Skip to content
Trimslate
SavedHelp

2013 Volkswagen

Passat

Auto (S6), 5 cyl, 2.5 L

Volkswagen Passat: best and worst years
2013 Volkswagen Passat

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2013.

PhotoDinkun ChenCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Midsize CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S6)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl
5EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Start-stop system
NoEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
31 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
22 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
25 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,500EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
CO₂
351 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Eco Score
6/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Real-world MPG
28.5 mpg, reported by 5 driversabout 3.5 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
192 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
72 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
58 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
110 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
3,360 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Pass. Vol
102 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Cargo Vol
16 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
No
Lane-departure warning
No
Recalls
9
Owner complaints
747
Reported injuries
24
Theft rate
1.4 per 1,000 produced (CY 2013 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • AIR BAGS37%
  • ENGINE10%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER8%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6%
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 1,023 total.

Volkswagen Passat: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • EA18003Openopened Apr 18, 2018AIR BAGS

    Air Bag Clockspring Failure

  • RQ17009opened Nov 13, 2017AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

    Air Bag Clockspring Failure

  • PE15010opened Mar 24, 2015ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Air Bag Clockspring Failure

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

1,187 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 19, 2026STRUCTURE:BODYSM 26-2026

    This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.

  • Mar 27, 2026ENGINEVOS-26-21

    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM updates for any control module(s) etc.

  • Mar 25, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV0018092053065_6

    Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting

  • Mar 19, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV9422022066761_4

    Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors

  • Mar 6, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMVOS-26-15

    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill and bleed cooling system issue, N493, J338, Camshaft, V465 etc. Use this test for all the basic setting. You will need to select the component you need to run the basic settings. But there are also stand-alone tests for each of those components.

  • Mar 5, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV5515032021354_9

    Paint color and/or finish of the engine compartment may not match the exterior paint color

  • Mar 2, 2026AIR BAGSDC_VW_CF_Airbag

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles.

  • Jan 6, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMVOS-26-01

    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct a test that is not reading any information from the battery data module (BDM) and will output:

  • and 1,179 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
Maintenance
2 yr / 20k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.