Passat

43 UK vehicle recalls on record for this model, listed most recent first.

If your Passat is covered by any of these notices, contact your authorised VW dealer. All recall work is carried out free of charge.

Notices on record

VW Passat · DVSA register

All recall notices.

Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement

R/2025/357 · 22 Aug 2025

22 Aug 2025

Defect

Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Our information shows your vehicle was originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Issue: The front airbag in your VW vehicle contains an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. Risk: If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.

Remedy

The front airbag must be replaced. Immediate Action Required: Stop driving your vehicle immediately. Contact the Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM to arrange your recall service.

Build window

Built 28 Sep 2005 – 6 May 2013

~22 vehicles affected
Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement

R/2025/357 · 22 Aug 2025

22 Aug 2025

Defect

Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Our information shows your vehicle was originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Issue: The front airbag in your VW vehicle contains an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. Risk: If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.

Remedy

The front airbag must be replaced. Immediate Action Required: Stop driving your vehicle immediately. Contact the Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM to arrange your recall service.

Build window

Built 11 Nov 2009 – 18 Jul 2012

~2 vehicles affected
Replace front passenger airbag

R/2025/208 · 9 Jun 2025

9 Jun 2025

Defect

The front passenger airbag may be faulty. In the event of an accident-related deployment the front passenger airbag may have a reduced protective effect also the gas generator housing may burst and components of the gas generator housing may come loose and cause serious or deadly injuries to vehicle occupants.

Remedy

The passenger airbag must be replaced.

Build window

Built 20 Jan 2025 – 17 Mar 2025

~10 vehicles affected
On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment.

R/2024/014 · 12 Jan 2024

12 Jan 2024

Defect

On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment.

Remedy

A check of the installation of the heat protection mat on affected vehicles will be conducted. If necessary the correct heat shield condition will be restored and in a damage case the damaged components will be replaced.� �

Build window

Built 8 Aug 2019 – 20 Oct 2023

~26,721 vehicles affected
Takata Front airbag

R/2023/178 · 13 Jun 2023

13 Jun 2023

Defect

The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.

Remedy

Replace airbag

Build window

Built 11 Nov 2009 – 2 May 2012

~4 vehicles affected
Takata Front airbag

R/2023/178 · 13 Jun 2023

13 Jun 2023

Defect

The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.

Remedy

Replace airbag

Build window

Built 6 Jun 2013 – 2 Jun 2015

~3 vehicles affected
Takata Front airbag

R/2023/178 · 13 Jun 2023

13 Jun 2023

Defect

The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.

Remedy

Replace airbag

Build window

Built 18 Feb 2005 – 17 Dec 2013

~5,229 vehicles affected
Takata Front airbag

R/2023/178 · 13 Jun 2023

13 Jun 2023

Defect

The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.

Remedy

Replace airbag

Build window

Built 6 Jun 2013 – 2 May 2015

~3 vehicles affected
Takata Front airbag

R/2023/178 · 13 Jun 2023

13 Jun 2023

Defect

The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.

Remedy

Replace airbag

Build window

Built 2 Nov 2006 – 18 Jul 2012

~2,849 vehicles affected
THE FUSE IN THE HIGH-VOLTAGE SYSTEM OF PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLES WAS IN SOME CASES PRODUCED WITH TOO LITTLE SO-CALLED FIRE SAND

R/2022/086 · 7 Apr 2022

7 Apr 2022

Defect

The fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was in some cases produced with too little so-called fire sand.

Remedy

An additional protective insulating mat is to be fitted to the switching unit for high-voltage battery.

Build window

Built 23 Jan 2019 – 10 Feb 2022

~1,868 vehicles affected
DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY IF ACTIVATED

R/2021/403 · 21 Oct 2021

21 Oct 2021

Defect

Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.

Remedy

On the affected vehicles the airbag unit for the driver is to be checked and if necessary the gas generator replaced.

Build window

Built 19 Oct 1999 – 22 Dec 2000

~64 vehicles affected
DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY IF ACTIVATED

R/2021/404 · 11 Oct 2021

11 Oct 2021

Defect

Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.

Remedy

On the affected vehicles the airbag unit for the driver is to be checked and if necessary the gas generator replaced.

Build window

Built 22 May 1998 – 22 Dec 1999

~300 vehicles affected
THE BOLTED CONNECTION OF THE PULL ROD BETWEEN THE ELECTROMECHANICAL BRAKE SERVO AND BRAKE PEDAL COULD COME LOOSE

R/2021/320 · 10 Sep 2021

10 Sep 2021

Defect

The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal may come loose resulting in a loss of all service braking ability.

Remedy

Vehicles are not to be driven and the bolted connection of the input rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal must be checked and if necessary retightened

Build window

Built 13 Jan 2019 – 20 May 2021

~145 vehicles affected
THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE AND THE CONTROL UNIT CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN MIXED UP

R/2021/142 · 8 Apr 2021

8 Apr 2021

Defect

The positive battery cable and the cable to the control unit for battery monitoring on the main fuse box in the boot may have been mixed up.

Remedy

Inspect the two connected cables on the main fuse box and if necessary swap them into the correct positions.

Build window

Built 12 Dec 2020 – 18 Feb 2021

~243 vehicles affected
TOO LITTLE TORQUE MAY BE PROVIDED BY THE ENGINE AT LOW ENGINE SPEEDS

R/2019/264 · 9 Aug 2019

9 Aug 2019

Defect

Too little torque may be provided by the engine at low engine speeds.

Remedy

On the affected vehicles the software of the engine control unit must be updated.

Build window

Built 9 Oct 2018 – 28 May 2019

~373 vehicles affected
POSSIBLE INCORRECT WELDED CONNECTION OF REAR SEAT BENCH

R/2019/232 · 22 Jul 2019

22 Jul 2019

Defect

A welded connection of the rear seat bench may not have been correctly performed.

Remedy

Check the welding of the mounting for right rear head restraint guides and if necessary replace the backrest frame.

Build window

Built 12 Feb 2019 – 22 Feb 2019

~54 vehicles affected
THE JOINT BETWEEN THE SUN ROOF TRIM AND SUN ROOF FRAME IS INCORRCTLY BONDED

R/2019/081 · 7 Mar 2019

7 Mar 2019

Defect

A possible faulty bonded joint between sun roof trim panel and sun roof frame.

Remedy

The sun roof trim panel is replaced on affected vehicles.

Build window

Built 2 Nov 2015 – 31 May 2017

~8 vehicles affected
DRIVER AIRBAG GENERATOR HOUSING COULD COME LOOSE

R/2019/019 · 24 Jan 2019

24 Jan 2019

Defect

Increased humidity may have got into the propellant of the gas generator for the drivers air bag.

Remedy

The gas generator of the front airbag on the driver side is replaced.

Build window

Built 1 Jan 2002 – 31 Dec 2002

~786 vehicles affected
REAR SEAT BENCH WELDED CONNECTION MAY NOT BE CORRECTLY PERFORMED

R/2018/352 · 12 Dec 2018

12 Dec 2018

Defect

The rear back rest head restraint mounting is not correctly welded.

Remedy

Check and replace rear back rest frame if required.

Build window

Built 1 May 2018 – 31 Aug 2018

~4,027 vehicles affected
HEAD RESTRAINT GUIDE RETAINING SPRING MAY BE FAULTY

R/2018/212 · 7 Aug 2018

7 Aug 2018

Defect

On Passat vehicles of a limited production period the retaining spring of the head restraint guide may be faulty because of a production problem. Because of a faulty retaining spring in an accident the head restraint may not be sufficiently secured in the guide and can come off the backrest. In the event of an accident the head restraint will come off the backrest increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

On the affected vehicles the left head restraint guides on both front seats have to be replaced.

Build window

Built 5 May 2018 – 18 May 2018

~428 vehicles affected
HEAD RESTRAINT MAY BE INSECURE

R/2018/133 · 11 May 2018

11 May 2018

Defect

On a limited production period a burr may have developed on the locking bar of the head restraint guide.

Remedy

On affected vehicles the left head restraint guide on both front seats must be replaced.

Build window

Built 14 Feb 2018 – 31 Mar 2018

~2,881 vehicles affected
STARTER MOTOR MAY MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT

R/2018/062 · 7 Mar 2018

7 Mar 2018

Defect

On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible.

Remedy

Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.

Build window

Built 1 Mar 2011 – 30 Nov 2011

~16,625 vehicles affected
REAR WHEEL BEARING HOUSINGS MAY BE INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AND COULD FAIL PREMATURELY

R/2017/294 · 17 Nov 2017

17 Nov 2017

Defect

The hardening process for the rear wheel bearing housings may not have been correctly performed. In the worst case this could lead to a fractured housing. Should a fractured housing occur there would be abnormal noises bad tyre wear and a theoretical possibility of wheel loss.

Remedy

Recall the 420 vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the right and left rear wheel bearing housings.

Build window

Built 21 Aug 2017 – 29 Aug 2017

~420 vehicles affected
AIRBAG/BELT TENSIONERS MAY NOT TRIGGER IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT

R/2017/079 · 22 Mar 2017

22 Mar 2017

Defect

Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision

Remedy

On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seatbelt pretensioner where necessary.

Build window

Built 1 May 2016 – 31 Oct 2016

~3,879 vehicles affected
LIGHTS MAY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING

R/2017/040 · 23 Jan 2017

23 Jan 2017

Defect

It has been identified that due to a programing issue with the On-Board Supply Control Unit it is possible that the failure of one of the vehicle lights (dipped beam/main beam/daytime running light/rear fog light or indicator) may not be recognised by the control unit and therefore not shown in the instrument cluster. It is also possible that vehicle lights may be shown as faulty when they are not. Furthermore a failure of a dipped beam may not trigger a replacement response (activation of side lights). A light failure without a display in the instrument cluster or without replacement response can pose a danger of an accident especially in the dark.

Remedy

Recall all affected vehicles to reprogramme the On-Board Supply Control Unit.

Build window

Built 1 Jun 2015 – 31 Oct 2016

~12,440 vehicles affected
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM MAY FAIL

R/2016/212 · 9 Sep 2016

9 Sep 2016

Defect

The electronic stability control (ESC) unit may have not have been manufactured to the correct specification. This may cause the control unit to malfunction during operation

Remedy

On affected vehicles check the ESC unit and where necessary replace.

Build window

Built 20 May 2015 – 30 Jun 2015

~5 vehicles affected
CHILD LOCK MAY DISENGAGE

R/2016/145 · 23 Jun 2016

23 Jun 2016

Defect

The door child locks may disengage without driver knowledge. Though the door remains close it is possible for the door to then be opened from the inside.

Remedy

On affected vehicles inspect lock mechanism and replace where necessary.

Build window

Built 25 Nov 2015 – 14 Apr 2016

~13,620 vehicles affected
SUNROOF MAY INJURE OCCUPANTS WHEN IT IS CLOSED FROM OUTSIDE VEHICLE

R/2016/059 · 30 Mar 2016

30 Mar 2016

Defect

On certain vehicles with Panorama sun roof the legally specified limits of the clamping forces for convenience opening and closing of the sun roof may not be kept. When closing the Panorama sun roof from outside with the vehicle key (convenience closing) if any body parts are in the operating area of the sun roof they can get pressed against the roof frame and possibly get injured.

Remedy

Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and deactivate the convenience opening and closing of the Panorama sun roof. To do this the software for the on-board supply control unit and the sun roof control unit must be updated/ configured.

Build window

Built 17 Feb 2015 – 5 Feb 2016

~606 vehicles affected
UNINTENTIONAL DEPLOYMENT OF AN AIRBAG

R/2016/028 · 22 Mar 2016

22 Mar 2016

Defect

Due to an incorrect manufacturing process swarf may accumulate in the airbag control module and cause a short circuit. In extreme instances this may cause unintentional deployment of an air bag.

Remedy

On affected vehicles replace the airbag control module.

Build window

Built 1 Apr 2014 – 30 Jul 2014

~11 vehicles affected
BRAKING PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED

R/2016/025 · 18 Feb 2016

18 Feb 2016

Defect

The central wiring harness may not have been correctly connected to the central electrics unit. If the connector comes loose it can affect certain electrical components including braking assistance.

Remedy

On affected vehicles Check wiring connection and if necessary secure connection.

Build window

Built 1 Sep 2014 – 31 May 2015

~11,589 vehicles affected
DIRECTIONAL CONTROL MAY BE COMPROMISED

R/2015/097 · 24 Jun 2015

24 Jun 2015

Defect

Front wheel bearing housings with insufficient hardness may have been fitted. This can lead to a fracture of a wheel bearing housing which can affected the directional control of the vehicle.

Remedy

Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the casting dates of both front wheel bearing housings. Where the affected wheel bearing housings are found they will be replaced.

Build window

Built 1 Apr 2015 – 11 Apr 2015

~303 vehicles affected
FUEL MAY LEAK

R/2011/169 · 15 Dec 2011

15 Dec 2011

Defect

On 2.0l Common Rail engines of a limited production period faulty material can cause leaks on the high pressure pipes during the service life of the vehicle.

Remedy

Anti-vibration balance weights will be fitted on the high-pressure pipes.

Build window

Built 1 Jan 2009 – 15 Dec 2011

~33,719 vehicles affected
CLUTCH MAY OPERATE INADVERTENTLY WITH UNEXPECTED LOSS OF DRIVE

R/2009/110 · 14 Dec 2009

14 Dec 2009

Defect

In rare cases an incorrect interpretation of the clutch temperature can occur which results in the clutch opening unexpectedly with loss of drive.

Remedy

Recall affected vehicles and update/reprogramme gearbox control unit.

Build window

Built 1 Sep 2008 – 31 Aug 2009

~3,514 vehicles affected
WIPERS MAY DETACH

R/2006/221 · 5 Mar 2007

5 Mar 2007

Defect

It has been identified that on some Passat vehicles the windscreen wipers may fail to operate because of a software fault.

Remedy

Affected vehicles will have a cap for the windscreen wiper motor fitted

Build window

Built 1 Apr 2005 – 31 Aug 2006

~43,357 vehicles affected
POSSIBILITY OF FIRE

R/2006/115 · 7 Aug 2006

7 Aug 2006

Defect

The two mass flywheel can become damaged because of a non- optimally designed through-flow restrictor in the clutch pressure pipe. This can lead to total failure of the two mass flywheel and under unfavourable circumstances a fire.

Remedy

Recalled vehicles will have the manufacturer of the two mass flywheel checked and if necessary the flywheel and the breather of the clutch pressure pipe will be replaced.

Build window

Built 1 Apr 2005 – 30 Jun 2005

~1,406 vehicles affected
TRACK ROD NUT MAY NOT BE TORQUED CORRECTLY AND BECOME LOOSE

R/2005/181 · 8 Dec 2005

8 Dec 2005

Defect

During manufacture the steering track rod locking nuts may been tightened to an insufficient torque. As a result the attachment of the track rod may become loose.

Remedy

Recalled vehicles will have the track rod locking nuts replaced on both the left and right hand sides.

Build window

Built 1 Feb 2005 – 31 May 2005

~73 vehicles affected
BOLTS OF THE TANDEM FUEL PUMP COVER MAY BREAK

R/2004/211 · 3 Mar 2005

3 Mar 2005

Defect

It is advised that on some vehicles fitted with a 3 and 4 cylinder pump injector engine the bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break due to a bolt production fault. As a result the pump housing will not be tight and a diesel fuel leak may occur.

Remedy

Recalled vehicles will have the pump checked for being of a certain manufacture. If found to be within the affected range the pump housing cover bolts will be replaced.

Build window

Built 1 Mar 2004 – 31 Aug 2004

~49,701 vehicles affected
RH SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTING MAY NOT BE CORRECTLY TORQUED

R/2004/108 · 29 Jul 2004

29 Jul 2004

Defect

It has been identified that on some Passat vehicles within the affected Vin range the rear securing bolt of the right hand shock absorber mounting may not have been tightened to the correct torque. The consequence of this being that the securing bolt may break.

Remedy

Recall affected vehicles and replace the subject bolt.

Build window

Built 8 Jun 2003 – 10 Jun 2003

~1,699 vehicles affected
TOW BAR BALL END MAY LOOSEN

R/1999/001 · 15 Jan 1999

15 Jan 1999

Defect

Advised by manufacturer for vehicles with PEKA tow bar the description of the ball end installation in the instruction manual is unclear. In isolated cases the ball end can loosen because of a wrong installation.

Remedy

A new instruction manual will be sent to owners of affected vehicles.

Build window

Built 1 Jan 1996 – 30 Jun 1998

~224 vehicles affected
1) AIR MASS METER GRID MAY DETACH AND JAM THROTTLE OPEN & FUEL PIPES & 2) METAL BRAKE PIPES MAY CHAFE ON REAR SUBFRAME

R/1998/052 · 17 Jul 1998

17 Jul 1998

Defect

1) In isolated cases misfiring after a cold start can cause the air grid in the air mass meter to become detached. In the worse case this could jam the throttle valve causing an increase in engine speed. Fuel pipes may chafe together and/or on fuel filter. 2) Metal brake pipe may be incorrectly positioned and chafe on rear subframe.

Remedy

Recall affected vehicles and:- 1) Check air mass meter and air grid and install retaining ring in air mass meter. Examine fuel pipes for chafing damage and renew or reposition and secure as appropriate. 2) Examine brake pipe for chafing damage and renew or reposition and secure brake pipe as appropriate.

Build window

Built 1 Dec 1997 – 30 Apr 1998

~74 vehicles affected
THE DRIVERS AIR BAG COULD HAVE BEEN UNINTENTIONALLY DEACTIVATED

R/1998/056 · 15 Jul 1998

15 Jul 1998

Defect

On certain vehicles were the owner had requested to have the passengers air bag deactivated it is possible that during the deactivation process the drivers air bag could have been deactivated instead of the passengers.

Remedy

Interrogate the air bag control unit and reconnect the wiring to the drivers air bag

Build window

Affected build dates not specified

~121 vehicles affected
INSECURITY OF FAN BLADE

R/1996/008 · 12 Feb 1996

12 Feb 1996

Defect

The pulley on the engine cooling fan may loosen causing the fan motor to seize leading to a possible electrical overload with fire risk.

Remedy

Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a modified cooling fan and pulley.

Build window

Built 1 Jan 1994 – 31 Dec 1995

~2,054 vehicles affected
FAILURE OF HEADLAMPS

R/1995/008 · 6 Sep 1995

6 Sep 1995

Defect

The headlamp switch may overheat and result in headlamp failure.

Remedy

Recall the affected vehicles for the fitting of a cable harness with control relay. In addition the light switch is to be replaced on Passat and Golf Ecomatic models as appropriate.

Build window

Built 1 Mar 1991 – 31 Aug 1992

~28,112 vehicles affected

Data from the DVSA Vehicle Recall register (Crown Copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0). Last indexed: 2026-04-26.

These records are provided for reference. Contact your authorised VW dealer or check your vehicle registration at gov.uk/check-if-a-vehicle-has-outstanding-recalls to confirm current status.

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