Volkswagen Passat: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 60,794 Volkswagen Passat cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1973 and 2026.
In a sample of 399 cars, 54.1% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (13.3% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 6.3% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.3% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Volkswagen Passat
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 13.3% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 13% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 10% |
| Tyre damaged | 4.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 4.3% |
| Brake disc badly corroded | 3.8% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 3.3% |
| Seatbelt damaged | 3% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 2.8% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 2% |
Share of 399 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 16.3% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 7.5% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 1.8% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 60,794 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 6.3% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.3% |
| Used as a taxi | 1.6% |
| First registered | 1973 to 2026 |
All Volkswagen Passat passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-16 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 14,290 |
| 2025-06-17 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 388 |
| 2024-01-12 | brakes | serious | 1 |
| 2023-05-30 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 2 |
| 2022-10-04 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2022-04-08 | electrical system | serious | 232 |
| 2022-03-22 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 145 |
| 2021-10-20 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 30 |
| 2021-09-13 | brakes | serious | 29 |
| 2021-04-14 | electrical system | – | 14 |
| 2021-02-23 | steering | – | 0 |
| 2020-06-05 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 6 |
| 2020-03-27 | brakes | serious | 125 |
| 2020-01-02 | other | – | 1 |
| 2019-11-14 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 629 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Volkswagen Passat fail the APK?
In a sample of 399 cars first registered 2012–2021, 54.1% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Volkswagen Passat?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (13.3%), tyre pressure incorrect (13%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (10%).
Does the Volkswagen Passat have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 6.3% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Volkswagen models
Golf · Polo · Tiguan · Up! · T-Roc · Touran · ID.3 · T-Cross · ID.4 · Fox · Caddy · Taigo · Transporter · California · Kombi
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.