repaired · 2022 Q3
Passenger side frontal: cushion
Risk. An incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.
2020 Volkswagen PassatProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 18 owner complaints about the 2020 Volkswagen Passat, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 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 September 10, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Volkswagen Passat has problems
18 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
4Engine
3Forward collision avoidance
3Electrical system
2Wheels
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Service brakes
2Steering
1Back over prevention
33 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 4 | 1 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 1 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 3 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2020 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 Q2
Air bags: side/window
Risk. In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
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
2020 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
2020 Volkswagen Passat safety ratings
2020 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: Optional
In owners' words
What Passat owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Steering wheel controls stopped working, no horn either. Probably no airbag but haven't got into an accident. There was recall on the same part for the until 2018, but the new part I was going to install lists that if fits cars 2016-2022 Part # 5K0-953-569-BC Recall from VW. Number: VWP-18-11, Will…
Error message alerted to maintenance needed and the air bag light has turned on and remained on. Also said message that front assist inls unavailable.
My clock spring isn’t working after having my vehicle for barely a year. My air bag light is currently on. I can’t use my horn nor use any of the controls on my steering wheel. I’ve paid already 800 plus on previous car issues such as my harness hose. I’m still awaiting reimbursement. Further…
Own a 2020 Passat?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.