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2014 Volkswagen Passat electrical problems

74 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 49,149. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
74
of this car's complaints
12%
typical mileage
49,149
crashes
2
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Horn
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Volkswagen Passat electrical problems in other years

1990199520002005201020152022

Specific symptoms reported on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Backup camera 6

Related recalls

Electrical system: wiringReported March 24, 2016 · 91,442 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical connectors of the sensor, causing an electrical short.
Risk
An electrical short can cause the electrical connectors of the sensor to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in September. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23T3.

Recall number 16V171000 · Recall details

What 2014 Volkswagen Passat owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · IN · crash · 1 injury

A prior recall that was supposedly fixed, broke again. Submitted several complaints with the federal safety agency and Volkswagen. Volkswagen said i had to pay a fee to verify what was wrong with my vehicle because the recall had already been fixed before. Months of waiting and waiting for an appointment and then vw would still not refix the recall. So years and years went by before the recall was recalled and vw sent out notice. Only to schedule you vehicle for service months out and then call and cancel because there is a shortage of parts and no known time in getting them. Anyways the recalled recall is an air bag spring that caused all of my vehicles "functions" to stop working. No horn, no steering wheel button functions, no computer functions. And during this time of not having my vehicles safety features... I was involved in a collision where my horn would have probably been a lifesaver and a vehicle saver had I had it

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · NV

Clockspring Recall. Horn not working, buttons on steering column not working, when turning steering wheel it makes a clicking noise, sounds like spring being pulled, driver side air bag light is illuminated on dash.

Filed Dec 6, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · 92,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated and remained illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were false DTC codes displayed while performing the diagnostic test. The vehicle was then taken the dealer and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

Filed Aug 28, 2024 · Electrical · FL

Driver side headlight showing as out, but not fixable by replacing bulb; wiring issue.

Filed Feb 21, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CA

The component that failed is in the official dealer report. I am not an expert however definitely an issue with electrical, engine, steering and acceleration meter. The car shakes/jolts aggressively. Once the shaking of the vehicle begins it accelerates with the breaks being pressed in under a red light and also under parked mode. In the red light case the vehicle then turns off the steering wheel freezes and all power comes off. The shaking/jolting takes place as I am driving as well. Which I then have to pull to the right to ensure my safety and others. This is major safety concern as it accelerates /jolts forward which can cause harm to pedestrians crossing the street, having me enter crossing traffic causing a major accident to myself and others. I have the brakes pressed in having no control of the vehicle. The vehicle turning off as I am driving is a major safety concern as I can cause an issue specially going on higher speed like freeways. The steering wheel comes into a complete freeze once the vehicle turns off as I’m operating the vehicle which then does not allow me to control the movement of the vehicle if I want to pull to the right away from traffic to avoid collisions. Once the car looses electricity and the steering wheel freezes I have to force my car to the right or a safe space. I then have to take my car key off the ignition and then turn it back on in hopes that it does turn on. No warning lamps have turned on. My dashboard is cleared with no lights. The dealer in downtown Los Angeles was informed of this issue, inspected and the report did come back reporting manufacturing issues. My vehicle did have a steering wheel recall before which I assumed was resolved as I did previously visit their center to ensure I was safe driving and leaving the dealer I trusted that the issue was resolved by their expert and experienced personnel. I am not sure or it’s unknown if this might have anything to do with the current issue I have.

Filed Oct 17, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

To Whom It May Concern. Good afternoon. I really need your help on this. This particular vehicle has a defective DEF emission system that renders the car inoperable when the DEF sensors start acting up. Between 2022-2023, I took this vehicle to the Volkswagen dealership on numerous times, over ten different times. This vehicle was still protected under a factory emissions DEF extended warranty. The engine mounted diesel injection pump was changed by me when the Volkswagen dealer refused to honor the defective diesel injection pump. The DEF emissions systems has had numerous issues including shutting off on the freeway due to defective DEF sensors. Between 2022-2023 I was forced to keep the vehicle on for up to 96 hours costing me considerable expenses in fuel, and abnormally high mechanical wear and tear on my vehicle because I was unable to turn the vehicle off due to a Volkswagen diesel no-restart emissions issue that can only be repaired at the Volkswagen dealership. VWOA has acted in extremely bad faith causing unnecessary hardship on their customers that erroneously purchased a Volkswagen Passat diesel with the DEF emission system. Volkswagen ripped me off by selling a defective vehicle, then refusing to honor their factory extended emissions warranty on the defective DEF systems. Please intervene. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 7, 2023 · Airbags, Electrical · TX

The clock spring is out on the vehicle again

Filed Jan 19, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · OH · crash · fire

Hi , My 2014 Passat driven by a family member struck a parked truck. Luckily, nobody was hurt! The parked car was not occupied and the driver of the Passat was able to exit the vehicle unharmed. The speed was about 35 mph and the air bags deployed. This front collision resulted in a major fire that totally destroyed the car. The insurance company (Progressive) is currently in the possession of the car. And one other important thing to note is that, about 2 years ago, this car was also involved in a different accident when it reared a car. That collision did not result in the deployment of the air bags but caused lots of damage. The radiator and lots of the plastic in the front needed replacement at that time. I don't recall the exact amount for the damage, but we ended up paying the full 2k deductible to get the car back.

Filed Dec 26, 2022 · Electrical · OH

Please see attached uploaded file.

Filed Sep 23, 2022 · Electrical, Fuel system · MI

Check engine comes on 2014 VW Passat TDI 68,000 miles. Dealer code shows NOx sensor is bad. This car is covered through 2024 and 120000 miles by VW extended emissions warranty due to Diesel emissions fraud settlement with US Government. VW refusing to honor warranty and make repair.

Questions about the 2014 Volkswagen Passat electrical

Does the 2014 Volkswagen Passat have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 74 complaints about the electrical of the 2014 Volkswagen Passat, 12% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2014 Volkswagen Passat electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 49,149 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 16V171000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Volkswagen Passat have the most electrical problems?

The Volkswagen Passat model years with the most electrical complaints are 2002 (220 complaints), 2012 (95 complaints) and 2013 (93 complaints).

Other 2014 Volkswagen Passat problems

Airbags 354Engine 80Fuel system 50Steering 44Transmission 37Visibility 16Acceleration 13Body 12Lights 10Brakes 8Driver assistance 8Suspension 6Wheels 6Seat belts 3Tires 3

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