Reliable Auto DB

2012 Volkswagen Passat reliability

Is it reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2012 Volkswagen Passat holds 483 complaints after 15 years, a rate of 23 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Passat years here — over the median of the other years, which is 8. NHTSA has 11 recalls on file, including Inflator, Headlights, and Unknown or other.

2012 Volkswagen Passat
Photo by Alexander-93, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

483

Per year

23

Recalls

11

Years on the road

15

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Air bags (295 of 483), then Electrical system (95) and Steering (46). Those filings include 14 that report a crash, 3 that report a fire, and 8 that report an injury.

Next to 2013

The 2013 Passat has 748 complaints, 41 per year. The 2012 has fewer complaints per year than the 2013.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2012 Volkswagen Passat. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (11)

Recall air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator 2024-10-30 · NHTSA campaign 24V834000
Summary Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Remedy Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
Recall air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator 2019-12-04 · NHTSA campaign 19V862000
Summary Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Remedy Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.
Recall exterior lighting, headlights 2019-05-22 · NHTSA campaign 19V389000
Summary Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
Recall Unknown or other 2018-05-16 · NHTSA campaign 18V329000
Summary Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Remedy Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Recall air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator 2018-03-06 · NHTSA campaign 18V148000
Summary Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Remedy Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
Recall engine and cooling, engine, diesel 2017-05-11 · NHTSA campaign 17V309000
Summary Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Passat vehicles, equipped with diesel engines and Direct-Shift Transmissions (DSG). The vehicle's underbody heat shield may not be long enough to protect the right half-shaft grease boot from heat, potentially resulting in a grease leak.
Remedy Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft heat shield, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23W5.
Recall electrical system, wiring 2016-03-24 · NHTSA campaign 16V171000
Summary Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical connectors of the sensor, causing an electrical short.
Remedy Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in September. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23T3.
Recall air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator 2016-02-10 · NHTSA campaign 16V078000
Summary Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Recall air bags, frontal 2015-08-04 · NHTSA campaign 15V483000
Summary Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Remedy Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Recall exterior lighting, headlights 2014-03-17 · NHTSA campaign 14V125000
Summary Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Passat vehicles manufactured January 2011 through November 2012. In the affected vehicles, the low beam headlight bulb may become loose and lose electrical contact.
Remedy Volkswagen notified owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holder, free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagens recall number associated with this campaign is 94G8/7V.
Recall diesel fuel system 2012-04-05 · NHTSA campaign 12V146000
Summary VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PASSAT VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 1, 2011. DURING ASSEMBLY, THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DIESEL FUEL FILTER ELEMENT THAT MAY NOT SEAL CORRECTLY.
Remedy VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIESEL FUEL FILTER ELEMENTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Complaints by component (483 total)

Air bags
295
Electrical system
95
Steering
46
Engine
40
Fuel and propulsion system
32
Exterior lighting
17
Structure
17
Powertrain
15
Speed control
14
Diesel fuel system
12
Service brakes
11
Electronic stability control (ESC)
5
Engine and engine cooling
4
Visibility and wipers
4
Fuel system, gasoline
3
Seats
3
Visibility
3
Wheels
3
Latches, locks, and linkages
2
Tires
2
Forward collision avoidance
1
Hydraulic brakes
1
Seat belts
1
Suspension
1
Show 16 more Show less
Crash-flagged

14

Fire-flagged

3

Injury reports

8

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

120111520121420133920145720151142016952017482018222019142020102021222022420233202420202552026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to…"
    Air bags · filed 2026-08-03
  • "Car accident and all left side airbags deployed but not the drivers airbag which we had the recall repaired on."
    Air bags · filed 2026-07-29
  • "I own a 2012 Volkswagen Passat [VIN [XXX] ] with approximately 1315xx miles. On December 17, 2025, I took the car to Rockwall County Volkswagen for three recalls. The car was running and was driven 9.5 miles to the…"
    Powertrain, Electrical system · filed 2026-05-15
  • "The tire size is 235/45r18 and the tread is coming off, we just noticed it and there has not been any accident nor incident"
    Tires · filed 2026-03-01
  • "Sunroof shattered without warning"
    Unknown or other · filed 2026-01-02

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
Passat 3.6L, 6-cyl Automatic (6-speed) Front-wheel drive 20 28 23 MPG $3450
Passat 2.5L, 5-cyl Manual 5-speed Front-wheel drive 22 32 26 MPG $2500
Passat 2.5L, 5-cyl Automatic (6-speed) Front-wheel drive 22 31 25 MPG $2600
Passat 2L, 4-cyl Automatic (6-speed) Front-wheel drive 30 40 34 MPG $2800

Specs and fitment

B7 (NMS), 2012–2015
Body styles Sedan
Oil VW 502.00 5W-30 or 5W-40 (engine dependent) , 4.8 qt capacity
Tire size 235/45R18, 215/55R17, 215/60R16 (trim dependent)

Known issues for this generation

NHTSA safety recall 19V014000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015 Passat, 2015-2016 Eos, 2015-2017 CC, 2016-2017 TT Roadster, TT Coupe, 2017 Audi R8 Coupe, and R8 Spyder vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode. 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 occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298; Audi owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69S8 (Audi) and 69Y5 (Volkswagen).

Compare

Next year 2013 Volkswagen Passat See every Volkswagen Passat model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2012 Volkswagen Passat holds 483 complaints after 15 years, a rate of 23 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Passat years here — over the median of the other years, which is 8. NHTSA has 11 recalls on file, including Inflator, Headlights, and Unknown or other.

What are common problems with a 2012 Volkswagen Passat?

The complaints owners file most often name Air bags (295 of 483), then Electrical system (95) and Steering (46). Those filings include 14 that report a crash, 3 that report a fire, and 8 that report an injury.

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Passat more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2013 Passat has 748 complaints, 41 per year. The 2012 has fewer complaints per year than the 2013.

Has the 2012 Volkswagen Passat been recalled?

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat has 11 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Volkswagen Passat?

Owners have filed 483 complaints about the 2012 Volkswagen Passat with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2012 Volkswagen Passat get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat is 27 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What engine oil does a Volkswagen Passat use?

VW 502.00 5W-30 or 5W-40 (engine dependent)

What does NHTSA recall 19V-014 cover on the Volkswagen Passat?

NHTSA safety recall 19V014000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

What generation is the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?

B7 (NMS) (2012-2015).