2010 Volkswagen Passat problems and complaints

Owners have filed 163 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Volkswagen Passat. The most-reported areas: Air Bags (45), Engine (41), Power Train (34).

Key takeaways

  • 163 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 5 involve a crash, 1 a fire, 2 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Air Bags4528%
Engine4125%
Power Train3421%
Fuel/Propulsion System2515%
Electrical System2113%
Unknown Or Other138%
Steering138%
Fuel System85%
Gasoline85%
Exterior Lighting42%
Service Brakes42%
Vehicle Speed Control32%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2010 Volkswagen Passat 4-DR. w/SABNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Electrical System,unknown Or Other,fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2026-03-14

My 2010 Volkswagen CC became completely inoperable because of the active fuel pump control module recall (NHTSA 17V509). The vehicle stalled and nearly caused an accident. The check engine light came on just before I noticed a burning smell coming from the backseat of my car immediately after smelling that the car sudd...

Steering,unknown Or Other,engine - filed 2024-10-23

I purchased a used vehicle but have found out the oxygen sensor is feeding false error codes to the main OBC causing leaks into driver compartment causing engine to stall while auto in motion and most importantly causing steering wheel to lock, have spoken with VWoA but they have no direct influence with VW or dealersh...

Fuel System, Gasoline,engine - filed 2024-03-25

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a strong fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted while the vehicle was parked and turned off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that t...

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More for the 2010 Volkswagen Passat

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.