The Lemon Index2020 Volkswagen Passat.
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 7 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 33, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 27 mpg combined. It's the best Volkswagen Passat year we track.
One of the most reliable. 3× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2014
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 18 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Passat year. 2020 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.
Recalls 3
- airbags 2020
The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force.
- lights 2019
The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed.
- airbags 2019
An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
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 455 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- No Crank/No Start with P06EF and/or P06E9 Customer states MIL-on with P0463 Customer states…
- Customer states MIL-on with P0133 No Crank/No Start with P06EF and/or P06E9 Customer states…
- Customer states MIL-on with P0496 Customer states MIL-on with P2440 Customer states MIL-on…
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 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Hello my doughter had a accident car was total loss and air bags did not pop up and seat belt was not tight enough
2020 Volkswagen Passat owner · NHTSA complaint 11522933
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 33; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2020 Volkswagen Passat problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (29%), airbags (29%) and engine (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Volkswagen Passat have?
3 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 2020 Volkswagen Passat get?
27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 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 2020 Volkswagen Passat have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 Volkswagen Passat cost in fuel a year?
About $2400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Volkswagen Passat have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
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