2020 Volkswagen Passat recalls and problems
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat has 3 safety recalls and 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2020 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2020 Volkswagen Passat recalls
Recall 20V-533: Air Bags
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Passat vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AY.
Recall 19V-389: Exterior Lighting
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
Recall 19V-218: Air Bags
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
Risk: In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.
2020 Volkswagen Passat problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4 | |
| Unknown or Other | 4 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 4 | |
| Air Bags | 4 | |
| Electrical System | 3 | |
| Wheels | 2 | |
| Service Brakes | 2 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | |
| Seat Belts | 1 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 2
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 7,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2020 Volkswagen Passat complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Volkswagen Passat years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2020 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat: 20V-533 (air bags), 19V-389 (exterior lighting), 19V-218 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Volkswagen Passat?
Owners report engine problems most often (4 reports), followed by unknown or other (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 7,000 miles.
Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.