2018 Volkswagen Passat
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize car, rated at 29 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.

- Combined MPG
- 29
- NHTSA safety
- Starting price
- $27,000
- Recalls
- 4
Watch: Passat reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Volkswagen |
|---|---|
| Model | Passat |
| Model year | 2018 |
| Vehicle class | Midsize Car |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 2 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 25 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 36 |
| Combined MPG | 29 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 302 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2150 |
Available configurations
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Passat | 22 MPG combined |
|---|---|
| Passat | 29 MPG combined |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 25 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 36 MPG |
| Combined | 29 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 21% below the class average.
- Amount financed
- $24,300
- Total interest
- $4,227
Partner offers · may earn us a commission
≈ $1,386/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
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Cost to own
Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.
Safety ratings & recalls
SRC · NHTSA vPIC- Overall
- Frontal crash
- Side crash
- Rollover
Recalls (4)
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER18V536000 · 2018-08-15
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.
Remedy: 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:CALIPER18V369000 · 2018-06-01
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.
Remedy: 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.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS19V389000 · 2019-05-22
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."
Remedy: 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.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER20V561000 · 2020-09-16
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.
Remedy: 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.
Compare with rivals
All model years
Frequently asked questions
What is the MPG of the 2018 Volkswagen Passat?
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat is EPA-rated at 29 MPG combined (25 city / 36 highway).
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Volkswagen Passat. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
How safe is the 2018 Volkswagen Passat?
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 4 stars in the frontal crash test.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2018 Volkswagen Passat?
At 12,000 miles per year, the 2018 Volkswagen Passat costs roughly $1,386 per year to fuel, or about $6,931 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.
What type of vehicle is the 2018 Volkswagen Passat?
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat is classified as a midsize car. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC