Makes›Volkswagen›Passat›2019

2019 Volkswagen Passat

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.

Class: Midsize Cars
Body styles: 2.0l Tsi 4dr Sedan, Vr6 4dr Sedan
Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower: 174 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: 1 campaign

Pros & cons

What's good

5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Few owner complaints12 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 123 for similar models.

Watch out for

Modest powerUp to 174 hp, versus about 228 hp for similar 2019 models.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2019 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine 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), 3% better than the 2019 midsize car average of 28.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2019

Engine dropped: 3.6L 6-cyl

Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Passat →

Trims, performance & features

Engine174 hp2.0L 4-cyl

Transmission6-speed automatic

Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

WolfsburgSE R-Line

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard

Forward collision warningStandard

Blind-spot monitoringStandard

Lane keeping assistStandard

Adaptive cruise controlStandard

Backup cameraStandard

Automatic high beamsStandard

Keyless startStandard

Built in: Chattanooga, Tennessee

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2019 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	+3%	$2,300	302

6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)

6/10EPA greenhouse gas score

Save $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car

28.1 MPG2019 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

Version	Overall	Frontal	Driver / passenger	Side	Side pole	Rollover	Rollover risk
2019 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD	★★★★★	★★★★★	4★ / 4★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	10.7%

StandardElectronic stability control

OptionalForward collision warning

OptionalLane departure warning

Frontal crash test — 2019 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Side crash test — 2019 Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2019 midsize cars

Model	Best MPG / range	NHTSA overall	Recalls
2019 Volkswagen Passat (this car)	29 MPG	★★★★★	1
2019 Toyota Corolla	36 MPG	★★★★★	6
2019 Honda Accord	48 MPG	Not rated	6
2019 Chevrolet Impala	25 MPG	★★★★★	1
2019 Toyota Camry	52 MPG	★★★★★	7
2019 Nissan GT-R	18 MPG	Not rated	1
2019 Subaru Impreza	32 MPG	★★★★★	5

Recalls (1)

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.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2019 Volkswagen Passat is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

12Complaints to NHTSA since 2015

0Involved a crash

0Involved a fire

0Injuries reported

3,500 miTypical mileage at failure

Electrical System4

Service Brakes3

Power Train2

Engine2

Visibility/Wiper1

Steering1

Seats1

Unknown Or Other1

Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2019 Volkswagen Passat buyer's checklist

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
Service Brakes — 3 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 3,500 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 2019 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
2018 Passat	29	191.7 in	★★★★★	4	46
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 →