2016 Volkswagen Passat Complaints

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS — Filed 05/01/2026

The clock spring system failed, rendering all of the cars' steering wheel functions non-functional. The airbag light is on and the steering wheels airbag does not operate as well as the cars horn and auto cruise controls. The instrument cluster is malfunctioning as well. The safety risks associated with the malfunctions could result in great harm to the driver and passengers in the vehicle.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 12/01/2025

currently leaking raw fuel under the hood (matching Recall 15F7) and stalling after fill-ups (matching Recall 24V110000). I am requesting a Specialized Safety Review and Goodwill Assistance to cover the repair because this is a documented manufacturing defect, not wear-and-tear." 2. Leverage the "Suction Jet Pump" Investigation There is a current investigation (as of early 2026) because VW’s recent fuel pump recall (24V110000) didn't include enough vehicles.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 11/01/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, there was a strong gasoline odor inside the cabin. The contact immediately pulled over and exited the vehicle to inspect for visible fuel leaks, but found no leaks. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and stalled repeatedly. Additionally, the brakes failed to function properly, preventing the vehicle from stopping as needed. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V403000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 12/15/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V403000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 07/01/2025

The vehicle has been alerting error codes 16352 for failing to communicate with ABS module causing warning lights for ABS, brake and the ESC systems to illuminate. The brake system related vehicle stabilizing functions (ABS/ESC) is not be available, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control and could lead to a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Please reference Safety Recall Code: 45F2

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 04/01/2025

Smell of fuel near rear seat. Gasket OK.

AIR BAGS — Filed 01/01/2020

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that on seven occasions, the clock spring failed while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle with the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the clock spring was replaced under warranty; however, the failure returned soon after repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a Corporate Representative was sent to the dealer to test the repair. The representative test driving the vehicle also experienced with failure, and the clock spring fractured while operating the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/03/2025

Description of the Problem: The fuel pump housing on my 2016 Volkswagen Passat (1.8L TSI) developed visible cracks, which caused a persistent fuel vapor smell around the vehicle, especially after refueling. The failed component — the plastic fuel pump assembly manufactured by Continental — is available for inspection and has been photographed. Safety Risk: The cracks allowed gasoline vapors to escape, creating a clear fire hazard. I experienced headaches from the fumes while driving, and the smell was strongest when the vehicle was full of fuel. Vapors were most noticeable when the air circulator was turned off, suggesting that fumes were entering the cabin. Confirmed by Mechanic: A certified independent mechanic confirmed the cracks after removing the back seat and inspecting the fuel pump directly. The entire assembly was replaced, and the issue was resolved. Prior to this, a VW dealership misdiagnosed the problem as a bad gasket, quoting me over $1,300 for a repair that would not have addressed the actual issue. Inspection History: The vehicle was inspected by the VW dealership first, and later by the independent shop that completed the repair. No police or insurance involvement. Symptoms: No warning lights or messages appeared. The only symptoms were the strong fuel odor, especially when the tank was full, and inaccurate fuel gauge readings leading up to the diagnosis. Summary: This issue appears similar to other known failures involving Continental-manufactured fuel pump flanges that have led to VW recalls in other models. My concern is that this defect may extend beyond currently recalled vehicles and should be investigated further.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 01/04/2025

The fuel delivery system appears to have failed. Specifically, there is an active gasoline leak from a fuel line inside the cabin, near or under the rear seat. The source may be related to an unresolved recall involving the fuel rail detaching from the engine, which causes pressurized fuel leakage. The failed component is still present on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. The back seat was removed by a mechanic who observed gasoline actively spewing into the cabin. This defect presents an extreme fire hazard. The constant gasoline fumes in the interior have caused me to suffer migraines, nausea, and dizziness while driving. My 13-year-old daughter, who has asthma, must ride with her head out of the window to breathe. My 2-year-old can no longer ride in the vehicle at all due to the fumes. I am a single mother with no other transportation. I fear that the car could ignite at any moment, especially with electrical systems running in the cabin. This defect is life-threatening. A certified independent mechanic removed the rear seat and confirmed that fuel was actively leaking into the interior of the car. The mechanic advised that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and poses a severe fire risk. I have photos and video available, and the mechanic is willing to provide a written statement upon request.Volkswagen dealerships have refused to inspect the vehicle or address the recall, even though the recall remains listed as active under the vehicle’s VIN. I have contacted multiple dealerships and Volkswagen corporate, and have been denied assistance. I have not contacted police or insurance yet, but I am preparing formal complaints.There were no warning lamps or dashboard alerts. The first symptom was a strong fuel odor in the interior, which began approximately 5-6 months ago. It progressively worsened over time. About one week ago, the smell became severe enough that it was unbearable to drive. This prompted the mechanic’s inspection, which revealed the

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/02/2023

Timing chain going out before 1000 miles in a 2016 VW Passat TSI

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 02/15/2025

While driving on a residential street the VW Front Assist suddenly engaged the brakes. There was no car in front or any cars driving in the area. The car came to a complete stop. The only explanation may be that it had been recently raining in Seattle and it was also late in the day so the sun was low in the sky. There was also a metal plate on the street that appeared to be reflective with the rain. We have had incidents like this in the past while driving over the University Bridge as well which is a metal grated draw bridge in Seattle. We are extremely concerned that the brakes will engage and we will be rear ended. I had the dealership inspect the Front Assist feature on Thursday April 17th, 2025 and they have no indication of any fault with the system. The radar sensor that the feature relies upon was properly aligned and in working order. This system makes our car less safe to drive than if it was permanently disabled. Rain followed by sunshine is common in Seattle creating situations where the Front Assist will be triggered incorrectly putting us and other motorists at risk.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 02/28/2025

Unknown my water pump failed and all out of nowhere

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 01/07/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate above 35 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle and the EPC warning light had illuminated briefly then the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over onto the side of the road however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and the contact reached out to a local mechanic to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the fuel pump module, and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted, and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 77,000.

ENGINE — Filed 11/01/2024

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating abnormally while in park(P) and had started jerking while driving. The contact stated that while driving and exceeding 70 MPH, the shaking and vibrating became worse. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil on top of the engine. The EPC warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the breather valve, oil separator, the lower and upper timing cover, all four coil pack connectors, the coolant fluid and brake fluid, rear brake pads, wheel alignment, and engine air filters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 10/01/2024

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that after the dealer had performed a fuel induction on the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic convertor had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the repair was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

STEERING,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 08/01/2024

Air bag error light is on and steering wheel controls/horn are inoperable. Cause is most likely a clock spring failure as has been reported in numerous VW vehicle models including the 2016 VW Passat but the current recall 69L2 doesn’t appear to cover our vehicle. With recall problems on numerous other vehicles, it is hard to believe this isn’t caused by the same issue. Repair cost is estimated at $900 for an item that should be covered by VW.

STEERING — Filed 06/22/2024

During sharp turn would hear cracking sound coming from steering wheel, after some days air bag warning light appeared on dahsboard and honk and steering wheel buttons stopped working. Dealer replaced the clockspring under warranty that fixed airbag warning issue, but still had honk and steering wheel buttons persisted. Dealer recommended replacing steering wheel control button module to fix both honk and steering wheel buttons. It appears all the problems are related and should have been fixed under warranty

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/16/2024

I own a 2016 VW Passat that I'm thinking of painting yellow and I don't like yellow. I was driving going about 75 mph on freeway in Idaho and a truck from the slow lane started merging over into my lane I went to hit horn and it didn't work. I hit my brakes and I mean hard because he obviously didn't see me and he merged over into my lane but had I not braked as hard and when I did it would of been a collision. That's how I discovered my horn didn't work. I'm not a person who pulls up to someones house and taps the horn nor do I use it if someone is sitting at an intersection after the light turns green as if to say, "Come on, pay attention, the light's green, now go" I don't like to do that because it makes everyone look and can cause confusion. I use it to prevent an accident! My clock spring went out on me a year ago. I'm told that's why horn doesn't work. Its also why my airbag light is on and my cruise doesn't work (which may not be a safety issue but I have found myself driving much over speed limit without trying to) and none of my driver assist features work. All controls connected to steering wheel don't work. I'm assuming since the light is on neither does the airbag and I know the horn doesn't. I see there have been recalls on this but looks like they drew the line at 2014. Checking into it further a lot of their cars, newer than 2014, like mine a 2016 have had same issue. I also see that the ones that were taken in for recall and replaced, broke again. I read that that led to an investigation. I don't see any more info. I learned that clock springs are supposed to last the lifetime of the car, so shouldn't there be a recall on the newer cars too, like mine 2016? I'm not impressed with VW, this is my 2nd one and will be my last. I now have to get a new water pump at 70K. I really would like to see a recall on clock springs and would like to know what the conclusion to the investigation was. Thanks, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 05/20/2023

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was unofficially diagnosed; however, the mechanic noticed that the engine was misfiring. The mechanic performed a tune-up on the vehicle, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact researched the failure and identified five unknown recall repairs with the same description of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the recall repairs had been previously completed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased new, and the contact had been the sole owner of the vehicle. The contact stated that no recall repairs had ever been completed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 10/11/2019

SAME ISSUE AS NHTSA ID # 11096639. CAR WAS PARKED, TURNED OFF, AND LOCKED AFTER 3 ADULTS EXITED THE CAR AND ENTERED A STORY. A FEW MINUTES LATER A CONCERNED PERSON RAN IN THE STORE ASKING WHO OWNS A BLACK VW? THE CAR HAD ROLLED AWAY, UNATTENDED, AFTER BEING PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. IT ROLLED INTO ANOTHER CAR ABOUT 50 YARDS AWAY AT A GAS STATION. NO INJURIES.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/18/2019

THE CAR HAS AUTONOMOUS BRAKING ISSUE. THE SYSTEM THAT BRAKES THE CAR IF ANOTHER CAR IS DETECTED IN FRONT OF YOU WILL BRAKE EVEN IF NO ONE IS IN FRONT OF YOU. THE CAR WAS IN AT THE DEALER FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS INJURED AS A RESULT OF THE ABURT STOP. VW HAD MY CAR FOR 7 WEEKS AND ALL THEY COULD FIND WAS THAT THE CAR WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND THE SENSOR WAS NOT ADJUSTED PROPERLY. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS FINDING IS THAT THEY HAD ALREADY PERFORMED THAT SAME EXACT FIXED A YEAR PRIOR. THEY ALSO STATED ONE OF THE FOUR TIMES THEY HAD IT IN THE SHOP THAT THEY REPLACED THE RADAR UNIT. WHEN THE CAR DOES STOP IT GIVES NO WARNING AND THE STOP IS WAS ABURT AND VIOLENT. I TRADED MYSELF OUT THE VEHICLE AT GREAT EXPENSE TO MYSELF BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. VW OFFERED NO TRADE ASSISTANCE ON THIS KNOWN ISSUE. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE I TRADED IN HOPES THEY'D SEND IT BACK TO GERMANY TO FIGURE THIS OUT IS ACTUALLY FOR SALE ON THE LOCAL DEALER'S LOT. THIS CAR WILL SERIOUS INJURY SOMEONE AND ANY WHO WOULD TRAVEL AROUND IT IF THE VEHICLE STOPS SUDDENLY AGAIN. THE CAR AND THIS KNOWN ISSUE MAY EVEN CAUSE SOMEONE'S DEATH. I ALERTED VW OF AMERICA OF THIS ISSUE AND THEY ARE COMPLETELY DERELICT IN TAKING THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE WHO BOUGHT THESE VEHICLES.

STEERING,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 12/05/2017

TAKATA RECALL- NOT SURE IF IT IS BUT MY CAR HAS ISSUE ON THE STEERING. ALSO MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND ALONG WITH THAT MY HORN IS DISABLED. NOT SURE IF ITS UNDER RECALL BUT HOW DO I GET THOSE REPAIR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS — Filed 05/20/2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER IN THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER AND WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FOR THE BODY DAMAGE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE VIEW MIRROR INDICATOR FAILED TO DETECT THE ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/12/2016

MY 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSET SE MODEL CAR APPLIES THE BRAKES WHILE IN MOTION ON ITS OWN. THIS HAS OCCURRED 6 TIMED OVER THE PAST 7 MONTHS. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 12 2015. IT IS GETTING WORSE EACH TIME. ONE TIME IT HAPPENED AS I WAS ABOUT 100 FEET FROM A INTERSECTION. NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS THE ONLY ONE ON THE ROAD AT THE TIME. I WAS DURING THE DAY AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BREAK APPLIED. REALLY SCARED ME. ANOTHER TIME IT HAPPENED APPROACHING RAILROAD TRACKS. THIS TIME THE BRAKES APPLIED REALLY HARD. IT WAS BAD EVERY THING FLEW AROUND THE CAR. A COUPLE OF TIMES I HEARD A BEEPING NOISE. LIKE A WARNING BEEP. THERE IS A ILLUMINATED CAR ON A CURVY RAD ON THE DASH WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CAR. I AM AFRAID THIS WILL HAPPEN WHEN I AM DRIVING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED. I HAVE CONTACTED VW ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THEY DO NOT SEEM VERY CONCERNED. I AM SHOCKED AT THERE OUTCOME. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 3 WEEKS NOW. I TOOK IT IN ON JUNE 22 2016. THEY WANT ME TO PICK UP ON JULY 12 2016. IT HAS BEEN THERE 3 WEEKS. I AM VERY AFRAID OF THE VEHICLE PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS ISSUE. LIKE I SAID EARLIER IN THIS NOTE. IT HAS HAPPENED 6 TIMES AND WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. VW TOLD ME THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. PLEASE MAKE THEM RECALL THIS ISSUE.

STRUCTURE,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/05/2016

I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH. MY 2016 VW PASST V6 SUDDENLY SWIRLED TO THE LEFT, JUMPED OVER CURBS, AND BUSTED ALL FOUR TIRES BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT. TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD STEPPED ON GAS INSTEAD OF BREAK OT IT COULD BE THE PARKING ASSISTANCE TOOK OVER THE CONTROL OF THE CAR. WHEN THEY REPLACED MY TIRES,, THEY FOUND AN OPEN RECORD/CAMPAIGN AS DESCRIBED "96D6 2016-05-04 W-UPDATE - PARK ASSIST AND BLIND SPOT DETECTION (NVLW)." I AM NOT SURE WHAT THIS RECORD MEANS. IS IT RELATED TO MY INCIDENT? I WONDER IF ANYONE COULD HELP ME UNDERSTAND THIS?