2010 Volkswagen Passat: common problems and reliability

The 2010 Volkswagen Passat has 172 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and engine. Owners most often flag sunroof hits wind deflector and reverses: frequency: isolated. caused by sticky tracks or misaligned glass; fixable with lubrication and adjustment.

Safety record for the 2010 model year

172
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2010 Volkswagen Passat vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2010 a good year for the Passat?

Across the 23 Passat model years we track, complaint volume runs from 12 (2019) to 1,304 (2002). With 172 complaints, the 2010 Passat sits belowthe model's median of 243.

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

air bags
48
engine
44
power train
34
fuel/propulsion system
27
electrical system
24

Recalls affecting the 2010 Passat

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 18V148000

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's…

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 17V509000

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…

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 16V078000

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet an…

air bags:frontal

Campaign 15V483000

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the a…

What owners report on the 2011-2015 Passat

Owners of the 2011-2015 Passat overwhelmingly praise the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine as "bulletproof" and one of the most reliable modern engines, often comparing its durability favorably to Toyota and Honda. The car is described as comfortable, smooth, and

  • Sunroof hits wind deflector and reverses: Frequency: isolated. Caused by sticky tracks or misaligned glass; fixable with lubrication and adjustment.
  • ABS wheel speed sensor failure: Frequency: recurrent. Triggers warning lights; requires scanning to identify which sensor.
  • Vacuum pump (brake booster supply) can fail: Frequency: isolated. An aftermarket delete kit is available as a cheaper fix.
  • PCV system deterioration around 130k miles: Frequency: isolated. An aluminum valve cover is available as a permanent solution.
  • Interior plastic degradation (cracking trim, peeling surfaces, broken visor clip): Frequency: recurrent. Attributed to age and heat exposure.

Owner insights for the 2011-2015 Passat. Read the full 2011-2015 owner report.

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 2010 ranks against the rest.

2021 Passat2020 Passat2019 Passat2018 Passat2017 Passat2015 Passat2014 Passat2013 Passat2012 Passat2011 Passat2009 Passat2008 Passat2007 Passat2006 Passat2005 Passat2003 Passat2002 Passat2001 Passat2000 Passat1999 Passat1998 Passat1997 Passat1996 Passat

Compare the Passat against its rivals

Passat vs Mazda 6Passat vs Audi A4Passat vs Subaru Legacy
Full Volkswagen Passat owner reportCompare against another car