The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·16V171000·Announced 2016-03-24

Volkswagen Recalls 2012-2014 Passat TDI Vehicles for Fire Risk

Volkswagen is recalling 2012-2014 Passat TDI vehicles because water can corrode electrical connectors, causing a short that may lead to a fire.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (electrical wiring) that explicitly increases the risk of a fire, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. The recall affects 91,442 vehicles.

The defect involves improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor. This allows water to enter and corrode the electrical connectors, which can cause an electrical short. An electrical short can cause the connectors to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in September. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Brand
VOLKSWAGEN
Manufacturer
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Passenger Car
Hazard
Affected units
91,442

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • PASSAT

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · VOLKSWAGEN

Same manufacturer · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

See all →

Same hazard · fire

See all →

Similar recalls