Model year
2006 Volkswagen Passat
NHTSA lists 7 recalls and 576 complaints for the 2006 Volkswagen Passat (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 2 recalls and 0 complaints under PASSAT WAGON. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are AIR BAGS (145), STEERING (111), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (68). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 19–24 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,400–$4,350, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 507 complaints
- 2001 430 complaints
- 2002 636 complaints
- 2003 628 complaints
- 2004 279 complaints
- 2005 148 complaints
- 2006 576 complaints
- 2007 262 complaints
- 2008 168 complaints
- 2009 146 complaints
- 2010 163 complaints
- 2012 484 complaints
- 2013 749 complaints
- 2014 594 complaints
- 2015 243 complaints
- 2016 106 complaints
- 2017 110 complaints
- 2018 46 complaints
- 2019 12 complaints
- 2020 18 complaints
- 2021 18 complaints
- 2022 13 complaints
Recalls
24V834000 · Oct 30, 2024
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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…
18V247000 · Apr 18, 2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
17V509000 · Aug 16, 2017
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
16V079000 · Feb 10, 2016
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the…
06V472000 · Dec 12, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L ENGINE WITH 147 KW MAY HAVE A VACUUM LINE THAT MAY FRACTURE AND BECOME DISCONNECTED AT LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.
06V470000 · Dec 12, 2006
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
ON CERTAIN '6' GENERATION PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DURING HEAVY RAIN DUE TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE ENTERING THE WIPER MOTOR. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE WIPERS CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE.
05V540000 · Nov 30, 2005
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD SECURING NUT MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TORQUED.
Complaints
576 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 21, fire flag on 6, injury field 9, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| PASSAT WAGON | 2 | 0 |
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA11002 | Engine Compartment Fire · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | Jan 26, 2011 | Feb 17, 2012 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passat · 2L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 21 | 29 | 24 | — | — | $3,400 |
| Passat · 2L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 19 | 28 | 22 | — | — | $3,750 |
| Passat · 3.6L · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 26 | 20 | — | — | $4,100 |
| Passat 4motion · 3.6L · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 16 | 24 | 19 | — | — | $4,350 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2006 Volkswagen Passat at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.