2018 Volkswagen Passat

The 1.8T and 2.0T EA888 engines in the US-market NMS Passat are prone to timing chain tensioner failure, particularly in earlier production years. A rattle on cold starts is the first symptom, and if unaddressed, the chain can skip teeth.

Replace the timing chain tensioner with the updated revision part, along with the chain and guides. The updated tensioner has a check valve that prevents oil drain-back. VW issued multiple TSBs addressing this issue.

The EA888 engine water pump and plastic thermostat housing develop coolant leaks. The thermostat housing cracks at its sealing surfaces, and the water pump impeller shaft seal fails. Owners notice low coolant warnings.

Replace the water pump and thermostat housing with the updated metal housing revision. This is a well-documented VW service item with updated parts available. Preventive replacement at 60,000-80,000 miles is recommended.

The MIB II infotainment system becomes unresponsive, freezes during use, or takes excessively long to boot after starting the vehicle. Bluetooth pairing issues and CarPlay disconnections are frequent complaints.

Dealer performs software updates to the infotainment module. A hard reset of the system may resolve temporary issues. In persistent cases, the infotainment unit requires replacement.

The direct-injection EA888 engine accumulates carbon deposits on the intake valves, causing rough idle, misfires, and power loss. Symptoms typically appear between 40,000 and 70,000 miles.

Walnut blasting of the intake valves to remove carbon deposits. Install an oil catch can to reduce future buildup. The updated PCV valve design helps mitigate the issue. This is a recurring maintenance item on EA888 engines.

The rear multilink suspension bushings wear out, causing clunking noises over bumps and a vague feeling from the rear end during cornering. The inner and outer control arm bushings are the most common failure points.

Replace the worn rear control arm bushings or complete control arms. A rear alignment is required after the repair. Aftermarket upgraded bushings may offer improved durability over OEM rubber units.

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.

A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

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.

Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.

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.

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."

Without the blocking cap, the headlight aim can be adjusted out of specification, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

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.

The loose brake bracket bolts can allow the caliper to move, reducing braking ability or causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

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.