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2018 Volkswagen Passat Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20262 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis
2018 Volkswagen Passat Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2018 Volkswagen Passat has 57 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve service brakes and engine.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.0/ 10

Based on 57 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

SERVICE BRAKES

12 21.1%

ENGINE

9 15.8%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 8.8%

AIR BAGS

4 7%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 7%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is SERVICE BRAKES, accounting for 21.1% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 19 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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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2018 Volkswagen Passat

The 2018 Volkswagen Passat has 57 owner complaints in this dataset. SERVICE BRAKES is the most common complaint category, representing about 21% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat are SERVICE BRAKES (12), ENGINE (9), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 41 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 2018 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.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2017 Passat complaints2019 Passat complaints2016 Passat complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 19 of 19 systems

SERVICE BRAKES

12 Reports21% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ON JUNE 8, 2018, FROM HERITAGE VW. THE CAR ALREADY HAD A SAFETY RECALL FOR BRAKES WHICH WAS ISSUED ON MAY 25, 2018. THE DEALER FAILED TO INFORM ME ABOUT IT BEFORE PURCHASE. LATER AFTER MY PURCHASE ON JUNE 22 A DO NOT DRIVE WAS ISSUED ON THIS VEHICLE, THEY ASKED ME TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THEIR DEALERSHIP STATING THAT IT IS FINE TO DRIVE IT.

6/26/2018

MY VEHICLE ATTEMPTS TO STRAIGHTEN ITSELF OUT AS I'M GOING THROUGH A CURVE AND I ACTUALLY HAVE TO PUT MORE EFFORT THAN NECESSARY TO KEEP STEERING WHEEL APPROPRIATELY TURNED TO GO THROUGH THE CURVE ENTIRELY. ALSO WHILE GOING THROUGH A CURVE, IF ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN, MY BRAKES SEEM TO MAKE SOME TYPE OF SCRAPING SOUND AND I CAN FEEL THE SCRAPE OR VIBRATION OF THE PROBLEM THROUGH THE PEDAL. BOTH THESE ISSUES CAN AND HAVE OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING AT A LOW SPEED SUCH AS 30 MPH OR AT HIGHER SPEED, SUCH AS 50-60 MPH. I HAVE HAD A FEW CLOSE CALLS WITH OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD DIE TO THESE ISSUES. I WILL SPECIFY A DATE BECAUSE IT ASKS FOR A DATE BUT IT'S BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.

7/30/2018

10 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

9 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY CAR IS UNDER 7000 MILES, DON'T EVEN HAVE THE FIRST SCHEDULE OIL CHANGE AND EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE CAR DEALER AND JUST TOP OFF THE OIL. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE.

12/7/2018

MY FATHER WAS HEADING HOME WHEN HE STOPPED THE HILL DOWN FROM HIS HOUSE. UPON TRYING TO ACCELERATE HE NOTICED THE VEHICLE DID NOT WANT TO GO. THE ENGINE HAD STALLED/HESITATED. HE PRESSED THE GAS A FEW TIMES AND NOTHING HAPPENED, THE RPM HA D WAS THE ONLY THING MOVING. THEN, ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE VEHICLE SPED OFF AND HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THIS HAPPENED AT THE BEGINNING OF A CURVE AND HE COULDN'T REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SLAMMED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE WHICH BROKE HIS NECK AND BACK. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THESE PASSATS. MY BROTHER AND HIS WIFE HAVE TOLD ME THAT THEIR 2018 PASSATS DO THE SAME THING (HESITATION/STALLING).

2/1/2019

7 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I HAD REPORTED THE ISSUE TO VW VERBALLY AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT BASICALLY ADVISED I WILL HAVE TO PLACE IT ON THE MACHINE TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT IS NOT COVERED. I DID NOT HAVE THE FUNDS BUT THEY SAID IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN LET THEM KNOW. IT DID SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER THAT ALL THE WAY UP UNTIL 3 DAYS AGO AS OF 09.26.19. IT IS KINDA HARD TO REPORT THINGS TO WEST BROAD VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHEN THEY ARE RUDE AND UNFRIENDLY AND MAKE A CUSTOMER UNCOMFORTABLE. I LIKE ONLY SPEAKING TO MR. FRANK IN SALES WHEN I HAVE AN ISSUE BECAUSE HE GOES OVER AND BEYOND. IF IT WASN'T FOR HIM I WOULD BE VERY UNCOMFORTABLE ASKING OR GOING TO THAT DEPARTMENT. WHEN TRYING TO BACK UP THE CAMERA DOESN'T COME ON IT TAKES A WHILE OR IT BLANKS OUT AT TIMES. ALSO WHEN PULLING OFF MY VEHICLE IS SLOW ALSO ADVISED THAT. I HAD A LOANER CAR AND IT DROVE BETTER. MINES HAS A LOT OF NOISES AND SOUNDS.

9/26/2019

TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WAS INOPERABLE WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK AND GETTING EXTREMELY CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE, THE HORN PAD WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO NOTIFY THE OTHER DRIVER OF THE CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,500.

2/11/2020

3 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

4 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE REVERSING IN MY DRIVEWAY, MY DASH LIGHTS UP WITH WARNING: ACC ERROR AND WARNING : AIRBAG ERROR AND STAYED WHILE I WAS PARKED AND KEPT MY CAR STATIONARY. THE NEXT DAY IT SHOWED UP AGAIN AND I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY AIRBAG DEPLOYING ON ME WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I AM WORRIED ALSO THAT MY AIRBAG MIGHT NEVER GO OFF AND THESE CODES DAMAGE SOMETHING ELSE INTERNALLY IN THE CAR.

1/12/2021

Airbag error notice and cracking sound when turning steering wheel. Error light for cruise control, front end assistance. This is the second time this has occured. It was previously fixed in 2018.

4/25/2022

2 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

First/only owner of a 2018 VW Passat GP r-line, scheduled maintenance intervals followed religiously and performed by VW; only filled with top tier fuel (mid/premium), no prev. indicator lights ever illuminated until ECM light (no accompanying warning lights) came on while driving at highway speed with Adaptive Cruise Control engaged. Immediate loss of power and shaking vibration upon any attempt to accelerate/change lanes to safely get off of roadway. Once off roadway, all systems shut down and engine turned off for several minutes. Restarted car w/o difficulty, remained parked for 5 more minutes to monitor ECM light which did not return after shut down/restart. Returned to highway while safely merging into lane with conservative acceleration. ECM warning light did not return and vibration/shutterring had ceased. No unusual or abnormal gas mileage readings found upon close monitoring. Vehicle was driven x3 (relatively short distances) with speeds no greater than 65 mph; no return of ECM or any other warning lights. On the 4th drive, while attempting to evade an idiot, accelerator was applied more aggressively so as to avoid a near-catastrophic collision (nowhere to slow down or go to shoulder safely within 0.75/sec) which triggered the ECM light accompanied with loss of power/shuttering/vibration when pressure applied to accelerator. Pulled over, shut down, waited, panicked a little, then restarted engine. ECM light did not reappear after shut down/restart. Vehicle operated flawlessly once more. Injector/fuel system cleaner added to fuel tank and driven 40 mins in Sport mode to burn corrosive buildup effectively. Fuel tank refilled at new fueling station (thinking bad gas was a differential) and no issues since. Codes not showing up when diagnostics are ran. VW won’t fix something that isn’t presenting itself as a problem, at that very moment. 93k miles w/ NO prev. engine/emissions/transmission probs.

9/20/2023

EPC light came on & check engine light Car shakes

4/8/2024

2 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY FATHER WAS HEADING HOME WHEN HE STOPPED THE HILL DOWN FROM HIS HOUSE. UPON TRYING TO ACCELERATE HE NOTICED THE VEHICLE DID NOT WANT TO GO. THE ENGINE HAD STALLED/HESITATED. HE PRESSED THE GAS A FEW TIMES AND NOTHING HAPPENED, THE RPM HA D WAS THE ONLY THING MOVING. THEN, ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE VEHICLE SPED OFF AND HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THIS HAPPENED AT THE BEGINNING OF A CURVE AND HE COULDN'T REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SLAMMED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE WHICH BROKE HIS NECK AND BACK. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THESE PASSATS. MY BROTHER AND HIS WIFE HAVE TOLD ME THAT THEIR 2018 PASSATS DO THE SAME THING (HESITATION/STALLING).

2/1/2019

I HAD REPORTED THE ISSUE TO VW VERBALLY AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT BASICALLY ADVISED I WILL HAVE TO PLACE IT ON THE MACHINE TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT IS NOT COVERED. I DID NOT HAVE THE FUNDS BUT THEY SAID IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN LET THEM KNOW. IT DID SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER THAT ALL THE WAY UP UNTIL 3 DAYS AGO AS OF 09.26.19. IT IS KINDA HARD TO REPORT THINGS TO WEST BROAD VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHEN THEY ARE RUDE AND UNFRIENDLY AND MAKE A CUSTOMER UNCOMFORTABLE. I LIKE ONLY SPEAKING TO MR. FRANK IN SALES WHEN I HAVE AN ISSUE BECAUSE HE GOES OVER AND BEYOND. IF IT WASN'T FOR HIM I WOULD BE VERY UNCOMFORTABLE ASKING OR GOING TO THAT DEPARTMENT. WHEN TRYING TO BACK UP THE CAMERA DOESN'T COME ON IT TAKES A WHILE OR IT BLANKS OUT AT TIMES. ALSO WHEN PULLING OFF MY VEHICLE IS SLOW ALSO ADVISED THAT. I HAD A LOANER CAR AND IT DROVE BETTER. MINES HAS A LOT OF NOISES AND SOUNDS.

9/26/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE FRONT ASSIST DOES NOT WORK WHEN THERE IS BAD WEATHER WHETHER SNOW OR RAIN. IF WATER COVER THE VW EMBLEM. THIS IS WHEN YOU WOULD THIS FEATURE THE MOST

1/16/2020

I AM AT THE BURGER KING DRIVE THRU JAN 23, 2021, THERE ARE A FEW CARS AHEAD OF ME. I SIT AT DRIVER THRU WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE ABOUT 3 TO 5 MINUTES, WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME MOVES CLOSER TO PICK UP HIS FOOD, I LET OFF OF THE BRAKE AND DRIFT FORWARD AS I GET CLOSER TO CAR IN FRONT OF ME , I PRESS THE BRAKE AND THE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I PRESS HARDER AND MY CAR BANGS DIRECTLY INTO THE BACK OF A 2015 CAMARA THAT HAS BEEN GARAGED KEPT AND HAS ONLY 3,000 MILES ON IT. I GIVE THE DRIVER MY PHONE NUMBER. VERY MINOR DAMAGE TO HIS CAR AND ONLY DAMAGE MY LICENSE PLATE AREA. I PULLED MY CAR INTO THE PARKING LOT , TURNED OFF IGNITION, I THEN STARTED PUMPING MY BRAKES AND EVENTUALLY THE BRAKES FELT MUCH STIFFER AFTER ABOUT 15 PUMPS OF THE BRAKE PEDAL . ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THIS , I TOOK MY CAR TO THE VW DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CHANGE AND SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR THEM TO CHECK MY BRAKES AND TIRES. I WAS TOLD WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR THAT TIRES SHOULD BE REPLACE IN ABOUT 5,000 MORE MILES,BUT MY BRAKES WERE FINE. MY CAR JUST PASSED 40,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER 2 DAYS AFTER THE OIL CHANGE. YESTERDAY JAN 25 ,2021 , I TOOK THE CAR TO VW DEALERSHIP EXPLAINING WHAT HAD HAPPENED, TODAY IS JAN 26 THEY KEPT THE CAR OVER NIGHT WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM SPECIALIST FROM VW. MEANWHILE I SEARCHED INTERNET FOR INFO. THAT IS WHEN I REACHED THIS SITE. ALSO MY FORWARD COLLISION SHOULD HAVE COME BEFORE I MADE CONTACT WITH THE CAR I HIT AT BURGER KING. I SERIOUSLY DON'T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS VEHICLE ANYMORE. I DON'T TRUST IT. I ALSO INJURED MY LEG PRESSING SO HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL.

1/26/2021

1 more complaint is available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 8 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER DOUGLAS VOLKSWAGEN (491 MORRIS AVE, SUMMIT, NJ 07901) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR MAIN SEAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

4/3/2020

The 2018 vw Passat se is only 3 years old and the transmission went out. The mileage was just a little over 98,000. The car has been kept up with as far as oil change, routine maintenance, and extras, such as tires and brakes. We have been given no reason to why the transmission would have went out like it did. But we are stuck making payments on it and the cost of repair from the dealership itself is $4,500

7/23/2021

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STEERING

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY VEHICLE ATTEMPTS TO STRAIGHTEN ITSELF OUT AS I'M GOING THROUGH A CURVE AND I ACTUALLY HAVE TO PUT MORE EFFORT THAN NECESSARY TO KEEP STEERING WHEEL APPROPRIATELY TURNED TO GO THROUGH THE CURVE ENTIRELY. ALSO WHILE GOING THROUGH A CURVE, IF ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN, MY BRAKES SEEM TO MAKE SOME TYPE OF SCRAPING SOUND AND I CAN FEEL THE SCRAPE OR VIBRATION OF THE PROBLEM THROUGH THE PEDAL. BOTH THESE ISSUES CAN AND HAVE OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING AT A LOW SPEED SUCH AS 30 MPH OR AT HIGHER SPEED, SUCH AS 50-60 MPH. I HAVE HAD A FEW CLOSE CALLS WITH OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD DIE TO THESE ISSUES. I WILL SPECIFY A DATE BECAUSE IT ASKS FOR A DATE BUT IT'S BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.

7/30/2018

WHILE GOING THROUGH A CURVE, IF ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN, MY BRAKES SEEM TO MAKE SOME TYPE OF SCRAPING SOUND AND I CAN FEEL THE SCRAPE OR VIBRATION OF THE PROBLEM THROUGH THE PEDAL.

8/30/2020

SUSPENSION

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SHARP LEFT HAND TURNS IT EMITS A CLICKING NOISE. GOOGLED AND THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED SINCE 2011. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP TODAY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. WAS TOLD SAFE TO DRIVE AND HAD NOT HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. GOOGLE SAID PROBLEM WITH CT JOINT.

11/28/2018

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH or at various speeds, there was a delay while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle was also pulling to the left and the right while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the suspension was loose while driving over bumps in the roadway causing the vehicle to bounce. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

2/7/2023

WHEELS

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE GOING THROUGH A CURVE, IF ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN, MY BRAKES SEEM TO MAKE SOME TYPE OF SCRAPING SOUND AND I CAN FEEL THE SCRAPE OR VIBRATION OF THE PROBLEM THROUGH THE PEDAL.

8/30/2020

Purchased on 08/05/2021. The suspension in the rear right passenger side. Went on a 5 minute test drive with Yancey Cobb who stated there was nothing wrong with the car and that I needed to call the Finance company and finalize the deal or I wouldn't have a car. Meaning I couldn't get my traded car back either. They shut the dealership down on me and left me on the lot to retrieve my articles from one car to the next and there was no gas in the car because the gas light was on. They gave no paperwork. I had no idea there was no warranty until I took it to Heritage Harford Rd who gave the car back broken. 3 times. They keep saying they can't duplicate the problem. I contacted the BBB and they Mike Molnar lied and said he contacted me. Never responded to the rebuttal. I contacted Volkswagen customer care via Twitter with Stephani S. Nothing. I went to Country Dubbs, nothings wrong, Brooks Huff, Nothing wrong. T&S Auto, nothing. This vehicles stops traffic everyday on York Rd. I've contacted the FairTrade Commission. Nobody will help with this issue. It sways, it wiggles, the wheel rides like it's bent, it feels like it sticks at times and looks like crap on the road, but nody knows what's wrong. I've called Antwerpen Corporate. Spoke to Aileen Sanders who won't return my calls after telling me there was no paperwork in the jacket for the deal. Who sells a car at 19k miles on it with no warranty, they don't give you a bill of sale, and they treat women like dirt. They have so many negative and sheisty reviews on their website. Why are car dealers such liars and cheats. I don't want this car for all the hassle and deception and a note on a car that's been broke since the turn of the key for me.

10/21/2021

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2018 VW PASSAT SE TSI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL AND AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING AS SAFETY HAZARDS. *AS *TR *JS THE CONSUMER STATED SAFETY FEATURES SUCH AS ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKES, AND FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SHOULD BE STANDARD ON ALL VEHICLES. *JS *JS

3/14/2019

PARKING BRAKE

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2018 VW PASSAT SE TSI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL AND AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING AS SAFETY HAZARDS. *AS *TR *JS THE CONSUMER STATED SAFETY FEATURES SUCH AS ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKES, AND FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SHOULD BE STANDARD ON ALL VEHICLES. *JS *JS

3/14/2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I HAD REPORTED THE ISSUE TO VW VERBALLY AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT BASICALLY ADVISED I WILL HAVE TO PLACE IT ON THE MACHINE TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT IS NOT COVERED. I DID NOT HAVE THE FUNDS BUT THEY SAID IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN LET THEM KNOW. IT DID SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER THAT ALL THE WAY UP UNTIL 3 DAYS AGO AS OF 09.26.19. IT IS KINDA HARD TO REPORT THINGS TO WEST BROAD VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHEN THEY ARE RUDE AND UNFRIENDLY AND MAKE A CUSTOMER UNCOMFORTABLE. I LIKE ONLY SPEAKING TO MR. FRANK IN SALES WHEN I HAVE AN ISSUE BECAUSE HE GOES OVER AND BEYOND. IF IT WASN'T FOR HIM I WOULD BE VERY UNCOMFORTABLE ASKING OR GOING TO THAT DEPARTMENT. WHEN TRYING TO BACK UP THE CAMERA DOESN'T COME ON IT TAKES A WHILE OR IT BLANKS OUT AT TIMES. ALSO WHEN PULLING OFF MY VEHICLE IS SLOW ALSO ADVISED THAT. I HAD A LOANER CAR AND IT DROVE BETTER. MINES HAS A LOT OF NOISES AND SOUNDS.

9/26/2019

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHILE REVERSING IN MY DRIVEWAY, MY DASH LIGHTS UP WITH WARNING: ACC ERROR AND WARNING : AIRBAG ERROR AND STAYED WHILE I WAS PARKED AND KEPT MY CAR STATIONARY. THE NEXT DAY IT SHOWED UP AGAIN AND I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY AIRBAG DEPLOYING ON ME WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I AM WORRIED ALSO THAT MY AIRBAG MIGHT NEVER GO OFF AND THESE CODES DAMAGE SOMETHING ELSE INTERNALLY IN THE CAR.

1/12/2021

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I AM AT THE BURGER KING DRIVE THRU JAN 23, 2021, THERE ARE A FEW CARS AHEAD OF ME. I SIT AT DRIVER THRU WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE ABOUT 3 TO 5 MINUTES, WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME MOVES CLOSER TO PICK UP HIS FOOD, I LET OFF OF THE BRAKE AND DRIFT FORWARD AS I GET CLOSER TO CAR IN FRONT OF ME , I PRESS THE BRAKE AND THE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I PRESS HARDER AND MY CAR BANGS DIRECTLY INTO THE BACK OF A 2015 CAMARA THAT HAS BEEN GARAGED KEPT AND HAS ONLY 3,000 MILES ON IT. I GIVE THE DRIVER MY PHONE NUMBER. VERY MINOR DAMAGE TO HIS CAR AND ONLY DAMAGE MY LICENSE PLATE AREA. I PULLED MY CAR INTO THE PARKING LOT , TURNED OFF IGNITION, I THEN STARTED PUMPING MY BRAKES AND EVENTUALLY THE BRAKES FELT MUCH STIFFER AFTER ABOUT 15 PUMPS OF THE BRAKE PEDAL . ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THIS , I TOOK MY CAR TO THE VW DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CHANGE AND SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR THEM TO CHECK MY BRAKES AND TIRES. I WAS TOLD WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR THAT TIRES SHOULD BE REPLACE IN ABOUT 5,000 MORE MILES,BUT MY BRAKES WERE FINE. MY CAR JUST PASSED 40,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER 2 DAYS AFTER THE OIL CHANGE. YESTERDAY JAN 25 ,2021 , I TOOK THE CAR TO VW DEALERSHIP EXPLAINING WHAT HAD HAPPENED, TODAY IS JAN 26 THEY KEPT THE CAR OVER NIGHT WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM SPECIALIST FROM VW. MEANWHILE I SEARCHED INTERNET FOR INFO. THAT IS WHEN I REACHED THIS SITE. ALSO MY FORWARD COLLISION SHOULD HAVE COME BEFORE I MADE CONTACT WITH THE CAR I HIT AT BURGER KING. I SERIOUSLY DON'T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS VEHICLE ANYMORE. I DON'T TRUST IT. I ALSO INJURED MY LEG PRESSING SO HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL.

1/26/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:INTERLOCK/LOCKOUT

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The vehicle can be turned off while in drive, and gives no extra signals (beeps, flashing lights, etc.) with the exception of a brief message on the dash and single ding (same ding for door open, and other low importance messages). The vehicle will then roll until the brake is applied or it comes to a rest on a flat surface or against a pole or hard object. This is a significant safety hazard that has occurred to me 3-4 times, the most recent was today when the vehicle rolled backwards down my mothers driveway. Crossed the street, entered the neighbors driveway/yard, contacted the mail box and came to rest in the front yard. The vehicle rolled approx. 200ft. The vehicle is equipped with auto braking and parking collision warning, that are capable of sensing a collision while driving and notifying the driver of objects while parking. The same system should be able to prevent a car turned off while in drive from rolling uncontrolled and striking a person or object. In addition the car should have generate a significant audio and visual warnings to the driver, furthermore the car should not be able to be turned off while in drive. It’s a fundamental flaw that it can be turned off, drivers door opened, driver and keys step out of the vehicle with no response from the vehicle.

8/11/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Clockspring. Failed 1st time under recall and was replaced by dealer. Failed 2nd time and replaced outside of recall by indepenent. Failed 3rd time and has not been replaced. This has affected the adaptive cruise control, the electronic stability control, and now it engages the brake system when not called for.

6/14/2022

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ABS sensor warning lights are coming on showing there is an issue.

8/22/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat?

The most reported complaint category for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat is SERVICE BRAKES, with 12 owner reports. That is about 21% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2018 Volkswagen Passat a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 41 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2018 Volkswagen Passat severe?

41 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volkswagen Passat: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
57
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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