2018 Volkswagen Passat

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 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
2.0l Tsi 4dr Sedan, Vr6 4dr Sedan
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
Horsepower
174–280 hp
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
29 combined · 25 city / 36 hwy
Length
191.7 in
Curb weight
3,263–3,446 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo 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 3,263 lb (2.0l Tsi 4dr Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (25 city / 36 highway), 7% better than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.

What changed for 2018

  • Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
  • Engine dropped: 1.8L 4-cyl turbo
  • Best combined MPG up from 27 to 29

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Passat →

Trims, performance & features

Engine174 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Engine280 hp3.6L 6-cyl
Transmission6-speed automatic
DriveFWD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

SE, SE w/ TechnologyS, R-LineSEL PremiumGT

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingSome trims
Forward collision warningSome trims
Blind-spot monitoringSome trims
Lane departure warningOptional
Lane keeping assistOptional
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startSome trims

Built in: Chattanooga, Tennessee

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2018 Passat configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2.0l Tsi 4dr Sedan191.7 in72.4 in57.9 in110.2 in61.4 / 60.2 in3,263 lb60/40
Vr6 4dr Sedan191.7 in72.4 in57.9 in110.2 in61.4 / 60.2 in3,446 lb59/41

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
Passat2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 36 / 29+7%$2,300302
Passat3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22-19%$3,050396
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.2 MPG2018 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.7%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD
Side crash test — 2018 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Volkswagen Passat (this car)29 MPG★★★★★4
2018 Toyota Corolla34 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Ford Mustang25 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Honda Accord47 MPGNot rated6
2018 Chevrolet Impala25 MPG★★★★★1
2018 Toyota Camry52 MPG★★★★★8
2018 Chevrolet Camaro25 MPG★★★★★2

Recalls (4)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Unknown Or Other · Sep 16, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V561000 · 23 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Risk
Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Aug 15, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V536000 · 8,416 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
Risk
The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary, free of charge. For Passat vehicles, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for proper connection, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46H6.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Jun 1, 2018 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 18V369000 · 10,225 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Risk
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Volkswagen Passat is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

46Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
35,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Service Brakes12
Engine11
Electrical System8
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Air Bags4
Vehicle Speed Control3
Unknown Or Other3
Power Train3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/07: 221/08: 121/10: 121/12: 122/04: 122/06: 123/02: 123/04: 123/07: 123/09: 124/01: 124/02: 124/03: 124/04: 124/09: 125/03: 125/07: 125/08: 125/11: 126/01: 226/02: 226/04: 126/06: 126/10: 121/0721/1223/0223/0924/0325/0325/1126/04max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Volkswagen Passat buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Service Brakes — 12 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Engine — 11 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 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
2017 Passat27191.7 in★★★★★7110
2016 Passat29191.7 in★★★★★5106
2015 Passat34191.7 in★★★★★7243
2014 Passat34191.7 in★★★★★10565
2013 Passat34191.7 inNot rated9670
2012 Passat34191.7 inNot rated11415
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 →