Official safety recallPrompt inspection

2016 Volkswagen Passat · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE: recall 15V705000

If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Covered model years
2015–2016
Evidence level
Official safety recall
Source review date
2026-10-18
Jurisdiction
United States
Record ID
volkswagen-passat-nhtsa-15v705000

What the source says

The documented condition

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.

Consequence identified by NHTSA

If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Campaign 15V705000; report received 2015-10-26. Source checked 2026-10-18.

Source component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Compare the pattern

Symptoms and vehicle scope

Condition described by NHTSA

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.

    Vehicles and limits

    • NHTSA model names: PASSAT. Model years: 2015, 2016.
    • NHTSA campaign 15V705000
    • The complete campaign lists 91,867 potentially affected units across all listed vehicles.
    • A make, model and year match does not establish VIN eligibility.

    Manufacturer position

    What the official procedure directs

    Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.

    Mileage context

    Safety recall eligibility is based on the VIN and campaign scope, not ordinary warranty mileage. Check the complete VIN even when the vehicle is outside its original warranty.

    Original evidence

    Open the documents behind this record.

    NHTSA safety recall · 15V705000 · 2015-10-26

    NHTSA campaign 15V705000

    Official component, defect, consequence and remedy; checked 2026-10-18.

    Repair paths and safe checks

    Match the action to the evidence.

    Official repair pathManufacturer or authorized dealer · Confirm with the dealer

    Official recall remedy

    Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.

    Boundary

    Confirm VIN eligibility and current remedy instructions with the manufacturer.

    Safe owner checkVIN lookup · Before arranging repairs

    Check the complete VIN

    Check the 17-character VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls and ask the manufacturer whether this campaign remains open for the vehicle.

    Boundary

    The model-year list is not proof that an individual vehicle is affected.

    Record reviewed in the source on 2026-10-18. Confirm the current document and VIN instructions before arranging work.

    How we check a problem · All records for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat

    Before authorizing work

    Read the method beside the problem.

    Safety and triage8 min read

    When a car is unsafe

    Stop safely when control changes, smoke appears or the manual tells you to stop. Do not use a short trip home as a test of whether the fault is serious.

    Read the guide
    Diagnosis and symptoms8 min read

    Why symptoms overlap

    “It makes a weird noise” is useful human language. Diagnosis begins when that language is tied to the exact vehicle and its operating conditions.

    Read the guide

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