Closest available photo (2010 model year); you're viewing the 2012.
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
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
- Smog score
- 5/10
- Elec. Range
- 0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Real-world MPG
- 29.2 mpg, reported by 12 driversabout 4.2 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
- SmartWay certified
- Yes
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
- 11
- Owner complaints
- 481
- Reported injuries
- 10
- Theft rate
- 1.1 per 1,000 produced (CY 2012 federal data)
Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year
- AIR BAGS45%
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14%
- STEERING7%
- ENGINE6%
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5%
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER5%
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 656 total.
Volkswagen Passat: best and worst yearsFederal 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.