2006 Volkswagen Passat: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Passat years.
One of the Volkswagen Passat years to avoid. All Passat years
576 owner complaints, most about air bags. 7 recalls.
Should I buy a 2006 Passat?The 2006 Volkswagen Passat has 576 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and steering.
Safety record for the 2006 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2006 Volkswagen Passat vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Passat years only. How we score it
Is 2006 a good year for the Passat?
Across the 26 Passat model years we track, complaint volume runs from 12 (2019) to 1,304 (2002). With 576 complaints, the 2006 Passat sits above the model's median of 244.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2006 Passat
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 18V247000Volkswagen 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.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 17V509000Volkswagen 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.
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 16V079000Volkswagen 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.
steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
Campaign 05V540000ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD SECURING NUT MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TORQUED.
Show 3 more recalls
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
Campaign 06V472000CERTAIN 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.
visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
Campaign 06V470000ON 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.
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 24V834000Volkswagen 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 owners say across generations
Sentiment is highly polarized and varies significantly by generation, engine, and market.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Passat. See the full Passat owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Passat listings typically run $9,995–$16,052 across 2012 to 2022 model years.
Other Passat model years
Compare every Passat year side by side to see how 2006 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Passat against its rivals
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