1990 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

2 recalls, 50 complaints - 3 TSBs

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Defect Description

IN THE EVENT THE ENGINE OVERHEATS AND THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED CONTINUOUSLY IN THAT CONDITION, THE COOLANT PRESSURE WILL RISE TO A LEVEL AT WHICH THE HEAT EXCHANGER COULD LEAK.

Consequence

A LEAKING HEAT EXCHANGER WILL ALLOW HOT COOLANT TO ESCAPE CAUSING INJURY TO THE DRIVER'S FEET OR COULD STEAM UP THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE TEMPORARILY IMPAIRING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEAT EXCHANGER ON THESE VEHICLES.

8,100 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Defect Description

THE VENTURI TUBE LOCATED IN THE THROTTLE VALVE HOUSING CAN BECOME LOOSE AND FALL AGAINST THE THROTTLE PLATE.

Consequence

THE VENTURI TUBE CAN PARTIALLY BLOCK THE THROTTLE PLATEAND PREVENT IT FROM RETURNING TO ITS FULL IDLE POSITION, RESULTING IN UNWANTEDENGINE SPEED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN A FORWARD OR REVERSE GEAR.

Remedy

REPLACE THE PRESS-FIT VENTURI TUBE WITH A THREAD TYPE TUBE.

12,650 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Complaint Statistics

50 total complaints 5 fires 1 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	7
SEAT BELTS	5
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	5
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE	5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM	4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR	2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	2
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM	2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	1

Incident date: Nov 10, 2005

HI I PURCHASED A 1990 VW PASSAT THE VIN # IS [XXX] .... THE HEATER CORE BLEW ON THIS VEHICLE, I BY PASSED THE HOSES 2 STOP THE HEATER CORE FROM LEAKING, IT SMELLED LIKE SYRUP AND VISIBILITY WAS BAD IF I HAD TO USE THE WINDSHIELD DEFOGGER , I HAVE RECENTLY HEARD OF THIS RECALL AND CHECKED YOUR SI... Read more

Incident date: Sep 10, 2002

WIFE WAS DRIVING ALONG WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, HEATER CORE BURST, FILLING INTERIOR OF CAR WITH HOT COOLANT AND STEAM. HER VISION WAS OBSTRUCTED BY THE STEAM ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND HE HAD TO BRING THE CAR TO A COMPLETE STOP IN TRAFFIC. MY DAUGHTER, WHO WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, HAD SOME C... Read more

Incident date: Oct 7, 2003

RECALL 96V115000: THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY HEAT, THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED AND THE DEALER FOUND A FAULTY HEATING CORE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE HEATER CORE, BUT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK *SC *JB

Incident date: May 6, 2003

MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS: POWER WINDOWS, IGNITION SWITCH, PASSENGER SIDE PASSIVE SEAT BELT, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT SHIFT INTO 4TH GEAR (TURN KEY OF AND ON TO RESET TRANSMISSION). FINALLY, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE APPEARS TO BE ELECTRICAL CAUSING WIDE-RANGING DAMAGE... Read more

Fire

Incident date: May 6, 2003

Fire

Incident date: May 6, 2003

Fire

Incident date: May 6, 2003

Fire

Incident date: May 1, 2001

THE RIGHT BALL JOINTS AND SWAY BARS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT LOW MILEAGE. NLM

Incident date: May 1, 2001

THE RIGHT BALL JOINTS AND SWAY BARS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT LOW MILEAGE. NLM

Incident date: Apr 1, 2000

RECALL 96 V 115 000/ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED OVERHEATING IN WHICH COOLANT / STEAM WAS COMING INTO VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK HEATING CORE FAILED AND LEAKED THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONSUMER... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2000

Incident date: Nov 1, 2000

WATER PUMP FAILED AND ENGINE OVERHEATED. CURRENTLY, THERE IS A LEAK. *AK

Incident date: Mar 11, 2000

ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS (03/11/00 AND 07/03/00) I WAS TRAVELLING AT A SPEED IN EXCESS OF 75 MPH AND HEARD A SUDDEN SNAP COMING FROM ONE OF MY TIRES. HOWEVER, THE SOUND WAS VERY MUCH LIKE THE SOUND WHEN SOMETHING GETS CAUGHT UNDERNEATH THE CAR MOMENTARILY WHILE PASSING OVER IT. THE FIRST OCCASION... Read more

Incident date: May 20, 1998

WE DID NOT REALIZE OTHER OWNERS HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THIS MODEL YEAR UNTIL WE READ YOUR REPORTS.WE DID NOT CONTACT THE MANUFACTURE BECAUSE WE THOUGHT OUR PROBLEMS MAY BE ONE OF A FEW. OTHERS ARE "HARD START, ROUGH/HUNTING AT IDLE ,HARSH ENGAGEMENT & FINALLY NO 4TH GEAR SHIFT. *AK

Incident date: Jan 20, 1999

RECALL NUMBER 96V115000; CONSUMER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL FAILURE. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER STATED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK *ML

MOTOR MOUNTS FAILED. YH

FRONT END VIBRATION CAUSED THE TIRE TO WEAR OUT AND WHEELS TO BEND. YH

CV JOINT FAILED. YH

FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILED. YH

BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS FAILED. YH

SPRING STRUTS AND STRUT MOUNTS FAILED. YH

Incident date: Jun 1, 1999

THE ENGINE STALLS WHEN I APPLY QUICK BRAKES AT 50 MPH. ALSO, WHEN I LEAVE THE HIGHWAY, REDUCING VEHICLE SPEEC TO 30 MPH, UPON APPLYING BRAKING THE ENGINE FREQUENTLY STALLS. THIS IS AN DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITION WHICH CAN CAUSE ACCIDENT/CRASH. THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN I APPLY QUICK BRAKES AT 30 MPH. ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 1999

Incident date: Sep 29, 1999

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE DUE TO THE OIL TOP BEING LEFT OFF WHICH CAUSED ANIT-FREEZE FLUID TO LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE. *AK

Incident date: Mar 17, 1999

NO SUMMARY INCLUDED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

FRONT PASSENGERS WINDOW CAME DOWN WHEN THE PASSENGER DOOR WAS CLOSED.

RADIO PERFORMING POORLY.

TIMIMG BELT BROKE WHILE DRIVING.

Incident date: Jun 1, 1998

WHEN CONSUMER STARTED THE HEATER VENTILATION THE VEHICLE WAS SO HOT INSIDE THAT GLASS WINDOWS WERE FOGGY, AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS VERY HOT. CONSUMER COULDN'T DRIVE IN THAT SITUATION. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED.*AK

TRANSMISSION SOME TIME FLY BACK INTO THIRD GEAR WHEN ON THE FREEWAY, TURN ENGINE OFF AND RESTART, EVERYTHINGS FINE.

TIMING BELT BROKE AND DISTORYED THE ENGINE

ENGINE OVERHEATS, CAUSING THE COOLANT PRESSURE TO RISE, RESULTING IN LEAKAGE. *AK

Incident date: Dec 18, 1997

FRAYED CABLE CABLE CAUSED PASSENGER SIDE PASSIVE RESTRAINT MECHANISM NOT TO FULLY RETRACT.

Incident date: Jun 16, 1997

CONSUMER NOTICED PASSENGER'S FRONT SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT DOES NOT LOCK IN PLACE ALL THE WAY, ALSO IT MOVES BY ITSELF; BECOMES LOOSE FROM TOP RETRACTOR . MAKES NOISE, OVER NIGHT DRAINES BATTERY. *AK

Incident date: Aug 22, 1996

THE HEATER CORE LEAKED INSIDE CAR, CAUSING BURN INJURY TO DRIVER.

1 injured

Incident date: Jun 1, 1992

HEAD GASKET LEAKS, ALLOWING OIL TO RUN ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND BURNS, CAUSING CARBON MONOXIDE FUMES TO ENTE RVEHICLE; ALSO, HEAT EXHANGER LEAKS, CAUSING ODOR TO ENTER PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO DRIVER'S FEET OR FOG UP WINDSHIELD.

Incident date: Jun 1, 1992

HEAD GASKET LEAKS ALLOW OIL TO RUN ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND BURN, CAUSING CARBON MONOXIDE TO ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THERE IS ALSO A RISK OF FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Incident date: Nov 1, 1995

THE HEATER EXCHANGER LEAKS AND ODER ENTERS PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THIS LEAK COULD CAUSE INJURY TO THE DRIVER'S FEET OR CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD TO FOG OVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.

Incident date: Oct 24, 1996

LONG AXLE METAL DONUT OUTSIDE DIAMOND PRESS, GLUED TO HUB, PRESSED ON SHAFT FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL, SLID DOWN AND WEDGED IN THE FRONT WHEEL AXLE PIVOT. SEE ENCLOSED VIDEO. *AK

Incident date: Dec 30, 1996

VEHICLE'S PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER BELT MOTOR RUNS CONTINUOUSLY, RUNS DOWN BATTERY, WILL NOT RETRACT OR RELEASE SHOULDER BELT; HAD VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES, THEY FAILTO REPAIR PROBLEM. *AK

Incident date: Oct 30, 1996

HEAT CONTROLLED FOR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BEGAN HEATING W/SWITCH OFF. THE FOLLOWING MORNING THE DRIVER'S SEAT BECAME PROGRESSIVELY HOT IMMEDIATELY. ONCE PULLED OVER TO CHECK, COMPARTMENT FILLED W/SMOKE AND DRIVER'S COAT WAS ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

Fire

UPON PURCHASING VEHICLE NEW, PASSIVE RESTRAINT SEAT BELTS FOR DRIVER GET STUCK MIDWAY W/MOTOR RUNNING. OWNER HAS TO DISCONNECT W/EMERGENCY RELEASE. *AK CONSUMER STATES HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH PASSENGER SIDE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE, DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ENTIRE SEAT BELT... Read more

Incident date: May 8, 1996

TIMING BELT TENSIONER BEARING SEIZED, CAUSING DESTRUCTION OF TIMING BELT. *DH

Incident date: Jan 1, 1991

TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED ELECTRONIC FAILURE.

Incident date: Jul 8, 1994

VEHICLE CONTINUALLY STALLS DUE TO FUEL SENDING UNIT/FUEL TRANSFER PUMP BREAKING UP/CLOGGING THE FUEL FILTER. *DSH

THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR STOPPED WORKING. TT

THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR STOPPED WORKING . TT

Incident date: Aug 7, 1995

ABS:TOLD BY DEALER, ENTIRE ABS NEEDS REPLACING;ALIGNED, OWNER GOT AIR INTO SYSTEM WHILE CHANGING PADS, RUINED WHOLE SYSTEM;VOLKSWAGEN WILLING TO PAY FOR HALF.

Incident date: Jun 8, 1995

PASSENGER SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS FAILED, THE BELTS STOPPED WORKING. TT

EPA Fuel Economy, 1990 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	18.0	26.0	21.0	Regular	$2,950
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	18.0	27.0	21.0	Regular	$2,950

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1990 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

3 manufacturer communications from 2 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	1
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM	1
161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS	1

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

VOLKSWAGEN: EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD, REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES. HEAT SHIELDS ARE TO BE INSPECTED AFTER COMPLETION O ANY TYPE OF REPAIR TO THE UNDERBODY (EXHAUST SYSTEM TRANSMISSION, ETC.), AND IF DAMAGED, REPLACED. *PE

161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

CONDITIONS WITH ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT START. *YC

NHTSA Safety Investigations, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

Engine Compartment Fire

In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

Engine Compartment Fire

ODI has received 11 complaints alleging that a fire started in the engine compartment of the vehicle that may be related to ignition coil failure, and 9 complaints of ignition coil failure that did not result in a fire.Reports state that the vehicle hesitated or lost power, and the check engine or d... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2009

TRANSMISSION FLUID HOSE CHAFE

ON MAY 4, 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATIONS (ODI) OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE09-022 TO INVESTIGATE AN OWNER COMPLAINT (ODI NO. 10260517) ALLEGING CONTACT BETWEEN THE ATF COOLING LINE AND THE RADIATOR FAN BLADES.THE COMPLAINT INDICATED THAT THE CONTACT RESULTED IN RAPID ATF FLUID LOSS W... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1999

PASSENGER ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA ON 04-APR-08 THAT A SAFETY RECALL ACTION WOULD BE INITIATED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE.IN JUNE 2008, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (CODE 26E5/R5) REGARDING THE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES TO BE EMPLOYED IN THIS CAMPAIGN.VEHICLE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS WERE ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2000

PASSENGER/ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

MANY OF THE FIRE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE FIRE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO IGNITION COIL FAILURE.VW PROVIDED ADDITIONAL DATA REGARDING ITS ANALYSIS OF VEHICLE FIRES AND A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE THREE DIFFERENT ENGINES AND IGNITION SYSTEMS FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODIFINDS THE NEED TO FURTHER INVES... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

WATER/ICE IN BRAKE BOOSTER

DURING THIS INVESTIGATION, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA (VW) IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM WITH WATER ACCUMULATION IN THE FRESH AIR PLENUM THAT COULD, IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKE POWER ASSIST IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 PASSAT VEHICLES.VW INDICATED THAT PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY LEAVES AND OTHER DEBRIS... CLOGGING THE PLENUM DRAINS, WHICH MAY RESULT IN WATER FILLING THE PLENUM TO THE LEVEL OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER AIR INTAKE.THE BOOSTER AIR INTAKE IS LOCATED IN THE FRESH AIR PLENUM IN THE MY 2002 PASSAT VEHICLES, BUT NOT IN THE MY 2001 OR 2003 VEHICLES WHICH DRAW BOOSTER AIR FROM THE CABIN.VW TESTING SHOWED THAT BRAKE ASSIST COULD BE REDUCED IF WATER ENTERS THE BOOSTER AND FREEZES.VW IS ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM WITH A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, WHICH BEGAN IN AUGUST 2007.THE FRESH AIR PLENUM IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS AN ENCLOSED SPACE AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD FROM WHICH THE VEHICLE VENTILATION SYSTEM DRAWS THE FRESH AIR SUPPLY VIA A POLLEN FILTER.RAIN WATER THAT FLOWS OFF THE WINDSHIELD INTO THE PLENUM IS DRAINED THROUGH TWO VALVES LOCATED BELOW THE BATTERY AND BRAKE BOOSTER.STRAINERS AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND IN THE PANEL COVERING THE TOP OF THE PLENUM BLOCK LEAVES, PINE NEEDLES AND OTHER DEBRIS.OVER TIME, DEBRIS MAY ENTER THE PLENUM THROUGH OPENINGS IN THE PLENUM PANEL OR AROUND THE HOOD HINGES.IF CLOGGED DRAINS ALLOW APPROXIMATELY 3-4 GALLONS OF WATER TO ACCUMULATE IN THE PLENUM, THE WATER MAY ENTER THE BOOSTER THROUGH THE AIR INTAKE.WATER ACCUMULATION IN THE PLENUM MAY ALSO RESULT IN COMPLAINTS OF WET CARPETS IN THE VEHICLE INTERIOR IF THE WATER REACHES THE LEVEL OF THE FRESH AIR INTAKE/POLLEN FILTER. VW STATED THAT ITS TESTING SHOWED THAT BRAKE PERFORMANCE AND ACTUATING FORCE (I.E., PEDAL EFFORT) ARE NOT AFFECTED WHEN THE BOOSTER IS FILLED WITH THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF WATER POSSIBLE (UP TO THE HEIGHT OF THE BOOSTER ENGINE VACUUM CONNECTION, THROUGH WHICH WATER DRAWN INTO THE BOOSTER IS EVACUATED).VW'S TESTING SHOWED THAT BRAKE PERFORMANCE AND ACTUATING FORCE COULD BE AFFECTED BY WATER FREEZING IN THE BOOSTER.HOWEVER, WHEN TESTED WITH RELATIVELY LOW VOLUMES OF FROZEN WATER IN THE BOOSTER, VW SHOWED THAT THE EFFECTS WERE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS SEVERE THAN FOR CONDITIONS THAT RESULT IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF VACUUM ASSIST.WHILE VW INDICATED THAT THE EFFECTS WOULD BE MORE SEVERE WITH GREATER VOLUMES OF FROZEN WATER, IT MAINTAINED THAT THE CHANCES OF THIS OCCURRING WERE REMOTE AND WOULD BE READILY DISCERNABLE TO THE DRIVER UPON THE INITIAL BRAKE APPLICATION AFTER VEHICLE START-UP.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOWED DISPROPORTIONATE CONCENTRATIONS IN WINTER MONTHS AND IN NORTHERN STATES WITH COLDER WINTER CLIMATES. ODI IDENTIFIED THREE MINOR CRASHES RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN MY 2002 PASSAT VEHICLES.TWO OF THE CRASHES OCCURRED INGARAGES/DRIVEWAYS AND THE THIRD OCCURRED IN A DEALER SERVICE GARAGE.THERE WERE NO INJURIES ALLEGED IN THE CRASHES BUT A FOOT INJURY WAS ALLEGED IN A FOURTH INCIDENT WHERE EXCESSIVE BRAKE EFFORT REQUIRED DURING A HARD STOP. VOLKSWAGEN IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REMEDY THIS CONDITION IN MY 2002 PASSAT AND AUDI A4 AND A6 VEHICLES.THE REMEDY PROCEDURE REQUIRES VW DEALERS TO INSPECT, CLEAN AND MODIFY THE AIR PLENUM DRAIN, AS WELL AS MODIFY THE SUNROOF DRAIN (IF EQUIPPED) AND INSTALL AN IMPROVED SEAL FOR THE POLLEN FILTER.IN ADDITION, VW HAS AGREED TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO ODI1. QUARTERLY COMPLETION REPORTS FOR ONE YEAR; AND 2. PROMPTLY REPORTING ALL CRASHES ATTRIBUTED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT. THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED BASED UPON THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY VW.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CRead more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1999

ALLEGED PREMATURE TIE ROD FAILURE

ON AUGUST 2, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION SUBMITTED BY MS. MIRIAM SCHNEIDER OF OLNEY, MD, REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGEDLY DEFECTIVE TIE RODS IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT VEHICLES NOT INCLUDED IN TWO PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS (IDENTIFIED HENCEFORTH AS THE SUBJECT... VEHICLES).IN A SEPTEMBER 1999 LETTER, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT AN UNDETERMINED PERCENTAGE OF MY 1998-1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT AND AUDI A4, A6, AND A8 VEHICLES CONTAINED A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT AFFECTING ALUMINUM TIE ROD ENDS IN THE STEERING SYSTEM.VW INDICATED THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE RODS WOULD NOT SEAL PROPERLY WHICH COULD ALLOW MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES TO ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, RESULTING IN PREMATURE WEAR.THE APPROXIMATELY 22,200 VOLKSWAGEN AND 29,700 AUDI VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NO. 99V-248) WERE BUILT FROM JANUARY 1998 THROUGH JULY 1998 AND FELL WITHIN A SPECIFIC VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) RANGE.IN NOVEMBER 2000, VW CHOSE TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NO. 00V-414) AFTER IT DETERMINED THAT SOME POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE ALUMINUM TIE ROD ENDS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN AN ADDITIONAL 44,000 VOLKSWAGEN AND 39,000 AUDI VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1998 THROUGH APRIL 1999.THESE SUBJECT RECALL ACTIONS WERE NOT INFLUENCED BY ODI.INSTEAD, VW MADE AN INDEPENDENT DETERMINATION TO CONDUCT A RECALL AFTER GERMAN VEHICLE INSPECTION AUTHORITIES NOTIFIED IT OF ?WORN? TIE RODS AND FACTORY INSPECTION OF SOME ?WORN? TIE RODS REVEALED IMPROPER SEALING.ACCORDING TO A DECEMBER 2004 REPORT, THE PETITIONER BROUGHT HER MY 1999 PASSAT TO AN AUTHORIZED VOLKSWAGEN DEALER FOR AN UNRELATED RECALL REPAIR WHERE SHE WAS NOTIFIED BY SERVICE PERSONNEL THAT, AFTER 59,000 MILES TRAVELED, THE TIE RODS ?HAVE TOO MUCH PLAY,? AND THE RECOMMENDED REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE HER VIN (WVWNA63B1XE499116) WAS OUTSIDE THE RECALL RANGE.IN JUNE 2005, AFTER 65,400 MILES TRAVELED, THE PETITIONER PAID $588.59 TO REPLACE WORN INNER AND OUTER TIE ROD ENDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.THE PETITION LETTER SPECIFICALLY REQUESTS THAT THE SCOPE OF VW?S RECALL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE AND THAT SHE BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIRS.THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 191 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND VW THAT ALLEGE PREMATURE WEAR OF EITHER ONE OR BOTH OUTER TIE ROD ENDS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.AS OF NOVEMBER 18, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS OF TIE ROD SEPARATIONS RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, CRASH OR INJURY IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED ON JUNE 8, 1999 USING REVISED STEEL TIE ROD ENDS AND THEREFORE WAS ALREADY EQUIPPED WITH THE TIE ROD ENDS USED TO REMEDY DEFECTIVE VEHICLES IN THE SUBJECT RECALLS.ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND WITH RESPECT TO THE STEEL TIE ROD ENDS USED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THEREFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA?S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY?S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1998

PASSENGER AIR BAG LID FAILURE

THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) LID UTILIZED IN MY 1998-2002 VW PASSAT.THE PSIR LID MAY DETACH FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMIN... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998

PASSENGER SIR DOOR MOUNTING STUD FAILURE

ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-021) BASED ON TWO REPORTS OF FAILED BOLT STUDS THAT ATTACH THE PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) DOOR COVER TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP) ON THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSAT (MODEL YEARS 2000, 2002).VW HAS INDICATED TO ODI THAT IT HAS NO ADDITIONAL... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1993

FOG LAMP FIRE

ALLEGED THAT THE FOG LAMP HOUSING CATCHES FIRE DURING USE

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT across all model years (1988, 2021).

136 Total Recalls

10,530 Total Complaints

10 Investigations

338 Reported Crashes

368 Reported Fires

15 Reported Deaths

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2022	0	19	View
2021	1	28	View
2020	3	24	View
2019	1	18	View
2018	4	65	View
2017	7	175	View
2016	5	179	View
2015	7	389	View
2014	10	791	View
2013	9	1,027	View
2012	11	662	View
2011	0	27	View
2010	4	226	View
2009	4	211	View
2008	4	240	View
2007	7	341	View
2006	7	779	View
2005	4	172	View
2004	4	348	View
2003	7	823	View
2002	4	772	View
2001	4	558	View
2000	5	625	View
1999	6	854	View
1998	5	476	View
1997	1	105	View
1996	1	185	View
1995	1	142	View
1994	1	36	View
1993	3	90	View
1992	1	60	View
1991	1	30	View
1990 (current)	2	50
1989	1	0	View
1988	1	0	View

Other VOLKSWAGEN Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
JETTA	249	14,075	View
GOLF	190	2,084	View
BEETLE	157	3,629	View
GTI	116	1,926	View
ID.4	115	1,606	View
ATLAS	101	2,700	View
TIGUAN	78	3,173	View
ATLAS CROSS SPORT	73	701	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1990 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1990 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Technical Service Bulletins, 1990 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT - All Years Overview

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT - Year by Year

Other VOLKSWAGEN Models