Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2019 Volkswagen Passat
With an overall Carivo score of 7.2/10, the 2019 Volkswagen Passat earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Value at 7.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Volkswagen Passat's reliability at 8.9/10 — among the strongest in our sedan database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 7.1/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.4/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.3/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $24,046–$30,401, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Passat sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Value lands at 7.1/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2019 Volkswagen Passat, but it needs the right buyer. and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2019 Volkswagen Passat ranks #896 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 32% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $24,046 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 13%.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Passat Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Volkswagen Passat scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.2 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2019 Volkswagen Passat (1 on record)
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
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…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2019 Volkswagen Passat that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2019 Volkswagen Passat
Is the 2019 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
We rate the 2019 Volkswagen Passat's reliability 8.9/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2019 Volkswagen Passat have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2019 Volkswagen Passat worth buying?
It scores 7.2/10 overall, ranking #896 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 32% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2019 Volkswagen Passat cost?
The 2019 Volkswagen Passat starts at $24,046 and ranges up to $30,401 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Passat years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Passat years we've rated are 2014 (6.9/10), 2013 (6.9/10), 2012 (6.9/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2019 Volkswagen Passat have?
The documented issues for the 2019 Volkswagen Passat are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Exterior lighting (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Volkswagen Passat
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More Volkswagen Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Volkswagen models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year