2015 Volkswagen Passat electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Dec 2, 2025103,000 miILElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

   The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that cool air was being blown inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the heater failed to heat the passenger’s side of the vehicle. Additionally, the defroster failed to properly defrost the windshield while activated. The contact linked the failure to VWP:16‑05; (Heater Core Limited Warranty Extension). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the manufacturer for…

   NHTSA complaint #11702531 · source
2. Filed Nov 16, 2025AZAirbagsElectrical System

   The airbag system/clockspring assembly in the steering column appears to have failed. The airbag warning light turned on and all steering-wheel controls stopped working at the same time, which indicates that the driver airbag may not function in a crash. The vehicle can be inspected upon request. This is a major safety risk because the primary airbag might not deploy during a collision, putting the driver at high risk of injury. The issue has remained constant since it first…

   NHTSA complaint #11699627 · source
3. Filed Jul 7, 2025PAElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   2015 Passat TDI sudden complete power loss while driving, including highway incidents. Vehicle stalls with no warning, creating immediate safety hazard. Symptoms match documented crankshaft position sensor failures in identical vehicles that VW has repaired under warranty for other owners. VW Customer Care closed case requiring 'duplication' of safety defect before repair. Request immediate safety investigation. I am reporting today's incident however this issue has been…

   NHTSA complaint #11671727 · source
4. Filed May 27, 202545,000 miFLElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle, the infotainment system failed to turn off as intended, and the message "download" was displayed on the screen, causing the battery to become drained. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the infotainment system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11663236 · source
5. Filed Dec 20, 2024CAAirbagsElectrical System

   Clock spring failure. 2015 passat steering wheel started clicking then it snapped my airbag light came on and steering wheel functions didn't work. The sa

   NHTSA complaint #11631786 · source
6. Filed Aug 25, 2024GAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Gas and Oil comsumption is way too high … Almost every 600-1000 the low oil lights turns on! Check engine on almost all the time due to an error with the oxígen sensor. EPC light gets on very frequently and the car loses speed. Also vehicle has a constant rattlesnake sound when speed is low. Issue was reported some years ago to a local VW dealership in Georgia but they never took care of the issue. Ongoing for a couple of years!. No additional details

   NHTSA complaint #11610716 · source
7. Filed Sep 14, 2023AZElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering

   I take my car to the dealership for maintenance when it is scheduled. The ignition would not allow me to put the key inside. I did a little internet research and it seems to be a common problem with this car. I could not put the key in the ignition. I then used some wd40 and got it to go in eventually but thought I should report it as this could pose a safety hazard.

   NHTSA complaint #11544526 · source
8. Filed Jul 28, 2023OHAirbagsElectrical SystemSteering

   Failed part: Clock spring. Yes, the work was appropriately installed. This is my fourth replacement within less than 100k miles. No additional inspections as of yet. No warning lights, just a faint click coming from the steering wheels while making turns two days prior to hearing a snapping noise. My air bag light illuminated and my dash notified me of an air bag error. Lost all connection to steering wheel controls and horn. This is the same thing that has happened every…

   NHTSA complaint #11535105 · source
9. Filed Apr 14, 2023GAElectrical SystemLighting

   Rear back left light keeps going out. Could be an electrical issue. I have had to change light 5 times. The rear left back light blinker keeps going out.

   NHTSA complaint #11517003 · source
10. Filed Jan 18, 2023ORElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

    Mice and rodents just love eating various electrical wires, vacuum lines, diesel fuel lines (both from tank to engine & return lines), etc. Never once had any animals issues with my other vehicles. Discovered that VWoA thought it would be a brilliant idea to use Soy in the manufacturing of electrical insulation, fuel hoses, vacuum lines, etc. ANIMALS LIKE EATING SOY. Very frustrating. My vehicle has been disabled before and one time I sprang a nice leak, leaving a trail of…

    NHTSA complaint #11502406 · source
11. Filed Nov 18, 2022SCAirbagsElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts

    I purchased this car from what I believed was a private individual for my 15 year old daughter as her first car. This individual knew the purpose of this sale and was accutely aware that a new driver would be the primary driver. Before allowing her to drive this car, I had a detailed safety and condition inspection completed by a local import repair specialist. They found that there had been a deployment of the air bags resulting in the clock spring and front seat belt…

    NHTSA complaint #11494168 · source
12. Filed Nov 1, 202264,000 miNYTowedElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated his wife was unable to insert the key into the ignition to start the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed the key was faulty. The vehicle was repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure…

    NHTSA complaint #11491738 · 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