NMS, first generation (A32/A33)
2014 Volkswagen Passat
The most reported problem on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat is airbag, with 354 complaints, usually around 53,000 miles.
- 565owner complaints
- 10recalls
- 17involved a crash
- 56,000median miles at failure
Newest report Aug 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Passat doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2014 model year.
Is the 2014 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
The 2014 Volkswagen Passat has 565 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 1.8 times the median of 318 for 2014 sedans on this site. Of the 9 Passat model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to other model years
- Complaints filed before 2015 aren't in the files this site reads, so the 2014 count runs short and isn't compared with the model years next to it.
- Top problem
- One problem takes up much of the file: airbag, named in 354 of the 565 complaints (63%). A quarter of the 90 owners who gave a mileage for airbag saw it by about 32,000 miles, and half by about 53,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 19 of the 565 complaints (3%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 17 reports mention a crash, 3 mention a fire and 14 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 13 of 17, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Each of airbag and stalling has a recall on the same system: airbag, 15V-483, 16V-078 and 3 others; stalling, 17V-309. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2016 at 169 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 39. So far in 2026, 8 more have come in. Filings on record start in 2015.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: airbag warning light or recall, 354 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
565 complaints is 1.9 times the median 2014 model on this site and 1.8 times the median 2014 sedan. Among the 4 Passat model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2014 Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen filed 1,565 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2014 Volkswagen Passat. 68 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Airbag warning light or recall 5 bulletins · 354 complaints
This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication for the airbag control module. For trouble code DTC B10001B. Driver airbag igniter resistance too high -N95
Grinding noises can be heard from the area of the steering wheel/driver airbag or steering column when maneuvering OR Various controls, warnings or fault indicators, such as airbag, electronic stabilization programming (ESP), steering assist etc., light up ...
3 more on this problem
Airbag Warning Lamp Illuminated in Instrument Cluster, DTC B101614 Stored in Airbag Control Module
Airbag Warning Lamp ? Front Side Airbag Pressure Sensor Interruption/ Short to B+
Airbag Warning Lamp ON, DTCs B200009, B200049 or U101200 Stored in Airbag Control Unit
Takata airbag inflator recall 1 bulletin · 294 complaints
This document reminds dealers that Takata SDI Frontal Airbag Inflators replaced with the 69M9 Safety Recall will not be requested for return through the Warranty Parts Portal but will be requested for return through the Takata XPO Return Program.
Airbag warning light stays on 3 bulletins · 48 complaints
VOLKSWAGEN: AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED INDICATING A FRONT SIDE AIRBAG PRESSURE SENSOR INTERRUPTION/SHORT TO B+. THE DTCS B101715 AND B103615. *JS
Technical Bulletin (Airbag Warning Lamp ON): The airbag control unit self-test may be susceptible to alarm horn resonance during the self-test causing the airbag light to illuminate in the instrument panel.
1 more on this problem
VOLKSWAGEN: DURING A SELF TEST, THE AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO HORN ALARM RESONANCE THAT CAUSES AIRBAG LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE IN INSTRUMENT PANEL BUT AIRBAG SYSTEM STILL IS OPERATIONAL. MODEL 2012-2014 JETTA GLI, PASSAT. *PE
Fuel pump failure 5 bulletins · 20 complaints
DTC's P053F,P0087, P0088, P1025 may set due to the high pressure fuel pump being out of time (sync).
Symptom based diagnostic assistance for high pressure fuel pump being out of time.
3 more on this problem
MIL-ON, FAULT P309F OR P309D, NO ELECTRIC DRIVE MODE CUSTOMER STATES CRANK NO START AND/OR IN-TANK FUEL PUMP MAKING NOISE AND POSSIBLY WITH FUEL PUMP FAULTS MIL-ON, FAULT P013E IN THE ECM MIL-ON, FAULT P164B IN ECM MIL-ON, FAULT P0011 AND/OR P0016 IN THE ECM ...
Technical Bulletin (No Start, or Rough Running issues): When diagnosing a MIL ON, no-start or rough running concern on a common rail diesel vehicle, and no root cause is found after following all GFF diagnostic procedures, it may be necessary to check for ...
VOLKSWAGEN: DIAGNOSIS FOR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WHERE NO START, ENGINE CRANK, WITHOUT DRIVING, AFTER LONG PERIODS AND MAY HAVE ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE. MODELS 2008-2014 EOS, GTI, BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, JETTA, CC, PASSAT, TIGUAN, BEETLE. *PE
Check engine light or misfire 33 bulletins · 17 complaints
Engine misfire diagnostic aid.
Fuel Additive to prevent sporatic misfire
31 more on this problem
Fuel additive to help with misfire faults
Diagnostic Aid for engine misfire.
Recommended fuel additive to avoid engine misfires.
Diagnostic aid for DTC P0088 & P1025.
Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid. Updated to include additional model and model year applicability.
Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
Gasoline Engine Misfire Diagnosis document
The Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board have determined that Volkswagen vehicles equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder TDI engine do not comply with applicable emissions regulations.
Steps to address false misfire indication
Customer states noise from the engine/turbo and/or MIL-on and misfire faults
Plus 21 older ones not listed here.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 11 bulletins · 12 complaints
Update to existing information to address phone concerns via bluetooth resulting from saved emoji information
Technical Bulletin: UMI Software Update for Bluetooth Concerns ? Voice Prompts stuck in Non-English Language ? Poor Call Clarity on Receiving End ? Various Bluetooth® Connectivity & Paring issues This procedure in the document corrects the concerns by ...
9 more on this problem
Tech Tips (Rear View Camera Inoperative issues): The rear view camera operates in conjunction with the rear parking aid system. If there are no faults in the radio or rear view camera, be sure to check the parking aid system for faults.
Technical Bulletin (RNS 510 Welcome Screen Image Distorted): The customer may complain that the image of the RNS 510 welcome screen is distorted or shifted as seen in this document's example.
Tech Tips (Equipped With RNS-510 Radio?Unit Start-Up and Boot-Up Operation): The navigation unit may be slow to respond at times when memory use is high. This may include boot-up time after vehicle start up or times when multiple features are in use.
Technical Bulletin (Ad Blue Warning Light XXX Miles to No Restart Displayed): Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system diagnostic too sensitive. The product solution for this issue was a software update.
RNS 315 Navigation Radio Software Update for Locking, Rebooting, Switches Off at Random
UMI Software Update for Various Bluetooth® Concerns
Equipped with UMI Module ? Poor Sound Quality When Using Bluetooth System During Phone Calls
When diagnosing a customer concern of poor sound quality, when using the vehicle?s Bluetooth system during phone calls, on vehicles equipped with the Universal Media Interface (UMI), start by checking for microphone related fault codes in AW 77.
Tech Tips (Equipped with UMI Module - Poor Sound Quality When Using Bluetooth System During Phone Calls): This document informs when diagnosing a customer concern of poor sound quality, when using the vehicle?s Bluetooth system during phone calls, on vehicles ...
Turbo failure or loss of boost 8 bulletins · 11 complaints
Incorrect removal of Turbocharger oil feed line may cause engine damage
Tech Tips: The document discusses the conditions of when turbo can to be fixed or replaced
6 more on this problem
Technical Bulletin: Engine Lacks Performance, Shaft of Turbine Fan of Turbo Charger Broken or Seized. In the case of a damaged turbocharger it is important to follow the steps contained in this document to avoid repeat repairs.
THIS TSB CONTAINS AN OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER. SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON BELOW. PASSAT 2012-2014 W/ 2.0L TDI CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE ECM SOFTWARE.
Some vehicles may experience exhaust turbocharger failure (under extreme cold weather conditions) in a brief time period after initial vehicle start up.
VOLKSWAGEN: THERE IS NOISE FROM TURBOCHARGER OR REDUCED PERFORMANCE DUE TO BROKEN OR SEIZED SHAFT OF TURBINE FAN OF TURBO CHARGER AND ENGINE LACKS PERFORMANCE. MODEL 2012-2014 PASSAT. *PE
Technical Bulletin (Rattling Noises from Engine Compartment Area or Exhaust System): Customers may complain of a rattling noise from engine or exhaust area while accelerating from 1800-3000 RPM.
Tech Tips (Equipped with Turbocharged Engine Turbocharger Replacement Tip): If mechanical damage is found to the turbocharger (e.g. damaged compression wheel, loose or broken shaft), it is not enough to just replace the turbocharger.
Burns oil or oil level rises 2 bulletins · 7 complaints
VOLKSWAGEN: WHEN VEHICLE IS AT IDLE OR THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT IS ON, THERE IS NO OIL OR HAVE LOW OIL PRESSURE AND OIL FILTER UNDERNEATH MAY BE MISSING THE MANDREL AND IT MUST BE TRANSFERRED FROM OLD OIL FILTER AND RE-INSTALLED AFTER AN OIL CHANGE.
Tech Tips (1.8T or 2.0T engines (CPRA, CPLA, CPPA), No/low oil pressure at idle or oil pressure light on): This document informs to check under the oil filter for the mandrel to be missing. This must be transferred from the old filter and re-installed.
Complaints filed by year
169 complaints came in 2016, 6.8 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Air bag clockspring failure. Open.
NHTSA summary
Air bag clockspring failure. Closed may 4, 2018.
NHTSA summary
Air bag clockspring failure. Closed sep 28, 2015, led to recall 15V-483.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2014 Volkswagen Passat
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Passat vehicles, equipped with diesel engines and Direct-Shift Transmissions (DSG). The vehicle's underbody heat shield may not be long enough to protect the right half-shaft grease boot from heat, potentially resulting in a grease leak.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft heat shield, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23W5.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical connectors of the sensor, causing an electrical short.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in September. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23T3.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.
Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the transmission may leak fluid.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38B9/9V.
All 10 recalls on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat?
Airbag, with 354 of the 565 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 53,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2014 Volkswagen Passat problems start?
Of the 242 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 33,000 miles and half by about 56,000.
How many 2014 Volkswagen Passat complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
19 of them (3%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for airbag on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat?
Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls on the same system: 15V-483, 16V-078, 18V-148, 19V-862 and 24V-834. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.