Volkswagen Passat recalls
Recalls to 31 Oct 2026, from DVSA's file. Each recall shows its own launch date.
DVSA lists 40 safety recalls naming the Volkswagen Passat, launched from 1995 to 2025. Most recalls cover only cars built in certain dates or chassis number ranges, so check a specific car on GOV.UK's recall check.
Volkswagen Passat recalls at a glance
- Recalls
- 40
- 1995 to 2025
- Latest recall
- 22 August 2025
- R/2025/357
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Every Volkswagen Passat recall
Newest first. The concern is the part or system affected, the defect is what can go wrong, and the remedy is what the manufacturer does to put it right.
Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement
R/2025/357, launched 22 August 2025. Also covers the Beetle, Crafter, Eos, Fox, Golf, Polo, Sharan, Transporter, Us Passat, XL1, up!
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.
Replace front passenger airbag
R/2025/208, launched 9 June 2025. Also covers the ID.7, Id.buzz, Polo, Taigo
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.
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, launched 12 January 2024, 26,721 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Arteon, Golf
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.
Takata Front airbag
R/2023/178, launched 13 June 2023. Also covers the Beetle, Crafter, Eos, Fox, Golf, Polo, Sharan, Tiguan, Transporter, Us Passat (A3), XL1 (6Z), up!
Defect: The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Remedy: Replace airbag
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, launched 7 April 2022, 1,868 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Arteon, Golf, Tiguan
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.
DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY IF ACTIVATED
R/2021/403, launched 21 October 2021, 64 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Golf
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.
DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY IF ACTIVATED
R/2021/404, launched 11 October 2021, 300 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Golf
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.
THE BOLTED CONNECTION OF THE PULL ROD BETWEEN THE ELECTROMECHANICAL BRAKE SERVO AND BRAKE PEDAL COULD COME LOOSE
R/2021/320, launched 10 September 2021, 145 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Arteon, Golf
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
THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE AND THE CONTROL UNIT CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN MIXED UP
R/2021/142, launched 8 April 2021, 243 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Arteon
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.
A CONDENSER MAY FAIL IN THE AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT
R/2019/378, launched 5 November 2019, 17,988 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Sharan, Tiguan
Defect: A condenser in the airbag control unit may fail.
Remedy: The software of the airbag control unit must be updated.
TOO LITTLE TORQUE MAY BE PROVIDED BY THE ENGINE AT LOW ENGINE SPEEDS
R/2019/264, launched 9 August 2019, 373 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Arteon, Tiguan, Touran
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.
POSSIBLE INCORRECT WELDED CONNECTION OF REAR SEAT BENCH
R/2019/232, launched 22 July 2019, 54 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
THE JOINT BETWEEN THE SUN ROOF TRIM AND SUN ROOF FRAME IS INCORRCTLY BONDED
R/2019/081, launched 7 March 2019, 8 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Arteon
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.
DRIVER AIRBAG GENERATOR HOUSING COULD COME LOOSE
R/2019/019, launched 24 January 2019, 786 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Bora, Golf, Transporter
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.
REAR SEAT BENCH WELDED CONNECTION MAY NOT BE CORRECTLY PERFORMED
R/2018/352, launched 12 December 2018, 4,027 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Atreon, Golf, T-Roc
Defect: The rear back rest head restraint mounting is not correctly welded.
Remedy: Check and replace rear back rest frame if required.
HEAD RESTRAINT GUIDE RETAINING SPRING MAY BE FAULTY
R/2018/212, launched 7 August 2018, 428 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
HEAD RESTRAINT MAY BE INSECURE
R/2018/133, launched 11 May 2018, 2,881 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Golf, Touran
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.
STARTER MOTOR MAY MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT
R/2018/062, launched 7 March 2018, 16,625 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Beetle, Eos, Golf, Jetta, Scirocco, Sharan, Tiguan, Touran
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.
PASSENGER AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED
R/2018/034, launched 29 January 2018, 32 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Sharan
Defect: A connection between the detonator and generator in the front passenger airbag module may not be correctly welded. Therefore the airbag may not be triggered in the event of a collision.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front passenger airbag module.
REAR WHEEL BEARING HOUSINGS MAY BE INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AND COULD FAIL PREMATURELY
R/2017/294, launched 17 November 2017, 420 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Arteon, Golf
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.
AIRBAG/BELT TENSIONERS MAY NOT TRIGGER IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT
R/2017/079, launched 22 March 2017, 3,879 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Crafter, Golf, Scirocco, Tiguan, Touran, Transporter, up!
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.
LIGHTS MAY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING
R/2017/040, launched 23 January 2017, 12,440 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Golf, Sportsvan, Tiguan, Touran
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.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM MAY FAIL
R/2016/212, launched 9 September 2016, 5 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
CHILD LOCK MAY DISENGAGE
R/2016/145, launched 23 June 2016, 13,620 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Golf, Polo, Tiguan, up!
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.
SUNROOF MAY INJURE OCCUPANTS WHEN IT IS CLOSED FROM OUTSIDE VEHICLE
R/2016/059, launched 30 March 2016, 606 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
UNINTENTIONAL DEPLOYMENT OF AN AIRBAG
R/2016/028, launched 22 March 2016, 11 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
BRAKING PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED
R/2016/025, launched 18 February 2016, 11,589 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
DIRECTIONAL CONTROL MAY BE COMPROMISED
R/2015/097, launched 24 June 2015, 303 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Golf
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.
FUEL MAY LEAK
R/2011/169, launched 15 December 2011, 33,719 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Eos, Golf, Scirocco, T5, Tiguan
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.
CLUTCH MAY OPERATE INADVERTENTLY WITH UNEXPECTED LOSS OF DRIVE
R/2009/110, launched 14 December 2009, 3,514 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Caddy, Eos, Golf, Jetta, Scirocco, Touran
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.
WIPERS MAY DETACH
R/2006/221, launched 5 March 2007, 43,357 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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
POSSIBILITY OF FIRE
R/2006/115, launched 7 August 2006, 1,406 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
TRACK ROD NUT MAY NOT BE TORQUED CORRECTLY AND BECOME LOOSE
R/2005/181, launched 8 December 2005, 73 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
BOLTS OF THE TANDEM FUEL PUMP COVER MAY BREAK
R/2004/211, launched 3 March 2005, 49,701 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Bora, Golf, Lupo, New Beetle, Polo, Sharan, Touran
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.
RH SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTING MAY NOT BE CORRECTLY TORQUED
R/2004/108, launched 29 July 2004, 1,699 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
TOW BAR BALL END MAY LOOSEN
R/1999/001, launched 15 January 1999, 224 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
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, launched 17 July 1998, 74 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
THE DRIVERS AIR BAG COULD HAVE BEEN UNINTENTIONALLY DEACTIVATED
R/1998/056, launched 15 July 1998, 121 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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
INSECURITY OF FAN BLADE
R/1996/008, launched 12 February 1996, 2,054 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Corrado, Golf
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.
FAILURE OF HEADLAMPS
R/1995/008, launched 6 September 1995, 28,112 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Golf
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.
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
What to do next
If you own a Volkswagen Passat, check its registration on GOV.UK and ask a Volkswagen dealer whether any recall work is outstanding. If you are buying one, ask the seller for proof the work was done, and run a Motoring Insider history check for finance, write-offs and the MOT history.