CarRecallWatchThe 2013 Volkswagen Passat has 9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 749 complaints with NHTSA, including 29 crashes, 4 fires, 24 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (382 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2013 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.
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 2013 Volkswagen Passat problems
Problem areas named in the 749 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 382 |
| Engine | 105 |
| Electrical System | 95 |
| Unknown Or Other | 77 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 66 |
| Exterior Lighting | 60 |
| Steering | 51 |
| Power Train | 33 |
| Structure | 31 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 21 |
What owners report
The vehicle was brought to Bill Jacobs Volkswagen in Naperville, IL to have three open, mandatory federal campaigns and emissions modifications completed. The dealership is actively practicing illegal 'recall steering' by holding the vehicle hostage. The service department refuses to perform the free federal campaigns unless the owner first authorizes between $2,500 and $3,000 in unrelated diagnostic and repair fees out of pocket. The dealership falsely claims that the vehicle must be 'brough to specification' at the owners expense before a federal safety or emissions campaign can be completed, which directly violates federal regulations prohibiting dealerships from conditioning or delaying
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags). The contact called the three closest dealers but no assistance with transporting the vehicle or offering an alternative option for repair was provided. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and refused to help. While requesting to speak with a manager, the contact was informed that a supervisor would provide the same response. The contact feared for her safety while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired.
Passenger side headlight went out. The problem was not the bulb or fuse. This issue seems to perfectly match Safety Recall 94G8, but for some reason my car is not covered in that recall notice, even though safety recall 94G8 is for "some" 2012-2013 VW Passats, which is what I drive.
My airbag light is on, steering wheel controls donât work, and my horn doesnât work. Safety is put at risk because the airbag wonât deploy if needed, wonât be able to think in case someone canât see me.
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted several times. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
2013 Volkswagen Passat safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (10.7% rollover risk) |
2013 Volkswagen Passat questions
Does the 2013 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls for the 2013 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; Driver airbag inflator may explode and spray metal fragments; Grease Leak Near Hot Exhaust Can Cause Fire. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?
Based on 749 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (382), Engine (105), Electrical System (95).
How safe is the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2013 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 2013 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.