Volkswagen Passat — All Years
We have Volkswagen Passat specifications on file for 12 model years, 2010–2022, covering saloon/sedan trims. Across those years EPA data lists 4 different engines. Combined fuel economy runs from 26 to 41 mpg (UK) depending on year, engine and transmission. 9 of the 11 rated model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating. Select a year below for full engine, fuel economy, dimensions and safety data.
| Year | Engine(s) | Fuel | MPG (UK) | CO₂ g/km | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2L 4-cyl turbo | Regular Gasoline | 34 | 196 | 4★ | 0 | 13 |
| 2021 | 2L 4-cyl turbo | Regular Gasoline | 34 | 195 | 4★ | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | 2L 4-cyl turbo | Regular Gasoline | 32 | 205 | 5★ | 3 | 18 |
| 2019 | 2L 4-cyl turbo | Regular Gasoline | 35 | 188 | 5★ | 1 | 12 |
| 2018 | 2L 4-cyl turbo / 3.6L 6-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 26–35 | 188 | 5★ | 4 | 45 |
| 2017 | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo / 3.6L 6-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 28–32 | 204 | 5★ | 7 | 110 |
| 2016 | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo / 3.6L 6-cyl | Regular Gasoline | 28–35 | 190 | 5★ | 5 | 106 |
| 2015 | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turbo / 3.6L 6-cyl | Diesel | 28–41 | 186 | 5★ | 7 | 244 |
| 2014 | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 5-cyl / 3.6L 6-cyl | Diesel | 28–41 | 180 | 5★ | 10 | 594 |
| 2013 | 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 5-cyl / 3.6L 6-cyl | Diesel | 28–41 | 180 | 5★ | 9 | 748 |
| 2012 | 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 5-cyl / 3.6L 6-cyl | Diesel | 28–41 | 186 | 5★ | 11 | 484 |
| 2010 | 2L 4-cyl turbo | Premium Gasoline | 30 | 221 | — | 4 | 172 |
Best and Worst Volkswagen Passat Years: What the NHTSA Data Shows
Across the 12 Volkswagen Passat model years from 2010 to 2022 that have NHTSA data, the typical year has about 108 owner complaints on file. These are the extremes:
Fewest owner complaints
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and rise with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road, so treat them as a pointer for what to inspect, not a reliability score. Model years after 2022 are left out because they have had little time to accumulate reports. Always check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Engine History
- 2L 4-cyl turbo — 2010, 2012–2015, 2018–2022
- 2.5L 5-cyl — 2012–2014
- 3.6L 6-cyl — 2012–2018
- 1.8L 4-cyl turbo — 2014–2017
Engines are those EPA lists for each model year; the MPG (UK) column shows the range across configurations where more than one exists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What years is the Volkswagen Passat covered on this site?
We have data for 12 model years of the Volkswagen Passat, from 2010 to 2022.
What engines does the Volkswagen Passat come with?
EPA data lists: 2L 4-cyl turbo (2010, 2012–2015, 2018–2022); 2.5L 5-cyl (2012–2014); 3.6L 6-cyl (2012–2018); 1.8L 4-cyl turbo (2014–2017).
Which Volkswagen Passat year has the best fuel economy?
The 2015 model returns the highest combined MPG (UK) on record here, at 41 mpg on its most efficient configuration.
Does the Volkswagen Passat have a 5-star NHTSA safety rating?
Yes — the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating on record here.
Which Volkswagen Passat model years have the most recalls and complaints?
The 2012 model year has the most NHTSA recall campaigns on record (11), and the 2013 has the most owner complaints (748). NHTSA lists no recalls for 2022. Counts are from NHTSA as of 6 October 2026 and change over time; complaints are unverified owner reports.
What body style is the Volkswagen Passat?
The Volkswagen Passat is classed as a saloon/sedan on this site.
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