DecodedCars2019 Volkswagen Passat
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 2.0l Tsi 4dr Sedan, Vr6 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 174 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
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Few owner complaints12 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 123 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 174 hp, versus about 228 hp for similar 2019 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine 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), 3% better than the 2019 midsize car average of 28.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2019
- Engine dropped: 3.6L 6-cyl
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Passat →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Chattanooga, Tennessee
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2019 Passat configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0l Tsi 4dr Sedan | 191.7 in | 72.4 in | 57.9 in | 110.2 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,263 lb | 60/40 |
| Vr6 4dr Sedan | 191.7 in | 72.4 in | 57.9 in | 110.2 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,446 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passat | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +3% | $2,300 | 302 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
Similar 2019 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Volkswagen Passat (this car) | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2019 Toyota Corolla | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2019 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2019 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2019 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (1)
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.
Not every 2019 Volkswagen Passat is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Volkswagen Passat buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 3 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 3,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Volkswagen Passat. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Passat years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Passat | 28 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 13 |
| 2021 Passat | 28 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 18 |
| 2020 Passat | 27 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 18 |
| 2018 Passat | 29 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 46 |
| 2017 Passat | 27 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 110 |
| 2016 Passat | 29 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 106 |
| 2015 Passat | 34 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 7 | 243 |
| 2014 Passat | 34 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 565 |
| 2013 Passat | 34 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 9 | 670 |
| 2012 Passat | 34 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 415 |
| 2010 Passat | 25 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 140 |
| 2009 Passat | 23 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 116 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →