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KLUNK
KLUNK

2014 Volkswagen Passat

The Verdict

21 Check Engine

The 2014 Volkswagen Passat has 583 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (363 complaints) and engine (114 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 21/100, it earns a "Check Engine" rating. If you're shopping for a Volkswagen Passat, consider the 2022 model year which has 98% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2022 has 98% fewer complaints

View the 2022 Volkswagen Passat dashboard →

21

Klunk Score: Check Engine

More complaints than most vehicles. Known issues exist — budget for potential repairs.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 1

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

14V182000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

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 trans...

Risk

The leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.

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 Volks...

Reported Apr 11, 2026

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20001041995514520
20011145810114133
20021136722521924
20031553410631828
200466143613136
200537414849
20061383318417632
200733121179711
2008224381046
2009234151073
2010160507126
201120770
201243103317711
2013124742416014
201474736311425
2015541797677
2016211534351
2017401734133
201831312152
201923232
202041460
202223132

By Category

Electrical
363
Engine
114
Body
74
Transmission
25
Brakes
7

By Severity

1
280
2
283
3
1
4
19

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 2

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the Check Engine warning light illuminated, and there was no heat coming from the front passenger’s or driver’s side air vents. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine heater core had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on three different occasions. The engine heater core was replaced four times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no assistance was available due to the mileage on the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

1mo ago
Electrical 2

I was driving and the airbag light randomly came on out of the blue. While trying to parallel park I noticed my steering wheel clicking. We ran codes on the car and we are confident that the clock spring failed. My horn and cruise control also no longer work.

1mo ago
Electrical 1

Early in 2024 my VW Passat TDI SEL the airbag light would not go off after starting and operating the car. The steering wheel controls were also operation incorrectly -- the horn didn't work, nor did the cruise control, wiper controls, etc. I took the car to my local VW dealership, where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel clock spring was defective and needed to be replaced. The dealership reported the component was on a serious back order, and they would call me when it was available. This presented a clear safety issue, since the airbag was non-functioning, and the horn did not work, and the other steering wheel controls were not operating correctly. I requested a loaner car until such time as the repair could be effected, but was told they would not provide me with one. Many months later, the part became available and in September 2024 the faulty steering wheel clock spring was replaced, and I paid for it. Late in 2025, VW mailed me a notice that they were utilizing an extended warranty coverage for the steering wheel clock spring replacement that I had done. I emailed my application to them, according to all of their guidelines, and 4 month later, after receiving on reply to my application, I contacted VW and was told my submission had been overlooked, but I would receive action within a few days. A few days later, the email I received from VW denied that the faulty clock spring replacement was covered by the warranty coverage for which they had mailed me to apply.

2mo ago
Engine 1

The vehicle experienced repeated catastrophic engine failures, including failure of a replacement engine. Approximately six months after purchase and at around 80,000 miles, the engine failed and required a complete engine replacement through Volkswagen and the MaxCare service contract. Approximately one to one and a half years later, at around 120,000 miles, the replacement engine also failed. The vehicle developed rough idle conditions, check engine light warnings, timing chain and camshaft-related issues, lubrication-related concerns, and severe engine performance problems. Volkswagen later recommended another complete engine rebuild or replacement along with additional engine-related repairs. The vehicle became non-operable and could no longer be safely or reliably driven. The repeated failure of both the original engine and replacement engine suggests an ongoing defect-related condition rather than normal wear or an isolated mechanical failure. The problems were confirmed and documented by Volkswagen service personnel. Similar engine-related concerns involving oil consumption, lubrication issues, timing system concerns, and engine performance problems are also reflected in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletins involving this type of engine.

2mo ago
Engine 1

I am reporting a recurring engine defect in a 2014 Volkswagen Passat that has resulted in repeated engine failure and loss of power while driving. Approximately six months after purchase, the vehicle required a complete engine replacement. One to two years after the replacement, the vehicle began exhibiting the same engine-related failures and has since become inoperable again. Manufacturer-issued Technical Service Bulletins addressing these engine defects were issued prior to the sale of the vehicle, indicating the condition was known. The repeated engine failures create unsafe driving conditions, including the risk of sudden loss of power during vehicle operation.

5mo ago
Transmission 1

1) Transmission vehicle is not able to be driven Driving on the highway taking kids to school as my vehicle would not accelerate put me the kids and all that were on the road that morning at risk because all i could do is coast to get off on the side of the highway. I had it towed to independent center No warning signs, lights or messages nor any other symptoms. 2)also faulty steering wheel clock spring all of the controls stopped working airbag light is on and when turning the wheel it clicks and rubs.

6mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (AIR BAGS) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local unknown dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

9mo ago
Electrical 2

The Volkswagen dealership advised they could not fix the airbag recall. They said that the parts are on extreme back order, they can’t schedule an appointment for me to get it fixed, and they have no time estimate on when it can be fixed. I’m very concerned since the airbag recall lists that the driver airbag can explode and cause severe injury or death.

10mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received a recall letter related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was placed on a waiting list. The contact called another local dealer, Orlando Volkswagen South (1406 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32809); and was added to the waiting list, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not contacted or made aware of the issue.

10mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was occasionally illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

10mo ago
Engine 1

Components failed, Nitrogen Oxide Sensor, codes P2201 NOx sensor "Circut" bank 1 P20EE NOx catalytic Reduction P205B Reductant tank temperature " Circut" implausible signal

10mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that two dealers had been contacted since April 2025; however, the dealers confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

11mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen  Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000(Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

11mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

11mo ago
Electrical 2

RECALL CAME OUT 12/2024; CALLED LOCAL DEALERSHIP NIELLO VW OF SACRAMENTO CA IN JANUARY WAS TOLD PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN APRIL. CALLED IN APRIL WAS TOLD PARTS ARE NOW NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER AT THE EARLIEST AND NOW ITS SAYING THERE IS NOT EVEN A REMEDY AVAILABLE. AND THE POSSIBLE OUTCOME OF THE AIRBAG UNINTENTIONALLY GOING OFF IS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. I DRIVE MY CAR TO WORK EVERY DAY AND FEEL MORE UNSAFE FROM THE AIRBAG BEING A POTENTIAL HAZARD INSTEAD OF A SAFETY FEATURE.

11mo ago
Electrical 1

Volkwsagen has still addressed the recall of 24V834. I can't find anywhere else to submit a complaint. When I call them they say they do not have the parts even though I was notified of the recall in December 2024. I also called into the NTHSA but no one answers your phone. I think your employees are picking up and leaving the phone off the hook.

12mo ago
Electrical 2

This car was cited for recall due to defective driver side airbag in December 2024 and as of this date – July 18, 2025 – VW has not provided any repairs.

12mo ago
Electrical 1

I have contacted Centennial VW in Las Vegas, NV about the recall in December 2024 and they said the part is still on back order.

12mo ago
Electrical 1

Called the dealership at commonwealth motors and all other dealership to take care of the recall as that is the only reason why I am a unable to pass inspection . Dealer ships all around said the part for the takata airbag recall is not in stock and will not be available till December 2025

13mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

13mo ago

583 total

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