The Lemon Index2015 Volkswagen Passat.
The 2015 Volkswagen Passat is about average by owner complaints: 91 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 109, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 23 to 33 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Passat year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 243 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Passat year. 2015 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 13K to 67K miles on the car (132 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–66K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 8K–81K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 44K–66K miles
Recalls 7
- 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.
- airbags 2019
Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Show all 7 recalls
- engine 2015
In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
- brakes 2015
The affected vehicles have a brake line at the left rear wheel area that may not have been properly tightened.
- fuel system, gasoline 2015
A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
- seats 2014
In the affected vehicles, the seatback recliner retaining bracket may not engage correctly, resulting in unexpected movement of the seatback.
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 1131 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Tech Tips (Torque Converter/Flywheel/Flexplate installation): Incorrect torque converter
- Technical Bulletin (Brake Disc Pulsation or Vibration): When applying brakes at highway speeds…
- Technical Bulletin (Vibration or Noise When Braking): Vibration or noise when braking may be…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300–3450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
As reported by takata: in the event of an inflator rupture, metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, which may result in serious injury or death to vehicle occupants
2015 Volkswagen Passat owner · NHTSA complaint 10899109
More owner reports
Clock spring failure, airbags off-line, horn inoperative, steering wheel controls inoperative
NHTSA complaint 11124497
Airbag warning light remains illuminated and warning chime constantly rings. This is at approximately 53,000 miles. When vehicle turned on light came on and has remained on.
NHTSA complaint 11096371
Quick answers
Is the 2015 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 109; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Passat year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2015 Volkswagen Passat problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (33%), engine (25%) and brakes (23%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 Volkswagen Passat have?
7 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 2015 Volkswagen Passat get?
23 to 33 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 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 2015 Volkswagen Passat problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 13,200 and 67,800 miles. The middle report was at 47,400 miles, from 132 complaints.
Does the 2015 Volkswagen Passat have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2015 Volkswagen Passat cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 to $3450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 Volkswagen Passat have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Volkswagen Passat year is better than the 2015?
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