2012 Volkswagen Passat Problems and Repair Histories
2012 Volkswagen Passat problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Volkswagen Passat
2012 Volkswagen Passats for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2012 Volkswagen Passat problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2012 Volkswagen Passat problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2012 Volkswagen Passat problems and repair histories that follow it.
Volkswagen Passat Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2012 | Volkswagen Passat | 75 Passats, 8.2 months of data per Passat, average 10000 miles Redesigned for this model year. Rough start earlier, much improved lately.35 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
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see reported repairs |
Non-members can see only ten 2012 Volkswagen Passat problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2012 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Passat in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2012 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2012 | 3300 | 0 | compass module failed and caused short which discharged battery |
| Mar | 2013 | 13000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2012 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD
| Volkswagen Passat in Colorado, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2012 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 6000 | 0 | Check Engine Light came on. A VW TSB said engine management software needed to be updated. Update done while I waited. No cost; no issues. |
| Mar | 2013 | 10000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2012 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2012 | 5500 | 0 | Driver's side power seat (memory function) didn't work. Needed to replace the seat motor. |
| Mar | 2013 | 11000 | 0 | Passenger overhead light, drivers side lock switch, passenger side window switch, sunroof trim, and both front door exterior molding (all replaced). |
| Volkswagen Passat in Rhode Island, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2011 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2011 | 3000 | 0 | Rear tail light replacement |
| Mar | 2012 | 24000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2012 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2012 | 5000 | 0 | Replaced faulty oxygen sensor. Antenna for keyless start replaced. |
| Mar | 2013 | 13000 | 0 | CEL illuminated 2x. Dealer performed recall to fix. Keyless start error returned. Dealer reprogrammed both keys and the problem has no returned. Error with satellite radio causing it not to function. Would happen several times each week. Replaced roof antenna. Previous satellite radio error fix unsuccessful. Replaced entire radio/nav unit and so far the problem has not returned. |
| Volkswagen Passat in Alabama, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2012 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2012 | 10000 | 0 | Corrected the infamous rear deck rattle, and a cracking, creaking sound coming from the front dash. The dash cracking/creaking has returned since repair. |
| Mar | 2013 | 20000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in Nebraska, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2012 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2012 | 12000 | 0 | Passenger side rearview mirror was not moving down when in reverse |
| Dec | 2012 | 13000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2012 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2013 | 28700 | 0 | updated radio software |
| Mar | 2013 | 32000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2012 | 8000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 20000 | 0 | DRL out on drivers side. |
| Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2013 | 21000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 30000 | 0 | The turbo failed. |
| Volkswagen Passat in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2012 | 6200 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2013 | 14880 | 0 | gas release lid not closing properly. under warranty |
| Volkswagen Passat in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2013 | 29000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 29000 | 0 | Failed battery two months after warranty ended |
| Volkswagen Passat in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2012 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2013 | 7800 | 0 | Clicking sound when pressing the clutch pedal. Pedal also wobbled. |
| Mar | 2013 | 9300 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2012 | 25000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2013 | 30000 | 0 | Squeeky seat, bolts replaced still happening |
| Mar | 2013 | 32000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2012 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2012 | 3000 | 0 | The cosmetic trim that covered the sunroof track was cracked. Dealer replaced part. |
| Mar | 2013 | 13000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2012 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2012 | 11000 | 0 | Headliner pulling away at door Seat discomfort |
| Jan | 2013 | 22000 | 0 | Fuel line leak |
| Feb | 2013 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Passat in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2011 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 1000 | 0 | Wind noise front passenger door. Rubber seal on passenger door realigned. Solved noise problem. |
| Apr | 2013 | 19000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2012 | 5000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 5000 | 0 | Dashboard rattle, front passenger door rattle, driver's area rattle. All resolved in a single trip to dealer. Wonderful service. |
| Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2012 | 8000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2012 | 9000 | 0 | bad driver's side cv joint, bad steering wheel (replaced), trunk doesn't open all the way |
| Jun | 2012 | 11000 | 0 | Homelink, the three-way remote system on the driver's visor used to open garage doors, fell off and onto me in intense traffic, at night, at 70 mph. Scary and horribly distracting.took two visits to repair because parts had to be ordered. |
| Feb | 2013 | 22000 | 0 | 20k checkup plus a look at the tires again. Tires declared abnormally worn and need replacing. Tire problems started at 10k. No one seems to understand what has gone wrong but I suspect the suspension is not designed for 18-inch o.e. wheels |
| Mar | 2013 | 23000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2011 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2012 | 9300 | 0 | Leak at fuel filter canister gasket. Fuel filter canister (and FF) replaced, Safety Recall 20R7 |
| Mar | 2013 | 25000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2011 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2012 | 13000 | 0 | Console side trim came loose. |
| Mar | 2013 | 19000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in Arizona, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2011 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2012 | 13500 | 10 | The sub-woofer enclosure squeaked and rattled due to connection bolts loosening. Added rubber washers and lock-tite to bolts. |
| Mar | 2013 | 22000 | 0 | The headliner was coming loose above the drivers. New headliner was installed. |
2012 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan
280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed automated manual FWD
| Volkswagen Passat in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2012 | 2000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 2000 | 0 | ECU computer died. Car would not shut off. Sunroof would open but not close. |
| Volkswagen Passat in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2011 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 1000 | 0 | Dealer kept me waiting 4 hours and didn't do a thing to resolve the problems. One-touch windows and rain-sensing wipers not working. Sold car. |
| Volkswagen Passat in Kentucky, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2012 | 0 | Dealer did not warn me that this engine still was one that needed a break in period. As known it will burn 1 quart of oil. This either caused the oil pressure sensor to malfunction or was coincidence. | |
| Sep | 2012 | 15000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2012 | 4000 | 15 | The car is equipped with KESSY. I would start the car, it would run for two seconds and then shut off. Dealer could not replicate the problem. It has happened 6 times since purchase. Driver error has been ruled out. The headliner on the A pillar was unraveling. Paint on the drivers side rear fender was chipping. After evaluation, it was not due to rock chip or environmental factors. |
| Jul | 2012 | 11300 | 0 | the rear suspension was making a deep creaking noise when going over bumps and dips. An engineer from VWOA came and determined that a rear strut failure occurred and they replaced both of them under warranty. Loaner car was given. |
| Dec | 2012 | 18000 | 0 | Headliner began to unravel at the A pillar again. Plastic trim on B pillar loose. They replaced the headliner and trim pieces under warranty |
| Volkswagen Passat in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2012 | 14000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 20000 | 0 | Driver seat squeak |
| Dec | 2012 | 22000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2012 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan
170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Passat in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2012 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2012 | 3000 | 0 | Noticed an oily substance running along the right side in the passenger foot well. Dealer indicated it was production grease that got heated and melted from the ascent light located in the foot well. |
| Dec | 2012 | 22000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2012 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 14000 | 0 | Headliner had separated/ripped on driver's door. Complete replacement was authorized by VW. Work took 2+ days. Equivalent loaner car provided. |
| Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2013 | 10000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2013 | 10000 | 0 | Left rear window motor issue. Replaced the motor. |
| Volkswagen Passat in South Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2013 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2013 | 1000 | 0 | Hesitation on acceleration |
| Mar | 2013 | 1000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2012 | 16700 | 1166 | AC needed major overhaul. |
| Dec | 2012 | 26000 | 90 | Replaced Battery |
| Mar | 2013 | 34000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2011 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 0 | Left rear door not locking - faulty actuator | |
| Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 9000 | 0 | Ordered parts for rear view mirror trim and drivers visor home link panel. Lots of rattling from the mirror trim. Home link panel broken. |
| Feb | 2013 | 20000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2012 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 7300 | 0 | Loose fuel cap turn check engine light on and did not turn off after driving for couple of days. |
| Mar | 2013 | 15000 | 0 | Faulty fuel cap. |
| Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2012 | 6000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 7300 | 0 | the problem was with the gasoline cap door, which wouldn't open on account of a failed actuator. |
| Apr | 2013 | 14000 | 0 | loose connection with rack, caused power steering fluid to leak. I don't know what the rack is--but that is what i was told. |
2012 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan
170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Passat in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2011 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2012 | 3700 | 0 | Noisy front springs replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | 12000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Passat in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2013 | 10000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2013 | 10000 | 0 | DRL bulb out when car was purchased. Dealer fixed at no cost to me because of warranty. |
| Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2011 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2011 | 2000 | 0 | bought with paint chip on roof. Will have to go back again as it still isn't "correct." |
| Apr | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Passat in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2011 | 1000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 2000 | 0 | Change engine light came on twice. First repair at dealer for N80 valve replacement. Second time check engine light came on car began to stutter and less acceleration. Third repair rear windows would not go down. |
| Volkswagen Passat in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2011 | 0 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2012 | 6000 | 0 | Broken fuse box cover. Recall for front end noise while turning right. Incorrect fuel cap (won't fit in holder on re-fueling). Also the small plastic wind deflectors at the front of both front wheelwells have broken and been pushed back into the tires, so they also create noise on turns! |
| Apr | 2012 | 11700 | 0 | Both front inner wheelwell liners (plastic) have cracked. Dealer needs to consult w/VW for advice! |
| Mar | 2013 | 29000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
Non-members can see only ten 2012 Volkswagen Passat problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
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