repaired · 2019 Q4
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
2010 Volkswagen PassatProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 163 owner complaints about the 2010 Volkswagen Passat, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-509 the manufacturer reports only 49% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 14, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2010 Volkswagen Passat has problems
163 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
45Air bags4 crash/fire/injury
41Engine
34Power train
25Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
21Electrical system
13Steering
8Fuel system, gasoline
4Exterior lighting
3Service brakes
1912 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 45 | 4 |
| Engine | 41 | 0 |
| Power train | 34 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 25 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 21 | 0 |
| Steering | 13 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 8 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| 12 other systems | 19 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2010 Volkswagen Passat recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
repaired · 2017 Q2
Air bags: frontal
Risk. A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Engine
8 owners mentioned a cost$4,550median
Middle half: $2,480 – $6,250
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2010 vs. every other Passat year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Passat median. How we score
'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2010 Volkswagen Passat safety ratings
2010 Volkswagen Passat 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2010 Volkswagen Passat, and the recalls they led to.
- Clockspring failureNo recall
- Air Bag Clockspring FailureLed to recall 15V-483
- Air Bag Clockspring FailureNo recall
In owners' words
What Passat owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The car was hit broadside on the passenger side front door, spun around and hit head in to a power pole. With all this happening none of the airbags deployed.
In 2018, my VW clockspring/airbag was replaced under the VW recall. Last week the airbag clockspring failed, causing my air bag pop out. Luckily I was not driving. There is no current recall on the recalled replacement and this is unacceptable. I took my VW back to the dealer that did the work and…
TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER DAUGHTER HAD HER FUEL PUMP REPLACED ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. AFTER THE MOST RECENT FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO SCHUMACHER VOLKSWAGEN OF WEST PALM BEACH (3001 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH,…
Own a 2010 Passat?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.