2013 Volkswagen Passat electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 16V171000Mar 24, 201691,442 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

  Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical connectors of the sensor, causing an electrical short.

  Risk: An electrical short can cause the electrical connectors of the sensor to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

  Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in September. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23T3.

What owners say

1. Filed Apr 26, 2025MOAirbagsElectrical SystemLighting

   In April 2025, my 2013 Volkswagen Passat developed serious issues: the steering wheel cover is lifted, horn and steering wheel controls stopped working, lights malfunctioned, and now the vehicle will not start. It also has an open Takata airbag recall with no parts available until “after june” I contacted the dealership by phone and Spoke to Lykoto at Molle dealership in Kansas City. they have refused to provide a tow or a loaner vehicle. Due to this I have not had an…

   NHTSA complaint #11656938 · source
2. Filed Mar 28, 2025MAAirbagsElectrical SystemSteering

   Failed clock spring. Airbag light was present and a rattling noise, when turning, was noticed. Less than 72 hours later, the buttons on the steering wheel, including horn, stopped working, and a louder crack/pop was heard.

   NHTSA complaint #11651424 · source
3. Filed Jan 30, 2025MAElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   Def system failed- cel came on w def light stating xxx miles to no start, codes p204f & 18097, now unable to start or drive car safely, 18097 code may cause abs & steering to shut off while driving & p204f renders the car unusable. EPA mod was never performed on my car per dieselgate settlement rules- & now the manufacturer(vw) is refusing to fix their mistake car has been in shop repeatedly for 30+ days at a time since 2022 for the def system and not once was the epa mod…

   NHTSA complaint #11639689 · source
4. Filed Dec 28, 2024IDElectrical System

   The drives side door lock will not disengage. This condition will not allow the driver to exit the car. In the event of a medical emergency, accident, or fire the driver can not extricate themselves and first responders would be delayed in extricating the driver which could lead to serious injury or death.

   NHTSA complaint #11632892 · source
5. Filed Dec 26, 202480,000 miFLElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the instrument panel became inoperable. The contact stated the multiple warning lights would inadvertently illuminate with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clock spring failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11632454 · source
6. Filed Dec 13, 2024131,100 miAZElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated upon activating the A/C, the vehicle voltage dropped. No further information was available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the alternator main fuse wiring was overheating. The dealer determined that the wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure…

   NHTSA complaint #11630569 · source
7. Filed Nov 25, 2024CAAirbagsElectrical SystemEngine

   My vehicle was part of the emissions scandal that I knew nothing about when i purchased it. I was not told. I have had it in over 15 times at the dealership with ongoing problems that they say they fixed but isn't and because of its other Problems have occurred. The vehicle gets hot, and I am afraid to drive it out of fear of it exploding. It is a diesel and has stalled on me while driving after jerking on its own. Other issues are lights going out such as break lights, fog…

   NHTSA complaint #11627364 · source
8. Filed Jul 19, 2024MDElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The vehicle cuts off while driving we’ve done numerous expensive replacements to water pump, control arm bushings, new battery, variable valve timing, celinoid, camshaft adjustment magnet, spark plugs and coils, ignition switch, fuel pump, gas cap. Oil filters And there is still a problem.

   NHTSA complaint #11603379 · source
9. Filed May 15, 2024VAElectrical SystemEngineLighting

   Currently my reverse lights do not come on i have changed the bulbs and checked fuses. it started with one reverse light, however the warning light would come on and off on my dashboard. Next, the other reverse light so i attempted to change both bulbs and change fuses. still not working. Now it is also my low beam headlights again changed the bulbs and fuses with no fix. My vehicle flickers a light in my rear lights when vehicle is off. my engine is having cooling problems…

   NHTSA complaint #11588936 · source
10. Filed Jan 21, 2024MDElectrical System

    Like many other VW owners, one of the doors of my car would not close and the car was unsafe to operate. Some people reporting having been locked in the car (driver's side door will not open), requiring them to exit the passenger's side door. The problem relates to a design flaw in the door lock actuator. In the winter, if it rains for several days and then freezes, the physical workings of the actuator freeze. The fix in a plastic protective cover, however, it may cost up…

    NHTSA complaint #11566758 · source
11. Filed Dec 5, 2023SCAirbagsElectrical SystemSteering

    I was turning into my driveway when I heard a strange clicking noise coming form the steering wheel column. As soon as I heard the clicking sound the airbag indicator light started flashing on my dashboard and the buttons on my steering wheel stopped working. Did some research on the airbag sensor which lead to learning about the clockspring malfunction. Not only I’m I at risk of my airbag not deploying, my HORN does not work. The horn malfunction came to knowledge when a…

    NHTSA complaint #11558616 · source
12. Filed Aug 1, 2023MSElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    Day of purchase (Feb2020)Nox sensor went out on way home. Check engine light came on took back to VW dealership they fixed for free. Next component to go bad or become faulty was and still is the fuel door actuator when raining or washing off the car will get wet and fuel door will not open. Reported it to VW dealer after the issue arose at which time I was told it was not covered under the emissions warranty even though it’s listed. Next issue was clock spring broke and had…

    NHTSA complaint #11535723 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology