Toyota Corolla vs Volkswagen Passat
For 2005–2021 models, the Toyota Corolla has 15.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 41.5 for the Volkswagen Passat. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2021), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Toyota Corolla
15.0 complaints per 10,000 sold
64% fewer than the Volkswagen Passat
- Complaints
- 8,011
- Sold
- 5,323,693
- Recall campaigns
- 34
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2005 and 2009–2011. Fewest: 2015–2018. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 69,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 28,394 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 54,650 mi
-
Master cylinder and booster
Typically around 20,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 1,700 mi · repair $750–$2,230
Volkswagen Passat
41.5 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.8× the Toyota Corolla’s rate
- Complaints
- 3,597
- Sold
- 865,871
- Recall campaigns
- 30
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2006, 2009–2010 and 2013. Fewest: 2011 and 2019–2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 59,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 59,540 mi
-
Fuel pump and sending unit
Typically around 95,000 mi · repair $630–$1,700
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 69,790 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 80,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Toyota Corolla or the Volkswagen Passat?
For 2005–2021 models, the Toyota Corolla has 15.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Volkswagen Passat has 41.5, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Corolla?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Corolla is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 69,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Volkswagen Passat?
The most-reported problem on the Volkswagen Passat is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 59,000 miles.
Which Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Passat years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Toyota Corolla: 2005 and 2009–2011; Volkswagen Passat: 2006, 2009–2010 and 2013.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.