The Lemon Index2012 Volkswagen Passat.
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is better than average by owner complaints: 126 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 80, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 11 recalls, and it gets 23 to 34 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Passat year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 484 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Passat year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 37K to 80K miles on the car (253 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 44K–91K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 40K–80K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 47K–89K miles
Recalls 11
- airbags 2024
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.
- airbags 2019
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- lights 2019
The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed.
Show all 11 recalls
- unknown or other 2018
Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
- airbags 2018
Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
- engine 2017
The vehicle's underbody heat shield may not be long enough to protect the right half-shaft grease boot from heat, potentially resulting in a grease leak.
- electrical 2016
Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical connectors of the sensor, causing an electrical short.
- airbags 2016
Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- airbags 2015
In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned.
- lights 2014
In the affected vehicles, the low beam headlight bulb may become loose and lose electrical contact.
- fuel system, diesel 2012
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PASSAT VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 1, 2011.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 1573 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- All models experience the timing chain slipping, rattling noises of the engine after starting
- Possible oil leak from oil filter housing
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenAir bag clockspring failure2018
- ClosedAir bag clockspring failure2017–2018
- ClosedAir bag clockspring failure2015
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2450–3450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
I heard a click when I was trurning into my driveway and the airbag message appeared .
2012 Volkswagen Passat owner · NHTSA complaint 10721787
More owner reports
My vehicle just stopped working. When I tried to put it on. All it says is "error: air bags" "error: brakes"
NHTSA complaint 10763340
Glow plug light on dashboard started blinking. Major loss of power. Had vehicle towed to dealership in fayetville, nc. Problem reported to be failed turbo.
NHTSA complaint 10587787
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 80; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Passat year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2012 Volkswagen Passat problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (27%), airbags (27%) and engine (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Volkswagen Passat have?
11 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Volkswagen Passat get?
23 to 34 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Volkswagen Passat safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Volkswagen Passat problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 37,000 and 80,000 miles. The middle report was at 58,000 miles, from 253 complaints.
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Passat have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Volkswagen Passat cost in fuel a year?
About $2450 to $3450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Volkswagen Passat have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Volkswagen Passat year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2020, 2018 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works