2012 Volkswagen Passat — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is a saloon/sedan offered with 3 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 41 mpg (UK) / 34 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 28–41 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Volkswagen Passat workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 2.5L 5-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 102 cu ft (2,888 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 41 combined / 36 urban / 48 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 34 combined / 30 city / 40 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 186 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,800 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat across 3 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 23 to 34 mpg (US), or 28 to 41 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 41 | 34 (30/40) | 186 | $2,800 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/31) | 221 | $2,700 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (22/32) | 212 | $2,600 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/28) | 240 | $3,550 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 102 cubic feet (about 2,888 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat
Running Costs: 2012 Volkswagen Passat
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Volkswagen Passat at 41 mpg combined, expect roughly 887 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,800 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Volkswagen Passat Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 11 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Volkswagen Passat (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (5), Exterior lighting (2), Unspecified (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 24V834000, reported 30 October 2024. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Air bags — campaign 19V862000, reported 4 December 2019. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 19V389000, reported 22 May 2019. Risk: Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Unspecified — campaign 18V329000, reported 16 May 2018. Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Showing the 4 most recent of 11 campaigns.
Owners have filed 484 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The most-reported areas are Air bags (296), Electrical system (95), Steering (46). Complaints include 14 reported crashes, 3 reported fires, 10 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 108 complaints across the 12 Volkswagen Passat model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (5 recall campaigns · 296 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Electrical system (95 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Steering (46 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Engine (40 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Volkswagen models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Volkswagen Passat's 41 mpg is 8 mpg above that make average. Its 186 g/km CO₂ figure is 27 g/km lower than the 213 g/km Volkswagen average.
Of the 12 Volkswagen Passat model years we cover, the 2012 is the most economical on its best configuration (41 mpg UK combined). See every Volkswagen Passat year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Volkswagen Passat have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat?
The most efficient configuration returns around 41 mpg (UK) combined, or 34 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 28 to 41 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Volkswagen Passat cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,800 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Passat have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 11 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Volkswagen Passat (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (5), Exterior lighting (2), Unspecified (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat?
Among the 484 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (296 complaints), Electrical system (95 complaints), Steering (46 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Volkswagen Passat have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 102 cubic feet (about 2,888 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.