2017 Volkswagen Passat electrical system problems
18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2017 Volkswagen Passat — 16% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I am reporting a recurring safety-related defect involving the factory-installed infotainment touchscreen in my 2017 Volkswagen Passat SE Technology. The touchscreen intermittently malfunctions in several ways. At times, the entire infotainment system freezes and becomes completely unresponsive…”
filed Aug 27, 2026
“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine warning light and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred, causing…”
filed Nov 10, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery…
VOS-26-42 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 15, 2026
Electrical System problems in other Passat years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Passat | 10 | 22% |
| 2016 Passat | 22 | 21% |
| 2015 Passat | 48 | 20% |
| 2014 Passat | 74 | 12% |
| 2013 Passat | 93 | 12% |
| 2012 Passat | 95 | 20% |
| 2010 Passat | 21 | 13% |
| 2009 Passat | 18 | 12% |
| 2008 Passat | 21 | 13% |
| 2007 Passat | 34 | 13% |
| 2006 Passat | 79 | 14% |
| 2005 Passat | 9 | 6% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2017 Volkswagen Passat
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.