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.
2019 Volkswagen PassatProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 2019 Volkswagen Passat, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 19V-389 the manufacturer reports only 67% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 16, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2019 Volkswagen Passat has problems
12 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Electrical system
3Service brakes
2Power train
2Engine
1Fuel system, gasoline
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Seats
1Forward collision avoidance
1Steering
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2019 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.
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
2019 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
2019 Volkswagen Passat safety ratings
2019 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: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Passat owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ABRUPTLY STOP EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE NO VEHICLES OR OBJECTS NEARBY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER…
VEHICLE WAS SOLD WITH REMOTE START FEATURE. DEALER AND SALESMAN KNEW THE REMOTE START DID NOT WORK. THIS WAS A SELLING POINT ON THE CAR. THEY KEEP PUTTING OFF FIXING THE ISSUE WITH THE CAR.
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF, THE FACTORY REMOTE START DOES NOT FUNCTION. THE CAR WILL TURN OVER, BUT IMMEDIATELY DIE. VW HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS SINCE LATE 2018, BUT HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX THE ISSUE. I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN JUNE OF 2019, AND THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO ME WITHOUT THE DEALERSHIP…
Own a 2019 Passat?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.