The Lemon Index2018 Volkswagen Passat.
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 24 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 49, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 22 to 29 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Passat year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 46 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Passat year. 2018 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 5K to 56K miles on the car (17 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 4
- 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.
- 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.
Show all 4 recalls
- brakes 2018
The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
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 609 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Standard Maintenance Section: Moved: "Exterior Lighting" from Extended Maintenance Section
- Standard Maintenance Section: Added "boots" to "Engine and engine compartment components:…
- Water leaks from the sunroof/overhead light console area, Park distance to sensitive to…
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 $2200–2900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
While going through a curve, if attempt to slow down, my brakes seem to make some type of scraping sound and I can feel the scrape or vibration of the problem through the pedal.
2018 Volkswagen Passat owner · NHTSA complaint 11352058
More owner reports
Front brakes makes whistling noise when activated. Slippage occurs in rainy conditions. The front brake discs are not visually smooth.
NHTSA complaint 11243483
I purchased my car as a certified pre-owned vehicle. Within four days, I noticed that the front brakes get excessively hot during normal stopping. I have replaced the brake pads & rotors, and the condition still exists.
NHTSA complaint 11404415
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 49; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Passat year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2018 Volkswagen Passat problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (42%), electrical (21%) and engine (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Volkswagen Passat have?
4 safety recalls (latest: unknown or other). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Volkswagen Passat get?
22 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 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.
Does the 2018 Volkswagen Passat have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Volkswagen Passat cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $2900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Volkswagen Passat have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Volkswagen Passat year is better than the 2018?
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