What are the most common problems with the 2015 Volkswagen Passat?

Air bags have the most complaints at 88, followed by engine at 54 and electrical at 48. In a sample we read, owners describe an air bag light with a dead horn and steering wheel buttons.

Does the 2015 Passat have recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists seven recalls, from seat recliners to driver air bag inflators and a camshaft issue that can cause loss of brake assist. NHTSA lists seven in all..

What gas mileage does the 2015 Passat get?

EPA combined ratings range from 23 MPG for the 3.6L to 34 MPG for the 2.0L diesel with a manual.

How safe is the 2015 Passat?

NHTSA rates the 4 DR FWD at 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover.

Is 2015 a good year for the Passat?

It has fewer complaints than 2012 to 2014 but more than 2016 to 2022. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so confirm recall work was done on any car you consider.

2015 VW Passat Problems, Recalls and MPG

Owners filed 244 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Passat, and air bags draw the most of them^[1]^[2]. Seven recalls are on file, so check that each repair was done before you buy^[3].

244owner complaints^[1]

7recalls^[3]

23–34MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 244 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Passat^[1]. Of those, 11 mention a crash, 2 mention a fire and 14 mention injuries^[1]. No deaths are reported^[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Air bags, 88 complaints. 8 crashes and 9 injuries, with a median mileage of 53,100^[2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe an air bag warning light that appears along with a dead horn and dead steering wheel buttons. Some say a shop pointed to the clock spring. Others describe getting a recall notice while repair parts were not yet available^[2].
Engine, 54 complaints. 1 fire and a median mileage of 45,000^[6]. Owners describe stalling and sudden loss of power. Several also mention the camshaft recall covered below^[6].
Electrical system, 48 complaints. 1 crash, 1 fire and a median mileage of 52,100^[7]. Owners describe the same horn and steering wheel control failures, plus one-off items such as a start button that did not respond at first^[7].
Unknown or other, 40 complaints. 3 crashes and 3 injuries^[8].
Brakes, 28 complaints. 2 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries, with a median mileage of 5,937^[9]. Owners describe a stiff pedal or a pedal that did not respond, and some link it to the camshaft recall^[9].
Steering, fuel/propulsion and suspension. 26 complaints for steering^[10], 21 for fuel/propulsion^[11] and 16 for suspension^[12]. None of these three groups lists a crash, fire or injury.

Recalls

NHTSA lists seven recalls that name the 2015 Passat, newest first^[3]. Some cover only certain vehicles, so a given car may or may not be included.

Driver air bag inflator, repeat repair (19V862). Dec. 2019^[13]. 226 vehicles potentially affected^[13]. It covers 2012 to 2015 Passats that were thought to have been fixed under an earlier Takata air bag recall. The driver inflator may burst because the propellant breaks down after long exposure to humidity and heat. Flying metal could badly hurt or kill someone. Dealers replace the driver inflator, free of charge^[13].
Headlight aim (19V389). May 2019^[14]. 662,185 vehicles potentially affected, covering Passats from model year 2012 to 2020^[14]. A cap that blocks sideways headlight adjustment may be missing. The aim could then be moved out of specification, which cuts visibility and raises crash risk. Dealers inspect and block the adjustment as needed, free of charge^[14].
Driver air bag inflator (19V014). Jan. 2019^[15]. 119,394 vehicles potentially affected, including the 2015 Passat^[15]. Too much pressure when the driver air bag deploys may make the inflator burst and throw metal fragments. Dealers swap in an alternative inflator, free of charge^[15].
Camshaft lobe and brake assist (15V705). Oct. 2015^[16]. 91,867 vehicles potentially affected^[16]. A camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off. Brake assist is then lost, so the car takes longer to stop. The remedy is an engine control module software update. The recall began in March 2016^[16].
Left rear brake line (15V373). June 2015^[17]. 62 vehicles potentially affected, built May 18 to May 21, 2015^[17]. A brake line near the left rear wheel may not be tight enough. It could leak fluid and weaken braking. Dealers tighten the fitting, free of charge^[17].
Fuel rail cap (15V028). Jan. 2015^[18]. 44,658 vehicles potentially affected, including Passats built April 7 to November 18, 2014^[18]. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail and let fuel leak into the engine compartment. Near an ignition source, that can start a fire. Dealers replace the fuel rails, free of charge. It expands an earlier recall, 14V-809^[18].
Seatback recliner (14V670). Oct. 2014^[19]. 393 vehicles potentially affected, built September 23 to October 9, 2014, with manual front seatback recliners^[19]. A bracket may not engage properly, so the driver's seatback could move unexpectedly and distract the driver. Dealers inspect the bracket and correct it as needed, free of charge^[19].

Fuel economy

EPA lists five ratings for the 2015 Passat^[20]^[21]^[22]^[23]^[4].

Engine	Transmission	Fuel	City / Hwy / Combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
1.8L 4-cyl turbo^[21]	Manual 5-spd	Regular	24 / 34 / 28	$2,400
1.8L 4-cyl turbo^[23]	Automatic (S6)	Regular	24 / 35 / 28	$2,400
2.0L 4-cyl turbo^[4]	Manual 6-spd	Diesel	30 / 42 / 34	$2,800
2.0L 4-cyl turbo^[22]	Automatic (AM-S6)	Diesel	29 / 40 / 33	$2,900
3.6L 6-cyl^[20]	Automatic (AM-S6)	Premium	20 / 28 / 23	$3,550

All five are front-wheel drive^[20]^[21]^[22]^[23]^[4]. EPA's annual cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA rates the 4 DR FWD at 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal crashes and 5 stars for side crashes^[5]. Rollover gets 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 10.7%^[5].

Engine and size

EPA lists these horsepower ratings for test cars: 170 hp for the 1.8L 4-cylinder^[24], 200 hp for the 2.0L 4-cylinder^[25] and 280 hp for the 3.6L 6-cylinder^[26].

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. Every sedan variant listed is 192 in long, 72 in wide and 58 in tall, with a 110 in wheelbase^[27]^[28]^[29]. Curb weight differs by variant.

Variant	Curb weight
1.8L TSI 4DR sedan^[27]	3,172 lb
TDI 4DR sedan^[29]	3,408 lb
3.6L 4DR sedan^[28]	3,446 lb

How 2015 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Passat model year. The 2015 is highlighted^[3].

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

The 2015 model year has 244 complaints and 7 recalls^[3]. Complaints are lower than 2012 (484), 2013 (749) and 2014 (594), and higher than every year from 2016 (106) to 2022 (13)^[3]. Recalls are fewer than 2012 (11), 2013 (9) and 2014 (10)^[3]. They match 2006, 2007 and 2017, which each have 7^[3]. The list has no 2011 entry. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat the comparison as rough.

Should you buy a used 2015 Passat?

The 2015 Passat has fewer complaints than the 2012 to 2014 model years, at 244 against 484 to 749^[3]. Air bags are the largest complaint group at 88^[2], and two driver inflator recalls are on file^[13]^[15]. Two recalls involve braking, so ask for proof that the camshaft and brake line work was done^[16]^[17]. NHTSA gives the 4 DR FWD 5 stars overall^[5]. Fuel economy runs from 23 to 34 MPG combined depending on the engine^[20]^[4].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Volkswagen Passat?: Air bags have the most complaints at 88^[2], followed by engine at 54^[6] and electrical at 48^[7]. In a sample we read, owners describe an air bag light with a dead horn and steering wheel buttons.
Does the 2015 Passat have recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists seven recalls, from seat recliners^[19] to driver air bag inflators^[13]^[15] and a camshaft issue that can cause loss of brake assist^[16]. NHTSA lists seven in all^[3]..
What gas mileage does the 2015 Passat get?: EPA combined ratings range from 23 MPG for the 3.6L^[20] to 34 MPG for the 2.0L diesel with a manual^[4].
How safe is the 2015 Passat?: NHTSA rates the 4 DR FWD at 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover^[5].
Is 2015 a good year for the Passat?: It has fewer complaints than 2012 to 2014 but more than 2016 to 2022^[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so confirm recall work was done on any car you consider.

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 244 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Volkswagen Passat (11 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 14 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
88 complaints name the air bags component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,100). 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, Manual 6-spd, Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 30 city / 42 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
54 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
48 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,100). NHTSA vehicle records
40 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,850). NHTSA vehicle records
28 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 5,937). NHTSA vehicle records
26 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,773). NHTSA vehicle records
21 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,500). NHTSA vehicle records
16 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,200). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 19V862, filed December 4, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V389, filed May 22, 2019: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V014, filed January 11, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V705, filed October 26, 2015: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V373, filed June 15, 2015: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V028, filed January 23, 2015: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V670, filed October 24, 2014: Seats. 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, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 40 highway / 33 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Passat, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 35 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2015 Volkswagen Passat with 1.8L 4-cylinder: rated 170 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2015 Volkswagen Passat with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 200 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2015 Volkswagen Passat with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 280 hp. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PASSAT 1.8L TSI 4DR SEDAN: length 192 in, width 72 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 3,172 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 3,408 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2015 Volkswagen Passat: problems, recalls and fuel economy