2011 Volkswagen Passat
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2011 Volkswagen Passat. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
16 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
After recall 20AE (Fuel Pump Control Module) was completed at Performance Volkswagen in Lyndhurst, NJ, my vehicle began shutting off while idling and displayed code P0087 – Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low. This issue began immediately after the recall was done. On one of the first nights after…
After recall 20AE (Fuel Pump Control Module) was completed at Performance Volkswagen in Lyndhurst, NJ, my vehicle began shutting off while idling and displayed code P0087 – Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low. This issue began immediately after the recall was done. On one of the first nights after the repair, my car suddenly shut off around 4 a.m. while I was in New York City, leaving me completely stranded in the middle of the street with no assistance and no warning lights beforehand. I was panicking, stuck alone in the dark, unable to restart the car until it was jumped. The next night, it happened again under the same conditions. The vehicle stalls randomly when stopped, creating a serious safety risk for both myself and others on the road. When I returned to the dealer, they refused to fix it under the recall and forced me to pay $220 under protest. Their own technician report shows they checked the fuel pump control module (the recalled component) but still claimed it was “operating as designed.” My independent mechanic confirmed the same fault code P0087, which clearly points to low fuel pressure and a failure of the recall component. This situation has caused significant distress, fear of driving, and ongoing safety concerns.
- Engine
Vehicle has no compression. vilkswagom dealership stated that timing chain tensioner failed will cost $10000 to fix
- Air bags
Daughter was killed in a head on collision in her 2011 volkswagen cc when her airbag did not deploy. She purchased the vehicle from a dealer on october 30TH, 2018, 5 months prior to the crash. She was traveling the posted speed limit on a county 2 lane road when another vehicle hit her head on. The attached photograph IS her car after the crash. As you can see, the airbag 100% should have deployed in that crash.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
Water pump defect causes timing chain malfunctioning as vehicle may stall while driving. Vehicle may overheat as water failure causes antifreeze to leak and cause overheating to fire hazard.
- Electrical system · Suspension · Unknown or other
Vehicle missing engine cradle after being repaired at a certified dealer. vehicle missing subframe screw after being repaired at certified volkswagen deslership(stone mountain VW and marietta VW) both locations in georgia. vehicle was driven with defect without my knowledge. vehicle has…
Vehicle missing engine cradle after being repaired at a certified dealer. vehicle missing subframe screw after being repaired at certified volkswagen deslership(stone mountain VW and marietta VW) both locations in georgia. vehicle was driven with defect without my knowledge. vehicle has multiple settlements. dealership in jacksonville, florida: o'steen VW, was caught shredding records. Company refused to provide vehicle vin history. Vehicle IS located at o'steen VW, without repair. Car has been sitting over 30 days and I have been stranded. please i
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen passat cc. The contact stated that at start up, the vehicle shuddered with the service engine soon warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a cracked…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen passat cc. The contact stated that at start up, the vehicle shuddered with the service engine soon warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a cracked intake manifold. Vyletel volkswagen buick GMC: 40555 van dyke ave, sterling heights, mi 48313 (586) 977-2800, was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
I am not able to open my trunk via fob, switch on the door nor remote. I have read this seems to be a common occurrence after rear light failures. My rear lights, headlights, and turning lights have all been replaced multiple times within the last few years. I went into the grocery store and when I attempted to open the trunk it wouldn't open. I have repeatedly tried again to no avail.
- Steering
While parked, upon starting the vehicle, a message on the console shows the following message: steering column lock defective!.
- Engine
Volkswagen timing chain has been replaced 3 times by volkswagen each time the chain needed to be replaced, it was just outside of warranty leading to law suit. And this time, just outside manufacturing warranty by 2 days, the rocker arms in my VW 2.0 engine failed also locking the motor up…
Volkswagen timing chain has been replaced 3 times by volkswagen each time the chain needed to be replaced, it was just outside of warranty leading to law suit. And this time, just outside manufacturing warranty by 2 days, the rocker arms in my VW 2.0 engine failed also locking the motor up completely unable to repair. I've looked online and there are hundreds if not thousands of similar complaints. If we know volkswagon knew about these issues why IS there no recall to service the effected (now 3 times and permanent) a vehicles safety of operation on texas state roads and highways yet dont get reimbursed due to 3 days..... was driving straight on tollway access road and motor locked up. No noise no indication. No warning.
- Engine
I was driving my vehilce in motion and all of a sudden it turned off. It didnt want to turn back on no more.
- Unknown or other
My sensor lights keep coming on as well as other lights. This car also has trouble with the ABS brake control. For it to be an 2011, I have had more trouble with it and on top of that, I'm still trying to pay it off. I'm am going to upload what the mechanic states need to be repaired. Some of this has to be a recall call on for safety reasons
- Air bags · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen passat. While reversing in a parking area, a cracking sound was heard from the steering wheel. In addition, the power steering lost power and the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the issue was related to a clock spring recall.…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen passat. While reversing in a parking area, a cracking sound was heard from the steering wheel. In addition, the power steering lost power and the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the issue was related to a clock spring recall. The dealer resolved the recall issue, but the failure recurred six months later. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was advised that due to the previous recall repair, the vehicle could not be repaired again per the recall and the contact would have to pay out of pocket. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin and recall details were not provided. The failure mileage was 66,000.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Fuel system, gasoline · Wheels
An email I sent to darcars/ silver spring: in june of 2016, I noticed my car "puttering" and almost stalling out. A few days later, my engine light comes on. I immediately check the oil level, which were good. I then believe there to be an issue with the muffler, or manifold. in june of…
An email I sent to darcars/ silver spring: in june of 2016, I noticed my car "puttering" and almost stalling out. A few days later, my engine light comes on. I immediately check the oil level, which were good. I then believe there to be an issue with the muffler, or manifold. in june of 2016, I brought my car in to darcars due to the engine light being on. Within a couple hours, I was told there was an issue with a valve (unclear information provided by the receptionist) under the hood. The action provided was under warranty, so I had to pay nothing. I got my car back the same day...engine light off, and I drove home a few days/weeks later, the engine light came back on. I returned to darcars, and told them the light was on again. This was around august 2016. The receptionist, took the car in, and provided a loner car. A few hours later, I was told the action required was under warranty, and they were fixing it. Again, the receptionist mentioned a "valve" replacement. (Very unclear communication) I drove the car a few more days, the engine light came back on...i brought it in...i'm told the exact same info as before. Except for now, I'm told darcars has to "send-off for a part" . I'm provided a loner, and in a few days, I get my car back. The engine light IS off. This IS in september of 2016 same story... Engine light comes back on(october 2016), again, the engine light returns, along with the low tire pressure light. I bring it in on a wednesday (before thanksgiving). I inform them of the issue. The receptionist asks me can I leave it. I inform him I'm going to south carolina for the holiday and would return the day after thanksgiving. I also had some errands to run that day (wednesday), could I have a loner. He told me "no", "you'll be fine if the engine light IS on. Just as long as it's not blinking". *tr
- Air bags
Takata recall. I was notified in april, but it IS now august and the parts are still not available. I don't think this IS acceptable.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen passat. While driving 35 mph, another vehicle crashed into the rear driver side door of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact mentioned that the air bag warning light was illuminated prior to the failure. There were no injuries and…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen passat. While driving 35 mph, another vehicle crashed into the rear driver side door of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact mentioned that the air bag warning light was illuminated prior to the failure. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 93,000.
- Electrical system
The rcd-510 premium 8 radio with bluetooth cell phone connectivity completely failed in my 2011 jetta sportwagon tdi manufactures in 2010 at about 3 1/2 years and 77K miles. Radio was fine one day and black screen with no function at all the next including the bluetooth and hands free calling…
The rcd-510 premium 8 radio with bluetooth cell phone connectivity completely failed in my 2011 jetta sportwagon tdi manufactures in 2010 at about 3 1/2 years and 77K miles. Radio was fine one day and black screen with no function at all the next including the bluetooth and hands free calling capabilities which are built into the radio. this failiure results in any use of a phone while driving requiring the use of hands, which IS dangerous as well as illegal in many states throughout the us. Otherwise, pulling off of the road to place/receive phone calls puts the driver at increased risk of being struck. radio screen appearance IS as if no power to radio. had VW dealer service check fuses and all connections to radio and found no power problems. dealer service reported to volkswagen of america customer care that the radio went dead and IS not due to any operator actions. volkswagen of america customer care recommended replacement of radio with a $600 refurished unit w/1year warranty plus the trade in of failed radio to address the problem. VW representative could not answer what parts are replaced on the refurbished unit and was unwilling to find out and provide this information. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Air Bag Clockspring Failure
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of…
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel mounted controls.The loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag will result in illumination of the air bag warning light and will prevent operation of the front driver air bag in a crash of sufficient severity requiring a commanded deployment.In November 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ17-009) after the agency received 90 complaints alleging failure of the clockspring in the subject models.Several of the complaints allege failure of the clockspring after receiving the recall remedy.The majority of the complaints allege the same failure mode without being included in the original recall, 15V-483.In its March 2018 response to ODI's Information Request under the Recall Query, Volkswagen provided approximately 700 consumer complaints and field reports on the recalled vehicles.These reports allege clockspring failure similar to the NHTSA reports described above.To date, NHTSA has received approximately 154 allegations of clockspring failure since the recall has launched.The total of 852 reports shown in the table above eliminates 6 duplicative reports received by ODI and the manufacturer.An Engineering Analysis has been opened to further evaluate the scope and effectiveness of the remedy associated with 15V-483 and perform a thorough review of the design changes implemented by Volkswagen and its suppliers to address this issue.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11080741, 11079877, 11079805, 11079124, 11076709, 11076645, 11076297, 11076249, 11076133, 11075756, 11075726, 11075358, 11075259, 11075055, 11074920, 11074565, 11073090, 11072745, 11072457, 11072089, 11071933, 11071880, 11071630, 11071592, 11067396, 11067061, 11066738, 11066601, 11066511, 11065909, 11065871, 11065262, 11064701, 11064564, 11064544, 11064531, 11063961, 11063501, 11063095, 11062772, 11062464, 11062353, 11062344, 11061463, 11061310, 11061311, 11060735, 11058154, 11057519, 11057477, 11057341, 11056793, 11056243, 11056063, 11055639, 11054279, 11052812, 11052678, 11052384, 11052228, 11051336, 11051155, 11051074, 11048803, 11047037, 11044226, 11043653, 11039142, 11033893, 11033330, 11032548, 11025475, 11025356, 11024647, 11023423, 11020570, 11020312, 11019415, 11019067, 11015441, 11015431, 11014595, 11014016, 11013709, 11013415, 11012596, 11011753, 11006668, 11006521, 11006307, 11006181, 11005301, 11003865, 11001780, 11001783, 11001334, 10994184, 10993360, 10993524, 10992490, 10985926, 10983678, 10981220, 10980831, 10980941, 10980549, 10979418, 10971152, 10967344, 10967155, 10959968, 10958624, 10957279, 10956488, 10949129, 10947562, 10945122, 10936498, 10936543, 10933950, 10927311, 10925421, 10924034, 10915612, 10915569, 10911171, 10902066, 10898733, 10896537, 10896510, 10895526, 10893938, 10891686, 10864967, 10863742, 10861984, 10851242, 10822505, 10821562, 10818403, 10795068, 10794402, 10788738, 10787804, 10782544, 10780725, 10780145, 10779145, 10776477, 10775448, 10763492, 10763423, 10763289, 10762670, 10760644, 10758777, 10749901, 10748922
- Air Bag Clockspring Failure
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of…
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel mounted controls.The loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag will result in illumination of the air bag warning light and will prevent operation of the front driver air bag in a crash of sufficient severity requiring a commanded deployment.In November 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ17-009) after the agency received 90 complaints alleging failure of the clockspring in the subject models.Several of the complaints allege failure of the clockspring after receiving the recall remedy.The majority of the complaints allege the same failure mode without being included in the original recall, 15V-483.In its March 2018 response to ODI's Information Request under the Recall Query, Volkswagen provided approximately 700 consumer complaints and field reports on the recalled vehicles.These reports allege clockspring failure similar to the NHTSA reports described above.To date, NHTSA has received approximately 154 allegations of clockspring failure since the recall has launched.The total of 852 reports shown in the table above eliminates 6 duplicative reports received by ODI and the manufacturer.This Recall Query has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA18-003) to further evaluate the scope and effectiveness of the remedy associated with 15V-483 and perform a review of the design changes implemented by Volkswagen and its suppliers to address this issue.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11080741, 11079877, 11079805, 11079124, 11076709, 11076645, 11076297, 11076249, 11076133, 11075756, 11075726, 11075358, 11075259, 11075055, 11074920, 11074565, 11073090, 11072745, 11072457, 11072089, 11071933, 11071880, 11071630, 11071592, 11067396, 11067061, 11066738, 11066601, 11066511, 11065909, 11065871, 11065262, 11064701, 11064564, 11064544, 11064531, 11063961, 11063501, 11063095, 11062772, 11062464, 11062353, 11062344, 11061463, 11061310, 11061311, 11060735, 11058154, 11057519, 11057477, 11057341, 11056793, 11056243, 11056063, 11055639, 11054279, 11052812, 11052678, 11052384, 11052228, 11051336, 11051155, 11051074, 11048803, 11047037, 11044226, 11043653, 11039142, 11033893, 11033330, 11032548, 11025475, 11025356, 11024647, 11023423, 11020570, 11020312, 11019415, 11019067, 11015441, 11015431, 11014595, 11014016, 11013709, 11013415, 11012596, 11011753, 11006668, 11006521, 11006307, 11006181, 11005301, 11003865, 11001780, 11001783, 11001334, 10994184, 10993360, 10993524, 10992490, 10985926, 10983678, 10981220, 10980831, 10980941, 10980549, 10979418, 10971152, 10967344, 10967155, 10959968, 10958624, 10957279, 10956488, 10949129, 10947562, 10945122, 10936498, 10936543, 10933950, 10927311, 10925421, 10924034, 10915612, 10915569, 10911171, 10902066, 10898733, 10896537, 10896510, 10895526, 10893938, 10891686, 10864967, 10863742, 10861984, 10851242, 10822505, 10821562, 10818403, 10795068, 10794402, 10788738, 10787804, 10782544, 10780725, 10780145, 10779145, 10776477, 10775448, 10763492, 10763423, 10763289, 107626
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.
- 10253204Customer States Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear
- 10253179RNS 315 Hardware Failure
- 10253178After switching ON the RNS 315 radio-navigation system, the message "Please insert software CD" appears and the unit will not operate.
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252941Washer Level Sensor
- 10252937Vehicles equipped with Immobilizer 4 (Download) ? Adapting Keys after Vehicle Lock Set Replacement
- 10252922Washer Level Sensor
- 10252916Coding Information for Replacing ?AC? Suffix Radios with ?AF? Suffix Replacement Unit
- 10252915MDI Functions with iPhone 5 Variants (5, 5c, 5s and iPad fourth generation, iPod Nano seventh generation)
- 10252909Equipped with RCD-510 Premium 8 Radio ? Radio Switches to Bluetooth Audio without Input
- 10252907Radio Navigation Unit Security Label
- 10252906RNS 510 ? Radio Preset Display
- 10252905MDI Control of Apple Devices with Lightning Connector (iPhone 5, iPad fourth generation, iPod Nano seventh generation)
- 10252900GPS Antenna Concerns
- 10252227Replacement Radio/Navigation Unit has no Sound
- 10252226Replacement Radio/Navigation Unit has no Sound
- 10252225Vehicles Equipped with Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone ? Pairing of Android Phones
- 10252221All Navigation Radios-All Models
- 10252220All Vehicles with Bluetooth Phone Kit Installed ? Streaming Audio from Phone to Radio
- 10252217Resetting Inspection Service and Interval Service
- 10252208AC Compressor Replacement, Refrigerant Circuit Flushing Requirement
- 10250695Carefree Maintenance Coverage for Interim Oil Changes for Certain 2009 ? 2015 MY Volkswagen TDI Clean Diesel Engine Vehicles Registered in the State of Minnesota Only (US Dealers
- 10244072Rattling Noises from Engine Compartment Area or Exhaust System
- 10244045Volkswagen Elsa Newsletter
- 10243066VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243065VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243063VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243057VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243054VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243038VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243031VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243025VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243023VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243015VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243008VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243007VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243004VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243003VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243001VW Elsa Newsletter
Every Volkswagen Passat model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.