Is the 2017 Volkswagen PASSAT reliable?

The 2017 Volkswagen PASSAT has 173 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Volkswagen PASSAT?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (28 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (24 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (22 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Volkswagen PASSAT?

Yes, there are 7 recall(s): UNKNOWN OR OTHER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Contact any Volkswagen dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Volkswagen PASSAT?

The 2017 Volkswagen PASSAT gets 25 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1920. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Volkswagen PASSAT?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Volkswagen PASSAT is approximately $1,511/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Volkswagen PASSAT

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Volkswagen PASSAT has 173 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 173. The most common issue is air bags problems (16% of all complaints), specifically: failed steering wheel clock spring on a 2017 vehicle that has been driven 20,000 miles over 14 months. after being parked for approx 40 mins, pulling out of a parking spot my steering wheel make popping/clicking sounds and immediately the airbag error sensors went off along with my service vehicl. There are 7 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 5 crash reports 2 injuries

173

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

28 complaints

16%

• FAILED STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING ON A 2017 VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN DRIVEN 20,000 MILES OVER 14 MONTHS. AFTER BEING PARKED FOR APPROX 40 MINS, PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT MY STEERING WHEEL MAKE POPPING/CLICKING SOUNDS AND IMMEDIATELY THE AIRBAG ERROR SENSORS WENT OFF ALONG WITH MY SERVICE VEHICL
• I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND IN STOPPED TRAFFIC AND PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A TWO-WAY ROAD WHEN HIT. THE DRIVER AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AND THE COLLISION INSPECTOR TOLD ME THAT MY SEAT BELT DIDN'T EITHER! I AM LUCKY I WASN'T HURT WORSE. THE CAR I WAS DRIVING W
• AIRBAG LIGHT ON FOR DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG, HORN WILL NOT WORK, CRINKLE SOUND WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. NO POWER TO STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 3 crashes

“FAILED STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING ON A 2017 VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN DRIVEN 20,000 MILES OVER 14 MONTHS. AFTER BEING PARKED FOR APPROX 40 MINS, PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT MY STEERING WHEEL MAKE POPPING/CLICKING SOUNDS AND IMMEDIATELY THE AIRBAG ERROR SENSORS WENT OFF ALONG WITH MY SERVICE VEHICL”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Volkswagen PASSAT

Based on 76 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 24K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 20K mi · 13 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 35K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 54K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

Later than typicalmedian 46K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (7)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER16/09/2020

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Risk: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Volkswagen PASSAT

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,920

Per month

$160

Per mile

16.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,412/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Volkswagen PASSAT

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,511

Full coverage / month

$126

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-10%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1511

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Volkswagen PASSAT Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

TSI turbo engines require VW-approved 502/504 spec synthetic oil. DSG transmission service (if equipped) every 40K miles.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Volkswagen New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

7 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Volkswagen. If you're buying a used 2017 PASSAT, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Volkswagen dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 173 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: FAILED STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING ON A 2017 VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN DRIVEN 20,000 MILES OVER 14 MONTHS. AFTER BEING PARKED FOR APPROX 40 MINS, PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT MY STEERING WHEEL MAKE POPPING/CLICKING SOUNDS AND IMMEDIATELY THE AIRBAG ERROR SENSORS WENT OFF ALONG WITH MY SERVICE VEHICL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: TL* THE CONTACT LEASES A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE REAR BACKUP CAMERA FAILED TO DISPLAY ON THE MONITOR. THE REARVIEW CAMERA SYSTEM WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ESSERMAN INTERNATIONAL (LOCATED ON 10455 NW 12TH ST, MIAMI, FL 33172) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL INDEPENDENTLY ENGAGED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL INDEPENDENTLY ENGAGED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Volkswagen dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)