Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Air Bags (35.5% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.
Air Bags complaints here are 4.2× the median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 86 · 35.5% | Recalled | Recall 19V014000 · Recall 19V862000 |
| Engine | 53 · 21.9% | Recalled | Recall 15V705000 |
| Electrical System | 44 · 18.2% | not available | — |
| Service Brakes | 26 · 10.7% | Recalled | Recall 15V373000 |
| Steering | 26 · 10.7% | not available | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 20 · 8.3% | Recalled | Recall 15V028000 |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 242 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 19V014000 · 2019 · reported 01/11/2019
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 19V389000 · 2019 · reported 05/22/2019
Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 15V705000 · 2015 · reported 10/26/2015
If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 14V670000 · 2014 · reported 10/24/2014
Unexpected movement of the driver's seatback may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 15V373000 · 2015 · reported 06/15/2015
If the brake line was not properly tightened, it may leak brake fluid, causing a reduction in braking performance, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 15V028000 · 2015 · reported 01/23/2015
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 19V862000 · 2019 · reported 12/04/2019
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“I AM REQUESTING THAT DOT NHTSA INVESTIGATE A SAFETY ISSUE WITH CLOCK SWITCH PART ON MY 2015 VW PASSAT, WHICH CONTROLS BOTH THE AIR BAGS…”NHTSA complaint 11133062 — filed 10/03/2018 · AIR BAGS
“I WAS DRIVING MY 2015 VW PASSAT (IN EXCELLENT CONDITION) I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE SLOWLY AND AS I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL…”NHTSA complaint 11128801 — filed 09/11/2018 · AIR BAGS
“ALL LIGHTS CAME ON AT SAME TIME, NO NOTABLE REASON GIVEN FOR ISSUE. JUST TOLD COSTS ASSOCIATED AREN'T UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALLS.”NHTSA complaint 11127873 — filed 09/06/2018 · AIR BAGS
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Air bags issues are the most-reported category, cited in 86 of 242 NHTSA complaints (35.5%), followed by engine (53), electrical system (44), unspecified/other issues (40). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
242 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 11 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 14 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 7 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V014000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
