VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT · model year

2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

27 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2011VOLKSWAGENPASSAT carries 27 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 5 crashes, 3 fires, 3 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 PASSAT is engine with 6 filings, followed by air bags (5) and electrical system (4). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2011 PASSAT, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

27
Complaints
5
Crashes
3
Fires
3
Injuries
1
Deaths

Total Complaints

27 filings

Crashes Reported

5 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE6
AIR BAGS5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
STEERING2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
WHEELS1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
SUSPENSION1
POWER TRAIN1

Recent Complaints

20251105FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

After recall 20AE (Fuel Pump Control Module) was completed at Performance Volkswagen in Lyndhurst, NJ, my vehicle began shutting off while idling and displayed code P0087 – Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low. This issue began immediately after the recall was done. On one of the first nights after the repair, my car suddenly shut off around 4 a.m. while I was in New York City, leaving me completely stranded in the middle of the street with no assistance and no warning lights beforehand. I was panicking, stuck alone in the dark, unable to restart the car until it was jumped. The next night, it happened again under the same conditions. The vehicle stalls randomly when stopped, creating a serious safety risk for both myself and others on the road. When I returned to the dealer, they refused to fix it under the recall and forced me to pay $220 under protest. Their own technician report shows they checked the fuel pump control module (the recalled component) but still claimed it was “ope

20251105ENGINE

After recall 20AE (Fuel Pump Control Module) was completed at Performance Volkswagen in Lyndhurst, NJ, my vehicle began shutting off while idling and displayed code P0087 – Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low. This issue began immediately after the recall was done. On one of the first nights after the repair, my car suddenly shut off around 4 a.m. while I was in New York City, leaving me completely stranded in the middle of the street with no assistance and no warning lights beforehand. I was panicking, stuck alone in the dark, unable to restart the car until it was jumped. The next night, it happened again under the same conditions. The vehicle stalls randomly when stopped, creating a serious safety risk for both myself and others on the road. When I returned to the dealer, they refused to fix it under the recall and forced me to pay $220 under protest. Their own technician report shows they checked the fuel pump control module (the recalled component) but still claimed it was “ope

20251105POWER TRAIN

After recall 20AE (Fuel Pump Control Module) was completed at Performance Volkswagen in Lyndhurst, NJ, my vehicle began shutting off while idling and displayed code P0087 – Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low. This issue began immediately after the recall was done. On one of the first nights after the repair, my car suddenly shut off around 4 a.m. while I was in New York City, leaving me completely stranded in the middle of the street with no assistance and no warning lights beforehand. I was panicking, stuck alone in the dark, unable to restart the car until it was jumped. The next night, it happened again under the same conditions. The vehicle stalls randomly when stopped, creating a serious safety risk for both myself and others on the road. When I returned to the dealer, they refused to fix it under the recall and forced me to pay $220 under protest. Their own technician report shows they checked the fuel pump control module (the recalled component) but still claimed it was “ope

20210322ENGINE

VEHICLE HAS NO COMPRESSION. VILKSWAGOM DEALERSHIP STATED THAT TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED WILL COST $10000 TO FIX

Mileage: 147,000

20201211CrashFatalAIR BAGS

DAUGHTER WAS KILLED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION IN HER 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CC WHEN HER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A DEALER ON OCTOBER 30TH, 2018, 5 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE CRASH. SHE WAS TRAVELING THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT ON A COUNTY 2 LANE ROAD WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT HER HEAD ON. THE ATTACHED PHOTOGRAPH IS HER CAR AFTER THE CRASH. AS YOU CAN SEE, THE AIRBAG 100% SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED IN THAT CRASH.

20201015AIR BAGS

WATER PUMP DEFECT CAUSES TIMING CHAIN MALFUNCTIONING AS VEHICLE MAY STALL WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE MAY OVERHEAT AS WATER FAILURE CAUSES ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK AND CAUSE OVERHEATING TO FIRE HAZARD.

Mileage: 203,000

20201015ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WATER PUMP DEFECT CAUSES TIMING CHAIN MALFUNCTIONING AS VEHICLE MAY STALL WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE MAY OVERHEAT AS WATER FAILURE CAUSES ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK AND CAUSE OVERHEATING TO FIRE HAZARD.

Mileage: 203,000

20201015FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WATER PUMP DEFECT CAUSES TIMING CHAIN MALFUNCTIONING AS VEHICLE MAY STALL WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE MAY OVERHEAT AS WATER FAILURE CAUSES ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK AND CAUSE OVERHEATING TO FIRE HAZARD.

Mileage: 203,000

20200306CrashFireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE MISSING ENGINE CRADLE AFTER BEING REPAIRED AT A CERTIFIED DEALER. VEHICLE MISSING SUBFRAME SCREW AFTER BEING REPAIRED AT CERTIFIED VOLKSWAGEN DESLERSHIP(STONE MOUNTAIN VW AND MARIETTA VW) BOTH LOCATIONS IN GEORGIA. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN WITH DEFECT WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE. VEHICLE HAS MULTIPLE SETTLEMENTS. DEALERSHIP IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA: O'STEEN VW, WAS CAUGHT SHREDDING RECORDS. COMPANY REFUSED TO PROVIDE VEHICLE VIN HISTORY. VEHICLE IS LOCATED AT O'STEEN VW, WITHOUT REPAIR. CAR HAS BEEN SITTING OVER 30 DAYS AND I HAVE BEEN STRANDED. PLEASE I

Mileage: 11

20200306CrashFireSUSPENSION

VEHICLE MISSING ENGINE CRADLE AFTER BEING REPAIRED AT A CERTIFIED DEALER. VEHICLE MISSING SUBFRAME SCREW AFTER BEING REPAIRED AT CERTIFIED VOLKSWAGEN DESLERSHIP(STONE MOUNTAIN VW AND MARIETTA VW) BOTH LOCATIONS IN GEORGIA. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN WITH DEFECT WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE. VEHICLE HAS MULTIPLE SETTLEMENTS. DEALERSHIP IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA: O'STEEN VW, WAS CAUGHT SHREDDING RECORDS. COMPANY REFUSED TO PROVIDE VEHICLE VIN HISTORY. VEHICLE IS LOCATED AT O'STEEN VW, WITHOUT REPAIR. CAR HAS BEEN SITTING OVER 30 DAYS AND I HAVE BEEN STRANDED. PLEASE I

Mileage: 11

20200306CrashFireUNKNOWN OR OTHER

VEHICLE MISSING ENGINE CRADLE AFTER BEING REPAIRED AT A CERTIFIED DEALER. VEHICLE MISSING SUBFRAME SCREW AFTER BEING REPAIRED AT CERTIFIED VOLKSWAGEN DESLERSHIP(STONE MOUNTAIN VW AND MARIETTA VW) BOTH LOCATIONS IN GEORGIA. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN WITH DEFECT WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE. VEHICLE HAS MULTIPLE SETTLEMENTS. DEALERSHIP IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA: O'STEEN VW, WAS CAUGHT SHREDDING RECORDS. COMPANY REFUSED TO PROVIDE VEHICLE VIN HISTORY. VEHICLE IS LOCATED AT O'STEEN VW, WITHOUT REPAIR. CAR HAS BEEN SITTING OVER 30 DAYS AND I HAVE BEEN STRANDED. PLEASE I

Mileage: 11

20200221ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT CC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START UP, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED WITH THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD. VYLETEL VOLKSWAGEN BUICK GMC: 40555 VAN DYKE AVE, STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48313 (586) 977-2800, WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

20200123ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I AM NOT ABLE TO OPEN MY TRUNK VIA FOB, SWITCH ON THE DOOR NOR REMOTE. I HAVE READ THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE AFTER REAR LIGHT FAILURES. MY REAR LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, AND TURNING LIGHTS HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES WITHIN THE LAST FEW YEARS. I WENT INTO THE GROCERY STORE AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE TRUNK IT WOULDN'T OPEN. I HAVE REPEATEDLY TRIED AGAIN TO NO AVAIL.

Mileage: 116,000

20200123EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I AM NOT ABLE TO OPEN MY TRUNK VIA FOB, SWITCH ON THE DOOR NOR REMOTE. I HAVE READ THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE AFTER REAR LIGHT FAILURES. MY REAR LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, AND TURNING LIGHTS HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES WITHIN THE LAST FEW YEARS. I WENT INTO THE GROCERY STORE AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE TRUNK IT WOULDN'T OPEN. I HAVE REPEATEDLY TRIED AGAIN TO NO AVAIL.

Mileage: 116,000

20191202STEERING

WHILE PARKED, UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, A MESSAGE ON THE CONSOLE SHOWS THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE: STEERING COLUMN LOCK DEFECTIVE!.

Mileage: 37,770

20181208ENGINE

VOLKSWAGEN TIMING CHAIN HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES BY VOLKSWAGEN EACH TIME THE CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, IT WAS JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY LEADING TO LAW SUIT. AND THIS TIME, JUST OUTSIDE MANUFACTURING WARRANTY BY 2 DAYS, THE ROCKER ARMS IN MY VW 2.0 ENGINE FAILED ALSO LOCKING THE MOTOR UP COMPLETELY UNABLE TO REPAIR. I'VE LOOKED ONLINE AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. IF WE KNOW VOLKSWAGON KNEW ABOUT THESE ISSUES WHY IS THERE NO RECALL TO SERVICE THE EFFECTED (NOW 3 TIMES AND PERMANENT) A VEHICLES SAFETY OF OPERATION ON TEXAS STATE ROADS AND HIGHWAYS YET DONT GET REIMBURSED DUE TO 3 DAYS..... WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON TOLLWAY ACCESS ROAD AND MOTOR LOCKED UP. NO NOISE NO INDICATION. NO WARNING.

Mileage: 31,000

20180410ENGINE

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHILCE IN MOTION AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT TURNED OFF. IT DIDNT WANT TO TURN BACK ON NO MORE.

Mileage: 140,000

20170508UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY SENSOR LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON AS WELL AS OTHER LIGHTS. THIS CAR ALSO HAS TROUBLE WITH THE ABS BRAKE CONTROL. FOR IT TO BE AN 2011, I HAVE HAD MORE TROUBLE WITH IT AND ON TOP OF THAT, I'M STILL TRYING TO PAY IT OFF. I'M AM GOING TO UPLOAD WHAT THE MECHANIC STATES NEED TO BE REPAIRED. SOME OF THIS HAS TO BE A RECALL CALL ON FOR SAFETY REASONS

20170223AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE REVERSING IN A PARKING AREA, A CRACKING SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING LOST POWER AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ISSUE WAS RELATED TO A CLOCK SPRING RECALL. THE DEALER RESOLVED THE RECALL ISSUE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SIX MONTHS LATER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT DUE TO THE PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIR, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AGAIN PER THE RECALL AND THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND RECALL DETAILS WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

Mileage: 66,000

20170223STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE REVERSING IN A PARKING AREA, A CRACKING SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING LOST POWER AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ISSUE WAS RELATED TO A CLOCK SPRING RECALL. THE DEALER RESOLVED THE RECALL ISSUE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SIX MONTHS LATER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT DUE TO THE PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIR, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AGAIN PER THE RECALL AND THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND RECALL DETAILS WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

Mileage: 66,000

Compare 2011VOLKSWAGENPASSAT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT have?
The 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has 27 NHTSA complaints, 5 crashes, 3 fires, 3 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
The most-complained component for the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is ENGINE with 6 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.