2012 Volkswagen Passat recalls

• Airbag#2024649October 30, 2024

  18,995 units affected

  Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Volkswagen will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the driver-front airbag. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.

• Label#2020353August 4, 2020

  132,432 units affected

  Issue: On certain vehicles, the warning label for the engine block heater cable is written in English only. As a result, a French user may not receive important safety information about how to use the engine block heater. A label that is not provided in both official languages could create confusion. Safety Risk: User confusion could increase the risk of injury when trying to use the block heater. Corrective Actions: The company will mail each owner a new label for the block heater cable. If you would like help installing the label, you can contact a dealer for assistance.

• Lights And Instruments#2019242May 23, 2019

  51,987 units affected

  Issue: Certain vehicles were built with headlights that may allow horizontal adjustment. This is not allowed under Canadian regulations. Safety Risk: Headlights that are not properly adjusted could cause reduced visibility or glare for oncoming drivers, and could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the headlights. A blocking cap will be installed on the horizontal adjusters as necessary.

• Airbag#2018111March 6, 2018

  37,197 units affected

  On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Additional Note: This recall supersedes the Volkswagen brand vehicles subject to recall 2016-064 (Volkswagen Recall 69M9). Volkswagen vehicles completed under the previous 2016-064 recall require repair under this recall, as the previous recall remedy was an interim repair. Interim repair parts must be replaced with final repair parts.

• Powertrain#2017256May 10, 2017

  10,106 units affected

  On certain vehicles, an underbody heat shield may not be long enough to protect the right drive half-shaft grease boot from heat. Over time, this could lead to a grease leak from the boot. If leaking grease comes into contact with heated surfaces of the exhaust system and/or diesel particulate filter (DPF), it could lead to a fire potentially causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a revised heat shield and certain vehicles will have the upper boost hose replaced.

• Electrical#2016132March 23, 2016

  11,693 units affected

  Certain vehicles may have been equipped with an underbody sensor containing an improperly assembled seal which could allow water to penetrate and corrode the electrical terminals. This could lead to an electrical short causing the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to illuminate in the vehicle and cause the circuit to overheat, increasing the risk of fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the affected connector.

• Airbag#2016064February 9, 2016

  64,660 units affected

  On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the front driver airbag inflator. Note: This campaign only affects the Audi A5 and Audi S5 Cabriolet models.

• Seats And Restraints#2015344July 31, 2015

  41,308 units affected

  On certain vehicles, the steering wheel clock spring could become contaminated with long hair or long fibers which may cause a displacement of the internal guide loops. When the guide loops are dragged out of position, they may apply tension to the internal flat cable and cause it to tear. Should the cable tear, the electrical connection to the driver's front airbag may be lost, causing the airbag monitoring indicator light to illuminate. Failure of the driver's airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will install a cover of a different design to help prevent clock spring contamination caused by hair or other fibers. In instances where the vehicle has an airbag light on (and diagnosis confirms the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement), dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring.

• Lights And Instruments#2014080March 17, 2014

  10,152 units affected

  On certain vehicles, the low beam headlamp bulbs may lose electrical contact if the hood is closed roughly, or dropped from a certain height. This could compromise driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and adjust hood bumpers to prevent the hood from contacting the headlamp assemblies, and will also install improved bulb fittings.

• Fuel System#2012121April 4, 2012

  14 units affected

  On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0L TDI engine, the diesel fuel filter element may not seal properly and could leak. Diesel fuel leakage may ignite on a hot surface and cause a fire which could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel filter element.

Canadian data updated August 24, 2026

• AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE#24V834000October 30, 2024

  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.

  Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.

• AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE#19V862000December 4, 2019

  Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

  Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

  Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.

• EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS#19V389000May 22, 2019

  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."

  Risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.

• UNKNOWN OR OTHER#18V329000May 16, 2018

  Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

  Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

  Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

• AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE#18V148000March 6, 2018

  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 frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

  Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

  Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

• ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL#17V309000May 11, 2017

  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.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING#16V171000March 24, 2016

  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.

• AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE#16V078000February 10, 2016

  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 and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

  Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

  Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

• AIR BAGS:FRONTAL#15V483000August 4, 2015

  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 affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.

  Risk: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.

• EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS#14V125000March 17, 2014

  Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Passat vehicles manufactured January 2011 through November 2012. In the affected vehicles, the low beam headlight bulb may become loose and lose electrical contact.

  Risk: A loss of low beam headlights may reduce the driver's visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Volkswagen notified owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holder, free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagens recall number associated with this campaign is 94G8/7V.

• FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL#12V146000April 5, 2012

  VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PASSAT VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 1, 2011. DURING ASSEMBLY, THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DIESEL FUEL FILTER ELEMENT THAT MAY NOT SEAL CORRECTLY.

  Risk: OVER TIME, OR AFTER CERTAIN DRIVING DISTANCES, THESE VEHICLES ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.

  Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIESEL FUEL FILTER ELEMENTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.