2018 Volkswagen Passat
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 2.0l Tsi 4dr Sedan, Vr6 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 174–280 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 25 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 191.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,263–3,446 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 192 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,263 lb (2.0l Tsi 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (25 city / 36 highway), 7% better than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2018
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 1.8L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 27 to 29
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Passat →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Chattanooga, Tennessee
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2018 Passat configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0l Tsi 4dr Sedan | 191.7 in | 72.4 in | 57.9 in | 110.2 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,263 lb | 60/40 |
| Vr6 4dr Sedan | 191.7 in | 72.4 in | 57.9 in | 110.2 in | 61.4 / 60.2 in | 3,446 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passat | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +7% | $2,300 | 302 |
| Passat | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -19% | $3,050 | 396 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |


Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Volkswagen Passat (this car) | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (4)
Unknown Or Other · Sep 16, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V561000 · 23 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · May 22, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V389000 · 662,185 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2020 Volkswagen Passat and 2018-2019 Atlas vehicles. The blocking cap disabling the adjustment of the headlight's horizontal aim may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 94L9.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Aug 15, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V536000 · 8,416 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The brake caliper bracket mounting bolts on these vehicles may not have been tightened sufficiently.
- Risk
- The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary, free of charge. For Passat vehicles, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for proper connection, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46H6.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Jun 1, 2018 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 18V369000 · 10,225 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
- Risk
- A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
Not every 2018 Volkswagen Passat is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Volkswagen Passat buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Service Brakes — 12 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 11 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Passat years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Passat | 28 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 13 |
| 2021 Passat | 28 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 18 |
| 2020 Passat | 27 | 193.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 18 |
| 2019 Passat | 29 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 12 |
| 2017 Passat | 27 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 110 |
| 2016 Passat | 29 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 106 |
| 2015 Passat | 34 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 7 | 243 |
| 2014 Passat | 34 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 565 |
| 2013 Passat | 34 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 9 | 670 |
| 2012 Passat | 34 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 415 |
| 2010 Passat | 25 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 140 |
| 2009 Passat | 23 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 116 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →