Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2006 Volkswagen Passat recalls
Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 24V834000 · reported October 30, 2024 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 248,330 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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 after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 18V247000 · reported April 18, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 71,335 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q8. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-079.
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump
NHTSA campaign 17V509000 · reported August 16, 2017 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 280,915 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.
Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 16V079000 · reported February 10, 2016 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 151,767 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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 inflator to rupture.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor
NHTSA campaign 06V470000 · reported December 12, 2006 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 57,291 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This could lead to reduced visibility increasing the risk of a crash without warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a special cover and sealing kit. The recall began on january 12, 2007. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist, vacuum
NHTSA campaign 06V472000 · reported December 12, 2006 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 58,800 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If this happens, the brake power assist can become inoperative, and the driver will experience increased effort to apply the brakes possibly increasing vehicle stopping distance. This could lead to a crash without warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will install the newly designed vacuum line. The recall began on january 12, 2007. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.
Steering: linkages, tie rod assembly
NHTSA campaign 05V540000 · reported November 30, 2005 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 15 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, the left and right tie rod securing nut may be insufficiently torqued.
- The risk
- An insufficiently tightened tie rod nut may loosen, resulting in separation of a tie rod. This can cause a loss of steering control, which could cause a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and install new left and right tie rod securing nuts at the proper torqued specification. The recall began on december 7, 2005. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Oct 9, 2025 · Air bags
The contact owned a 2006 Volkswagen Passat . The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Jul 4, 2025 · Air bags
recalled airbag
May 12, 2025 · Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump module had failed…
Dec 16, 2024 · Air bags
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted however, the manufacturer was not.
Mar 15, 2024 · Air bags
My family and I have been VW owners for over 60 years. Unfortunately, the 2006 VW Passat has been layered with defects, negligent manufacturing issues, faulty wiring, electrical problems, computer glitches, to mention a few. There have been many recalls including an official recall by the NHTSA, for steering linkage…
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 9, 2025.