Volkswagen Passat Oil Type & Capacity
The Volkswagen Passat takes 0W-20 or 5W-40 engine oil, about 5.8-6 qt with a filter change, on 2016-2026 models. Older ones take a different grade - 2011-2015 models use 0W-40 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 (4.5-6.3 qt) - so check your year in the table below.
Oil by model year
| Model years | Oil type | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-2026 | 0W-20 / 5W-40 | 5.8-6 qt |
| 2011-2015 | 0W-40 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 | 4.5-6.3 qt |
| 2008-2010 | 0W-40 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 | 3.8-5 qt |
| 2005-2007 | 0W-40 / 10W-40 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 | 3.8-5 qt |
| 1997-2004 | 10W-60 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 | 3.8-5.7 qt |
| 1989-1996 | 10W-40 | 4.2-6.3 qt |
| 1986-1988 | 10W-40 | 3.2 qt |
Capacity is with a filter change and can vary by engine - open your exact year below for the per-engine figures and our sources.
Every Passat year
Frequently asked
What kind of oil does a Volkswagen Passat take?
The Volkswagen Passat takes 0W-20 or 5W-40 engine oil, about 5.8-6 qt with a filter change, on 2016-2026 models. Older ones take a different grade - 2011-2015 models use 0W-40 or 5W-30 or 5W-40 (4.5-6.3 qt) - so check your year in the table below.
How many quarts of oil does a Volkswagen Passat take?
About 5.8-6 qt with a filter change on 2016-2026 models, and 4.5-6.3 qt on 2011-2015 models. Capacity varies by engine, so check your exact year for the per-engine figure - and finish on the dipstick rather than pouring in the full amount.
Does the oil type change by year on the Volkswagen Passat?
Yes. We record 7 different factory specs across the years we cover - 2016-2026: 0W-20/5W-40; 2011-2015: 0W-40/5W-30/5W-40; 2008-2010: 0W-40/5W-30/5W-40. Use the table above and confirm against your owner's manual.