2017 Volkswagen Passat Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat has 170 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve air bags and unknown or other.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 170 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
AIR BAGS
27 15.9%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
20 11.8%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
16 9.4%
STEERING
16 9.4%
SERVICE BRAKES
15 8.8%
Quick Insights
The top category is AIR BAGS, accounting for 15.9% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 35 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2017 Volkswagen Passat
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat has 170 owner complaints in this dataset. AIR BAGS is the most common complaint category, representing about 16% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat are AIR BAGS (27), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (20), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 95 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2017 Volkswagen Passat?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 35 of 35 systems
AIR BAGS
27 Reports16% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
FAILED STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING ON A 2017 VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN DRIVEN 20,000 MILES OVER 14 MONTHS. AFTER BEING PARKED FOR APPROX 40 MINS, PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT MY STEERING WHEEL MAKE POPPING/CLICKING SOUNDS AND IMMEDIATELY THE AIRBAG ERROR SENSORS WENT OFF ALONG WITH MY SERVICE VEHICLE WARNING. UPON TURNING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A FEW ADDITIONAL POPS/CLICKS. IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT HAVE A PART ON HAND AND HAD TO ORDER IT, SO I DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. NOW THAT I'M HOME AND RESEARCHING THE FAILED STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING ISSUE, I AM QUESTIONING WHETHER I SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY WITH MY CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT.
1/15/2018
I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND IN STOPPED TRAFFIC AND PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A TWO-WAY ROAD WHEN HIT. THE DRIVER AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AND THE COLLISION INSPECTOR TOLD ME THAT MY SEAT BELT DIDN'T EITHER! I AM LUCKY I WASN'T HURT WORSE. THE CAR I WAS DRIVING WAS NOT A SAFE CAR, BUT WAS SOLD TO ME AS A CERTIFIED PREOWNED CAR.
4/13/2018
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
20 Reports12% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I PREFACE THIS BY SAYING THIS IS MY FIRST KEYLESS CAR AND I DON'T LIKE IT. IT IS SOMETIMES CONFUSING AS TO WHETHER THE CAR IS RUNNING OR OFF AND THE IGNITION BUTTON LOOKS IDENTICAL IN BOTH SCENARIOS. ON JUNE 12, I PARKED MY CAR (IT WAS STATIONARY) AND TOOK MY DOG INTO HER DAY CARE CENTER. WHILE I WAS IN THERE, MY CAR APPARENTLY ROLLED OUT OF THE LOT AND CAME TO REST ON A SIDEWALK. THANKFULLY, NO ONE WAS INJURED AND ONLY THE BUMPER AND REAR LIGHT WERE IMPACTED. WHILE I THOUGHT I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, I MAY HAVE ACCIDENTALLY HAVE LEFT THE CAR IN DRIVE WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THIS IS MY CONCERN. WITH KEYED SYSTEMS, THE SAFETY MECHANISM IS THAT ONE CANNOT REMOVE THE KEY UNTIL THE CAR IS PROPERLY IN PARK (I ASSUME OTHERS HAVE DONE THIS). WITH THE KEYLESS, I PARKED, PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, TOOK MY KEYS, LOCKED THE DOOR AND LEFT THE CAR. I DON;T HAVE PHOTOS BUT I DO HAVE THE SECURITY CAMERA FOOTAGE OF THE CAR MOVING.
6/13/2017
FAILED STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING ON A 2017 VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN DRIVEN 20,000 MILES OVER 14 MONTHS. AFTER BEING PARKED FOR APPROX 40 MINS, PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT MY STEERING WHEEL MAKE POPPING/CLICKING SOUNDS AND IMMEDIATELY THE AIRBAG ERROR SENSORS WENT OFF ALONG WITH MY SERVICE VEHICLE WARNING. UPON TURNING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A FEW ADDITIONAL POPS/CLICKS. IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT HAVE A PART ON HAND AND HAD TO ORDER IT, SO I DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. NOW THAT I'M HOME AND RESEARCHING THE FAILED STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING ISSUE, I AM QUESTIONING WHETHER I SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY WITH MY CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT.
1/15/2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
16 Reports9% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT LEASES A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE REAR BACKUP CAMERA FAILED TO DISPLAY ON THE MONITOR. THE REARVIEW CAMERA SYSTEM WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ESSERMAN INTERNATIONAL (LOCATED ON 10455 NW 12TH ST, MIAMI, FL 33172) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE BACKUP CAMERA WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CASE WAS BEING REVIEWED AND AN UPDATE WOULD BE PROVIDED ON OCTOBER 4, 2017. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 09/22/17*LJ *TR
8/3/2017
2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUE WITH REARVIEW BACKUP CAMERA. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED WHILE IT WAS IN POSSESSION OF THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER STATED IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR AND THERE WASNO SOLUTION FOR THE CAMERA FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.*JS
8/2/2018
STEERING
16 Reports9% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
FAILED STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING ON A 2017 VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN DRIVEN 20,000 MILES OVER 14 MONTHS. AFTER BEING PARKED FOR APPROX 40 MINS, PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT MY STEERING WHEEL MAKE POPPING/CLICKING SOUNDS AND IMMEDIATELY THE AIRBAG ERROR SENSORS WENT OFF ALONG WITH MY SERVICE VEHICLE WARNING. UPON TURNING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A FEW ADDITIONAL POPS/CLICKS. IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT HAVE A PART ON HAND AND HAD TO ORDER IT, SO I DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. NOW THAT I'M HOME AND RESEARCHING THE FAILED STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING ISSUE, I AM QUESTIONING WHETHER I SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY WITH MY CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT.
1/15/2018
SINCE I HAVE THIS CAR HAVING PROBLEMS VIBRATIONS I TOOK THE CAR ON VW DEALER FEW TIMES I EXPLAIN TO THEM MY CAR IS VIBRATING WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES ALSO WHEN I CRUISE OVER 55MPH. THEY TOLD ME ALWAYS CAR IS PERFORMING TO MANUFACTURE SPECIFICATIONS SO NOW I HAVE 6500 MILES ON MY CAR I TOOK MY CAR TO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP THEY FOUND OUT MY TIRES AR CUPPING. AND MY ROOTS ARE OUT OF ROUND AND ALIGNMENT WAS CORRECT TIRE BALANCING THEY DID FEW TIME TIRE ROATATION SO NOW I HAVE 6500 MILES ON THE CAR LESS THEN 1 YEAR OLD CAR. AND VW OF USA WE CANNOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY I REPLACE THE TIRES ON MY OWN AND THE CAR STILL VIBRATES IDK WHAT TO DO ANY FURTHER VERY DISAPPOINTED ALSO HAVING ISSUES WITH FRONT ASSIST WITH ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL AND LANE ASSIST NO RESPONSE
7/24/2018
SERVICE BRAKES
15 Reports9% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL INDEPENDENTLY ENGAGED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400.
4/25/2017
LEAKS BRAKE FLUID. PURCHASE SATURDAY EVENING, SUNDAY MORNING NEED A CAN OF FLUID, SUNDAY AFTER NOON REPEAT. BAD LEAK
6/17/2018
ENGINE
7 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF. AFTER WAITING A WHILE, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COMMONWEALTH VOLKSWAGEN (1 COMMONWEALTH DR, LAWRENCE, MA 01841, (978) 965-8259), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
8/29/2018
RATTLE NOISES WHILE DRIVING ON ASPHALT ROADS FROM REAR OF VEHICLE UNDERNEATH CAR AND/OR FRONT. LOOSE BOLTS OR MISSING WELDS MAYBE. DEALER REPLACE FRONT SWAY BAR AND PROBLEM DID NOT GO AWAY SO WALLAS VOLKSWAGEN PUT THE ORIGINAL OEM PART BACK ON LAST MONTH AND DID NOT CHARGE US FOR THE SERVICE. THEY TOLD US IT'S UNKNOWN WHY THE RATTLING CONTINUED.
5/2/2021
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
6 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES CLOSE TO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE, THE AUTONOMOUS BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE BRAKED SUDDENLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,090.
7/18/2019
WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND GETTING READY TO GET ON THE INTERSTATE, A CAUTION LIGHT AND ALERT TONE SUDDENLY CAME ON. DISPLAY READ "FRONT ASSIST: NO SENSOR VIEW." NOTHING ELSE HAPPENED AND THE ALERT TURNED OFF AFTER A FEW MILES. THIS IS THE SYSTEM THAT AUTOMATICALLY APPLIES THE BRAKES IF IT SENSES A POSSIBLE COLLISION. IF THIS SYSTEM WAS TO FAIL, THE BRAKES COULD AUTOMATICALLY APPLY WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH POSSIBLE DISASTROUS RESULTS. MANY VW OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED AND HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THERE IS CURRENTLY A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST VW (DACK, ET AL., V. VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC., ET AL.) FOR THIS ISSUE AND VOLKSWAGEN'S FAILURE TO ADMIT THERE IS AN ISSUE OR ADDRESS IT.
12/16/2020
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
6 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ALL THREE SENSORS CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. AFTER HAVING THEM CHECKED, NO ISSUE WAS FOUND AND CODES WERE RESET. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, ALL THREE SENSORS SHOWED UP AGAIN. ALL OF THIS OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THEN AGAIN IN MOTION.
3/21/2021
I HAVE A 2017 VW PASSAT SE. FRONT ASSIST BREAKS OR GETS READY TO BREAK (SHOWS THE BIG CAR SYMBOL ON DASHBOARD AND BEEPS) IN BAD WEATHER LIKE WHILE IT IS RAINY AND THERE ARE NO CARS AROUND ME. IT ALSO HAPPENED A FEW TIMES DURING SUNNY WEATHER. THE CAR SLAMMED THE BREAKS FOR NO REASON. THERE WAS NO CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS GOING LIKE 40-45 MPH. I AM SUPER SCARED IT WILL BRAKE ONE DAY WHEN I AM GOING WITH 60+ ON THE HIGHWAY AND CAUSE A CRASH. A SAFETY SYSTEM THAT IS PURPOSE TO REDUCE THE ACCIDENT RISK OR IMPACT OF A CRASH SHOULD NOT BEHAVE DANGEROUSLY AND BECOME A POTATIAL ACCIDENT CAUSE.
5/14/2021
POWER TRAIN
5 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE CAR MOVES FROM THE AUTOMATIC TO THE MANUAL MODE. THIS HAS OCCURRED 4 TO 6 TIMES IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AND JUST STARTING OUT IN LOW GEAR. IF I MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER FROM AUTOMATIC TO MANUAL AND THEN BACK TO AUTOMATIC IT RESUMES NORMAL FUNCTION IN THE AUTOMATIC MODE.
3/10/2017
LOUD AND ABRUPT THUD SOUND WHEN CHANGING GEARS IN 2017 VW PASSAT R-LINE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MODEL. THIS LOUD THUD CAN BE HEARD EASILY WHEN CAR IS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND CAN EVEN BE FELT AT THE BASE OF THE GAS PEDAL. HAPPENS MORE NOTICEABLY IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 20-40 MPH. MY CAR NOW HAS 5500 MILES ON IT BUT THIS LOUD THUD HAS BEEN HEARD SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO REYDEL VW IN NEW JERSEY TO GET CHECKED BUT THE TECHNICIANS SAY THERE ARE NO ISSUES, EVEN THOUGH I KNOW I AM NOT CRAZY. I HAVE DRIVEN MANY OTHER PASSAT'S AND HAVE PREVIOUSLY OWNED 2014 VW JETTA WHICH NEVER MADE THIS LOUD THUD SOUND WHEN CHANGING GEARS.
5/4/2017
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ON FRIDAY THE 13 OF JULY 8 DAYS AFTER HAVING AN OIL CHANGE I STARTED MY CAR AND IT WAS MISS FIRING AND MY HUSBAND OPENED THE HOOD AND GAS AND COOLANT WAS SPRAYING ALL OVER. HE DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY..HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS RODENT AND I WONDER IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BECAUSE OUR OTHER VEHICLES HAVEN'T BEEN ATTACKED IN 18 YEARS OF LIVING HERE
7/22/2018
Fuel pump under the rear passenger side is leaking large amounts of fuel allowing the fumes to build up in the cabin of the vehicle. No damage or accidents have occurred that would cause this and has made me sick while driving as well as paranoid as I am driving around a car with leaking gas in the interior cabin. 2017 Volkswagen Passet SE
7/12/2022
WHEELS
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW JAN 10 2017. I HAVE PUT 1500 MILES ON IT AS OF 5/8/17. TODAY AT A STOP LIGHT WHILE WAITING FOR THE LIGHT OR CHANGE, THE TIRE EXPLODED I FELT TH CAR MOVE OR WIGGLE, LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I WENT TO INSPECT TO SEE WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO EXPLAIN THIS LOOKS LIKE A VOLCANO SPROUTED OUT OF THE TIRE. ITS NOT THE SIDEWALL THERE IS NO DAMAGE GOING INTO THE TIRE.. THE RUBBER HAS SPILT OUTWARD...THE METAL WIRING IN THE TIRE IS BENT OUTWARD. NOT INWARD. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE.
5/8/2017
EVER SINCE WE PURCHASED OUR PASSAT WE NOTICED ISSUES WITH ALIGNMENT AND UNEVEN BRAKING. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF UNIVERSITY VOLKSWAGEN IN ALBUQUERQUE, WE LEARNED THAT OUR VEHICLE WOULD NEED THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS REPLACED AFTER 40,000 MILES. THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND THE FRONT LEFT PAD WAS DOWN TO 1MM, WHILE THE FRONT RIGHT STILL HAD 4MM LEFT. WE WERE TOLD BY THE SERVICE CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE THAT VOLKSWAGEN USES A SOFTER METAL ON THE FRONT ROTORS SO IF THEY WERE VERY HOT AND THEN EXPOSED TO COLD WATER (LIKE GOING THROUGH A CARWASH) THEN THE ROTORS COULD GET WARPED. WE BELIEVE OUR VEHICLE ISSUE INVOLVED CALIPER BRACKET BOLT TIGHTNESS AND IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN RECALL #46H6.
5/10/2019
VISIBILITY/WIPER
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
BOTH SIDE MIRROR ARE AUTOMATED.THE SIDE MIRRORS OPEN WHEN THEY WANT TO. SOMETIMES ONE STAYS CLOSED, SOMETIMES THEY BOTH STAYED CLOSED. THERE IS NO CONSISTENCY ON WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND OR HOW OFTEN. GENERALLY THEY WORK WITH A MORE FREQUENT DELAY IN OPENING THE MIRES - I.E. WHEN DRIVING AWAY ALREADY THEY OPEN ON THEIR OWN. THE REAL LIFE AND SAFETY ISSUE IS WHEN THEY DO NOT OPEN AT ALL. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND SOMETHING THERE VW DEALER CANNOT CONFIRM WITH ERROR CODES. MY QUESTION TO VW IS : HOW CAN THE CAR BE DRIVING FORWARD WITH THE MIRROR STILL COLLAPSED AND THE SYSTEM IS NOT RECORDING AN ERROR CODE? THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. ALSO... I HAVE REQUESTED TO HAVE THESE MIRROR DISENGAGED - TO REMAIN OPEN - BUT ACCORDING TO VW (DEALER) THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE AT ALL. SO... I AM STUCK WITH A VEHICLE THAT HAS A MAJOR LIFE AND SAFETY ISSUE AND VW IS IGNORING IT WITHOUT AN ACTION BECAUSE THEY DO NOT HAVE AN ERROR CODE ETC... I HAVE VIDEO OF DRIVING WITH THE MIRRORS STILL COLLAPSED FOR REFERENCE. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE DAY1 OF OWNERSHIP.
1/18/2018
THE WINDSHIELD, IN RAINING OCCURRENCES, IS COVERED WITH A WHITE THICK COATING AND MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE, PUTTING LIVES IN PERIL.
2/21/2018
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
While stopped at an intersection with no moving traffic, the Park Assist enabled itself warning extreme proximity to something on the left side of the vehicle. As with other faults, the Park Assist faults have occurred numerous times since 2019. The Lane Assist system unexpectedly disabled itself while driving less than five MPH on a slightly inclined driveway.
5/22/2021
While driving at approximately 10 MPH, the message "Lane Assist Currently Not Available" was displayed and Lane Assist deselected in the system menu. Later, while parked, I re-enabled Lane Assist using the menu system. This problem, along with others, has been ongoing since 2019. Since 2019, Volkswagen have been unable or unwilling to correct any of the problems experienced with the vehicle.
6/6/2021
STRUCTURE:BODY
3 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WITH NO IMPACT WHILE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. VW REFUSES TO COVER UNDER WARRANTY, IT WAS EVEN DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME NEEDS TO BE REPLACED NOW.
4/11/2017
I PREFACE THIS BY SAYING THIS IS MY FIRST KEYLESS CAR AND I DON'T LIKE IT. IT IS SOMETIMES CONFUSING AS TO WHETHER THE CAR IS RUNNING OR OFF AND THE IGNITION BUTTON LOOKS IDENTICAL IN BOTH SCENARIOS. ON JUNE 12, I PARKED MY CAR (IT WAS STATIONARY) AND TOOK MY DOG INTO HER DAY CARE CENTER. WHILE I WAS IN THERE, MY CAR APPARENTLY ROLLED OUT OF THE LOT AND CAME TO REST ON A SIDEWALK. THANKFULLY, NO ONE WAS INJURED AND ONLY THE BUMPER AND REAR LIGHT WERE IMPACTED. WHILE I THOUGHT I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, I MAY HAVE ACCIDENTALLY HAVE LEFT THE CAR IN DRIVE WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THIS IS MY CONCERN. WITH KEYED SYSTEMS, THE SAFETY MECHANISM IS THAT ONE CANNOT REMOVE THE KEY UNTIL THE CAR IS PROPERLY IN PARK (I ASSUME OTHERS HAVE DONE THIS). WITH THE KEYLESS, I PARKED, PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, TOOK MY KEYS, LOCKED THE DOOR AND LEFT THE CAR. I DON;T HAVE PHOTOS BUT I DO HAVE THE SECURITY CAMERA FOOTAGE OF THE CAR MOVING.
6/13/2017
SUSPENSION
3 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
SINCE I HAVE THIS CAR HAVING PROBLEMS VIBRATIONS I TOOK THE CAR ON VW DEALER FEW TIMES I EXPLAIN TO THEM MY CAR IS VIBRATING WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES ALSO WHEN I CRUISE OVER 55MPH. THEY TOLD ME ALWAYS CAR IS PERFORMING TO MANUFACTURE SPECIFICATIONS SO NOW I HAVE 6500 MILES ON MY CAR I TOOK MY CAR TO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP THEY FOUND OUT MY TIRES AR CUPPING. AND MY ROOTS ARE OUT OF ROUND AND ALIGNMENT WAS CORRECT TIRE BALANCING THEY DID FEW TIME TIRE ROATATION SO NOW I HAVE 6500 MILES ON THE CAR LESS THEN 1 YEAR OLD CAR. AND VW OF USA WE CANNOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY I REPLACE THE TIRES ON MY OWN AND THE CAR STILL VIBRATES IDK WHAT TO DO ANY FURTHER VERY DISAPPOINTED ALSO HAVING ISSUES WITH FRONT ASSIST WITH ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL AND LANE ASSIST NO RESPONSE
7/24/2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL BANGING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A RETAINING WALL. THE VEHICLE SPUN BACK OUT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO RICK CASE VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 3520 WESTON RD, WESTON, FL 33331, (954) 945-9367) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUSPENSION SPRING DETACHED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. *TT*JB
12/14/2018
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
My seat belt unfastens whenever it wants and my cruise control doesnât work any longer. I also have an issue with the 4th injector which causes the car to accelerate and I had to replace the transmission as well
4/27/2022
Clock spring on vehicle has failed. This is a known issue with many VW vehicles, but I have been told my vehicle is not on the extended warranty program. 2017 VW Passat - approximately 150,000 miles. This eliminates all steering wheel controls, horn, cruise control, and air bags.
7/25/2024
TIRES
3 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
These tires were on 2017 VW passat on 19â aftermarket wheels driven by my son. Previous tires of different brand had flats on passenger side one month earlier. On July 26, 2022 the new tire had blowout on driver rear location causing vehicle to lose traction spin and crash into wooded area on side if I 75 south of Tampa. My concern is these aftermarket wheels had three flats in three week period. Two different brands of tires on same 19â aftermarket rims.
7/28/2022
Tire Size - P235/40R19 03/03/2022 TPMS light came on and Right Rear Tire inner sidewall blew out while on the freeway. I felt and heard a lot of read noise while this occurred and was able to safely pull off freeway and have spare tire put on. Went to Just Tires, 5155 Bryant Irvin Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76132 and left Right Rear tire with them for inspection. Previously closed location of Just Tires 1661 S Main St, Keller, TX 76248 was the shop that installed both Rear tires on 06/18/2022 On the way home heard more road noise. 03/04/2022 Inspected Left Rear Tire before leaving and saw visible tears on the inner sidewall. Slowly drove vehicle back to Just Tires on Bryant Irvin RD to inspect Left Rear tire.
3/4/2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
3 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Error shown on dashboard, at this time no incident to report. Drivers airbag disabled , ACC disabled, steering wheel functionality disabled.
3/11/2023
The following warning lights will randomly turn on & off while driving: Air Bag Malfunction, ABS Brakes, ESC, Adaptive Cruise Control, Front collision, tire pressure, power steering, blind spot detection, low Key Battery detected, and indicate they are not functional. It is a random and items will go back to work while normally driving. Key fob battery has been replaced multiple times...
3/18/2023
SEAT BELTS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND IN STOPPED TRAFFIC AND PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A TWO-WAY ROAD WHEN HIT. THE DRIVER AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AND THE COLLISION INSPECTOR TOLD ME THAT MY SEAT BELT DIDN'T EITHER! I AM LUCKY I WASN'T HURT WORSE. THE CAR I WAS DRIVING WAS NOT A SAFE CAR, BUT WAS SOLD TO ME AS A CERTIFIED PREOWNED CAR.
4/13/2018
My seat belt unfastens whenever it wants and my cruise control doesnât work any longer. I also have an issue with the 4th injector which causes the car to accelerate and I had to replace the transmission as well
4/27/2022
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUE WITH REARVIEW BACKUP CAMERA. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED WHILE IT WAS IN POSSESSION OF THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER STATED IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR AND THERE WASNO SOLUTION FOR THE CAMERA FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.*JS
8/2/2018
The emergency breaking incident first occurred on 8 December 2019 as I was entering the parking lot for my apartment complex. There were no obstacles. The second occurrence was reported to the NHTSA on 5 May 2021. The tracking number for the issue is 11415338. The vehicle has exhibited multiple faults with its electronics, including emergency breaking enabling for no apparent reason, lane assist randomly disabling itself (including driving and overnight while parked), parking sensors alerting extreme proximity when nothing it near the vehicle, Infotainment system (failed to move from VW display, locked up, failed to display rear camera with vehicle in reverse and other failures), the rear camera has failed to display and displayed a image "rolling" vertically, wing mirrors have failed to extend or extend after considerable delay, and other issues. All of these issues have been reported to Volkswagen and service has reported no problems. Additional information, photos, and video are available.
5/19/2021
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE PASSAT AUTONOMOUS BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING ON A DIVIDED FOUR-LANE STREET WITH NO TRAFFIC OR OBSTRUCTIONS. LANE ASSIST HAS REPEATEDLY DISABLED ITSELF. PARK ASSIST SENSORS HAVE REPEATEDLY DETECTED OBJECTS EXTREMELY CLOSE WHEN NOTHING IS PRESENT. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS OTHER SYSTEM FAILURES. IN 2019, I FIRST REPORTED THE ISSUES TO A VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE CENTER FOR REPAIR. SINCE THAT TIME, THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT WEEKS IN SERVICE WITH VOLKSWAGEN INVOLVEMENT, WITH A REPORT OF NO ERRORS FOUND. THE FAULTS HAVE CONTINUED, SEEMINGLY AT RANDOM, SINCE 2019. I HAVE SUPPLIED VOLKSWAGEN WITH NOTES, PHOTOS, AND VIDEOS OF THE FAILURES VOLKSWAGEN NOT STATE THEY CANNOT ACCEPT PHOTO OR VIDEO DOCUMENTATION, NOT WILL THEY PAY FOR ANY REPAIR EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY UNTIL AUGUST 2020 AND NOT REPAIRED. I HAVE A LOT OF PHOTOS AND VIDEOS, AS WELL AS NOTES THAT I WOULD BE PLEASED TO FORWARD TO YOU.
5/5/2021
While driving straight in dry weather (i.e. no rain), the lane light will change from â green â to â yellow â color in the dash and the steering wheel will jerk, usually left, sometimes right, very abruptly, as if the car is trying to find the lane with lane assist on. Note, this is on well marked city streets and on regular interstate roads with clearly marked dashed lane lines. This has been happening for at least two months (today's date Dec. 12, 2021) and only now reporting this complaint. It did almost cause me to run into the car beside me several times or turn into the center median (trees) on city streets.
12/14/2021
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL INDEPENDENTLY ENGAGED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400.
4/25/2017
BACK OVER PREVENTION: CAMERA SYSTEM
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT LEASES A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE REAR BACKUP CAMERA FAILED TO DISPLAY ON THE MONITOR. THE REARVIEW CAMERA SYSTEM WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ESSERMAN INTERNATIONAL (LOCATED ON 10455 NW 12TH ST, MIAMI, FL 33172) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE BACKUP CAMERA WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CASE WAS BEING REVIEWED AND AN UPDATE WOULD BE PROVIDED ON OCTOBER 4, 2017. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 09/22/17*LJ *TR
8/3/2017
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TOO SENSITIVE ESC ISSUE ON 2017 PASSAT COULD CAUSE SAFETY HAZARD I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SUPER SENSITIVE ESC THAT ENGAGED AT 35 MILES/HOUR OR MORE AT HIGHWAY ENTRANCE AND EXIT WITH 2017 PASSAT R LINE. THIS 35 MILES LIMIT IS TOO LOW COMPARED WITH VW 2014 JETTA SE, 2016 JETTA 1.8T, 2014 SUBARU FORESTER, 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK, 2007 MERCEDES C230, 2011 C300 I OWN/ED. DRIVER'S PERCEPTION IS NOT MUCH CHANGE DUE TO THE CAR MODEL, ESPECIALLY WITHIN THE SAME OEM LIKE VW, THE CORNER IS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT MORE THAN 50 MILES/HOUR, BUT THE PASSAT HAS SUPER SENSITIVE ESC THAT ENGAGED UNEXPECTEDLY AT THE SUCH LOW SPEED AND IT COULD CAUSE A SUDDEN TIRE TRACTION CHANGE THAT COULD TRIGGER CAR SPIN OR FLIP AT WORST CASE. MY EXPERIENCES WERE AT DRY ROAD CONDITION ONLY AND NOT BEEN EXPOSED TO THE WET OR ICY ROAD IN A PAST, BUT OTHER CONSUMER MAY FACING THE SAME ISSUE AT SOME OTHER STATE BY THE DIFFERENT ROAD CONDITION. LOCAL DEALER AND VW HAVE HELP TESTED AND TRY CHANGING THE SYMPTOMS BY 1. CHANGE TIRE DUE TO ONE OF THE TIRE'S CIRCUMFERENCE WAS 1 INCH OFF, 2. CHANGE SPEED SENSOR, 3. CHANGE BEARING, AND 4. CHANGE ABS ECU, BUT NO IMPROVEMENT BEEN OBSERVED. ALTHOUGH THIS MIGHT BE CONTRADICTED, BUT ONE OF THE LONER PASSAT R LINE HAVE NOT SHOWING THE ISSUE, AND ANOTHER BRAND-NEW PASSAT IN A LOT HAVE THE SAME SYMPTOMS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS SENSITIVITY ISSUE MIGHT DIFFERENT BY THE UNIT ASSEMBLY/ALIGNMENT, OR DEPENDING ON THE PARTS BEEN USED FOR EACH UNIT. TESTED AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS: CA 237 E TO NORTH 1ST ST EXIT, CA 85 N TO EL CAMINO REAL N EXIT, US-101 & SAN TOMAS EXPY INTERCHANGE X 4 CORNERS, US-101 TO N MATILDA SOUTH EXIT, I-280 & WOLF RD ENTRANCE/EXIT VW SHOULD ADJUST THE SENSITIVITY TO BE SAME AS OTHER STANDARD MODELS. IF THEY SAY THIS IS THE STANDARD, THEN THE CAR IS USELESS. (ESPECIALLY FOR THE R LINE THAT SHOULD SUPPORT MUCH SPORTIER DRIVING.)
8/11/2017
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT BRAKES MADE A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. SHEEHY VOLKSWAGEN OF SPRINGFIELD (6601 BACKLICK RD, SPRINGFIELD, VA 22150, (703) 544-2973) DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
3/25/2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE BRIGHT ENOUGH. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER DEBRIS FROM A CHAIR ON THE ROAD. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN THE CONTACT DROVE OVER TIRE DEBRIS THAT WAS ABANDONED ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND WAS TAKEN TO D-PATRICK VOLKSWAGEN (812-473-6500, LOCATED AT 200 N GREEN RIVER RD, EVANSVILLE, IN 47715) FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V389000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE SAME DEALER WAS CALLED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULE TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE FROM THE SECOND FAILURE AS WELL AS THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 11,000.
7/23/2019
SEATS
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
MALFUNCTIONING DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER, BURNING HOLE IN SEAT
1/22/2020
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The emergency breaking incident first occurred on 8 December 2019 as I was entering the parking lot for my apartment complex. There were no obstacles. The second occurrence was reported to the NHTSA on 5 May 2021. The tracking number for the issue is 11415338. The vehicle has exhibited multiple faults with its electronics, including emergency breaking enabling for no apparent reason, lane assist randomly disabling itself (including driving and overnight while parked), parking sensors alerting extreme proximity when nothing it near the vehicle, Infotainment system (failed to move from VW display, locked up, failed to display rear camera with vehicle in reverse and other failures), the rear camera has failed to display and displayed a image "rolling" vertically, wing mirrors have failed to extend or extend after considerable delay, and other issues. All of these issues have been reported to Volkswagen and service has reported no problems. Additional information, photos, and video are available.
5/19/2021
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I drive 90 miles total daily, to and from work (45 mi each way). I currently have 87,050 miles on my vehicle. Shortly after my 36,000 mile warranty expired, I started experience issues with my infotainment system. Searching online I discovered many other owners with identical problems. The radio would freeze, where I could not change the preset tuning stations. I would have to hold the power button, (while driving on highway) for the infotainment system to reset. As time went on, I started experiencing "dead spots" on the touch screen. No matter what I do, areas where the "dead spots" are, is unusable. You cannot activate the function you need, where the "dead spots" are at. I contacted my local dealership, but they were no help. This has to be a known problem, and VW should repair or replace the infotainment system at their cost.
9/3/2021
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The airbag light is on. It is an orangish color. The controls on front of the steering wheel do not work. That means the horn, cruise control, radio controls, voice controls do not work.
3/5/2022
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud popping sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and discovered that the sunroof had shattered; however, the sunroof glass remained intact. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The contact found a replacement sunroof at a junkyard and had the sunroof replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
6/23/2022
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake fluid warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that he became aware that brake fluid had leaked from an unknown location and that the brake fluid reservoir needed to be refilled. The contact stated that after driving for a few blocks, he had to refill the reservoir again. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V075000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) as a possible cause for the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10.
4/18/2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving across a railroad track, the Forward Collision-Avoidance braking system independently engaged. The contact was able to safely cross the railroad track. The contact stated that the failure had occurred previously while the contact was driving and crossing an intersection. However, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
1/18/2024
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that heat and defroster and defogger blower motor was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but a diagnostic test was not performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
1/29/2024
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormally strong fuel odor was detected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who performed a smog test, and the vehicle passed. The mechanic detected the fuel odor coming from the carbon filter and advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed by a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 41,751.
2/23/2024
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat?
Are complaints about the 2017 Volkswagen Passat a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat?
Are complaints about the 2017 Volkswagen Passat severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Volkswagen Passat: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 170
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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