2020 Volkswagen Passat recalls

3 safety recalls, 18 owner complaints and a 5-star NHTSA crash rating. Official NHTSA data.

202220212020
3Recalls
18Complaints
1Crashes & fires reported
5/5NHTSA overall rating

Not every 2020 Volkswagen Passat is affected by every recall. Check your VIN to see open recalls on your exact vehicle.

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2020 Volkswagen Passat recall list

Air Bags recall

20V-533
September 2, 2020 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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."
Safety risk
An incorrectly folded air bag can deploy with too much force, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
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 recall

19V-389
May 22, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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."
Safety risk
Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 recall

19V-218
March 20, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Safety risk
In an event of a side impact crash, an incorrect side airbag may not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.

2020 Volkswagen Passat owner complaints

18 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 0 fires, 1 injury and 0 deaths.

Problems by component

Unknown or Other4
Engine4
Air Bags4
Electrical System3
Forward Collision Avoidance3
Wheels2
Service Brakes2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Steering2
Visibility/Wiper1

Recent complaints

September 10, 2026Electrical SystemWheelsService 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

August 28, 2026Electrical SystemVisibility/WiperBack Over Prevention

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

August 24, 2026Fuel/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 bought new and had zero accidents) plus Jetta and Golf models. We took it to a VW Dealer (Ken Graff VW Gilbert, AZ ) nearest our home for fear of a fire hazard and safety. They repaired it stating that the gas tank had various creaks neasr the top of the tank which allowed fumes to be released. My cost to repair was approximately $1,100 which for a vehicle with some 62,000 miles and

March 23, 2026Unknown or OtherEngine

2020 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0L VIN: [XXX] 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 systemic defect affecting this vehicle model. Detailed Description: The issue began prior to March 2025 while the vehicle was still under warranty. The vehicle displayed a Check Engine Light associated with diagnostic trouble code P0491 (secondary air injection system insufficient airflow). On April 3, 2025, a repair facility diagnosed the issue as a failed secondary air injection

December 18, 2025SteeringAir BagsForward Collision Avoidance

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 fiance,

2020 Volkswagen Passat crash test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2020 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Driver aids on the tested 2020 Volkswagen Passat: electronic stability control standard, forward collision warning no, lane departure warning optional. Rollover risk: 10.7%.

2020 Volkswagen Passat recall FAQ

Does the 2020 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat. The most recent, filed September 2, 2020, concerns the air bags.

What are the most common 2020 Volkswagen Passat problems?

Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is unknown or other (4 reports), followed by engine.

Is the 2020 Volkswagen Passat safe?

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat earned up to a 5-star overall safety rating in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program crash tests.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2020 Volkswagen Passat?

Contact any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.