5 complaints reported

2016 Volkswagen Passat Air Bags

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
5
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that on seven occasions, the clock spring failed while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle with the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the clock spring was replaced under warranty; however, the failure returned soon after repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a Corporate Representative was sent to the dealer to test the repair. The representative test driving the vehicle also experienced with failure, and the clock spring fractured while operating the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2020
Feb 2023

The clockspring has broken 3 times since purchasing the car brand new in 2016. An extended warranty was given. However, due to all the driving I do the warranty did not cover my car as I was already past the miles once the extended warranty came out.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2021
Jan 2022

Driver airbag warning came on. Lost use of all controls on steering wheel. Probable clockspring failure

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2022
Dec 2021

I started my vehicle and the airbag light was on. Also the adaptive cruise control warning light was on and none of my steering wheel controls work. Not even the horn works. This is a huge safety issue that Volkswagen is aware of based on a past recall. There are no open recalls for my vehicle for this problem but there should be! I cannot even drive my car now because It’s not safe with no working horn or airbag! I researched online what the problem could be and several Volkswagen owners have the EXACT SAME issue. Apparently it’s the clock spring? I am not aware of Volkswagen offering to fix this major issue for their customers.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2021
Aug 2018

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON - NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT HAS 61,000 MILES

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2018

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Volkswagen Passat has 5 Air Bags complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.