ESC unit and where necessary replace.
Vehicles affected
5 Passat vehicles
Built
20 May 2015 to 30 Jun 2015

Child lock may disengage

Launched 23 June 2016 DVSA recall R/2016/145 Manufacturer ref. 58C9

Defect
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.
Remedy
On affected vehicles inspect lock mechanism and replace where necessary.
Vehicles affected
13,620 across everything the recall covers
Built
25 Nov 2015 to 14 Apr 2016

Sunroof may injure occupants when it is closed from outside vehicle

Launched 30 March 2016 DVSA recall R/2016/059 Manufacturer ref. 97BT

Defect
On certain vehicles with Panorama sun roof the legally specified limits of the clamping forces for convenience opening and closing of the sun roof may not be kept. When closing the Panorama sun roof from outside with the vehicle key (convenience closing) if any body parts are in the operating area of the sun roof they can get pressed against the roof frame and possibly get injured.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and deactivate the convenience opening and closing of the Panorama sun roof. To do this the software for the on-board supply control unit and the sun roof control unit must be updated/ configured.
Vehicles affected
606 Passat vehicles
Built
17 Feb 2015 to 5 Feb 2016

Unintentional deployment of an airbag

Launched 22 March 2016 DVSA recall R/2016/028 Manufacturer ref. 69L4

Defect
Due to an incorrect manufacturing process swarf may accumulate in the airbag control module and cause a short circuit. In extreme instances this may cause unintentional deployment of an air bag.
Remedy
On affected vehicles replace the airbag control module.
Vehicles affected
11 Passat vehicles
Built
1 Apr 2014 to 30 Jul 2014

Braking performance may be affected

Launched 18 February 2016 DVSA recall R/2016/025 Manufacturer ref. 97BP

Defect
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.
Remedy
On affected vehicles Check wiring connection and if necessary secure connection.
Vehicles affected
11,589 Passat vehicles
Built
1 Sept 2014 to 31 May 2015

2015 1 recall

Directional control may be compromised

Launched 24 June 2015 DVSA recall R/2015/097 Manufacturer ref. 40L2

Defect
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.
Remedy
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.
Vehicles affected
303 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Apr 2015 to 11 Apr 2015
Also covers

2011 1 recall

Fuel may leak

Launched 15 December 2011 DVSA recall R/2011/169 Manufacturer ref. 23K2

Defect
On 2.0l Common Rail engines of a limited production period faulty material can cause leaks on the high pressure pipes during the service life of the vehicle.
Remedy
Anti-vibration balance weights will be fitted on the high-pressure pipes.
Vehicles affected
33,719 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Jan 2009 to 15 Dec 2011

2009 1 recall

Clutch may operate inadvertently with unexpected loss of drive

Launched 14 December 2009 DVSA recall R/2009/110 Manufacturer ref. 37E8

Defect
In rare cases an incorrect interpretation of the clutch temperature can occur which results in the clutch opening unexpectedly with loss of drive.
Remedy
Recall affected vehicles and update/reprogramme gearbox control unit.
Vehicles affected
3,514 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Sept 2008 to 31 Aug 2009

2007 1 recall

Wipers may detach

Launched 5 March 2007 DVSA recall R/2006/221 Manufacturer ref. 92B6

Defect
It has been identified that on some Passat vehicles the windscreen wipers may fail to operate because of a software fault.
Remedy
Affected vehicles will have a cap for the windscreen wiper motor fitted
Vehicles affected
43,357 Passat vehicles
Built
1 Apr 2005 to 31 Aug 2006

2006 1 recall

Possibility of fire

Launched 7 August 2006 DVSA recall R/2006/115 Manufacturer ref. 13D2

Defect
The two mass flywheel can become damaged because of a non- optimally designed through-flow restrictor in the clutch pressure pipe. This can lead to total failure of the two mass flywheel and under unfavourable circumstances a fire.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the manufacturer of the two mass flywheel checked and if necessary the flywheel and the breather of the clutch pressure pipe will be replaced.
Vehicles affected
1,406 Passat vehicles
Built
1 Apr 2005 to 30 Jun 2005

2005 2 recalls

Track rod nut may not be torqued correctly and become loose

Launched 8 December 2005 DVSA recall R/2005/181 Manufacturer ref. 48A2

Defect
During manufacture the steering track rod locking nuts may been tightened to an insufficient torque. As a result the attachment of the track rod may become loose.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the track rod locking nuts replaced on both the left and right hand sides.
Vehicles affected
73 Passat vehicles
Built
1 Feb 2005 to 31 May 2005

Bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break

Launched 3 March 2005 DVSA recall R/2004/211 Manufacturer ref. 20K9

Defect
It is advised that on some vehicles fitted with a 3 and 4 cylinder pump injector engine the bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break due to a bolt production fault. As a result the pump housing will not be tight and a diesel fuel leak may occur.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the pump checked for being of a certain manufacture. If found to be within the affected range the pump housing cover bolts will be replaced.
Vehicles affected
49,701 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Mar 2004 to 31 Aug 2004

2004 1 recall

RH shock absorber mounting may not be correctly torqued

Launched 29 July 2004 DVSA recall R/2004/108

Defect
It has been identified that on some Passat vehicles within the affected Vin range the rear securing bolt of the right hand shock absorber mounting may not have been tightened to the correct torque. The consequence of this being that the securing bolt may break.
Remedy
Recall affected vehicles and replace the subject bolt.
Vehicles affected
1,699 Passat vehicles
Built
8 Jun 2003 to 10 Jun 2003

1999 1 recall

Tow bar ball end may loosen

Launched 15 January 1999 DVSA recall R/1999/001

Defect
Advised by manufacturer for vehicles with PEKA tow bar the description of the ball end installation in the instruction manual is unclear. In isolated cases the ball end can loosen because of a wrong installation.
Remedy
A new instruction manual will be sent to owners of affected vehicles.
Vehicles affected
224 Passat vehicles
Built
1 Jan 1996 to 30 Jun 1998

1998 2 recalls

1) air mass meter grid may detach and jam throttle open & fuel pipes & 2) metal brake pipes may chafe on rear subframe

Launched 17 July 1998 DVSA recall R/1998/052

Defect
1) In isolated cases misfiring after a cold start can cause the air grid in the air mass meter to become detached. In the worse case this could jam the throttle valve causing an increase in engine speed. Fuel pipes may chafe together and/or on fuel filter. 2) Metal brake pipe may be incorrectly positioned and chafe on rear subframe.
Remedy
Recall affected vehicles and:- 1) Check air mass meter and air grid and install retaining ring in air mass meter. Examine fuel pipes for chafing damage and renew or reposition and secure as appropriate. 2) Examine brake pipe for chafing damage and renew or reposition and secure brake pipe as appropriate.
Vehicles affected
74 vehicles
Built
1 Dec 1997 to 30 Apr 1998

The drivers air bag could have been unintentionally deactivated

Launched 15 July 1998 DVSA recall R/1998/056

Defect
On certain vehicles were the owner had requested to have the passengers air bag deactivated it is possible that during the deactivation process the drivers air bag could have been deactivated instead of the passengers.
Remedy
Interrogate the air bag control unit and reconnect the wiring to the drivers air bag
Vehicles affected
121 vehicles
Built
Build dates not given

1996 1 recall

Insecurity of fan blade

Launched 12 February 1996 DVSA recall R/1996/008

Defect
The pulley on the engine cooling fan may loosen causing the fan motor to seize leading to a possible electrical overload with fire risk.
Remedy
Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a modified cooling fan and pulley.
Vehicles affected
2,054 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Jan 1994 to 31 Dec 1995

1995 1 recall

Failure of headlamps

Launched 6 September 1995 DVSA recall R/1995/008

Defect
The headlamp switch may overheat and result in headlamp failure.
Remedy
Recall the affected vehicles for the fitting of a cable harness with control relay. In addition the light switch is to be replaced on Passat and Golf Ecomatic models as appropriate.
Vehicles affected
28,112 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Mar 1991 to 31 Aug 1992
Also covers

Data sources and methodology

Datasets used on this page
Figures Source Period Records Updated
Safety recalls Vehicle safety recalls Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Derived statistics UK Motoring 		January 1992 to September 2026 40 recalls matched to this model 15 September 2026
  • Road vehicle recalls (DVSA numbers starting R/) whose model names match the Volkswagen Passat. DVSA records some recalls under a range or chassis name we cannot match, so this list may be incomplete.
  • Vehicles affected is the number the manufacturer reported to DVSA. When one recall covers several models, DVSA often gives only the total.
  • Build dates are the periods the manufacturer gave. Some recalls have none. VINs are not shown.
  • Concerns written in capitals have been put in sentence case, and apostrophes lost in DVSA’s file have been put back. The text is otherwise DVSA’s.
How we calculate these figures All data sources

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.