2014 Volkswagen Passat engine problems

Related recalls

• Recall 17V309000May 11, 201784,262 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL · POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

  Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Passat vehicles, equipped with diesel engines and Direct-Shift Transmissions (DSG). The vehicle's underbody heat shield may not be long enough to protect the right half-shaft grease boot from heat, potentially resulting in a grease leak.

  Risk: If the leaking grease contacts a heated surface, such as the exhaust system and/or the diesel particulate filter (DPF), it could increase the risk of fire.

  Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft heat shield, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23W5.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 16, 2026130,000 miPAEngine

   The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the Check Engine warning light illuminated, and there was no heat coming from the front passenger’s or driver’s side air vents. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine heater core had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on three different occasions. The engine…

   NHTSA complaint #11744586 · source
2. Filed May 13, 2026ILEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle experienced repeated catastrophic engine failures, including failure of a replacement engine. Approximately six months after purchase and at around 80,000 miles, the engine failed and required a complete engine replacement through Volkswagen and the MaxCare service contract. Approximately one to one and a half years later, at around 120,000 miles, the replacement engine also failed. The vehicle developed rough idle conditions, check engine light warnings, timing…

   NHTSA complaint #11737686 · source
3. Filed Jan 26, 2026ILEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am reporting a recurring engine defect in a 2014 Volkswagen Passat that has resulted in repeated engine failure and loss of power while driving. Approximately six months after purchase, the vehicle required a complete engine replacement. One to two years after the replacement, the vehicle began exhibiting the same engine-related failures and has since become inoperable again. Manufacturer-issued Technical Service Bulletins addressing these engine defects were issued prior…

   NHTSA complaint #11713396 · source
4. Filed Aug 24, 2025CAAirbagsEngineOther / Unknown

   Components failed, Nitrogen Oxide Sensor, codes P2201 NOx sensor "Circut" bank 1 P20EE NOx catalytic Reduction P205B Reductant tank temperature " Circut" implausible signal

   NHTSA complaint #11682641 · source
5. Filed May 30, 2025FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Local dealership requesting for Volkswagen to authorize an inspection at no charge due to excessive oil consumption. Please see attachment from dealership.

   NHTSA complaint #11663975 · source
6. Filed Feb 26, 2025FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   There has been an excessive oil consumption in this vehicle , and reading other reports there maybe an issue, also this vehicle has been part of several recalls previously and I am concerned and I don’t feel safe to drive it . I would like for VW to inspect the car free of charge for this particular issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11645121 · source
7. Filed Jan 25, 2025MSEngine

   Heater core has clogged after replacement in less than 12 months. This is the 4th occurrence of this failure on this vehicle. Failure has the risk to overheat engine. VW Technical Service Bulletin has been modified multiple times, but still doesn't fully resolve the issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11638507 · source
8. Filed Dec 17, 2024MSEngineOther / Unknown

   Unknown. I was driving down the interstate and car just lost power and wouldn’t get no gas. Got it to the side of the road and it wouldn’t crank back up. Took it to shop and the mechanic stated motor need to be replaced.

   NHTSA complaint #11631316 · source
9. Filed Dec 6, 202492,000 miMDElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated and remained illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were false DTC codes displayed while performing the diagnostic test. The vehicle was then taken the dealer and the contact was informed…

   NHTSA complaint #11629250 · source
10. Filed Apr 22, 2024MSEngine

    Emissions system on engine has premature failures following the TDI scandal modifications, causing the coolant system to fail prematurely. Have had 2 heater cores clogged in the past 3 years, resulting in EGR failures, impacting emissions and potential engine overheats.

    NHTSA complaint #11584499 · source
11. Filed Feb 21, 2024CAElectrical SystemEngineSteering

    The component that failed is in the official dealer report. I am not an expert however definitely an issue with electrical, engine, steering and acceleration meter. The car shakes/jolts aggressively. Once the shaking of the vehicle begins it accelerates with the breaks being pressed in under a red light and also under parked mode. In the red light case the vehicle then turns off the steering wheel freezes and all power comes off. The shaking/jolting takes place as I am…

    NHTSA complaint #11573211 · source
12. Filed Feb 28, 2023TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

    Bought my car in November 2019 from an individual after bout 6 months i noticed that my car would slighty cut out when slowing down or cominv to a stop but it wasnt often til bout another 6 months that it began to cut out when slowing down and stopping more and aggressively and it would die then it does it just idling and even when im driving at a low speed as long as i stay at a higher speed ot isnt as bad theres no warning or check engine lights that come on at all when it…

    NHTSA complaint #11509434 · 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