2017 Volkswagen Passat: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2017 Volkswagen Passat: 7 recalls, 110 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.
Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic), Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #17V075000 · 2017 · 1,007 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 passat vehicles. Brake fluid May leak slowly from the some of the brake line connections, resulting in a low brake fluid level.
Why it matters: A low brake fluid level May lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake lines, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2017.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #18V536000 · 2018 · 8,416 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles May not have been tightened sufficiently.
Why it matters: The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if…
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #19V389000 · 2019 · 662,185 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen passat and 2018-2019 atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim May not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019.
Other / unknown Vehicle recall #19V679000 · 2019 · 113 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen passat, 2018 tiguan lwb, 2007-2009 jetta sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 jetta, 2013 jetta hybrid, 2008-2009 jetta sportwagen, 2015 golf sportwagen, 2013 golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 beetle and beetle convertible, 2008-2010 beetle, and beetle convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation…
Why it matters: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019.
Other / unknown Vehicle recall #20V561000 · 2020 · 23 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen golf r and atlas, 2017 golf alltrack and e-golf and 2016-2018 passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and May have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles May fail to comply with the requirements of various federal motor…
Why it matters: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements May have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020.
Other / unknown Vehicle recall #21V321000 · 2021 · 46 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 touareg gp, tiguan, golf a6, e-golf gp, ccf, 2016-2017 passat gp, 2018-2019 golf r gp, and 2018 atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and May have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles May fail to comply with the requirements of…
Why it matters: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements May have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
The fix: Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021.
Airbags Vehicle recall #24V834000 · 2024 · 248,330 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen 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.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (28): the most common themes are warning light on (9).
- Other / unknown (21): the most common themes are electrical failure (2), noise or vibration (2).
- Electrical (18): the most common themes are electrical failure (3), warning light on (3).
- Steering (16): the most common themes are steering problems (12), noise or vibration (5), warning light on (5).
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat has 110 owner complaints, ranking #19 of 33 Passat model years for complaints (well below the 238 average). Complaints peaked in 2021 (21 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 32,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2016 (106 complaints, 5 recalls), 2018 (46 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 34 | 27 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat.
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FAQ
Does the 2017 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2017 Volkswagen Passat problems?
Owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (28), other / unknown (21), electrical (18).
What gas mileage does the 2017 Volkswagen Passat get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (1.8 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2017 Volkswagen Passat repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.