GradeVolkswagen Passat Reliability Grade
Excellent reliability
Grade a specific Volkswagen Passat
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Volkswagen Passat earns an A- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B for its engine and an A for its transmission. It ranks 2nd of 11 midsize cars we grade. The engine (B) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 1,889 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2022 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Volkswagen Passat reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2011, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Years to avoid: 2000–2003 (stalling / loss of power), 2004 (transmission slipping / rough shifting) and 2006 (stalling / loss of power)
How long does the Volkswagen Passat last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Volkswagen Passat vs. other midsize cars
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | A | A- | A |
| Mazda Mazda6 | A- | A- | A- |
| Volkswagen Passat | B | A | A- |
| Nissan Maxima | A | B | A- |
| Nissan Altima | A | B | B+ |
| Honda Accord | B- | B+ | B- |
| Chrysler 200 | C+ | C+ | B- |
| Chevrolet Malibu | C+ | C | C+ |
| Kia Optima | F | C+ | C- |
| Hyundai Sonata | F | C | D |
| Ford Fusion | D | F | D |
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Rate your PassatVolkswagen Passat reliability FAQ
Is the Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Excellent reliability. The Volkswagen Passat earns an A- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B for its engine and an A for its transmission. It ranks 2nd of 11 midsize cars we grade. The engine (B) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 1,889 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2022 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Volkswagen Passat last?
We estimate a well-maintained Volkswagen Passat lasts around 180,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Volkswagen Passat?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Volkswagen Passat model years are 2011, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
What Volkswagen Passat years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Volkswagen Passat years to be most careful with are 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006. The 2001 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power, which a recall covers. The 2002 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission C-), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power, which a recall covers.
Is the Volkswagen Passat transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Volkswagen Passat transmission an A (excellent reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Volkswagen Passat engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Volkswagen Passat engine a B (above-average reliability).