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2013 Volkswagen Passat: problems, recalls and fuel economy
It also has 9 recalls, and several involve air bags[1][2][3][4][5].[1][2][3][4][5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 749 owner complaints for this model year[6]. Of those, 29 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 24 injuries and 2 deaths[6]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part. They are also not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
| Component group | Complaints | Median mileage at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags[10] | 382 | 56,718 |
| Engine[11] | 110 | 40,588 |
| Electrical system[12] | 93 | 62,000 |
| Unknown or other[13] | 77 | 54,000 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[14] | 66 | 53,500 |
| Exterior lighting[15] | 60 | 70,000 |
| Steering[16] | 51 | 61,125 |
| Power train[17] | 33 | 25,400 |
Air bags. This is the biggest group, with 21 crashes and 18 injuries named[10]. In a sample of 12 complaint texts we read, 6 describe an air bag warning light and a broken clock spring or failed air bag module, and 4 of those also mention a horn that stopped working[10]. Another 3 describe air bags that did not deploy in a crash[10]. The recalls below cover related air bag parts.
Engine. The engine group has 110 complaints and 4 fires[11]. In a sample of 12 complaint texts we read, 9 describe a turbocharger failure on a diesel car, often with a sudden loss of power or a whining noise, and some mention a tow to the dealer[11]. A few of the fuel and propulsion complaints in our sample also mention turbo failure (3 of 12) or a high pressure fuel pump failure (2 of 12)[14]. Because the samples are small, treat this as a pattern to ask about, not a measure of how often it happens.
Electrical. In a sample of 12 texts we read, 2 describe a rear camera that takes several seconds to start[12].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for this model year[7], newest first. Replace the sentence with: 'The recall facts say repairs are free of charge[1][2][18][3][19][20][5][21], and for 16V078 the remedy was not yet available when the notice was written[4].' In the 16V078 bullet, add 'Remedy not yet available at the time of the notice.' before 'so ask a dealer'. Check your own VIN on NHTSA's recall page, because some recalls cover only certain builds.
- Driver air bag inflator (24V834). Recalled 2024-10-30[1]. The inflator can burst because its propellant breaks down after long exposure to humidity and heat. Metal fragments could hit the driver or others. Dealers replace the driver's air bag module[1].
- Driver air bag inflator, previously repaired cars (19V862). Recalled 2019-12-04, covering 226 vehicles[2]. These cars were thought to have had an earlier air bag inflator repair. The risk is the same inflator burst. Dealers replace the inflator[2].
- Headlight aim (19V389). Recalled 2019-05-22[18]. A cap that blocks sideways headlight adjustment may be missing, so the aim could be changed out of specification. That could reduce visibility. Dealers inspect and block the adjustment if needed[18].
- Driver air bag inflator (18V148). Recalled 2018-03-06[3]. Excessive pressure when the air bag deploys could make the inflator explode and send metal fragments at occupants. Dealers replace it with an alternative inflator. The notice says it partly replaces recall 16V078[3].
- Heat shield on diesel cars with DSG (17V309). Recalled 2017-05-11[19]. A heat shield may be too short to protect a half-shaft grease boot. Leaking grease touching a hot exhaust part could raise fire risk. Dealers replace the heat shield[19].
- Sensor connector on TDI cars (16V171). Recalled 2016-03-24[20]. Water can get into a connector for an underbody sensor and cause a short and overheating, which raises fire risk. Dealers inspect the connector and replace it if needed[20].
- Driver air bag inflator (16V078). Recalled 2016-02-10[4]. The inflator could rupture and throw metal fragments. The notice says owners got an interim letter and would get a second letter when parts were available, so ask a dealer whether parts are available for your car[4].
- Air bag clock spring (15V483). Recalled 2015-08-04[5]. Debris can tear the clock spring cable, which would cut power to the driver's air bag so it would not deploy in a crash. Dealers add a protective cover, or install a new clock spring if the air bag light is on[5].
- Low beam headlight bulb (14V125). Recalled 2014-03-17, for cars built January 2011 through November 2012[21]. The low beam bulb may come loose and go out, which can reduce visibility. Dealers replace the bulb holder[21].
Fuel economy
The EPA lists four versions for this year[8][22][23][24].
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo diesel, Automatic (AM-S6)[8] | 30 / 40 / 34 | $2,800 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd[23] | 22 / 32 / 26 | $2,600 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl, Automatic (S6)[24] | 22 / 31 / 25 | $2,700 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (AM-S6), premium fuel[22] | 20 / 28 / 23 | $3,550 |
All four are front-wheel drive. The EPA's fuel cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA rated the 4-door front-wheel-drive Passat 5 stars overall, 5 stars in the frontal test, 5 stars in the side test and 4 stars for rollover[9]. The rollover risk is listed at 10.7%[9].
Engine and size
The EPA test list shows a 2.0L 4-cylinder rated 140 to 200 hp depending on version, and a 3.6L 6-cylinder rated 280 hp[25][26].
These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars[27]. Length, width, height and wheelbase are the same for all three sedans listed: 192 in long, 72 in wide, 58 in tall, with a 110 in wheelbase[27][28][29].
How 2013 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 93 | 1 |
| 1996 | 40 | 1 |
| 1997 | 37 | 0 |
| 1998 | 331 | 4 |
| 1999 | 664 | 5 |
| 2000 | 507 | 3 |
| 2001 | 432 | 3 |
| 2002 | 643 | 3 |
| 2003 | 631 | 6 |
| 2004 | 285 | 3 |
| 2005 | 148 | 3 |
| 2006 | 576 | 7 |
| 2007 | 273 | 7 |
| 2008 | 174 | 4 |
| 2009 | 152 | 4 |
| 2010 | 172 | 4 |
| 2012 | 484 | 11 |
| 2013 | 749 | 9 |
| 2014 | 594 | 10 |
| 2015 | 244 | 7 |
| 2016 | 106 | 5 |
| 2017 | 110 | 7 |
| 2018 | 46 | 4 |
| 2019 | 12 | 1 |
| 2020 | 18 | 3 |
| 2021 | 18 | 1 |
| 2022 | 13 | 0 |
NHTSA's complaint count of 749 for 2013[7] is the highest of any Passat model year in our data. The next highest are 1999 with 664 and 2002 with 643[7]. For neighbors, 2012 has 484 complaints and 2014 has 594[7]. Our list has no entry for 2011.
On recalls, 2013 has 9[7]. The 2012 year has 11 and 2014 has 10, so 2013 is not the highest there[7]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so they show where owners reported problems, not how likely a problem is.
Should you buy a used 2013 Passat?
The Passat earned 5 stars overall from NHTSA[9], and the EPA rates the diesel at 34 combined MPG[8]. Against that, this year has the most owner complaints of any Passat year in our data[7], and five of its nine recalls involve air bags[1][2][3][4][5]. Before buying, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and ask for proof that each air bag recall repair was done. If the car is a diesel, ask about turbo history, since owners in the complaint sample describe turbo failures[11]. These notes cannot say how any single car has held up.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?
- Air bags are the largest complaint group with 382 of 749 complaints[6][10]. Owners in a sample we read also describe diesel turbo failures[11].
- How many recalls does the 2013 Passat have?
- NHTSA lists 9 recalls for this model year[7]. Five involve air bags[1][2][3][4][5], two involve headlights[18][21] and two name fire risk on diesel cars[19][20].
- What gas mileage does the 2013 Passat get?
- The EPA rates the diesel at 34 combined MPG, the 2.5L at 25 or 26 and the 3.6L at 23[8][22][23][24].
- How safe is the 2013 Passat?
- NHTSA gave the 4-door front-wheel-drive version 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[9].
Facts and sources
- Recall 24V834, filed October 30, 2024: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V862, filed December 4, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V148, filed March 6, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V078, filed February 10, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V483, filed August 4, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA has 749 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat (29 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 24 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Volkswagen Passat model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Passat, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 30 city / 40 highway / 34 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 382 complaints name the air bags component group (21 crashes, 0 fires, 18 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,718). NHTSA vehicle records
- 110 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 4 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,588). NHTSA vehicle records
- 93 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 77 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 66 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (4 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 60 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 51 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,125). NHTSA vehicle records
- 33 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,400). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 19V389, filed May 22, 2019: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V309, filed May 11, 2017: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V171, filed March 24, 2016: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V125, filed March 17, 2014: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Passat, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (AM-S6), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Passat, 2.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 32 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Passat, 2.5L 5-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2013 Volkswagen Passat with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 140 to 200 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2013 Volkswagen Passat with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 280 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PASSAT 2.5L 4DR SEDAN: length 192 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 3,166 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PASSAT 3.6L 4DR SEDAN: length 192 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 3,446 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PASSAT TDI 4DR SEDAN: length 192 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 3,360 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov