The contact owned a 2006 Volkswagen Passat . The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
The worst 2006 Volkswagen Passat problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags148
- Engine130
- Steering112
- Electrical79
- Fuel system64
- Brakes49
- Transmission47
- Acceleration32
- Visibility21
- Lights12
- Locks11
- Body10
- Driver assistance9
- Suspension8
- Seat belts6
- Seats5
- Tires4
Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Volkswagen Passat
Check engine light 53Stalling 53Won't start 45Fuel pump 39Steering lock-up 32Airbag light 29Loss of power 29Engine failure 23Headlights 15Wipers 15Hesitation 13Misfire 12Sudden acceleration 12Jerking 11Brake failure 10Fire or smoke 8Harsh shifting 8Fuel smell 6
Recalls 7
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 24V834000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon 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 driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q8. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V‑079.
Recall number 18V247000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.
Recall number 17V509000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 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 driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834.
Recall number 16V079000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
- What is wrong
- On certain '6' generation passenger vehicles, the wiper motor may fail during heavy rain due to excessive moisture entering the wiper motor. If this happens, the wipers can become inoperative.
- Risk
- This could lead to reduced visibility increasing the risk of a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a special cover and sealing kit. The recall began on january 12, 2007. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑893‑5298.
Recall number 06V470000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.0l engine with 147 kw may have a vacuum line that may fracture and become disconnected at low ambient temperatures.
- Risk
- If this happens, the brake power assist can become inoperative, and the driver will experience increased effort to apply the brakes possibly increasing vehicle stopping distance. This could lead to a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install the newly designed vacuum line. The recall began on january 12, 2007. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑893‑5298.
Recall number 06V472000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the left and right tie rod securing nut may be insufficiently torqued.
- Risk
- An insufficiently tightened tie rod nut may loosen, resulting in separation of a tie rod. This can cause a loss of steering control, which could cause a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and install new left and right tie rod securing nuts at the proper torqued specification. The recall began on december 7, 2005. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑893‑5298.
Recall number 05V540000 · Recall details
See all 7 recalls for the 2006 Volkswagen Passat
Defect investigations
Engine Compartment Fire
In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has since identified 135 unique engine fire reports attributable to the COP coils.After further review of the details as contained in each report, ODI determined that 43 of the 135 fire reports were actual fire/flame incidents, 83 fire reports were thermal events (smoke, spark, heat or wire melt), and another 9 fire reports were undetermined in severity due to the lack of information.These COP coil fires were characterized as initiated from within the COP coil circuit located at the top of the engine block and below the plastic engine cover.The fires observed were contained in the engine compartment and did not reach into the passenger compartment in contrast to those caused by an overheated catalytic converter examined in ODI?s investigation in 2007 and 2008.There were no reports of crashes or personal injury in this examination.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstancesSee the Closing Report for additional details.
EA11002
Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Volkswagen Passat 522
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- In conjunction with the Massachusetts DMV, Volkswagen will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder...
- In conjunction with the New Mexico DMV, Volkswagen will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices...
- In conjunction with the Colorado DMV, Volkswagen will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to...
- Update model year applicability to include 2023.
- Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger
- In conjunction with the New York DMV, Volkswagen will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to...
2006 Volkswagen Passat fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19-21 | 28-29 | 22-24 |
| 3.6L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 26 | 20 |
| 3.6L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 24 | 19 |
What 2006 Volkswagen Passat owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
recalled airbag
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V509000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure to obtain assistance with reimbursement. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted however, the manufacturer was not.
My family and I have been VW owners for over 60 years. Unfortunately, the 2006 VW Passat has been layered with defects, negligent manufacturing issues, faulty wiring, electrical problems, computer glitches, to mention a few. There have been many recalls including an official recall by the federal safety agency, for steering linkage problems and tie rod assembly which caused a loss of steering, crashes and deaths. Over 292 complaints are filed with Consumer Affairs, over 561 defects reported, and thousands of horror stories like mine about this car. It's considered a lemon by many car professionals. Many dealerships in the USA offered to inspect, and replace the electronic steering column lock free of charge and address any other concerns, which should be standard, reasonable behavior for all VW dealerships, mandated by this Federal agency. Shortly after this car almost killed me in 2013, VW put me through countless stressful hours of calls, emails and the like and still refused to be fully accountable. Shortly after my almost end of life, the notorious VW Emissions Scandal spoke volumes. VW was well aware of their defects including the electrical system in the steering column/immobilizer, (the system won’t recognize the key; a module in the car that connects the key and starts the engine is defective). In many cases, the entire steering column is defective and has to be completely replaced because the car’s pistons, internal combustion and engine are all subpar. Even the Sunroof and drains are defective and every time it rains, there is a flood in my car which has caused life threatening mold and mildew. I am respectfully asking for your help in having VW provide me, a near [XXX] woman, a safe, reliable, car without another defective sunroof and without defective water drains. It can be used as long as it's reliable and without deadly mold and mildew. I have photos. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Transmission clunks into gear and loses traction while shifting.
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while approaching an off ramp while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where an unknown diagnostic test and repair was completed. Additionally, the dealer fractured an unknown part underneath the hood and water entered the vehicle near the sun visor and there was water accumulating on the rear passenger’s side door location. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
We owned vehicle approx 8yrs and in late 2022 will driving/on highway 55mph or local roads like Broadway 15-20mph the vehicle goes into neutral. VErY dangerous it wil work as it should after a restart
The contact owned a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while her husband was driving in traffic, he rear-ended a vehicle at approximately 25 MPH. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. While her husband was exchanging information with the other driver, the other driver alerted him that his vehicle had caught fire. As her husband attempted to retrieve a fire extinguisher from the truck, he was alerted that the fire had worsened and was instructed to move away from the vehicle. Within minutes, the vehicle became engulfed in flames and was incinerated. A police report was filed. No injuries were reported. The contact had the vehicle towed to her home where it remained in her possession. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was a total loss. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Stalled out as I started to accelerate from a stop light. It's like not getting and fuel. Possibly some type of issue pertaining to that Then my airbag light keeps flashing. Floor board lights cut on an off for no reason. Electrical equipment Possibly incorrect?
Compare the 2006 Volkswagen Passat
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2006 Volkswagen Passat
Is the 2006 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Owners have filed 576 complaints about the 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 3.4 times a typical Passat model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2006 Volkswagen Passat year score?
The 2006 Volkswagen Passat scores 26 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volkswagen Passat: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Volkswagen Passat?
Airbags, with 148 complaints, typically around 90,000 miles. Next is engine (130).
How many recalls does the 2006 Volkswagen Passat have?
7 recalls, covering air bags, fuel system, gasoline and visibility.
Was there a recall on the 2006 Volkswagen Passat airbags?
Yes, 3 recalls: 24V834000, 18V247000, 16V079000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Volkswagen Passat have bad airbags?
The Volkswagen Passat model years with the most airbags complaints are 2013 (382 complaints), 2014 (354 complaints) and 2012 (296 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2006 Volkswagen Passat get?
Official estimates for the 2006 Volkswagen Passat range from 19 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-21 city and 28-29 highway.
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