general problems of the 2014 Volkswagen Passat

26 problems related to power train have been reported for the 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2014 Volkswagen Passat based on all problems reported for the 2014 Passat.

1 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/03/2025

My vehicle has a transmission coolant leak, which is common for some of the 2014 Passat. Not pretty sure if it is due to the faulty o-ring recalled for some of 2014 Passats.

2 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/17/2025

Leak from water pump area and airbag.

3 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/14/2023

I had just had the engine replaced on my 2014 Volkswagen Passat tdi 13 miles previously and on my first drive upon getting my car back I had an error code “transmission overheated” and I lost power while driving and the check engine light also illuminated. The transmission cut out almost immediately when the overheating message illuminated on the dashboard. It then illuminated a wrench where the drive indication is not the dashboard and would not allow selection of any gears. I had the transmission inspected by the dealer and they aren’t sure what happened and that it does indeed need a new transmission. The fact that I lost the ability to drive the car immediately after the light came on while driving seems dangerous to me and a transmission with 63,000 miles and 64 degrees f shouldn’t overheat. It is a dsg transmission and I have read online of several other owners experiencing similar situations of the transmission having faulty parts and overheating. I also reached out to Volkswagen of America and they said there isn’t anything they can do as the car is out of warranty (I believe the warranty for the transmission was 60,000). I had pointed out to Volkswagen that the transmission is cooled by the engine so a brand new engine 13 miles ago and then the consequent overheating and terminal failure seems rather odd to me. Had I been driving on the freeway instead of 40 mph the situation could have ended significantly different then it did.

4 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/03/2022

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving a 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where she informed the mechanic that she had to top off the oil reservoir with 1 to 2 quarts of oil every two weeks. The mechanic informed her that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil and referred her to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where she was informed that the upper timing chain cover and transmission oil cooler needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 14v182000 (power train) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and she was informed that her vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

5 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/20/2021

Dual mass flywheel failure.

6 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/13/2020

While driving the car the epc light came on. I took the vehicle to the dealership where they determined the oil level was so low that no oil was showing on the dip stick. Dealership added 3. 8 quarts its and noted they suspect based on my history of timely oil changes that the engine is consuming oil. The low oil indicator light never came on. The car is still consuming oil and no indicator light is coming on.

7 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/08/2020

While at idle the timing chain makes a rattling noise. I had the timiing chain , guides, and tentioner replaced, and it still makes the same noise. The vareible cam timing is now making a noise.

8 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2020

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14v182000 (power train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure stated in the recall. The vehicle was taken to dean team Volkswagen of ballwin (15121 manchester rd, ballwin, mo 63011) who informed the contact that the engine needed to be taken apart to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that recalls were VIN specific. The VIN was not included. No assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

9 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/24/2020

The heater core in these cars are horrible I've had mind replaced 3 times and I have to get another heater core and my car floor is full off water and it keeps leaking and the way the sound when your taking off I noticed that sound like a Mini weed eater when you press on the gas.

10 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/17/2020

Tl-the contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 mph, the vehicle failed to shift to second and third gear while the transmission warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was towed to an used dealer where they informed the contact they was unable to assist. The Volkswagen dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was unaware if the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14v182000 ( power train). The approximate failure mileage was 69,125. Ak.

11 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2019

Tl-the contact owned a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact brought the vehicle into the dealer prestige Volkswagen of turnersville NJ 4271 e black horse pike, turnersville, NJ 08012 (856) 629-9200 for recall repairs. They found two other recalls on the vehicle. After they drove the vehicle home, the epc light came on the vehicle. The dealer said to bring the vehicle back and stated that the vehicle was low on oil and the contact disputed that fact. The epc light represented an issue with the trottle. After two days the epc light came on again. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who had the vehicle for two weeks. The dealer wanted to charge $600 for a part to monitor the oil level. The contact reminded the dealer about the epc that was a trottle software issue. There was a dispute and the manufacturer told the contact to take it to another dealer. The contact took the vehicle to another dealer cherry hill Volkswagen 2261 NJ-70, cherry hill, NJ 08002 (888) 486-1840. They diagnosed the issue and replaced a part that had to do with the oil level. Two weeks later the epc light came on again and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. They called today and said that the newest repair would cost $800 to fix and they could not guarantee if this would fix the issue. The manufacturer had done nothing but document what has happened up to this point. The manufacturer offered to loan $800 to pay for the latest repairs if the contact would get a CO signer. The contact called the attorney general's and checked into the lemon law but with no results. The failure mileage was unknown since the dealer had logged the mileage in as 169,720 when the contact saw it was under 100,000 on the odometer. Tf.

12 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/11/2018

Regarding recall NHTSA bulletin 14v182000 - my 2014 vw Passat is experiencing the same issues outlined in the bulletin outline above however, it appears my VIN does not correspond with the manufactures recall. I have a o-ring that is faulty and has created a leak between the oil cooler and transmission. Based on the recall it could result in a vehicle fire. I believe the issue regarding the seal is expanded beyond the manufactures criteria and should be expanded to cover all 2014 vw Passat. Please note this was leak was identified by the independent service station. The dealership indicated this was a rear crank seal leak, not the case.

13 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/08/2018

Transmission erratic shifting. Very common issue!.

14 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 11/24/2017

The motor kept making noise didn't know what it was went to Volkswagen of memphis the motor had to be replaced, 2 months later smelled gas coming from car the fuel injector had to be replaced, 2 months after that the overheat indicator was on couldn't drive the car the water pump went out was out of several thousands of dollars not happy with the car at all but almost done paying on it will not buy another.

15 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2017

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. While the vehicle was stationary, it leaked oil onto the ground. An independent mechanic diagnosed that oil leaked from the upper intake tube into the transmission oil cooler. Volkswagen kearny mesa in san diego, California was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14182000 (power train). The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 71,099.

16 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2017

The car's transmission is listed as "automatic", however it jerks on slow speeds and slowing down. This performance is described in the dsg diagram from the automotive technology web site. It also appears that this manufacturer (vw) was the first to design this an automated manual transmission, it was not approved by the nhsta. This transmission should not be classified and then certified as automatic. The buying public should be notified if their vehicle has this alternate transmission. The jerk and lurch of the vehicle is problematic if the driver loses control at the event that the transmission is actually at fault. There is no grind in the gears like a traditional automatic to indicate malfunction. This occurs at every start, stop which makes it the regular performance for the vehicle, but how does the owner know when things are not. Occurs stopping at lights. Following in slow traffic. Driving up hill. Parking.

17 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/21/2017

2014 vw Passat tdi se 2. 0l manual my vehicle has 62,583 mi. On it. I was driving on the highway when the diesel "glow plug" light began flashing on the dashboard and I lost all engine power. I was fortunate to be able to reach the roadside safely and I was able to bring the car to a halt on the roadside. Trying to start the vehicle however was not possible, the "glow plug" light continued to flash and the vehicle would not start. Vw roadside assistance was called and the vehicle was towed to the nearest vw dealership where I have was given the error code information below and told my turbo and engine need to be replaced but that they are outside of my 5yr/60,000 mi warranty. P0671-cylinder #1 glow plug circuit active/static p0674- cylinder #4 glow plug circuit active/static p2196- O2 sensor signal stuck rich bank 1 sensor 1 active/static p0299- turbo/super charger under boost active/static p13e0-sensor for internal pressire of cylinder #1 malfunction active/static p13d7-sensor for internal pressure of cylinder #4 electrical error active/static p13e1-sensor for internal pressure of cylinder #2 malfunction active/static p13e2- sensor for internal pressure of cylinder #3 malfunction active/static p1007- torque difference cylinder #4 limit value exceeded active/static.

18 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/31/2017

I was driving down the interstate 5 in the la area and without warning, my car started jerking and lost power. I was stuck on the fast lane without being able to restart my car in Friday afternoon rush hour traffic. I had my car towed to a vw dealership and the diagnosis came back as metal in the fuel system. I was told this was due to the high pressure fuel pump (hpfp) failing. What was most disturbing was when I was informed that to fix this problem, they would have to replace the entire fuel system, costing me $7,500. My car is 3 years old and has 75k miles so I was blown away! I called numerous mechanics and all told me they've seen similar problems on vw and Audi vehicles. I went online to do some research and found a number of forums with vw customers with identical problems. All complain about the hpfp failing and then resulting in metal in the fuel system, causing an expensive replacement of the fuel system. I also read that vw has extended the warranty of the hpfp on earlier models due to similar problems. It is clear that vw has still not fixed this problem on its newer models and needs to extend the warranty or issue a recall. They are selling faulty cars that are dangerous to drive and require extremely expensive fixes. Please look into this. Here is the forum with the number of similar issues from other vw customers: https://www-odi. Nhtsa. Dot. Gov/vehiclecomplaint/?_ga=1. 28961404. 1963426351. 1491430895.

19 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/23/2017

Stopped at intersection at green light idling when I went to put on the gas the car stalled. Restarted the car and would not work. Stuck in middle of the road with potential of causing other accidents. Vw said the problem was due to an update and after an update was done that I had to pay out of pocket for the car was fixed.

20 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/23/2015

Pulled out of driveway, accelerated uphill. Sudden loud whine and loss of power. Glow plu g light and check engine light came on. Drove back to house in limp mode, called to have it towed to dealer. Dealer found broken turbocharger.

21 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/08/2015

•miles on car at failure: 21,755 •corrective actions from dealership: replaced turbo, gaskets, reflash, check particulate filter and replace. •outside air temps at failure:20’s – 30’s •failure warning signs, if any: turbo began making horrible whining sound on Sunday afternoon March 8, 2015. Called vw 3/9/15 and took to dealer 3/10/15 for emergency appointment prior to 3/12/15 first available appointment. No warning lights or indicators even after 3 days of driving with horrible noise. •warning lights on dash/mfi: no lights or indicators •problems since replacement: now at 25,766 miles. Checked oil cap to change oil every 5k instead of 10k now that out of service contract and noticed particles around oil cap. Got magnet and found that many were magnetic. I have videos of the turbo whining before replacement and the magnetic particles identified last evening. Oil was not changed as part of turbo replacement nor were the high pressure lines to/from turbo. Prior oil change at 19,146 for 20k service. No particles around or in oil cap after that service. Turbo occasionally makes a distant whining noise upon startup but stops within a couple of seconds. •did the dealership perform all maintenance and on schedule: yes (2 different dealers for maintenance. One did 10k and turbo, the other did the 20k). •if not dealership, what oil was used/miles on oil: oil was not changed as part of the turbo failure/replacement. Oil lines were not replaced either. 5w40 was used for 20k service at vw dealer prior to turbo failure. •do you interrupt dpf regenerators: try not to as most times I can smell the regen and notice the higher rpms and will continue driving. Have interrupted a couple that could not be avoided due to paying to park in a garage for work.

22 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/14/2015

Catastrophic turbo failure and stater motor failure. Caused by extreme cold weather start ups.

23 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2014

Purchased a new Volkswagen Passat September 22, 2014. Two weeks later October 6 I was driving on the expressway when abruptly the gear shift into neutral pressed the gas the rpm went to 4 I had to stop. Another two weeks later the same thing happened again. I scheduled a service appointment for November 17 th. On the 14th and 15 th of November the car shift into neutral again, however on the 15 th it happened on a local street driving at about 35 miles/ hour. I took the car for service I was told it was not possible and maybe I hang my pocket book on the changer. I was also told the car is functioning as designed. I took the car and the same night the car abruptly slipped into neutral again . I took the car back and was told nothing is wrong with the car. I explained to the service manager I have a concern for my safety he said " get it out of your head you are not getting a new car or your money back. " I have parked the car and have not driven since November 20th except to have it checked by another dealer twice who tells me the car is functioning as designed. I still have the car parked because I cannot be driving scared.

24 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2014

Traveling eastbound on interstate #10 at circa az milepost 180 the car without any warning suddenly slowed from 75 to 40 mph and the rpm went into the red line zone <6000 rpm. The sensation within the car was as if the brakes were being applied in a full panic stop. Since the were no brake lights activated or other indication to fast moving motorists, I only avoided an accident (being plowed into from behind) by pulling off on to the shoulder. Any hesitation on my part or had I been in a middle lane would likely have resulted in a multi car/truck pile up. This was an extremely dangerous vehicle failure. Once on the shoulder I consulted the owners manual. The warning light indicated dsg (direkt-schalt-getriebe, I. E. The transmission) overheated. The manual said to let the transmission cool down before restarting the vehicle. In all it was over 6 hours that the transmission was given to cool down to no effect. (this includes the time I waited then after I called for a tow, waited on the tow, and was towed 140 miles to tucson) the problem did not resolve. It was left late that night at a vw dealer in tucson. Late the following afternoon the dealer service department informed me that the car would need a new transmission, that it would have to come from germany and not be available to install for 7-10 days. Germany? the car was purported to have been manufactured in kentucky. This, on a car I have owned for only 90 days with only 7000 miles! this is a catastrophic failure that could easily place the occupants of the vehicle and other motorists and their passengers in mortal danger.

25 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/25/2014

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,400.

26 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/13/2014

The car tends to have jerking movements during slow traffic conditions. The car will not stop smoothly and gives whip lashes after pumping the breaks pedal twice to ensure the car stops. The dsg system fails to engage smoothly while in automatic but runs smoothly while in "sport" mode. We have almost rear ended several cars while driving in automatic due to the jerky dsg gear shifting and poor response time in the breaking systems while in stop and go traffic conditions. A vw sales person informed me yesterday that the car is designed for full time "sport" mode on open highways. This is not realistic as large cities naturally have horrific traffic conditions. I fear that this dsg system will cause accidents or even deaths due to the "jerky" response in automatic mode. I have contacted vw corporate and local dealerships to check the car but the dealership maintains the car is working as it was designed. This is a new car and the first car I feared driving.


Other Power Train related problems of the 2014 Volkswagen Passat


Safety Ratings of Passat Cars
Fuel Economy of Passat Vehicles
Passat Service Bulletins
Passat Safety Recalls
Passat Defect Investigations