Volkswagen / Passat / 2012
2012 Volkswagen Passat problems
Owners have filed 662 complaints about the 2012 Volkswagen Passat with NHTSA. Air bags account for 45% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 14.4%.
Complaints662
Crashes16
Fires5
Injuries14
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Air bags 45.0% · 298
Electrical system 14.4% · 95
Steering 6.9% · 46
Engine 6.0% · 40
Fuel/propulsion system 4.8% · 32
Unknown or other 4.7% · 31
Exterior lighting 2.7% · 18
Structure 2.6% · 17
Severity
Of those complaints, 16 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 14 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 22 model years of the Volkswagen Passat in this data, 2012 sits 7th by complaint volume. 2013 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 30 in the last three years against 53 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 58,000 miles.
In owners' own words
My spring clock broke on my vehicle. I can hear a clicking noise coming from the steering wheel as I turn. I airbag indicator light went on, my horn and controls on the steering wheel no longer work. It is a frightening feeling knowing that the airbags may deploy at anytime or not at all in an accident. Looking online to research the cost in replacing this piece, I have found that it is a very common problem. Air bags · reported at 72,000 miles
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v078000 (air bags); however, the part was not available. The contact believed that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. Air bags
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v078000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. Air bags
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…