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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

576 reports
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

80,000 miles · Jun 14, 2018
Fuel/propulsion SystemCrash

RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE 10/2017 MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER - ALMOST CRASHED - HAD REPAIR COMPLETED SENT LETTER TO VOLKSWAGEN 12/2017 - NO RESPONSE, ACTION OR REIMBURSEMENT - CALLED VW TODAY - STILL NO RESPONSE,ACTION OR REIMBURSEMENT FOR PART THE KNOW WOULD FAIL. COULD HAVE BEEN A LARGE SAFETY CONCERN - FEEL …

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RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE 10/2017 MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER - ALMOST CRASHED - HAD REPAIR COMPLETED SENT LETTER TO VOLKSWAGEN 12/2017 - NO RESPONSE, ACTION OR REIMBURSEMENT - CALLED VW TODAY - STILL NO RESPONSE,ACTION OR REIMBURSEMENT FOR PART THE KNOW WOULD FAIL. COULD HAVE BEEN A LARGE SAFETY CONCERN - FEEL VW IS SHIRKING RESPONSABILITY - I HAVE COPIES OF ALL MY BILLS AND RECALL NOTICE -NHTSA:17V509

NHTSA ODI #11101904

110,000 miles · Jun 8, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING ROUGH FOR A WHILE AND EPC , TRACTION CONTROL, AND ENGINE LIGHT KEEP POPPING UP TIME TO TIME, WHEN LIGHTS APPEAR CAR BARELY RUNS AT ALL. LATELY IT HAS BEEN SHUTTING OFF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED! (HIGHWAY, STREET , OR PARKING LOT!) FEEL LIKE I QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL THAT CAME OUT AUGUST 16, 2017…

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CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING ROUGH FOR A WHILE AND EPC , TRACTION CONTROL, AND ENGINE LIGHT KEEP POPPING UP TIME TO TIME, WHEN LIGHTS APPEAR CAR BARELY RUNS AT ALL. LATELY IT HAS BEEN SHUTTING OFF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED! (HIGHWAY, STREET , OR PARKING LOT!) FEEL LIKE I QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL THAT CAME OUT AUGUST 16, 2017 (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 FUEL PUMP FAILURE CAUSE ENGINE STALL IF THE FUEL PUMP FAILS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.) DO TO MY SYMPTOM BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTICE!

NHTSA ODI #11100500

Mileage unknown · May 17, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE FUEL PUMP WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT DROVE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THE FUEL PUMP WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT DROVE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #11096598

109,800 miles · May 17, 2018
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE OR FUEL PUMP FAILING PER DIAGNOSIS FROM INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. CAR WAS BROUGHT IN BECAUSE THIS FAILURE IS DRAINING BATTERY WHILE PARKED OVERNIGHT. NOTICED A BUZZING SOUND FROM REAR OF CAR. 2+ AMP DRAW. CARS HAS PERIODICALLY STUTTERED UPON ACCELERATION ALSO.

NHTSA ODI #11096462

Mileage unknown · May 15, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion System

FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE CAUSES CONSISTENT STALLING AT STARTUP. RECALL STATES COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER WHILE IN MOTION.

NHTSA ODI #11093967

100,000 miles · May 14, 2018
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE AP…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11093812

Mileage unknown · May 8, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

AUGUST 16, 2017 A RECALL WAS ISSUED REGARDING THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE. IT'S GOING ON A YEAR NOW AND THERE IS NO RECALL REMEDY AVAILABLE. MY VEHICLE IS GETTING PERSISTENTLY WORSE AND MY VEHICLE IS NOT GETTING REPAIRED IN A TIMELY MANNER.

NHTSA ODI #11092496

100,000 miles · May 4, 2018
Engine

IT'S COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT THE 2006 3.6L V6 ENGINES HAVE A TERRIBLE FLAW. THE OIL PUMP BOLT INSTALLED FROM THE VW FACTORY WAS EITHER SPECIFIED INCORRECTLY, INSTALLED WRONG, OR HAS SOME OTHER FATAL DEFECT. MY WIFE DRIVES LESS THAN 10 MILES TO AND FROM WORK EVERYDAY CONSERVATIVELY. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE ENGINE LOST POWER STARTE…

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IT'S COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT THE 2006 3.6L V6 ENGINES HAVE A TERRIBLE FLAW. THE OIL PUMP BOLT INSTALLED FROM THE VW FACTORY WAS EITHER SPECIFIED INCORRECTLY, INSTALLED WRONG, OR HAS SOME OTHER FATAL DEFECT. MY WIFE DRIVES LESS THAN 10 MILES TO AND FROM WORK EVERYDAY CONSERVATIVELY. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE ENGINE LOST POWER STARTED SMOKING AND LEAKING OIL ALL OVER THE GROUND. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE GOT MISFIRING CODES SO WE IMMEDIATELY PARKED AND HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL VW DEALER. THE DEALER SAID THE LOOSE BOLT & CHAIN RUBBING WAS WHAT CAUSED AN INTERNAL FAILURE SO WE'D NEED A NEW ENGINE @ $4,554.00! THE CAR HAS DRIVEN PERFECTLY AND IS SERVICED REGULARLY BUT SUDDENLY DIED DUE TO NO FAULT OF MY WIFE OR MYSELF. THERE'S A RUNNING LIST OF THE PEOPLE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO @ HTTP://WWW.PASSATWORLD.COM/FORUMS/VOLKSWAGEN-PASSAT-B6-DISCUSSION/327507-3-6-OIL-BOLT-FAILURE-REFERENCE-MATERIAL.HTML PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN UP ABOUT THIS AND I'M SURE THERE ARE A MANY OTHER FOLKS THAT NEVER SPOKE OUT. VW IGNORES THE TRUE SCOPE OF THIS ISSUE AND SHOULD RECTIFY THESE FAILURES WITH A LEGITIMATE RECALL. THE REAL ISSUE IS THE BOLT. IT COMES LOOSE OR BRAKES. VW NEEDS TO RECALL THIS SINCE IT IS A MAJOR FACTORY ISSUE. ALTHOUGH COSTLY IT WOULD KEEP LOYAL VW DRIVERS IN VW'S.

NHTSA ODI #11091928

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.