CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Volkswagen Passat has 11 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 484 complaints with NHTSA, including 14 crashes, 3 fires, 10 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (299 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2012 Volkswagen Passat recalls
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Spraying Metal Shards
The driver's side frontal airbag inflator can rupture, or explode, because its propellant degrades over time.
Driver Air Bag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The driver's side air bag inflator in these vehicles may rupture because its propellant can degrade over time after long exposure to high humidity, high temperatures, and repeated temperature swings.
Headlights May Be Misaimed, Reducing Night Visibility
Some Volkswagen Passat and Atlas vehicles may have been built without the blocking cap that prevents the headlight's horizontal aim from being adjusted.
Modified VWs May Not Meet Federal Safety Rules
Some 2011-2017 Volkswagen vehicles were modified while they were in an internal evaluation period, and those changes may mean the vehicles do not fully comply with all applicable federal regulatory requirements.
Driver airbag inflator may explode and spray metal fragments
The driver's frontal airbag inflator can build up excessive internal pressure when it deploys, which may cause the inflator to rupture.
Grease Leak Near Hot Exhaust Can Cause Fire
The underbody heat shield on the right half-shaft is too short to fully protect the driveshaft's grease boot from engine heat.
Water Can Corrode Sensor Wiring and Cause a Fire
Improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor can let water in.
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments at Occupants
The driver's frontal airbag inflator may be subject to excessive internal pressure when the airbag deploys.
Driver Front Airbag May Not Deploy in a Crash
Debris can contaminate the steering wheel clock spring, a flat spiral cable that keeps the driver's front airbag electrically connected while the wheel turns.
Most common 2012 Volkswagen Passat problems
Problem areas named in the 484 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 299 |
| Electrical System | 95 |
| Steering | 46 |
| Engine | 40 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 32 |
| Unknown Or Other | 31 |
| Exterior Lighting | 18 |
| Structure | 17 |
| Power Train | 15 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 14 |
What owners report
I received a recall for the airbag. No lights were on in my car, so I brought in in for the service. I picked up my car, it seemed ok. I went to the gym. When I restarted my car every single light was on on the dashboard. When I brought it back to the dealer they said "oh its the ABS module they just go" and they are expensive to replace. I think they broke the module when they did the airbag. They offered to get me a rebuilt one, so I had it put in. Now when it rains my tires are spinning even though the tread is like new. I have to bring it in tomorrow it's probably something with the module again.
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 the dealer, but the dealer refused to perform the repair until the contact paid for a diagnostic test for an internal communication error code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
Car accident and all left side airbags deployed but not the drivers airbag which we had the recall repaired on.
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 dealership under its own power. I left the engine running when I left the it with the service advisor. When I returned to retrieve the car the following day, the service advisor informed me the car would not start. Their explanation shifted within the same conversation â first that someone had shut it off and it would not crank, then that it would crank but would not start. They claimed they had to pushed it into the service bay, replaced the airbag, and "code the computer for
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
2012 Volkswagen Passat safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (10.7% rollover risk) |
2012 Volkswagen Passat questions
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat: Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Spraying Metal Shards; Driver Air Bag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Headlights May Be Misaimed, Reducing Night Visibility; Modified VWs May Not Meet Federal Safety Rules; Driver airbag inflator may explode and spray metal fragments. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Passat?
Based on 484 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (299), Electrical System (95), Steering (46).
How safe is the 2012 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2012 Volkswagen Passat up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Volkswagen Passat has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.