Recalls
7campaigns
3 air bag · 1 fuel pump · 1 visibility
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
576filed
Owner reports, 2002–2011 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
24mpg combined
$2,721/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2 L 4-cyl· 6-speed manual
4 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (7)
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2006 Volkswagen Passat. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. Not checked against your VIN.
Driver's Side Front Air Bag Inflator May Explode
Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
28.7% repairedof 248,330 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V834000
Listed for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. Not checked against your VIN.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode
Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
12.1% repairedof 71,335 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V247000
Listed for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. Not checked against your VIN.
Fuel Pump Failure Cause Engine Stall
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
49.4% repairedof 280,915 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V509000
Listed for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. Not checked against your VIN.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
40.4% repairedof 151,767 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V079000
Listed for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. Not checked against your VIN.
WIPER MOTOR
Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · motor
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported57,291 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 06V470000
Listed for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. Not checked against your VIN.
BRAKE VACUUM LINE
Service brakes, hydraulic · power assist · vacuum
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported58,800 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 06V472000
Listed for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. Not checked against your VIN.
TIE ROD SECURING NUTS
Steering · linkages · tie rod assembly
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD SECURING NUT MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TORQUED.
- Consequence
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported15 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V540000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (576)
576 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The air bags is mentioned most often.
21involved a crash
6involved a fire
9injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 576 |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 148 | 25.7% |
| Steering | 112 | 19.4% |
| Electrical system | 79 | 13.7% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 66 | 11.5% |
| Engine | 64 | 11.1% |
| Power train | 47 | 8.2% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 41 | 7.1% |
| Service brakes | 41 | 7.1% |
| Vehicle speed control | 32 | 5.6% |
| Fuel system | 24 | 4.2% |
How 2006 compares with other Passat years
Best and worst Passat years →2002643
2003631
2004285
2005148
2006576
2007273
2008174
2009152
2010172
201116
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 643 | 3 |
| 2003 | 631 | 6 |
| 2004 | 285 | 3 |
| 2005 | 148 | 3 |
| 2006 | 576 | 7 |
| 2007 | 273 | 7 |
| 2008 | 174 | 4 |
| 2009 | 152 | 4 |
| 2010 | 172 | 4 |
| 2011 | 16 | 0 |
This year (2006)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 24 mpg combined
24
mpg combined
21
city
29
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,400
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 370 g/mi
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
What it costs you to run
$2,721per year
$227per month
625gallons a year
Miles ÷ 24 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | $3,400 | 370 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | $3,750 | 404 |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | $4,350 | 468 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2006 Passat for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2006 Volkswagen Passat FAQ
How many recalls does the 2006 Volkswagen Passat have?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns: 24V834000 (air bag), 18V247000 (air bag), 17V509000 (fuel pump), 16V079000 (air bag), 06V470000 (visibility), 06V472000 (brake), 05V540000 (steering). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2006 Volkswagen Passat problems?
Owners filed 576 complaints with NHTSA. Air bags (148), Steering (112), Electrical system (79) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2006 Volkswagen Passat get?
EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manual version at 21 city, 29 highway and 24 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2006 Passat compare with other years?
Among the 2002–2011 Volkswagen Passat model years at least five years old, the 2011 drew the fewest complaints (16) and the 2002 the most (643). The 2006 drew 576. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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