repaired · 2021 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2015 Volkswagen PassatProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 243 owner complaints about the 2015 Volkswagen Passat, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-862 the manufacturer reports only 65% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 24, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2015 Volkswagen Passat has problems
243 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
88Air bags8 crash/fire/injury
53Engine1 crash/fire/injury
48Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
26Steering
26Service brakes4 crash/fire/injury
21Fuel/propulsion system
16Suspension
12Power train
10Vehicle speed control
4713 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 88 | 8 |
| Engine | 53 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 48 | 1 |
| Steering | 26 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 26 | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 21 | 0 |
| Suspension | 16 | 0 |
| Power train | 12 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 10 | 2 |
| 13 other systems | 47 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2015 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 · 2020 Q4
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q2
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…
repaired · 2017 Q2
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 3 more recalls
repaired · 2016 Q1
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. If the brake line was not properly tightened, it may leak brake fluid, causing a reduction in braking performance, lengthening the distance needed to stop the…
repaired · 2016 Q2
Fuel injection system: fuel rail
Risk. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
repaired · 2016 Q1
Seats
Risk. Unexpected movement of the driver's seatback may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
53kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 43 air bags complaints. 93% were reported before 100,000 miles.
2under 30k miles40under 100k miles3100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2015 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
2015 Volkswagen Passat safety ratings
2015 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Passat owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The vehicle was rear-ended, lost control, traveled approximately 500 feet, and rolled multiple times. Side and curtain airbags deployed; however, the front airbags did not deploy. The vehicle was declared a total loss. The driver exited the vehicle without assistance. The vehicle is currently…
The airbag system/clockspring assembly in the steering column appears to have failed. The airbag warning light turned on and all steering-wheel controls stopped working at the same time, which indicates that the driver airbag may not function in a crash. The vehicle can be inspected upon request.…
Clock spring failure. 2015 passat steering wheel started clicking then it snapped my airbag light came on and steering wheel functions didn't work. The sa
Own a 2015 Passat?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.