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2006 Volkswagen Passat

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Passat years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Volkswagen Passat are substantially higher than the model-year median of 110.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

411 reports with mileage · 165 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 148 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 112 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 79 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

21 crash reports6 fire reports7 injury reports

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

41 reports
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119,521 miles · Jul 7, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System

I HAVE A GAS LEAK COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK. VERY HEAVY FUMES COMING IN THE CAR AND AROUND THE CAR. WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY.

NHTSA ODI #11337828

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2019
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

MY VEHICLE DOES. SUDDEN STOP WHILE I'M DRIVING EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHTS UP ND THEN ON DASH IT STATE TO STOP VEHICLE PULL OVER AND DOESN'T WANT TO ADVANCE TO MOVE OUT OF DANGER FROM TRAFFIC ON STREETS AND FREEWAY. THEN I WON'T WANT TO ADVANCED AT TIME AND THE PRND ALL LIGHT UP AT ONE OR NONE AT ALL AT TIME. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT …

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MY VEHICLE DOES. SUDDEN STOP WHILE I'M DRIVING EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHTS UP ND THEN ON DASH IT STATE TO STOP VEHICLE PULL OVER AND DOESN'T WANT TO ADVANCE TO MOVE OUT OF DANGER FROM TRAFFIC ON STREETS AND FREEWAY. THEN I WON'T WANT TO ADVANCED AT TIME AND THE PRND ALL LIGHT UP AT ONE OR NONE AT ALL AT TIME. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT X 4 TIMES LAST YEAR AND NOW IT KEEPS DOING IT EVERY TIME. SO KNOW I JUST KEEP MY CAR PARKED BECAUSE I'M AFRAID OF PUTTING MY KIDS IN DANGER I CAN'T EVEN TAKE IT IN TO A DEALER FOR AIRBAG RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #11286835

92,000 miles · Jul 7, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System

TAKATA RECALL. THE PAST TWO WEEKS MY VEHICLE HAS NOT STARTED AS IT NORMALLY DOES. IT TAKES TWO OR THREE KEY PUSHES TO GET MY ENGINE TO START UPON STARTING MY CAR, AND THEN IT FIRES UP. IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET UP TO AND MAINTAIN SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY. IF AND WHEN I AM MAINTAINING SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY ITS COMMON FOR THE ENGINE TO H…

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TAKATA RECALL. THE PAST TWO WEEKS MY VEHICLE HAS NOT STARTED AS IT NORMALLY DOES. IT TAKES TWO OR THREE KEY PUSHES TO GET MY ENGINE TO START UPON STARTING MY CAR, AND THEN IT FIRES UP. IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET UP TO AND MAINTAIN SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY. IF AND WHEN I AM MAINTAINING SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY ITS COMMON FOR THE ENGINE TO HICCUP AND THEN RETURN BACK TO ITS SPEED WITHOUT ANY CHANGE IN ACCELERATION. GOING UP HILLS IT LACKS POWER AND IF THERE IS MORE THAN ONE PERSON IN THE CAR WHEN GOING UP A HILL THE CAR WILL MISFIRE. ON TOP OF ALL OF THIS IT IS PRACTICALLY DRINKING GAS LIKE WATER AND I NORMALLY GET GREAT GAS MILEAGE. IT IS STARTING TO GIVE OFF A FUEL SMELL WHILE DRIVING TOO AND MY MECHANIC DOES NOT KNOW WHY.

NHTSA ODI #11229854

Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

I WAS IN MOTION DRIVING ON A STREET AND THEN THE VEHICLE MADE A BUMP NOISE AND BEGAN LOSING POWER. I PULLED OVER AS THE DASHBOARD SAID THE CAR BATTERY IS DEAD. I TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR AND IT WOULDN'T TURN OVER ONLY CRANKS. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO PICK ME UP AND MOVE MY CAR. HE TRIED TO JUMP IT BEFORE PARKING THE CAR AND TOLD …

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I WAS IN MOTION DRIVING ON A STREET AND THEN THE VEHICLE MADE A BUMP NOISE AND BEGAN LOSING POWER. I PULLED OVER AS THE DASHBOARD SAID THE CAR BATTERY IS DEAD. I TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR AND IT WOULDN'T TURN OVER ONLY CRANKS. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO PICK ME UP AND MOVE MY CAR. HE TRIED TO JUMP IT BEFORE PARKING THE CAR AND TOLD ME MY BATTERY IS FINE.

NHTSA ODI #11155539

133,012 miles · Oct 1, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion System

THE ENGINE LOST IT'S POWER, GAS CONSUPTION IS SO HIGH, ENGINE IS SHAKING AND NOISY AND WLECTRICAL CONTROLE IS DOWN RANDOMLY. AM SCARED OF DRIVING IT.

NHTSA ODI #11132419

123,000 miles · Sep 22, 2018
Air BagsFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

THERE IS 2 SAFETY RECALLS ON MY CARS VIN NUMBER AN MY DEALERSHIP I GOT IT FROM WOBT FIX IT I'VE ASKED OVER AN OVER I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT 8 OR 9 MONTHS. IM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON IT BUT RARELY DRIVING IT

NHTSA ODI #11130804

165,000 miles · Aug 14, 2018
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

THIS IS MY 2ND TIME WRITING ONLY BECAUSE THE PROBLEM SEEMS AS IF IT MAY BE MORE THEN JUST ONE THING! THINKING IT WAS ECM OR SOMETHING ELECTRICAL, NOW MAY BE THE TIMING CHAIN OR FUEL PUMP OR COMBINATION OF ALL! THE CAR JUST RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF! ON THE HIGHWAY, OR AT A STOP, OR JUST AT CURSING SPEED! SOME TIMES IT COMES BACK ON, OT…

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THIS IS MY 2ND TIME WRITING ONLY BECAUSE THE PROBLEM SEEMS AS IF IT MAY BE MORE THEN JUST ONE THING! THINKING IT WAS ECM OR SOMETHING ELECTRICAL, NOW MAY BE THE TIMING CHAIN OR FUEL PUMP OR COMBINATION OF ALL! THE CAR JUST RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF! ON THE HIGHWAY, OR AT A STOP, OR JUST AT CURSING SPEED! SOME TIMES IT COMES BACK ON, OTHER TIME IT TURNS OVER AND SHUTS RIGHT OFF AGAIN! I NOTICED A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL, ALSO NOTICED A RECALL FOR EXACT SYMPTOM MY CAR HAS, AND FOR THE SAME MAKE MODEL AND YEAR AS MY CAR BUT MY VIN IS NOT LISTED IN THE RECALL??? HOPE SOMETHING IS DONE TO FIX THIS SITUATION SOON SO THAT I CAN REMAIN A LOYAL VOLKWAGEN CUSTOMER!

NHTSA ODI #11119806

Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2018
Air BagsFuel/propulsion System

HI I HAVE A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0T AND IT HAS TWO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN TO FIX THE RECALLS BUT THEY SAYING THEY CAN'T FIX MY CAR BECAUSE IT WON'T START. I TOLD THEM THAT THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE RECALL COULD BE THE REASON IT WON'T START AND THAT THEY NEED TO FIX IT EVEN IF IT DOESN'T START. THE GUY…

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HI I HAVE A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0T AND IT HAS TWO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN TO FIX THE RECALLS BUT THEY SAYING THEY CAN'T FIX MY CAR BECAUSE IT WON'T START. I TOLD THEM THAT THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE RECALL COULD BE THE REASON IT WON'T START AND THAT THEY NEED TO FIX IT EVEN IF IT DOESN'T START. THE GUY NAME RYAN SAY HE WILL HAVE TO CHARGE ME $130 TO SEE WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CAR BEFORE HE CAN FIX THE RECALLS. I THINK HE FULL OF IT AND JUST WANT TO FIND SOMETHING ELSE WRONG WITH MY CAR SO HE CAN SAY OH THIS THE PROBLEM AND TRY TO CHARGE ME A ARM AND A LEG. I FEEL LIKE JUST BECAUSE MY CAR WON'T START DOESN'T MEAN HE CAN'T FIX MY RECALLS. AM I WRONG BECAUSE I THOUGHT BY LAW NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES OR CONDITION OF THE VEHICLE THE RECALLS HAVE TO BE FIXED.

NHTSA ODI #11114652

109,000 miles · Jun 25, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion System

OUT OF THE BLUE THE LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID SHUT OFF CAR. IMMEDIATLY PULLED OVER AND SHUT CAR OFF. OIL WAS FINE BECAUSE I CHECK IT CONSTANTLY. COME TO FIND OUT THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAS A THIMBLE CALLED THE CAM FOLLOWER. THE CAM FOLLOWER BLEW OFF THROUGH THE TIMING CHAIN AND HOUSING. MY MOTOR IS DONE. …

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OUT OF THE BLUE THE LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID SHUT OFF CAR. IMMEDIATLY PULLED OVER AND SHUT CAR OFF. OIL WAS FINE BECAUSE I CHECK IT CONSTANTLY. COME TO FIND OUT THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAS A THIMBLE CALLED THE CAM FOLLOWER. THE CAM FOLLOWER BLEW OFF THROUGH THE TIMING CHAIN AND HOUSING. MY MOTOR IS DONE. IT HAS 109,000 MILES ON IT. VW KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. I DON'T HAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. VW IS WELL AWARE OF THIS ISSUE ON MY 2006 PASSAT 2.0T. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. MY CAR HAS NOW BEEN SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY SINCE MARCH BECAUSE I DONT HAVE THE FUNDS TO REPLACE THE MOTOR.

NHTSA ODI #11103745

172,000 miles · Jun 21, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. AFTER FUEL WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND WOULD OCCASIONALLY STALL WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (MOLLE VOLKSWAGEN, 808 W 103RD ST, KANSAS CITY, MO 64114, (816) 941-2…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. AFTER FUEL WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND WOULD OCCASIONALLY STALL WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (MOLLE VOLKSWAGEN, 808 W 103RD ST, KANSAS CITY, MO 64114, (816) 941-2400), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 172,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11103099

Official recalls

7

24V834000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Oct 30, 2024

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.

18V247000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Apr 18, 2018

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q8. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-079.

17V509000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Aug 16, 2017

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.

16V079000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Feb 10, 2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

06V470000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

Dec 12, 2006

ON CERTAIN '6' GENERATION PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DURING HEAVY RAIN DUE TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE ENTERING THE WIPER MOTOR. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE WIPERS CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED VISIBILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPECIAL COVER AND SEALING KIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.

06V472000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

Dec 12, 2006

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L ENGINE WITH 147 KW MAY HAVE A VACUUM LINE THAT MAY FRACTURE AND BECOME DISCONNECTED AT LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE POWER ASSIST CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE, AND THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE INCREASED EFFORT TO APPLY THE BRAKES POSSIBLY INCREASING VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED VACUUM LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.

05V540000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

Nov 30, 2005

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD SECURING NUT MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TORQUED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED TIE ROD NUT MAY LOOSEN, RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF A TIE ROD. THIS CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL NEW LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD SECURING NUTS AT THE PROPER TORQUED SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 7, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA11002 · Engine Compartment Fire

Opened Jan 26, 2011 · Closed Feb 17, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Engine And Engine Cooling

In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has since identified 135 unique engine fire reports attributable to the COP coils.After further review of the details as contained in each report, ODI determined that 43 of the 135 fire reports were actual fire/flame incidents, 83 fire reports were thermal events (smoke, spark, heat or wire melt), and another 9 fire reports were undetermined in severity due to the lack of information.These COP coil fires were characterized as initiated from within the COP coil circuit located at the top of the engine block and below the plastic engine cover.The fires observed were contained in the engine compartment and did not reach into the passenger compartment in contrast to those caused by an overheated catalytic converter examined in ODI?s investigation in 2007 and 2008.There were no reports of crashes or personal injury in this examination.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstancesSee the Closing Report for additional details.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System

In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has since identified 135 unique engine fire reports attributable to the COP coils.After further review of the details as contained in each report, ODI determined that 43 of the 135 fire reports were actual fire/flame incidents, 83 fire reports were thermal events (smoke, spark, heat or wire melt), and another 9 fire reports were undetermined in severity due to the lack of information.These COP coil fires were characterized as initiated from within the COP coil circuit located at the top of the engine block and below the plastic engine cover.The fires observed were contained in the engine compartment and did not reach into the passenger compartment in contrast to those caused by an overheated catalytic converter examined in ODI?s investigation in 2007 and 2008.There were no reports of crashes or personal injury in this examination.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstancesSee the Closing Report for additional details.

Engine And Engine Cooling

In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has since identified 135 unique engine fire reports attributable to the COP coils.After further review of the details as contained in each report, ODI determined that 43 of the 135 fire reports were actual fire/flame incidents, 83 fire reports were thermal events (smoke, spark, heat or wire melt), and another 9 fire reports were undetermined in severity due to the lack of information.These COP coil fires were characterized as initiated from within the COP coil circuit located at the top of the engine block and below the plastic engine cover.The fires observed were contained in the engine compartment and did not reach into the passenger compartment in contrast to those caused by an overheated catalytic converter examined in ODI?s investigation in 2007 and 2008.There were no reports of crashes or personal injury in this examination.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstancesSee the Closing Report for additional details.