2020 VOLKSWAGEN Passat

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

3RecallsNHTSA Verified14ComplaintsNHTSA Data1InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
โ„น๏ธAverage Safety Profile

This 2020 model shows average reliability, primarily driven by 3 recalls affecting the air bags system.

Key Factor:air bags recalls

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:general reliability
๐Ÿ“Š

Expert Analysis

The 2020 Passat analysis highlights key safety metrics.

Critical Component: Stall

Safety & Reliability Score

70/100
Good

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-24
Complaint Impact-0.7
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 VOLKSWAGEN Passat

Model Year2020
MakeVOLKSWAGEN
ModelPassat
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more โ†’
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb20
RECALLRecall Issued
Sep20
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

โš ๏ธ

Most Reported Issue

2 complaints (14% of total)
โžก๏ธ

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
โœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 14 consumer complaints by severity level.

๐ŸŸ High
1(7%)
๐ŸŸกMedium
3(21%)
๐ŸŸขLow
10(71%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

โš™๏ธEngineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 17,333 miles.

๐Ÿ“Š Mileage data extracted from 3 of 14 complaints (21% coverage)
0-20k
2 reports (67%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
1 reports (33%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAIR BAGS

Official Safety Recalls (3)

Campaign: 19V389000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 19V218000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.

Consequence

In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 20V533000

AIR BAGS:PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL:CUSHION

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Passat vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AY.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2020 Passat.

INV-2020-1000๐ŸŸข Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Passat performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 40,333

Consumer Complaints

14 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 Passat.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Stall14%
Accident14%
Warning14%
Leak7%
Burn7%
Noise7%
Acceleration Issues7%
Vibrate7%
Display7%
Steering/Suspension๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
STEERING,AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Steering wheel controls stopped working, no horn either. Probably no airbag but haven't got into an accident. There was recall on the same part for the until 2018, but the new part I was going to install lists that if fits cars 2016-2022 Part # 5K0-953-569-BC Recall from VW. Number: VWP-18-11, Will replace part for my fiance,

Dec 18, 2025Open
Safety Systems๐Ÿ”ต Low
AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Error message alerted to maintenance needed and the air bag light has turned on and remained on. Also said message that front assist inls unavailable.

Mar 17, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ต Low
ENGINE

Oil pressure sensor fails. Causing high oil pressure. Causing the valve cover to be destroyed and the oil pan to leak. Draining the car oil.

Oct 6, 2024Resolved
Otherโš ๏ธ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VIN: [XXX] Dealership: Vanguard Volkswagen 6900 Burnet Rd Austin, TX 78757 I bought 2020 Passat back in Aug 2020 with CarNet included. It was showing that CarNet will be installed later when available at no cost. So in 2021 they installed carnet and everything was working fine up until 2024. The light turned off and no connection to the car. I called CarNet and they told me that most likely an issue with HW module and suggested to take to the dealer to get reset/replaced. Went to the dealer few days ago. Left them a car for 3 days for diag. No fault codes. So dealer sent a ticket to the Volkswagen to see how to proceed. I got a call from dealership today that Volkswagen responded to them that 2020 Passat is no longer eligible for the CarNet. Excuse me? At the time of sale CarNet was included. It was working fine no issues. And now Volkswagen taking car feature away that it came with and I paid for.. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Apr 22, 2024Resolved
Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ต Low
ENGINE

Bought car from dealer. Vw Manhattan. 42000miles. 8 months later at 53000 miles. Engine problems. Went to Vw service. Head gasket. Lemon car. Warranty till 50000 miles. Cost? 4800$ Worse car possible.

Apr 19, 2024Resolved
Other๐Ÿ”ต Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Our vehicle will not speed up after accelerating but you can hear the engine making noise like itโ€™s trying to speed up. We have taken our vehicle 3-4 times back to the dealership and they have told us they found nothing.

Mar 7, 2024Resolved
Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ต Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Car wasnโ€™t pulling up the road the epc light came on had to have my vehicle rolled to the next dealer which was 36 miles from where I was. I was traveling from grapevine tx and it start acting up in Huntsville tx. Came out of pocket 1085.00 and that was with a discount for the fuel injector #3 My warranty expired 3000 miles ago. I am the first owner on my vehicle.

Feb 13, 2024Resolved
Electrical๐Ÿ”ต Low
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

My clock spring isnโ€™t working after having my vehicle for barely a year. My air bag light is currently on. I canโ€™t use my horn nor use any of the controls on my steering wheel. Iโ€™ve paid already 800 plus on previous car issues such as my harness hose. Iโ€™m still awaiting reimbursement. Further review and assistance needed.

Aug 2, 2023Resolved
Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ต Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made abnormal sounds. The contact stated that the vehicle started independently, and the Driver Assist function engaged independently. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was swerving unintendedly and would vibrate while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the dealer informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The dealer later replaced the brake rotors; however, the failure persisted. The electronic power control (EPC), the Adaptive Cruise Control and low oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the message "Front Assist Error" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake caliper was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the thermostat as the message "Coolant Error" was displayed on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

Jun 22, 2023Resolved
Safety Systems๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

HELLO MY DOUGHTER HAD A ACCIDENT CAR WAS TOTAL LOSS AND AIR BAGS DID NOT POP UP AND SEAT BELT WAS NOT TIGHT ENOUGH

May 19, 2023Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2020 VOLKSWAGEN Passat?

Yes, the 2020 VOLKSWAGEN Passat has 3 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW, AIR BAGS:PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL:CUSHION.

Is the 2020 VOLKSWAGEN Passat safe to drive?

The 2020 VOLKSWAGEN Passat has 3 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2020 VOLKSWAGEN Passat has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local VOLKSWAGEN dealer.

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Air bags

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm air bags recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all air bags recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaigns:19V21800020V533000
2

Exterior lighting

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm exterior lighting recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all exterior lighting recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:19V389000
๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLKSWAGEN dealer to verify recall completion status.

๐ŸงญWhat This Means for You

Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

๐Ÿ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 3 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your VOLKSWAGEN dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyโ€”recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
๐Ÿ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Request documentation proving all recalls were addressed before finalizing purchase.
  • Factor potential recall-related service time into your ownership cost estimates.
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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.