The Lemon Index2017 Volkswagen Passat.
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat is better than average by owner complaints: 43 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 63, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 23 to 27 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Passat year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 110 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Passat year. 2017 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 7K to 50K miles on the car (51 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 7
- 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.
- unknown or other 2021
These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale.
- unknown or other 2020
These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale.
Show all 7 recalls
- unknown or other 2019
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.
- lights 2019
The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed.
- brakes 2018
The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
- brakes 2017
Brake fluid may leak slowly from the some of the brake line connections, resulting in a low brake fluid level.
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 679 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Tech Tips (Comfort Module (J393) or BCM (J519) Replacement): This document informs if a…
- Technical Bulletin informing that When applying brakes at highway speeds the following…
- Technical Bulletin on how to service Vibration or noise when braking may be due to brake disc…
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 $2400–2800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The brakes have squealed since ai have leased the vehicle ew in 2017. I have had them looked at several time by a VW shop and they have said it is normal.
2017 Volkswagen Passat owner · NHTSA complaint 11362712
More owner reports
While driving, I turned on my seat heater. It never came on upon exiting the vehicle I grabbed my purse which was on the passenger seat. It was hot. The seat heaters are crossed.
NHTSA complaint 11280020
Airbag light on for driver side airbag, horn will not work, crinkle sound when turning steering wheel. No power to steering wheel controls
NHTSA complaint 11348868
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 63; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Passat year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2017 Volkswagen Passat problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (23%), electrical (19%) and steering (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 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 2017 Volkswagen Passat get?
23 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 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 2017 Volkswagen Passat problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 7,000 and 50,000 miles. The middle report was at 32,000 miles, from 51 complaints.
Does the 2017 Volkswagen Passat have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2017 Volkswagen Passat cost in fuel a year?
About $2400 to $2800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Volkswagen Passat have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Volkswagen Passat year is better than the 2017?
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