CarRecallWatchThe 2015 Volkswagen Passat has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 243 complaints with NHTSA, including 11 crashes, 2 fires, 14 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (89 reports).
2015 Volkswagen Passat recalls
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 Can Explode, Spraying Metal
The driver's frontal airbag inflator can build up excessive internal pressure when the airbag deploys.
Brake Assist Can Fail, Lengthening Stopping Distance
A camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may break off in these vehicles.
Loose Rear Brake Line Can Leak Fluid and Reduce Stopping Power
A brake line near the left rear wheel on certain vehicles built May 18 to May 21, 2015 may not have been properly tightened at the factory.
Fuel Leak at Fuel Rail Can Cause Engine Compartment Fire
A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
Most common 2015 Volkswagen Passat problems
Problem areas named in the 243 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 89 |
| Engine | 53 |
| Electrical System | 48 |
| Unknown Or Other | 40 |
| Service Brakes | 26 |
| Steering | 26 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 21 |
| Suspension | 17 |
| Power Train | 12 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 10 |
What owners report
Vehicle has an excessive gasoline smell coming from the driver front of the vehicle- mechanics have not been able to determine the exact location of the problem.
While driving on the highway my car suddenly began to stall. It lost power later after that & when I got an oil change then tried to drive it later I was stopped by another driver told something is leaking. While driving to a Autozone I noticed the gears jump while shifting from 1 to 2 and I now canât past 20 mph. Iâve already gotten the camshaft replaced and while researching I learned my cars make and model is being recalled for everything my car is going through. The vin says itâs not eligible for any recalls. Its maintenance is unkept.
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle sputtered intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that fuel was leaking into the engine compartment, causing engine failure. The contact stated that the dealer had repaired the vehicle and possibly cleaned the engine. The dealer had informed the contact that the engine would last 4-6 months before complete engine failure. The vehicle was returned to the contact; however, while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle sputtered and then lost power. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts to continue driving. The vehicle
The vehicle was rear-ended, lost control, traveled approximately 500 feet, and rolled multiple times. Side and curtain airbags deployed; however, the front airbags did not deploy. The vehicle was declared a total loss. The driver exited the vehicle without assistance. The vehicle is currently preserved at a tow lot.
The heater core becomes clogged and limits heat available for windshield defogging and defrosting. This creates a visibility hazard during inclement weather and makes the cabin uncomfortable during cold weather. The heater core was diagnosed and replaced on this vehicle in December 2024. The same symptoms have returned in December 2025. Volkwagen issued TSB VWP-16-05 to remedy this same issue in 2013-2014 Passats. I own a 2015 Passat. 2015 Passats have the same symptoms and problems.
2015 Volkswagen Passat questions
Does the 2015 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2015 Volkswagen Passat: Driver Air Bag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Headlights May Be Misaimed, Reducing Night Visibility; Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Spraying Metal; Brake Assist Can Fail, Lengthening Stopping Distance; Loose Rear Brake Line Can Leak Fluid and Reduce Stopping Power. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Volkswagen Passat?
Based on 243 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (89), Engine (53), Electrical System (48).
How do I check if a recall on my 2015 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.