Recall 12V146 affects 153 2012 Volkswagen Passat vehicles for a diesel fuel filter sealing defect. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 153 2012 Passat vehicles because the diesel fuel filter element was built with a seal that does not close correctly. Over time or after certain driving distances, leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source can lead to a fire, and the Volkswagen dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The diesel fuel filter element in the 2012 Volkswagen Passat is the replaceable insert inside the filter housing. Its job is to clean diesel fuel before it reaches the engine, while the seal keeps that fuel contained inside the closed fuel system.
On affected Passats, the filter element was built into the vehicle during assembly in a way that does not seal correctly. When that seal does not hold, diesel fuel can pass around the filter element instead of staying inside the filter housing. The problem is in the fit and seal of the filter element, not in normal owner maintenance.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the sealing problem is inside the diesel fuel filter assembly, an owner has no reliable early cue that the filter element is not sealed correctly.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | fuel system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 153 |
Not every 2012 Volkswagen Passat sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Fuel leakage creates a fire risk when fuel reaches an ignition source. NHTSA does not list a warning sign before leakage, so confirm your VIN and arrange service rather than waiting for a symptom. Repair will be free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Volkswagen Passat is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and ask for the free diesel fuel filter element replacement that corrects the fuel leak risk.
- Reference recall number 12V146 when you call, and bring the owner notice if Volkswagen mailed one.
- Keep fuel smells or visible fuel leakage away from ignition sources and contact the dealer before driving farther.
What happens at the repair
Volkswagen's remedy calls for a dealer to replace the diesel fuel filter element, the part that seals fuel inside the filter housing. If your VIN is included, a Volkswagen technician removes the old filter element and installs the replacement part. The safety recall began on April 27, 2012, and the listed dealer repair is free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| April 5, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 27, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V146?
Recall 12V146 covers 153 2012 Volkswagen Passat vehicles built with a diesel fuel filter element Volkswagen identified as not sealing correctly. Fuel leakage can develop over time or after certain driving distances, and leaking fuel near an ignition source increases fire risk. Volkswagen dealers replace the diesel fuel filter element for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Volkswagen Passat is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Passat is included in recall 12V146. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the diesel fuel filter element replacement. Reference recall number 12V146 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Volkswagen dealers replace the diesel fuel filter element free of charge. The free repair applies at any franchised Volkswagen dealer regardless of where the vehicle was purchased.
What is the safety risk for recall 12V146?
The safety risk is fuel leakage from the diesel fuel filter element. Volkswagen reported that leakage can appear over time or after certain driving distances. If fuel leaks near an ignition source, the vehicle faces an increased fire risk. The dealer repair replaces the affected filter element for free.
What if I bought my Volkswagen Passat used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2012 Passat is included, then call a franchised Volkswagen dealer and reference recall number 12V146.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V146000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-822-8987 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V146 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V146000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →