2022 Volkswagen Passat Safety Report
2022 VW Passat shows low complaint volume but inconsistent crash ratings and emerging brake/engine issues.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Volkswagen Passat
Reliability Score
The 2022 Volkswagen Passat receives a reliability score of 70 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2022 Volkswagen Passat
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Volkswagen Passat:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premature Rear Brake Wear Multiple complaints indicate rear brakes wearing down excessively fast, with some dealers stating the Passat is 'hard on rear brakes'. |
Medium | Occasional | 20000-40000 miles |
| Excessive Engine Oil Consumption Reported as a 'manufacturers defect' for the 2.0 Turbo 4-cylinder engine, requiring frequent oil additions. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Transmission Fluid Leak A complaint describes a sudden and complete transmission fluid leak due to a gasket failure, causing jerking and an odd smell. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Aggressive Lane Assist Lane assist system is overly sensitive, jerking the car due to road marks or tar, with no dealer solution to adjust sensitivity. |
Low | Rare | new-unknown miles |
| Electrical System Malfunctions Complaints include static noise from speakers and the infotainment screen going black for hours. |
Medium | Rare | new-unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Volkswagen Passat:
Premature wear, sticking calipers, and general issues with brake performance, particularly the rear brakes.
Excessive oil consumption and general engine performance concerns.
Transmission fluid leaks and related issues.
Infotainment screen issues, speaker static, and automatic door unlocking.
Steering tightening up at specific deceleration speeds.
Overly aggressive lane assist system.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Volkswagen Passat
Is the 2022 Volkswagen Passat safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 Volkswagen Passat has a low complaint volume (9 total) with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. It received a 4-star Overall safety rating, with 5 stars for Side crash and 4 stars for Rollover, but only 3 stars for Frontal crash protection. This suggests good overall protection but a specific vulnerability in frontal impacts.
What are common problems with the 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
The most reported issues for the 2022 Volkswagen Passat, based on NHTSA complaints, are related to SERVICE BRAKES (33% of complaints), including premature wear and sticking calipers. ENGINE problems (22%), such as excessive oil consumption, and POWER TRAIN issues (11%), like transmission fluid leaks, are also noted.
Does the 2022 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
No, as of the latest NHTSA data, the 2022 Volkswagen Passat has 0 open recalls, indicating no widespread, manufacturer-acknowledged safety defects requiring immediate remedy.
How does the 2022 Volkswagen Passat perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Volkswagen Passat received an Overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. It performed well in Side crash tests with a 5-star rating and Rollover tests with a 4-star rating. However, its Frontal crash test rating was 3 stars, indicating a lower level of protection in head-on collisions compared to other areas.
Are there any known engine issues with the 2022 Volkswagen Passat?
Yes, there are complaints regarding the engine, specifically excessive oil consumption for the 2.0 Turbo 4-cylinder engine, which has been described as a 'manufacturers defect' by some owners.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the low complaint volume and good side/rollover crash ratings, the 2022 Passat is generally safe, but be aware of the 3-star frontal crash rating and potential issues with premature brake wear and engine oil consumption.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Volkswagen Passat
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Volkswagen Passat. The data includes 9 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2022 Volkswagen Passat an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 3 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.