The vehicle experienced repeated catastrophic engine failures, including failure of a replacement engine. Approximately six months after purchase and at around 80,000 miles, the engine failed and required a complete engine replacement through Volkswagen and the MaxCare service contract. Approximately one to one and a half years later, at around 120,000 miles, the replacement engine also failed. The vehicle developed rough idle conditions, check engine light warnings, timing chain and camshaft-related issues, lubrication-related concerns, and severe engine performance problems. Volkswagen later recommended another complete engine rebuild or replacement along with additional engine-related repairs. The vehicle became non-operable and could no longer be safely or reliably driven. The repeated failure of both the original engine and replacement engine suggests an ongoing defect-related condition rather than normal wear or an isolated mechanical failure. The problems were confirmed and documented by Volkswagen service personnel. Similar engine-related concerns involving oil consumption, lubrication issues, timing system concerns, and engine performance problems are also reflected in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletins involving this type of engine.
2014 Volkswagen Passat transmission problems
37 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 67,000.
- owner complaints
- 37
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- typical mileage
- 67,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission: cooler/radiator: hoses and fittings1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Volkswagen Passat transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Passat vehicles, equipped with diesel engines and Direct-Shift Transmissions (DSG). The vehicle's underbody heat shield may not be long enough to protect the right half-shaft grease boot from heat, potentially resulting in a grease leak.
- Risk
- If the leaking grease contacts a heated surface, such as the exhaust system and/or the diesel particulate filter (DPF), it could increase the risk of fire.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft heat shield, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23W5.
Recall number 17V309000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the transmission may leak fluid.
- Risk
- The leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1‑800‑822‑8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38B9/9V.
Recall number 14V182000 · Recall details
What 2014 Volkswagen Passat owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I am reporting a recurring engine defect in a 2014 Volkswagen Passat that has resulted in repeated engine failure and loss of power while driving. Approximately six months after purchase, the vehicle required a complete engine replacement. One to two years after the replacement, the vehicle began exhibiting the same engine-related failures and has since become inoperable again. Manufacturer-issued Technical Service Bulletins addressing these engine defects were issued prior to the sale of the vehicle, indicating the condition was known. The repeated engine failures create unsafe driving conditions, including the risk of sudden loss of power during vehicle operation.
1) Transmission vehicle is not able to be driven Driving on the highway taking kids to school as my vehicle would not accelerate put me the kids and all that were on the road that morning at risk because all i could do is coast to get off on the side of the highway. I had it towed to independent center No warning signs, lights or messages nor any other symptoms. 2)also faulty steering wheel clock spring all of the controls stopped working airbag light is on and when turning the wheel it clicks and rubs.
My vehicle has a transmission coolant leak, which is common for some of the 2014 Passat. Not pretty sure if it is due to the faulty O-ring recalled for some of 2014 passats.
Leak from water pump area and airbag
I had just had the engine replaced on my 2014 Volkswagen Passat TDI 13 miles previously and on my first drive upon getting my car back I had an error code “transmission overheated” and I lost power while driving and the check engine light also illuminated. The transmission cut out almost immediately when the overheating message illuminated on the dashboard. It then illuminated a wrench where the drive indication is not the dashboard and would not allow selection of any gears. I had the transmission inspected by the dealer and they aren’t sure what happened and that it does indeed need a new transmission. The fact that I lost the ability to drive the car immediately after the light came on while driving seems dangerous to me and a transmission with 63,000 miles and 64 degrees F shouldn’t overheat. It is a DSG transmission and I have read online of several other owners experiencing similar situations of the transmission having faulty parts and overheating. I also reached out to Volkswagen of America and they said there isn’t anything they can do as the car is out of warranty (I believe the warranty for the transmission was 60,000). I had pointed out to Volkswagen that the transmission is cooled by the engine so a brand new engine 13 miles ago and then the consequent overheating and terminal failure seems rather odd to me. Had I been driving on the freeway instead of 40 mph the situation could have ended significantly different then it did.
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving a 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where she informed the mechanic that she had to top off the oil reservoir with 1 to 2 quarts of oil every two weeks. The mechanic informed her that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil and referred her to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where she was informed that the upper timing chain cover and transmission oil cooler needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V182000 (Power Train) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and she was informed that her vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH there was no issue with the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, he noticed a fluid leak on the floor underneath the vehicle. The contact was later informed by the dealer that it was a transmission fluid that was leaking from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and he was informed that the transmission oil cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was then informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V182000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Dual Mass Flywheel Failure
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 volkswagen passat. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v182000 (power train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure stated in the recall. The vehicle was taken to dean team volkswagen of ballwin (15121 manchester rd, ballwin, mo 63011) who informed the contact that the engine needed to be taken apart to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that recalls were VIN specific. The VIN was not included. No assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
Questions about the 2014 Volkswagen Passat transmission
Does the 2014 Volkswagen Passat have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 37 complaints about the transmission of the 2014 Volkswagen Passat, 6% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2014 Volkswagen Passat transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 67,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat transmission?
Yes, 2 recalls: 17V309000, 14V182000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Volkswagen Passat have bad transmission?
The Volkswagen Passat model years with the most transmission complaints are 2006 (47 complaints), 2004 (38 complaints) and 2014 (37 complaints).
Other 2014 Volkswagen Passat problems
Airbags 354Engine 80Electrical 74Fuel system 50Steering 44Visibility 16Acceleration 13Body 12Lights 10Brakes 8Driver assistance 8Suspension 6Wheels 6Seat belts 3Tires 3
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