2020 Volkswagen Passat: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel/propulsion system; the 2019 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 3 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Sep 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“my 2020 vw passat has less than 60k mikes and i am replacing my 3rd wheel sensor. they fail without warning disabling my antilock brakes. And other safety features”Owner report · Wheels · Sep 2026
“The front information center which is responsible for the rear camera system is shutdown due to the radio / entire screen being dead without reason”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2026
“Steering wheel controls stopped working, no horn either. Probably no airbag but haven't got into an accident. There was recall on the same part for the until 2018, but the new part I was going to install lists that if fits cars 2016-2022 Part # 5K0-953-569-BC Recall from VW. Number: VWP-18-11, Will replace part for my fiance,”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“Error message alerted to maintenance needed and the air bag light has turned on and remained on. Also said message that front assist inls unavailable.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Mar 2025
“Oil pressure sensor fails. Causing high oil pressure. Causing the valve cover to be destroyed and the oil pan to leak. Draining the car oil.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2024
“Bought car from dealer. Vw Manhattan. 42000miles. 8 months later at 53000 miles. Engine problems. Went to Vw service. Head gasket. Lemon car. Warranty till 50000 miles. Cost? 4800$ Worse car possible.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2024
“Car wasn't pulling up the road the epc light came on had to have my vehicle rolled to the next dealer which was 36 miles from where I was. I was traveling from grapevine tx and it start acting up in Huntsville tx. Came out of pocket 1085.00 and that was with a discount for the fuel injector #3 My warranty expired 3000 miles ago. I am the first owner on my vehicle.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2024
“Our vehicle will not speed up after accelerating but you can hear the engine making noise like it's trying to speed up. We have taken our vehicle 3-4 times back to the dealership and they have told us they found nothing.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2023
“My clock spring isn't working after having my vehicle for barely a year. My air bag light is currently on. I can't use my horn nor use any of the controls on my steering wheel. I've paid already 800 plus on previous car issues such as my harness hose. I'm still awaiting reimbursement. Further review and assistance needed.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2023
“The Volkswagen Front Assist (sometimes referred to as Forward Collision Warning) system employed without having anything/anyone in front of the vehicle - no traffic in front, behind or on the side and the brakes engaged the brought the car to a complete stop in the street. This has been reported to Volkswagen and we have been told that their engineers are working on this issue but the vehicle is safe to drive. The day was a clear day. Date is approximate - I don't have my phone on me with the photo.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Apr 2022
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Passat vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AY.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
Remedy: Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Passat years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Passat by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.
Does the 2020 Volkswagen Passat have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.