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2013 Volkswagen Passat

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2013 Passat.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2013 Volkswagen Passat is a passenger car that recorded the highest complaint volume in the model’s 1990–2022 production history, amassing 747 owner-reported issues against the line’s low of eleven for the 2022 model year. Air bags dominate the documented concerns, accompanied by nine separate recalls, placing this iteration at the extreme end of the reliability spectrum. For researchers, this model year represents the statistical peak of reported defects across the nameplate’s multi-decade span, establishing a clear high-water mark for quality issues that distinguishes it from both earlier and later production.

Model year202220212020201920182017201620152013

Quick specs

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

Lug nut torque103 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

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

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 47 Diesel · 540 Diesel CCA battery, OE oil filter 03H115441. 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 Diesel · 540 Diesel CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnLAMPOEM · verified
Tire size215-60R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rimN/A inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter03H115441 alt 07K115441
Engine air filter07K129620 alt 1K0129620B
Fuel filter561919679 alt 3C0919679A
Spark plug101905600C alt 101905622
Battery000915089E alt 000915089F
Front wiper blades561955425B alt 561955426B
Serpentine belt07K145933G alt 022145933AP
ThermostatWHT000863 alt 03H121113E
Cabin air filter1K1819669 alt 1K0819644B

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length191.7 in
Overall width72.4 in
Overall height57.9 in
Wheelbase110.2 in
Curb weight3166 lb
Track (front / rear)61.4 / 60.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)60/40

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.

8.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.50 sec — 2013 TDI SEL Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2013TDI SEL Sedan 2.0L Turbo Diesel I-48.50 sec16.60 sec140 hpFWD
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

Service quick specs OEM factory data

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

This engine DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 103 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. 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 FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.4-7.6
Brake FluidDOT 4
Manual Transmission FluidVW part number G052171A2
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity4.0-5.50

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs11 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17.7 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts6.6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18.4 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts6.6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18.4 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts103 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-4-5-3
Cylinder Firing Order1-5-3-6-2-4
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)730 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)60 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerVW

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.25-1.30 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity3.40-4.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number47 Diesel
Standard BCI Cranking Performance540 Diesel cca
Optional BCI Group Number49 Diesel

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum51.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum65.0 psi
Residual Pressure43.5 psi
Engine Compression159

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH FN3 (16 inch) CALIPER PR NOS. 1LH/1ZG
Torque Caliper to Bracket22 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle148 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Brake ApplicationWITH FN3 (16 inch) CALIPER PR NOS. 1LH/1ZG
Rotor Runout Limit0.05 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.984 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.984 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Torque Caliper to Bracket — tightening sequence 1 stages
175
Torque to Knuckle — tightening sequence 1 stages
190
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
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9022 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
129 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9029 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages
122 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
237 ft. lbs.37 ft. lbs
390 degrees.90 degrees
490 degrees.; Do not re-use old bolts.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
1Bolts 1-1230 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees; Bolts 13; 7.3 ft. lbs.; Use new bolts. Do not lube bolts. A 2-3 mm bead of a suitable sealer must be placed on the block at the timing chain area front and back sides. Install head gasket and apply sealer on top of head gasket at the timing chain area rear only.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
111 ft. lbs.; Step:2: 22 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
3using a ratchet turn 90 degrees90 degrees
4using a ratchet turn 90 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
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat bolt head washers and threads with clean engine oil

129.5 ft. lbs.29.5 ft. lbs
244.2 ft. lbs.44.2 ft. lbs
390 degrees90 degrees
490 degrees90 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
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
144 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9044 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
129 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9029 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 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi.

Every 10,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Diesel Emissions Fluid (inspect fluid level) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Headlamp Washer Nozzle (inspect)
Every 20,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake System (inspect) · Diesel Particulate Filter (inspect) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Suspension Shock or Strut (inspect)
Every 40,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Exterior Lighting (inspect)
Every 50,000 miTransmission Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 60,000 miAir Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean) · Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 80,000 miEngine Assembly (leak inspection)
At 120,000 miDiesel Particulate Filter (inspect)

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 2013 Volkswagen Passat sits at the peak of its generation's complaint arc, registering 747 federal complaints—the highest of any year in the entire dataset—alongside 9 recalls and 3 investigations. This represents a sharp escalation from 2012 (481 complaints, 11 recalls) and exceeds the still-elevated 2014 figures (592 complaints, 10 recalls), after which complaints decline steadily through 2015 (242) and 2016 (106). The dominant complaint area by a wide margin is Air Bags at 289 reports, followed distantly by Unknown/Other (42), Exterior Lighting (37), and Engine (36), with 29 crash complaints and 4 fire complaints recorded. The data does not specify root causes for the air bag complaints, but the concentration is notable enough to warrant attention. TSB volume also peaked around this period (1,588 in 2013 versus 1,566 in 2012 and 1,560 in 2014), suggesting extensive manufacturer service activity. Given that 2013 represents the worst complaint year in the generation and air bag issues dominate the record, this is not a model year I would recommend buying without first verifying that all 9 recalls have been completed and specifically confirming air bag-related recall remedies have been performed.

9
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
1588
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
3
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
747
Owner complaints
29 involved a crash · 4 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
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 747 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags289
Unknown Or Other42
Exterior Lighting37
Engine36
Fuel/Propulsion System30
Steering,Air Bags19
Electrical System18
Electrical System,Air Bags17

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 9 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V389000Exterior Lighting:HeadlightsReported 22/05/2019

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… Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, block the headlight horizontal adjustment, free of charge. The recall began July 16, 2019. Owners may…

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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 1588 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
SM 26-20262026-05-19StructureThis special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets 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 batteryEngine oil filter 03H115441Engine air filter 07K129620Fuel filter 561919679Spark plug 101905600C

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

Does the 2013 Passat have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.