2006 Volkswagen Passat
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2006 Volkswagen Passat. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 2006 Volkswagen Passat. Newest first.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q8. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-079.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
On certain '6' generation passenger vehicles, the wiper motor may fail during heavy rain due to excessive moisture entering the wiper motor. if this happens, the wipers can become inoperative.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could lead to reduced visibility increasing the risk of a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will install a special cover and sealing kit. the recall began on january 12, 2007. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine with 147 kw may have a vacuum line that may fracture and become disconnected at low ambient temperatures.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this happens, the brake power assist can become inoperative, and the driver will experience increased effort to apply the brakes possibly increasing vehicle stopping distance. this could lead to a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will install the newly designed vacuum line. the recall began on january 12, 2007. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.
On certain passenger vehicles, the left and right tie rod securing nut may be insufficiently torqued.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An insufficiently tightened tie rod nut may loosen, resulting in separation of a tie rod. this can cause a loss of steering control, which could cause a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and install new left and right tie rod securing nuts at the proper torqued specification. the recall began on december 7, 2005. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.
Owner complaints
576 complaints21 involved a crash6 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
The contact owned a 2006 Volkswagen Passat . The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
- Air bags
recalled airbag
- Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel…
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V509000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure to obtain assistance with reimbursement. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted however, the manufacturer was not.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Engine
My family and I have been VW owners for over 60 years. Unfortunately, the 2006 VW Passat has been layered with defects, negligent manufacturing issues, faulty wiring, electrical problems, computer glitches, to mention a few. There have been many recalls including an official recall by the NHTSA…
My family and I have been VW owners for over 60 years. Unfortunately, the 2006 VW Passat has been layered with defects, negligent manufacturing issues, faulty wiring, electrical problems, computer glitches, to mention a few. There have been many recalls including an official recall by the NHTSA, for steering linkage problems and tie rod assembly which caused a loss of steering, crashes and deaths. Over 292 complaints are filed with Consumer Affairs, over 561 defects reported, and thousands of horror stories like mine about this car. It's considered a lemon by many car professionals. Many dealerships in the USA offered to inspect, and replace the electronic steering column lock free of charge and address any other concerns, which should be standard, reasonable behavior for all VW dealerships, mandated by this Federal agency. Shortly after this car almost killed me in 2013, VW put me through countless stressful hours of calls, emails and the like and still refused to be fully accountable. Shortly after my almost end of life, the notorious VW Emissions Scandal spoke volumes. VW was well aware of their defects including the electrical system in the steering column/immobilizer, (the system won’t recognize the key; a module in the car that connects the key and starts the engine is defective). In many cases, the entire steering column is defective and has to be completely replaced because the car’s pistons, internal combustion and engine are all subpar. Even the Sunroof and drains are defective and every time it rains, there is a flood in my car which has caused life threatening mold and mildew. I am respectfully asking for your help in having VW provide me, a near [XXX] woman, a safe, reliable, car without another defective sunroof and without defective water drains. It can be used as long as it's reliable and without deadly mold and mildew. I have photos. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Power train
Transmission clunks into gear and loses traction while shifting.
- Engine
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while approaching an off ramp while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where an unknown diagnostic test and repair was completed.…
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while approaching an off ramp while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where an unknown diagnostic test and repair was completed. Additionally, the dealer fractured an unknown part underneath the hood and water entered the vehicle near the sun visor and there was water accumulating on the rear passenger’s side door location. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
- Power train
We owned vehicle approx 8yrs and in late 2022 will driving/on highway 55mph or local roads like Broadway 15-20mph the vehicle goes into neutral. VErY dangerous it wil work as it should after a restart
- Air bags · Engine
The contact owned a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while her husband was driving in traffic, he rear-ended a vehicle at approximately 25 MPH. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. While her husband was exchanging information with the other driver, the other driver alerted him…
The contact owned a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while her husband was driving in traffic, he rear-ended a vehicle at approximately 25 MPH. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. While her husband was exchanging information with the other driver, the other driver alerted him that his vehicle had caught fire. As her husband attempted to retrieve a fire extinguisher from the truck, he was alerted that the fire had worsened and was instructed to move away from the vehicle. Within minutes, the vehicle became engulfed in flames and was incinerated. A police report was filed. No injuries were reported. The contact had the vehicle towed to her home where it remained in her possession. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was a total loss. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
- Air bags
Stalled out as I started to accelerate from a stop light. It's like not getting and fuel. Possibly some type of issue pertaining to that Then my airbag light keeps flashing. Floor board lights cut on an off for no reason. Electrical equipment Possibly incorrect?
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the passenger’s side frontal air bag failed to function as designed. The passenger’s side frontal air bag light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air bag…
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the passenger’s side frontal air bag failed to function as designed. The passenger’s side frontal air bag light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
- Service brakes
I purchased this car 2 years ago and have have the parking brake fail and break three times. The first time was shortly after the purchase and the car came out of gear in my driveway and began rolling. My 65 yo mom had to stop it and push it up as she was home alone. It turned on another time while…
I purchased this car 2 years ago and have have the parking brake fail and break three times. The first time was shortly after the purchase and the car came out of gear in my driveway and began rolling. My 65 yo mom had to stop it and push it up as she was home alone. It turned on another time while I was crossing an intersection and I was almost t-boned. I had it replaced after this incident. in may 2020 the parking brake would not disengage and I needed to have it towed to my mechanic. The brake was stuck on and the computer control unit broke. I paid $2500 to have the unit replaced. In dec 2020 (only 7 months later) the exact thing happened again. I was unable to disengage the parking brake and needed to tow it to my mechanic. The caliper and computer broke again. The cost IS similar. This IS a safety issue. If you look at any VW forums you will see this IS a known issue with many people having their brake stuck and unable to engage/disengage the unit. I reached out to VW and had no resolution. I request the parking brake be recalled and everyone who had work done on it, including myself, received a full refund.
- Engine
We have 2006 3.6L VW passat with 55K miles for my daughter. just recently the oil light came on and the engine seized while driving under 30 mph. it had been running good and no oil was leaking. This seems to be related to an issue many other passat owners experienced where the oil pump bolt becomes lose and causes a fatal failure.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I have a gas leak coming from the top of the gas tank. Very heavy fumes coming in the car and around the car. when the car IS in motion and stationary.
- Engine · Power train · Service brakes
Have replaced numerous parts ...the epx light keeps coming on which may reference to the oil pump bolt failing...crankshaft and cam shafts codes keep coming on even though they were replaced...transmission shifting slightly hard.. Overheating even though new parts were installed...air bag light…
Have replaced numerous parts ...the epx light keeps coming on which may reference to the oil pump bolt failing...crankshaft and cam shafts codes keep coming on even though they were replaced...transmission shifting slightly hard.. Overheating even though new parts were installed...air bag light stays on..brakes have been bleed over 10 times and are still too soft cause me to brake at a further distance to avoid a wreck....i am on a fixed income and cant afford a massage bill to fix it and VW IS aware over these years of the issues and wont recall to repair any of the issues...i have all receipts for the parts replaced... *tr
- Power train
The automatic transmissions used in the B6 volkswagen passat 2.0T along with several other VW models are notoriously problematic. There was a recall on the transmission control unit needing a software update which was done on my vehicle, however this does not address the real issue with these…
The automatic transmissions used in the B6 volkswagen passat 2.0T along with several other VW models are notoriously problematic. There was a recall on the transmission control unit needing a software update which was done on my vehicle, however this does not address the real issue with these transmissions. The widespread and more serious issue with these transmissions IS the valve body assembly part of the transmission causing hard shifts usually between first and second or third and fourth gear. These hard shifts cause the entire car and it's passengers to jerk violently during upshifts and sometimes downshifts between these gears. At only 91,000 miles and well taken care of my car has developed this problem between third and fourth gear making it feel very dangerous and unsettling for the driver and passengers of the vehicle when getting up to speed especially on on-ramps to the highway. I also want to mention that this problem has destroyed my motor mounts as well. VW should take responsibility for this defective part of the transmission similar to the way honda did with their odyssey, only this does not require the whole transmission to be replaced like with the odyssey. This IS an enormous safety concern that needs to be acknowledged and address by volkswagen, the largest automobile manufacturer in the world. *tr
- Electrical system · Steering
Trying to start car and won't turn on with key all my keys don't work says steering wheel lock defective can't get my car to turn my radio on I am parked in my drive way and can't even tow it to dealer now because it won't go into neutral. *tr
- Service brakes
When stopped and start going and get to about 30 mph and shifts into third gear the emergency brake system engages and I can barely move. I have to turn my VW passat off, wait a couple minutes and turn it back on form the emergency brake to dislodge. example: I'm in vegas at a stop light it turns…
When stopped and start going and get to about 30 mph and shifts into third gear the emergency brake system engages and I can barely move. I have to turn my VW passat off, wait a couple minutes and turn it back on form the emergency brake to dislodge. example: I'm in vegas at a stop light it turns green so im going up a on ramp to get on freeway and as soon as I accelerate and car shifts into 3RD gear a yellow p with a circle around it comes on my dash and when I push on the gas ( I had many cars behind me) my car revved up but would not go because the emergency parking brake came on. And it continues to do it to me. If I can get past third gear it's fine and 1ST and 2ND gear are ok. I just purchased the car and called on recalls there weren't any. This almost made me have a serious accident on my way home the same day. Because I have to go over a pass to get home it did it to me 4 times and the last time cp8ld of killed me. Ive been reading the problem others are having with vehicle and they are the same as mine. Braking system failure on 2006 volkswagon passat. Please help us who can not afford to pay to have it fixed. And I cant sell it because I cant let somone else get hurt. This IS my only transportation and I love my car. But now I'm scared to drive now. I can't afford to fix it and can't risk selling it and now have nothing to get to work. Please help. Thank you
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes
My vehicle does. Sudden stop while I'm driving emergency brake lights up nd then on dash it state to stop vehicle pull over and doesn't want to advance to move out of danger from traffic on streets and freeway. Then I won't want to advanced at time and the prnd all light up at one or none at all at…
My vehicle does. Sudden stop while I'm driving emergency brake lights up nd then on dash it state to stop vehicle pull over and doesn't want to advance to move out of danger from traffic on streets and freeway. Then I won't want to advanced at time and the prnd all light up at one or none at all at time. This has happened about x 4 times last year and now it keeps doing it every time. So know I just keep my car parked because I'm afraid of putting my kids in danger I can't even take it in to a dealer for airbag recall.
- Service brakes
My car was driving and brakes were working fine. Then I tried to stop as I came to a red light n brakes totally failed. I couldn't stop n went right through the red light and I between 2 car B4 finally coming to a stop a half mile later. I drove the car on backstreets and the brakes will work when…
My car was driving and brakes were working fine. Then I tried to stop as I came to a red light n brakes totally failed. I couldn't stop n went right through the red light and I between 2 car B4 finally coming to a stop a half mile later. I drove the car on backstreets and the brakes will work when I start going but after a few stops they start getting soft until they just totally fail. Their IS plenty of brake fluid in the system.
- Steering
My VW has been hard to start and getting the steering lock fault warning. I understand there was a voluntary recall, but I was the original owner and do not remember getting the recall notice.
- Electrical system
I have a vos wagon 2016 and I have an electrical problem. They changed a model that goes before the bomb of the gasoline. That a recall that occurred in the dealer. I know the car has an electrical problem, but I do not know the cause. I checked the bomb manually and it works. There seems to be no…
I have a vos wagon 2016 and I have an electrical problem. They changed a model that goes before the bomb of the gasoline. That a recall that occurred in the dealer. I know the car has an electrical problem, but I do not know the cause. I checked the bomb manually and it works. There seems to be no electricity and the only thing that works are the lights and the sunroof. Parts of the car inside do not work. When I was checking the vehicle, on the carpet in the driver's seat, it was humid. There was water in revising the cause. I took out buckets of water from the car, and I think that's what causing the electrical problem. The only thing I could think would result in this much water would be through the sunroof. A friend recommended me a place to check this out, and he said he could fix it. Without telling this guy any big details, he confirmed my doubts about the cause. He believed that the most reasonable thing that occurred was that the sunroof leaked. The water doesn't go out, but instead, come inside and cause damages in the electrical fields of the car. So, this IS why I was wondering if this could be a recall.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Takata recall. The past two weeks my vehicle has not started as it normally does. It takes two or three key pushes to get my engine to start upon starting my car, and then it fires up. It IS difficult to get up to and maintain speeds on the highway. If and when I am maintaining speed on the highway…
Takata recall. The past two weeks my vehicle has not started as it normally does. It takes two or three key pushes to get my engine to start upon starting my car, and then it fires up. It IS difficult to get up to and maintain speeds on the highway. If and when I am maintaining speed on the highway its common for the engine to hiccup and then return back to its speed without any change in acceleration. Going up hills it lacks power and if there IS more than one person in the car when going up a hill the car will misfire. On top of all of this it IS practically drinking gas like water and I normally get great gas mileage. It IS starting to give off a fuel smell while driving too and my mechanic does not know why.
- Engine · Unknown or other
Started to sound likr a deisel engine and leak oil. Oil pump bolt backed out. Too expensive to fix.
- Power train
Misses shifting from 1ST to second speed and 2ND to 3RD. Rough shifts. Difficulty to engage in the next speed causing the vehicle to lose propulsion. Malfunction observed when in motion.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine Compartment Fire
In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and…
In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has since identified 135 unique engine fire reports attributable to the COP coils.After further review of the details as contained in each report, ODI determined that 43 of the 135 fire reports were actual fire/flame incidents, 83 fire reports were thermal events (smoke, spark, heat or wire melt), and another 9 fire reports were undetermined in severity due to the lack of information.These COP coil fires were characterized as initiated from within the COP coil circuit located at the top of the engine block and below the plastic engine cover.The fires observed were contained in the engine compartment and did not reach into the passenger compartment in contrast to those caused by an overheated catalytic converter examined in ODI?s investigation in 2007 and 2008.There were no reports of crashes or personal injury in this examination.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstancesSee the Closing Report for additional details.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253204Customer States Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear
- 10253180Antenna Diagnosis Overview
- 10253177Satellite Radio Overview
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252220All Vehicles with Bluetooth Phone Kit Installed ? Streaming Audio from Phone to Radio
- 10243066VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243065VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243043VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243035VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243017VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243008VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243001VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242998VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242997VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242682ODIS Service Update
- 10242404VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242403VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242400VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242390VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242381VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242373VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242358VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242355VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242336VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242335VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241715Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241714Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241345Electric Coolant Fans Continue to Run after Ignition is Switched OFF
- 10241344Electric Coolant Fans Continue to Run after Ignition is OFF
- 10241342Electric Coolant Fans Continue to Run after Ignition is OFF
- 10241340Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10241339Oil Consumption Measurement
Every Volkswagen Passat model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.