Volkswagen Passat recalls

Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Our information shows your vehicle was originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Issue: The front airbag in your VW vehicle contains an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. Risk: If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.

Fix: The front airbag must be replaced. Immediate Action Required: Stop driving your vehicle immediately. Contact the Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM to arrange your recall service.

• PASSAT: 22 vehicles · built 28 Sep 2005 to 6 May 2013
• PASSAT: 2 vehicles · built 11 Nov 2009 to 18 Jul 2012

The front passenger airbag may be faulty. In the event of an accident-related deployment the front passenger airbag may have a reduced protective effect also the gas generator housing may burst and components of the gas generator housing may come loose and cause serious or deadly injuries to vehicle occupants.

Fix: The passenger airbag must be replaced.

10 vehicles · built 20 Jan 2025 to 17 Mar 2025

On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment.

Fix: A check of the installation of the heat protection mat on affected vehicles will be conducted. If necessary the correct heat shield condition will be restored and in a damage case the damaged components will be replaced.� �

26,721 vehicles · built 8 Aug 2019 to 20 Oct 2023

The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.

Fix: Replace airbag

• PASSAT: 4 vehicles · built 11 Nov 2009 to 2 May 2012
• PASSAT: 3 vehicles · built 6 Jun 2013 to 2 Jun 2015
• PASSAT: 5,229 vehicles · built 18 Feb 2005 to 17 Dec 2013
• PASSAT: 3 vehicles · built 6 Jun 2013 to 2 May 2015
• PASSAT: 2,849 vehicles · built 2 Nov 2006 to 18 Jul 2012

The fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was in some cases produced with too little so-called fire sand.

Fix: An additional protective insulating mat is to be fitted to the switching unit for high-voltage battery.

1,868 vehicles · built 23 Jan 2019 to 10 Feb 2022

Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the airbag unit for the driver is to be checked and if necessary the gas generator replaced.

64 vehicles · built 19 Oct 1999 to 22 Dec 2000

Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the airbag unit for the driver is to be checked and if necessary the gas generator replaced.

300 vehicles · built 22 May 1998 to 22 Dec 1999

The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal may come loose resulting in a loss of all service braking ability.

Fix: Vehicles are not to be driven and the bolted connection of the input rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal must be checked and if necessary retightened

145 vehicles · built 13 Jan 2019 to 20 May 2021

The positive battery cable and the cable to the control unit for battery monitoring on the main fuse box in the boot may have been mixed up.

Fix: Inspect the two connected cables on the main fuse box and if necessary swap them into the correct positions.

243 vehicles · built 12 Dec 2020 to 18 Feb 2021

Too little torque may be provided by the engine at low engine speeds.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the software of the engine control unit must be updated.

373 vehicles · built 9 Oct 2018 to 28 May 2019

A welded connection of the rear seat bench may not have been correctly performed.

Fix: Check the welding of the mounting for right rear head restraint guides and if necessary replace the backrest frame.

54 vehicles · built 12 Feb 2019 to 22 Feb 2019

A possible faulty bonded joint between sun roof trim panel and sun roof frame.

Fix: The sun roof trim panel is replaced on affected vehicles.

8 vehicles · built 2 Nov 2015 to 31 May 2017

Increased humidity may have got into the propellant of the gas generator for the drivers air bag.

Fix: The gas generator of the front airbag on the driver side is replaced.

786 vehicles · built 1 Jan 2002 to 31 Dec 2002

The rear back rest head restraint mounting is not correctly welded.

Fix: Check and replace rear back rest frame if required.

4,027 vehicles · built 1 May 2018 to 31 Aug 2018

On Passat vehicles of a limited production period the retaining spring of the head restraint guide may be faulty because of a production problem. Because of a faulty retaining spring in an accident the head restraint may not be sufficiently secured in the guide and can come off the backrest. In the event of an accident the head restraint will come off the backrest increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the left head restraint guides on both front seats have to be replaced.

428 vehicles · built 5 May 2018 to 18 May 2018

On a limited production period a burr may have developed on the locking bar of the head restraint guide.

Fix: On affected vehicles the left head restraint guide on both front seats must be replaced.

2,881 vehicles · built 14 Feb 2018 to 31 Mar 2018

On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.

16,625 vehicles · built 1 Mar 2011 to 30 Nov 2011

The hardening process for the rear wheel bearing housings may not have been correctly performed. In the worst case this could lead to a fractured housing. Should a fractured housing occur there would be abnormal noises bad tyre wear and a theoretical possibility of wheel loss.

Fix: Recall the 420 vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the right and left rear wheel bearing housings.

420 vehicles · built 21 Aug 2017 to 29 Aug 2017

Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision

Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seatbelt pretensioner where necessary.

3,879 vehicles · built 1 May 2016 to 31 Oct 2016

It has been identified that due to a programing issue with the On-Board Supply Control Unit it is possible that the failure of one of the vehicle lights (dipped beam/main beam/daytime running light/rear fog light or indicator) may not be recognised by the control unit and therefore not shown in the instrument cluster. It is also possible that vehicle lights may be shown as faulty when they are not. Furthermore a failure of a dipped beam may not trigger a replacement response (activation of side lights). A light failure without a display in the instrument cluster or without replacement response can pose a danger of an accident especially in the dark.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to reprogramme the On-Board Supply Control Unit.

12,440 vehicles · built 1 Jun 2015 to 31 Oct 2016

The electronic stability control (ESC) unit may have not have been manufactured to the correct specification. This may cause the control unit to malfunction during operation

Fix: On affected vehicles check the ESC unit and where necessary replace.

5 vehicles · built 20 May 2015 to 30 Jun 2015

The door child locks may disengage without driver knowledge. Though the door remains close it is possible for the door to then be opened from the inside.

Fix: On affected vehicles inspect lock mechanism and replace where necessary.

13,620 vehicles · built 25 Nov 2015 to 14 Apr 2016

On certain vehicles with Panorama sun roof the legally specified limits of the clamping forces for convenience opening and closing of the sun roof may not be kept. When closing the Panorama sun roof from outside with the vehicle key (convenience closing) if any body parts are in the operating area of the sun roof they can get pressed against the roof frame and possibly get injured.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and deactivate the convenience opening and closing of the Panorama sun roof. To do this the software for the on-board supply control unit and the sun roof control unit must be updated/ configured.

606 vehicles · built 17 Feb 2015 to 5 Feb 2016

Due to an incorrect manufacturing process swarf may accumulate in the airbag control module and cause a short circuit. In extreme instances this may cause unintentional deployment of an air bag.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the airbag control module.

11 vehicles · built 1 Apr 2014 to 30 Jul 2014

The central wiring harness may not have been correctly connected to the central electrics unit. If the connector comes loose it can affect certain electrical components including braking assistance.

Fix: On affected vehicles Check wiring connection and if necessary secure connection.

11,589 vehicles · built 1 Sep 2014 to 31 May 2015

Front wheel bearing housings with insufficient hardness may have been fitted. This can lead to a fracture of a wheel bearing housing which can affected the directional control of the vehicle.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the casting dates of both front wheel bearing housings. Where the affected wheel bearing housings are found they will be replaced.

303 vehicles · built 1 Apr 2015 to 11 Apr 2015

On 2.0l Common Rail engines of a limited production period faulty material can cause leaks on the high pressure pipes during the service life of the vehicle.

Fix: Anti-vibration balance weights will be fitted on the high-pressure pipes.

33,719 vehicles · built 1 Jan 2009 to 15 Dec 2011

In rare cases an incorrect interpretation of the clutch temperature can occur which results in the clutch opening unexpectedly with loss of drive.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and update/reprogramme gearbox control unit.

3,514 vehicles · built 1 Sep 2008 to 31 Aug 2009

It has been identified that on some Passat vehicles the windscreen wipers may fail to operate because of a software fault.

Fix: Affected vehicles will have a cap for the windscreen wiper motor fitted

43,357 vehicles · built 1 Apr 2005 to 31 Aug 2006

The two mass flywheel can become damaged because of a non- optimally designed through-flow restrictor in the clutch pressure pipe. This can lead to total failure of the two mass flywheel and under unfavourable circumstances a fire.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the manufacturer of the two mass flywheel checked and if necessary the flywheel and the breather of the clutch pressure pipe will be replaced.

1,406 vehicles · built 1 Apr 2005 to 30 Jun 2005

During manufacture the steering track rod locking nuts may been tightened to an insufficient torque. As a result the attachment of the track rod may become loose.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the track rod locking nuts replaced on both the left and right hand sides.

73 vehicles · built 1 Feb 2005 to 31 May 2005

It is advised that on some vehicles fitted with a 3 and 4 cylinder pump injector engine the bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break due to a bolt production fault. As a result the pump housing will not be tight and a diesel fuel leak may occur.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the pump checked for being of a certain manufacture. If found to be within the affected range the pump housing cover bolts will be replaced.

49,701 vehicles · built 1 Mar 2004 to 31 Aug 2004

It has been identified that on some Passat vehicles within the affected Vin range the rear securing bolt of the right hand shock absorber mounting may not have been tightened to the correct torque. The consequence of this being that the securing bolt may break.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace the subject bolt.

1,699 vehicles · built 8 Jun 2003 to 10 Jun 2003

Advised by manufacturer for vehicles with PEKA tow bar the description of the ball end installation in the instruction manual is unclear. In isolated cases the ball end can loosen because of a wrong installation.

Fix: A new instruction manual will be sent to owners of affected vehicles.

224 vehicles · built 1 Jan 1996 to 30 Jun 1998

1) In isolated cases misfiring after a cold start can cause the air grid in the air mass meter to become detached. In the worse case this could jam the throttle valve causing an increase in engine speed. Fuel pipes may chafe together and/or on fuel filter. 2) Metal brake pipe may be incorrectly positioned and chafe on rear subframe.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and:- 1) Check air mass meter and air grid and install retaining ring in air mass meter. Examine fuel pipes for chafing damage and renew or reposition and secure as appropriate. 2) Examine brake pipe for chafing damage and renew or reposition and secure brake pipe as appropriate.

74 vehicles · built 1 Dec 1997 to 30 Apr 1998

On certain vehicles were the owner had requested to have the passengers air bag deactivated it is possible that during the deactivation process the drivers air bag could have been deactivated instead of the passengers.

Fix: Interrogate the air bag control unit and reconnect the wiring to the drivers air bag

121 vehicles

The pulley on the engine cooling fan may loosen causing the fan motor to seize leading to a possible electrical overload with fire risk.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a modified cooling fan and pulley.

2,054 vehicles · built 1 Jan 1994 to 31 Dec 1995

The headlamp switch may overheat and result in headlamp failure.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitting of a cable harness with control relay. In addition the light switch is to be replaced on Passat and Golf Ecomatic models as appropriate.

28,112 vehicles · built 1 Mar 1991 to 31 Aug 1992