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2010 Volkswagen Passat

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2010 Passat.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2010 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize passenger car built on the contemporary Passat platform and equipped with a 4.5‑quart oil capacity engine that accepts 0W‑40, 5W‑30, or 5W‑40 viscosity oils, paired with an S6 automatic transmission. Its fuel‑efficiency ratings of 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and a combined 25 mpg illustrate the model’s balanced performance for its class. Reliability data show 163 owner complaints overall, with air‑bag issues being the most common and four recalls issued for the year, placing the 2010 model in a moderate reliability tier within the 1990‑2022 Passat lineage—better than the 2013 peak of 747 complaints but not as low‑complaint as the 2022 low of 11.

Model year202220212020201920182017201620152010

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.5 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-40 / 5W-30 / 5W-40OEM · verified
Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy22/31/25 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 47 · 480 CCA battery, OE oil filter 06J115403Q. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 47 · 480 CCAOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter06J115403Q
Engine air filter1K0129620G
Fuel filter3C0919679A
Spark plug06H905601A alt 06H905621A
Battery000915089F alt 000915089E
Front wiper blades3C1998002
Serpentine belt06J260849D
Thermostat06H121113B alt 06J121113C
Cabin air filter1K1819669 alt 1K0819644B

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length188.2 in
Overall width71.7 in
Overall height57.9 in
Wheelbase106.7 in
Curb weight3206 lb
Track (front / rear)60.6 / 60.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)59/41

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined22 / 31 / 25 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume96 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Passat of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.7–9.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.70 sec — 2012 V6 SEL Premium Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2012V6 SEL Premium Sedan 3.6L V65.70 sec14.20 sec280 hpFWD
2012V6 SEL Premium Sedan 3.6L V66.30 sec14.80 sec280 hpFWD
2012TDI SE Sedan 2.0L Turbo Diesel I-48.60 sec16.80 sec140 hpFWD
2012TDI SE Sedan 2.0L Turbo Diesel I-48.70 sec16.60 sec140 hpFWD
2012SE Sedan 2.5L I-58.80 sec16.60 sec170 hpFWD
2012SE Sedan 2.5L I-58.80 sec16.80 sec170 hpFWD
2012SE Sedan 2.5L I-58.80 sec16.60 sec170 hpFWD
2012SE Sedan 2.5L I-59.00 sec16.80 sec170 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.5 qt of 0W-40 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidVW part number G052182A2
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.3-7.6
Brake FluidDOT 4
Engine CoolantUSE G012ABG-A1 COOLANT
Engine Oil0W-40 · 5W-30 · 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity4.5 qt
Manual Transmission FluidVW part number G052171A2
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity4.0-5.50

Engine torques

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18.4 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs96 inch lbs. ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts89 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerVW
Spark Plug Gap0.039-0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque18 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.26-1.37 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil CapacityModels w/Delphi or Sanden compressor, 3.38-4.05; models w/Denso compressor, 4.38-5.06; models w/Zexel compressor, 3.71-4.38. oz
Standard BCI Group Number47
Standard BCI Cranking Performance480 cca
Optional BCI Group Number48

Service checks

Pressure Test14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief20-23 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature188 °F
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum58.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum101.0 psi
Residual Pressure43.5 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum58.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum101.0 psi

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH FN3
Torque Caliper to Bracket22 ft-lbs / 26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle148 ft-lbs
Brake ApplicationWITH FNR-G
Torque Caliper to Bracket22 ft-lbs / 26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle140 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Brake ApplicationWITH FN3

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 906 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 454 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
129 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9029 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
174 ft. lbs., step 2: 18074 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
130 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
290 degrees.90 degrees
390 degrees.90 degrees
4Front bolts6 ft. lbs
590 degrees.; Do not re-use old bolts.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
130 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
290 degrees.90 degrees
390 degrees.90 degrees
4Front bolts6 ft. lbs
590 degrees.; Do not re-use old bolts.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages
111 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
222 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
390 degrees90 degrees
490 degrees; Apply liquid locking fluid-D 197 300 A2 sealant under head of bolts before installing the longer cylinder head bolts must be installed in the middle holes of the cylinder head.90 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
144 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9044 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
144 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9044 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12 ft. lbs., step 2: 72 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
14 ft. lbs., step 2: 9 ft. lbs., step 3: 12 ft. lbs., step 4: 184 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12 ft. lbs., step 2: 72 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
14 ft. lbs., step 2: 9 ft. lbs., step 3: 12 ft. lbs., step 4: 184 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 18022 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 9,300 mi; spark plugs every 18,600 mi.

Every 9,300 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Windshield Washer System (inspect)
Every 10,000 miBrake Rotor (inspect) · Headlamp Washer Nozzle (inspect) · Headlamp Washer System (inspect fluid level) · Windshield Wiper Blade (inspect)
Every 18,600 miBattery (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 20,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake System (inspect) · Suspension Shock or Strut (inspect)
At 37,500 miSpark Plugs (replace)
Every 37,500 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Drive Axle Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 40,000 miInstrument Cluster Warning Indicator (inspect) · Sunroof Assembly (inspect)
Every 60,000 miAir Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean) · Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2010 Passat sits at the tail end of its generation, where complaint volumes had fallen sharply from a peak of 576 in 2006 to just 163, a level comparable to the prior year’s 152. Recalls held steady at 4, matching 2008 and 2009, while the number of investigations rose to 3—the highest for any model year since 2004—suggesting regulators were scrutinizing specific issues more closely. The top complaint category for 2010 is air bags with 34 reports, though the data does not specify a root cause; engine and power train each follow with 23 complaints, and there were 5 crash-related complaints. Within the generation’s arc, 2010 represents a mature design with relatively low complaint counts, but the slight uptick in investigations and the air bag concentration introduce some uncertainty. Overall, the 2010 Passat appears to be a reasonable choice from a reliability standpoint, provided a buyer verifies that any open recalls—particularly those related to the air bag system—have been addressed.

4
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
830
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
3
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
163
Owner complaints
5 involved a crash · 1 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’90’91’92’93’94’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’22

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 163 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags34
Engine23
Power Train23
Fuel/Propulsion System16
Fuel System, Gasoline6
Power Train,Engine5
Steering5
Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V148000Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator ModuleReported 06/03/2018

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the… Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners…

17V509000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpReported 16/08/2017

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the… Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 830 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TT 10-18-02_22026-06-18EngineLubricating engine components before reassembly.
TT 13-20-01_32026-06-18EngineInstruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
V6919012010479_172026-06-11Air BagsInquiries
V1719012012855_812026-06-04EngineVolkswagen Engine Oil Standards
VOS-26-212026-03-27EngineThis is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Passat. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 47 batteryVehicles taking 4.5 qtEngine oil filter 06J115403QEngine air filter 1K0129620GFuel filter 3C0919679ASpark plug 06H905601A

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2010 Passat take?

4.5 qt of 0W-40, 5W-30 OR 5W-40 MEETING VW SPECIFICATION 502.00, per the factory manual.

Does the 2010 Passat have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Passat get?

EPA figures are 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined mpg.