2016 Volkswagen Passat — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2016 Volkswagen Passat is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) / 29 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 28–35 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Volkswagen Passat workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2015 Volkswagen Passat: Fuel economy slips from 41 to 35 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. No longer listed: 2L 4-cyl turbo. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo · 3.6L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| 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) | 35 combined / 30 urban / 43 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 29 combined / 25 city / 36 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 190 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,300 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat across 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 23 to 29 mpg (US), or 28 to 35 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (25/36) | 190 | $2,300 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/28) | 242 | $2,900 |
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 2016 Volkswagen Passat
Running Costs: 2016 Volkswagen Passat
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 Volkswagen Passat at 35 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,039 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,300 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.
2016 Volkswagen Passat Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Volkswagen Passat (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Unspecified (2), Exterior lighting (1), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Unspecified — campaign 21V321000, reported 5 May 2021. Risk: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
- Unspecified — campaign 20V561000, reported 16 September 2020. Risk: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
- 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.
- Fuel system — campaign 16V403000, reported 6 June 2016. Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Showing the 4 most recent of 5 campaigns.
Owners have filed 106 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The most-reported areas are Air bags (25), Electrical system (22), Steering (19). Complaints include 4 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 108 complaints across the 12 Volkswagen Passat model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 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 (25 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Electrical system (22 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Steering (19 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Engine (17 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 2016 Volkswagen Passat's 35 mpg is 2 mpg above that make average. Its 190 g/km CO₂ figure is 23 g/km lower than the 213 g/km Volkswagen average.
Of the 12 Volkswagen Passat model years we cover, the 2016 ranks 5th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (35 mpg UK combined, against a high of 41 mpg). 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 2016 Volkswagen Passat
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 Volkswagen Passat have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat: 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.8L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Volkswagen Passat?
The most efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, or 29 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 28 to 35 mpg.
How much does the 2016 Volkswagen Passat cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,300 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 2016 Volkswagen Passat have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Volkswagen Passat (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Unspecified (2), Exterior lighting (1), Fuel system (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 2016 Volkswagen Passat?
Among the 106 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (25 complaints), Electrical system (22 complaints), Steering (19 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 2016 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.