2006
Volkswagen Passat
EPA MPG:
25 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
25 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.
The 2006 Volkswagen Passat has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2006 Volkswagen Passat has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
2006 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability
This Car
0
100
0 - 100
Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen Passat
NA
vs. Similar Cars
Honda Accord
Honda Accord
Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry
Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Powertrain
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Engine Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Engine Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Engine Cooling
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Engine Electrical
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Transmission Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Transmission Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Drive System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Exhaust
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Brakes
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Climate System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Build Quality
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Electrical Accessories
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Body Hardware
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Paint/Trim
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Noises/Leaks
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012*
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020*
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
2024
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive
reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest
subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20
potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and
brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide
data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY

AIR BAGS
Oct 30, 2024
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
What should you do:
Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
For more information:
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 nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
24V834000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
248330
AIR BAGS
Apr 18, 2018
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
What should you do:
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q8. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-079.
For more information:
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.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
18V247000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
71335
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Aug 16, 2017
If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
What should you do:
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.
For more information:
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.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
17V509000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
280915
AIR BAGS
Feb 10, 2016
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
What should you do:
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
For more information:
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.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
16V079000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
151767
VISIBILITY
Dec 12, 2006
THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED VISIBILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Summary:
ON CERTAIN '6' GENERATION PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DURING HEAVY RAIN DUE TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE ENTERING THE WIPER MOTOR. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE WIPERS CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPECIAL COVER AND SEALING KIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.
For more information:
VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO. P6.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION?S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
06V470000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
57291
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Dec 12, 2006
IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE POWER ASSIST CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE, AND THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE INCREASED EFFORT TO APPLY THE BRAKES POSSIBLY INCREASING VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Summary:
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L ENGINE WITH 147 KW MAY HAVE A VACUUM LINE THAT MAY FRACTURE AND BECOME DISCONNECTED AT LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED VACUUM LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.
For more information:
VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO. P7. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION?S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
06V472000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
58800
STEERING
Nov 30, 2005
AN INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED TIE ROD NUT MAY LOOSEN, RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF A TIE ROD. THIS CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD SECURING NUT MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TORQUED.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL NEW LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD SECURING NUTS AT THE PROPER TORQUED SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 7, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.
For more information:
VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO. M5.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
05V540000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
15
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