2012 Volkswagen Passat

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Volkswagen Passat
Pictured: VW Passat Variant Elegance (B9) – f 18052025. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
2.5l 4dr Sedan, 3.6l 4dr Sedan, Cc 4dr Sedan 2.0t, Cc 4dr Sedan Highline V6 AWD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
34 combined · 30 city / 40 hwy
Length
189–191.7 in
Curb weight
3,166–3,854 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
11 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 42% better than the average 2012 midsize car (23.9 MPG).

Watch out for

  • 11 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 192 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,166 lb (2.5l 4dr Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (30 city / 40 highway), 42% better than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 11 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 415 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2012

  • New body dimensions: 3.5 in longer, wheelbase +3.5 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • New diesel version
  • Engines added: 2.5L 5-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 25 to 34

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Passat →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2.5l 4dr Sedan191.7 in72.4 in57.9 in110.2 in61.4 / 60.2 in3,166 lb60/40
3.6l 4dr Sedan191.7 in72.4 in57.9 in110.2 in61.4 / 60.2 in3,446 lb59/41
Cc 4dr Sedan 2.0t189 in73.2 in55.9 in106.7 in60.6 / 61 in3,329 lb59/41
Cc 4dr Sedan Highline V6 AWD189 in73.2 in55.9 in106.7 in60.6 / 61 in3,854 lb59/41
Tdi 4dr Sedan191.7 in72.4 in57.9 in110.2 in61.4 / 60.2 in3,360 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Passat Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive30 / 40 / 34+42%$2,800299
Passat2.5L 5-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 32 / 26+9%$2,600342
Passat2.5L 5-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25+5%$2,700355
Passat3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23-4%$3,550386
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.9 MPG2012 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat.

Similar 2012 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Volkswagen Passat (this car)34 MPGNot rated11
2012 Ford Mustang23 MPGNot rated6
2012 Honda Accord27 MPGNot rated8
2012 Chevrolet Impala22 MPGNot rated3
2012 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated2
2012 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated4
2012 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (11)

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Oct 30, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V834000 · 248,330 vehicles

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.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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 · Dec 4, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V862000 · 226 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · May 22, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V389000 · 662,185 vehicles

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."
Risk
Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Unknown Or Other · May 16, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V329000 · 252 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Risk
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Mar 6, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V148000 · 363,713 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
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 vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · May 11, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V309000 · 84,262 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Passat vehicles, equipped with diesel engines and Direct-Shift Transmissions (DSG). The vehicle's underbody heat shield may not be long enough to protect the right half-shaft grease boot from heat, potentially resulting in a grease leak.
Risk
If the leaking grease contacts a heated surface, such as the exhaust system and/or the diesel particulate filter (DPF), it could increase the risk of fire.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft heat shield, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23W5.
Electrical System › Wiring · Mar 24, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V171000 · 91,442 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical connectors of the sensor, causing an electrical short.
Risk
An electrical short can cause the electrical connectors of the sensor to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in September. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23T3.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Feb 10, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V078000 · 659,493 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
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 vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Air Bags › Frontal · Aug 4, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V483000 · 415,825 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Risk
A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Mar 17, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V125000 · 150,201 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Passat vehicles manufactured January 2011 through November 2012. In the affected vehicles, the low beam headlight bulb may become loose and lose electrical contact.
Risk
A loss of low beam headlights may reduce the driver's visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen notified owners, and dealers will replace the bulb holder, free of charge. The recall began in May 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagens recall number associated with this campaign is 94G8/7V.
Fuel System, Diesel · Apr 5, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V146000 · 153 vehicles

Problem
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PASSAT VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 1, 2011. DURING ASSEMBLY, THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DIESEL FUEL FILTER ELEMENT THAT MAY NOT SEAL CORRECTLY.
Risk
OVER TIME, OR AFTER CERTAIN DRIVING DISTANCES, THESE VEHICLES ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Fix
VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIESEL FUEL FILTER ELEMENTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Volkswagen Passat is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

415Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
13Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
70,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags288
Electrical System82
Steering43
Unknown Or Other31
Engine27
Fuel/Propulsion System24
Structure › Body10
Power Train7
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/09: 322/10: 122/12: 323/02: 123/04: 123/09: 224/01: 124/03: 124/04: 125/01: 125/03: 325/05: 525/06: 325/07: 225/08: 225/09: 225/10: 125/12: 126/01: 126/03: 126/05: 126/07: 126/08: 126/09: 122/0923/0224/0125/0125/0625/0926/0126/07max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Volkswagen Passat buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 288 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Electrical System — 82 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Steering — 43 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Passat years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2022 Passat28193.7 in★★★★★013
2021 Passat28193.7 in★★★★★118
2020 Passat27193.7 in★★★★★318
2019 Passat29191.7 in★★★★★112
2018 Passat29191.7 in★★★★★446
2017 Passat27191.7 in★★★★★7110
2016 Passat29191.7 inNot rated5106
2015 Passat34191.7 inNot rated7243
2014 Passat34191.7 inNot rated10565
2013 Passat34191.7 inNot rated9670
2010 Passat25188.2 inNot rated4140
2009 Passat23188.2 inNot rated3116

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →