repaired · 2022 Q3
Unknown or other
Risk. Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
2018 Volkswagen PassatProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 47 owner complaints about the 2018 Volkswagen Passat, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-389 the manufacturer reports only 67% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 11, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Volkswagen Passat has problems
47 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
12Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
11Engine1 crash/fire/injury
11Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
6Fuel/propulsion system
5Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
4Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
3Power train
3Forward collision avoidance
2Steering
75 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 12 | 2 |
| Engine | 11 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| Air bags | 5 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 1 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 3 | 1 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 7 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2018 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 · 2019 Q4
Disc: caliper
Risk. The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Disc: caliper
Do not driveRisk. A reduction of braking performance can increase 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.
Best & worst years
2018 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
2018 Volkswagen Passat safety ratings
2018 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: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Passat owners report
Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH or at various speeds, there was a delay while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle was also pulling to the left and the right while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally,…
I was driving down the road and the wheel locked up and I lost control of the car. I thought it was just a flat tire. I noticed the tire was flat and brake caliber was lying on the inside of the rim. There was extensive damage to the vehicle, tire, rim, suspension components and brake components.…
I PURCHASED MY CAR AS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE. WITHIN FOUR DAYS, I NOTICED THAT THE FRONT BRAKES GET EXCESSIVELY HOT DURING NORMAL STOPPING. I HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS & ROTORS, AND THE CONDITION STILL EXISTS.
Own a 2018 Passat?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.