CarRecallDB

2020 Volkswagen Passat recalls and problems

3 recalls and 18 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat.

3
recalls
18
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

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.

2020 Volkswagen Passat recalls

Air bags: passenger side frontal, cushion

NHTSA campaign 20V533000 · reported September 2, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 1,829 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Passat vehicles. The passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly affecting its deployment force. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk
An incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69AY.

Exterior lighting: headlights

NHTSA campaign 19V389000 · reported May 22, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 662,185 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk
Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.

Air bags: side/window

NHTSA campaign 19V218000 · reported March 20, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 3 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Atlas and 2020 Passat vehicles. An incorrect driver and/or front passenger side impact air bag may have been installed.
The risk
In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
Volkswagen has inspected and replaced the side air bags, free of charge. The recall was completed in April 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y8.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 10, 2026 · Service brakes

my 2020 vw passat has less than 60k mikes and i am replacing my 3rd wheel sensor. they fail without warning disabling my antilock brakes. And other safety features

Aug 28, 2026 · Electrical system

The front information center which is responsible for the rear camera system is shutdown due to the radio / entire screen being dead without reason

Aug 24, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system

While driving and after, we noticed gas fumes both inside and outside of vehicle. The gas tank was approximately half full. Became very concerned over the the possibility of a fire. Did research online and realized that this was and is a common problem with older models of the Passad (ours is a 2020 model that we…

Mar 23, 2026 · Engine

2020 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0L VIN: […] Complaint Summary: I am reporting a persistent and unresolved fault involving the secondary air injection system (DTC P0491 – insufficient airflow) that has resulted in repeated, conflicting diagnoses across multiple repair facilities. This raises concerns about a potential…

Dec 18, 2025 · Steering

Steering wheel controls stopped working, no horn either. Probably no airbag but haven't got into an accident. There was recall on the same part for the until 2018, but the new part I was going to install lists that if fits cars 2016-2022 Part # 5K0-953-569-BC Recall from VW. Number: VWP-18-11, Will replace part for my…

Passat model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2017 711091
2018 44651
2019 11200
2020 31810
2021 11811
2022 01310

Across all years, the 2013 Passat has the most complaints (749). All Volkswagen Passat years →

Questions

Does the 2020 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat, the most recent reported on September 2, 2020 (Air bags: passenger side frontal, cushion). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Volkswagen Passat?
Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (4 complaints), followed by engine (4).
How many 2020 Volkswagen Passat complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 18 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 10, 2026.