Ford Taurus vs Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat is more fuel-efficient at 24 MPG combined, against 20 MPG for the Ford Taurus. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Ford Taurus | Volkswagen Passat | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,100 | 854 |
| Most reported problem | Suspension | Brakes |
| Crashes and fires | 78 and 22 | 15 and 18 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 70,000 miles | 76,000 miles |
| Recalls | 5 | 5 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 20 MPG | 24 MPG |
| City and highway | 17 and 26 | 20 and 29 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $3,350 | $3,400 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,100 complaints for the Ford Taurus and 854 for the Volkswagen Passat. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 5 for the Ford Taurus, 5 for the Volkswagen Passat.