2012 Volkswagen Passat structure problems
17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2012 Volkswagen Passat — 4% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Drivers door handle will not open from the inside and vw wants a ton to repair it. On the forums & internet they stated we should be opening a case here as its a known issue and should be recalled.”
filed Dec 24, 2019
“I keep having a problem in freezing weather with my vehicle door mechanism freezing locked. I can not get into of out of the car once frozen. This is specifically the driver side door. I have looked up the issue and people have had to replace the door actuator. Vw has issued a service bulletin to…”
filed Dec 21, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
SM 26-2026 · Other · issued May 19, 2026
Structure problems in other Passat years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 Passat | 3 | 3% |
| 2016 Passat | 4 | 4% |
| 2015 Passat | 5 | 2% |
| 2014 Passat | 12 | 2% |
| 2013 Passat | 31 | 4% |
| 2010 Passat | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 Passat | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 Passat | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 Passat | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 Passat | 10 | 2% |
| 2005 Passat | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 Passat | 16 | 6% |
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.