2012 Volkswagen Passat engine problems
40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2012 Volkswagen Passat — 8% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking an unknown fluid underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the vacuum pump, oil pan, and the gaskets needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired…”
filed Oct 25, 2022
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 volkswagen passat. The contact stated while driving 76 mph, the check engine warning light and exhaust fluid warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted for over a year. An error code stated vehicle shut-off at 200 miles was on the…”
filed Mar 15, 2021
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
V1718062017813_24 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 9, 2026Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
TT 13-20-01_3 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 18, 2026Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
TT 10-18-02_2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 18, 2026Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
V1719012012855_81 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 4, 2026This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during…
VOS-26-21 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 27, 2026
Engine problems in other Passat years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Passat | 11 | 24% |
| 2017 Passat | 7 | 6% |
| 2016 Passat | 17 | 16% |
| 2015 Passat | 53 | 22% |
| 2014 Passat | 77 | 13% |
| 2013 Passat | 104 | 14% |
| 2010 Passat | 41 | 25% |
| 2009 Passat | 60 | 41% |
| 2008 Passat | 43 | 26% |
| 2007 Passat | 28 | 11% |
| 2006 Passat | 64 | 11% |
| 2005 Passat | 12 | 8% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Volkswagen Passat
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.