Midsize sedans · NMS generation
Good choice Above average
It scores 68 out of 100 for reliability compared with other midsize sedans. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $12,329 to own, including $2,266 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Volkswagen Passat.
Reliability
68/100
Above average
Repairs, 5 years
$2,266
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$7,556
27 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$9,673
$8,512 – $10,834, estimate
Recalls
7
on record
Owner complaints
110
filed with NHTSA
These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.
Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.
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 temperature cycling.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with t
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of var
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an
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."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Passat vehicles. Brake fluid may leak slowly from the some of the brake line connections, resulting in a low brake fluid level.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
These links go to independent sites. We don't earn anything from them.
Of the years we rate, the 2020 scores best (88/100) and the 2015 worst (33/100).
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 80/100 |
| 2021 | 84/100 |
| 2020 | 88/100 |
| 2019 | 86/100 |
| 2018 | 71/100 |
| 2017 | 68/100 |
| 2016 | 58/100 |
| 2015 | 33/100 |
No. It scores 68 out of 100, one of the more reliable midsize sedans of 2015–2024.
It scores 68 out of 100 against other midsize sedans from 2015 to 2024, which is above average. Based on 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $2,266 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $12,329 over 5 years: $2,507 in lost value, $2,266 in repairs and $7,556 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $9,673 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2020 scores best (88/100) and the 2015 worst (33/100).
7 recalls on record with NHTSA.