2012 Volkswagen Passat transmission problems

Filed May 15, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · TX

I own a 2012 Volkswagen Passat [VIN [XXX] ] with approximately 1315xx miles. On December 17, 2025, I took the car to Rockwall County Volkswagen for three recalls. The car was running and was driven 9.5 miles to the dealership under its own power. I left the engine running when I left the it with the service advisor. When I returned to retrieve the car the following day, the service advisor informed me the car would not start. Their explanation shifted within the same conversation — first that someone had shut it off and it would not crank, then that it would crank but would not start. They claimed they had to pushed it into the service bay, replaced the airbag, and "code the computer for the clock-spring." The dealer refused to repair the no-start condition that occurred in their custody. I towed the car home at my own expense - $161. I performed my own diagnostic work using VW scan tools. The vehicle exhibited a textbook immobilizer or component protection rejection pattern: it would crank, start briefly for 1–2 seconds, then shut off, with three instrument cluster chimes and the coolant fan activating. The scan tool could not communicate with all vehicle modules, consistent with a failed module programming. After contacting the dealer's service manager, I towed the car back to the dealership [$64]. The dealer kept it from December 2025 through April 7, 2026 — approximately four months. During this time, they replaced the battery (charging me) and replaced the engine control module with a used unit they sourced and reprogrammed (charging me a total of $804.38). On April 7, 2026, I drove the car home. The vehicle was driven less than 35 miles after pickup before failing again. On April 27, 2026, my daughter — who had just undergone a serious medical procedure — was driving the car home and was stranded on the side of the road in 90+ degree Texas heat when the car suddenly stopped running with no warning or indication of impending failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)

Filed Feb 14, 2021 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · IA

My 2012 passat had an issue with the flywheel as it was starting to come apart and cause a rattle noise like an exhaust pipe rattling it went away when I took RPM to a little higher number had it fixed by dealership I wonder why there wasn't a recall on this as it happened to many people I had it replaced in time but was lucky enough to catch it in time if I hadn't and it broke as I was driving it would have stopped the engine causing multiple problems and destroying the engine and at 75 MPH could possibly get into a serious wreck this flywheel didn't wear out it was completely coming apart and for a 2012 with 80,000 it shouldn't be coming apart the car has never been mistreated and had regular maintenance since new all recommended by factory. I was shocked to see no recalls anywhere for this flywheel part on a tdi 2.0 passat.

Filed Dec 23, 2019 · Transmission · TX

They vehicle is stationary and is my 2nd vehicle for occasional days so for the most time stay at home. One day I just turned on to warm up and the check engine light turned on. I went to auto zone for diagnosis and the error code read p2432 secondary air injection system air flow / pressure sensor circuit low bank 1. I checked on internet and there was a recall for 2011 vw jetta 5 cylinder 2.5l that exactly the same engine.

Filed Nov 17, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 50,000 miles · MA

Vehicle developed a ," loss of power" issue at approximately 1.5 years ago around 50,000 miles. It usually occurs within the first 10- 15 minutes after cold start up and when vehicle is traveling between 10 and 40 MPH. The vehicle will be operating normally, then instantly lose power and start shuddering. When merging onto a highway on numerous occasions since then, the sudden loss of power has nearly caused me to be struck by other vehicles. Along with loss of power, there has been a noticeable odor of diesel fuel which comes from the observed fuel pooling on the top of the engine. This is a fire hazard only waiting to happen. I will not let any other members of my family drive this vehicle for fear of their safety. Manufacturer dealer has been able to duplicate the issue but not resolve it. The manufacturer engineering and technical dept has been involved but still not able to solve after 1.5 years and numerous shop visits.

Filed Nov 9, 2015 · Locks, Transmission · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 volkswagen passat. While driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal sound, the gears shifted, and the vehicle decreased speed. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, but the failure was unable to be duplicated. The contact also stated that the rear passenger door failed to unlock. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 6, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

The car was on cruise control then engine light came on and glow plug light started flashing. Also a winding noise was heard when accelerating which did not accelerate very well. I took it to the dealer and they said it would need a turbo which was just replaced 20,000 miles ago, mechatronic unit ,, ad blue hester kit ,particulate filter part . The car is 3 years old I put about 35k miles on a year. I service the car religiously never have missed required service. Over $6,000 dollar repair

Filed Apr 23, 2015 · Transmission · 92,235 miles · CA

The car was taken to parkway volkswagen, santa clarita ca 91355, for routine maintenance recommended transmission service. Reported mechatronic gasket leaking and should be replaced. Offered to do so at a reduced price. After dealer repair car goes into neutral randomly from drive mode. Dealership will not take responsibility. Claims failure is a coincidence and not related to their work on the transmission.

Filed Jul 7, 2014 · Transmission · PA

The car hesitates to the point that it comes close to causing an accident with oncoming traffic when pulling out after being stopped. It hesitates and then surges forward. The car will roll forwards and/or backwards depending whether you are facing downhill or uphill when sitting on a hill and you take it out of park. To put in gear--very scary. I just had the car serviced at the dealer and the dealer says this is a common complaint with these cars--it is a diesel not gasoline. I looked on some complaint web sites and there are complaints all the way back to 2006 about these very same issues--when is something going to be done about this--does someone have to get killed before something is done. It is obviously a design issue and has been one for a long time. Please address this as I do not want my kids or family to drive this car due to these problems--I could never forgive myself if something happened to one of them and I knew about the problem-- the dealers are obviously not doing anything about the issue--read the complaints for yourself and what consumers have been told by the dealers when they report the issues--you are our only source of help in this situation-please investigate this very potentially dangerous situation with these transmissions--thank you--[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed May 26, 2014 · Acceleration, Transmission · 5,000 miles · TX

When I start the car, I put my foot on the brake and proceed to put the car in d (drive) or r (reverse). The car accelerates immediately even with my foot on the brakes. The only way to prevent this from happening is to allow the car to warm-up for 30 to 45 seconds before attempting to drive it. I have expressed my concerns to dealership and I was told as long as it does go over 11 rpms it should be okay. Then when I returned to the dealership and ask them to look at it again, I was told that the vehicle is operating as designed. Several times, I have forgot to let the the car warm-up and almost ran into my garage door or whatever object that was in front or behind me. Also, because my spouse does not drive the car often, he tends to forget to let the vehicle warm-up and as a result almost hit a car that was parked in front of him. If I let anyone drive the car, I tell them to let the car warm-up before they drive off. I do this because I am concerned that the driver will be overcome by the immediate acceleration and loose control of the car. I feel that there is a defect in the design which could cause an accident or injury and should be re-evaluated. Also, the brakes squeak and I have asked the dealership to check them out every time I take the car for the 10k maintenance. Each time, the dealership states that there is nothing wrong with the brakes. I am very dissatisfied with this car. I hope that if there is a defect or design problem, it can be resolved. If not, I will trade the car for another vehicle. However, I would hate for this automobile to be sold to another customer with the existing design.

Filed May 15, 2014 · Fuel system, Transmission · 25,260 miles · IA

Intermittent loss of turbo power during low speed acceleration. I brought the vehicle to vw of quad cities in davenport, ia on 2 may 2014. Service manager reported that the problem could not be replicated by a vw service technician. The problem occurred again on 5 may 2014 and was reported to the service manager. Again, the problem could be replicated and was return to me. I departed the vw service area and while driving away the problem resurfaced in the vicinity of the vw dealership. I returned immediately to the service center and asked to have a technician ride with me to experience the faulty condition. The vw service technician was then able to recognize a problem with the turbo locking up a low speeds. Upon return from the test drive, parts were ordered to make repairs. I was allowed to depart with my impaired vehicle while awaiting parts. The car's turbo failed again on 8 may 2014 at approximately 8:20 am while approaching the I-74 bridge over the mississippi river from iowa into illinois. I called the service department to notify the service manager that I was bringing the car directly in for service since the vehicle's propulsion was severely restricted without the turbo boost.