2015 Volkswagen Passat
2015 model shown · Photo: OSX, Public domain

Midsize sedans · NMS generation

2018 Volkswagen Passat: reliability, problems and cost to own

Smart buy Above average

It scores 71 out of 100 for reliability compared with other midsize sedans. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $11,988 to own, including $2,212 in repairs.

Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Volkswagen Passat.

Reliability

71/100

Above average

Repairs, 5 years

$2,212

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$7,034

29 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$10,579

$9,310 – $11,848, estimate

Recalls

4

on record

Owner complaints

46

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.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$1,273
Transmission & drivetrain$334
Electrical system$148
Driver-assist & stability$135
Steering$85
Brakes$82

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the Volkswagen Passat

Of the years we rate, the 2020 scores best (88/100) and the 2015 worst (33/100).

YearReliability
202280/100
202184/100
202088/100
201986/100
201871/100
201768/100
201658/100
201533/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Passat a year to avoid?

No. It scores 71 out of 100, one of the more reliable midsize sedans of 2015–2024.

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

It scores 71 out of 100 against other midsize sedans from 2015 to 2024, which is above average. Based on 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $2,212 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2018 Volkswagen Passat cost to own?

About $11,988 over 5 years: $2,742 in lost value, $2,212 in repairs and $7,034 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $10,579 today.

What are the best years of the Volkswagen Passat?

Of the years we rate, the 2020 scores best (88/100) and the 2015 worst (33/100).

How many recalls does the 2018 Volkswagen Passat have?

4 recalls on record with NHTSA.