1996 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

1 recalls, 185 complaints - 53 TSBs

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Defect Description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ELECTRICAL PORTION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

IF SUCH FAILURES OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE AT NIGHT OR IN RAINY OR SNOWY WEATHER, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRICAL PART OF THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.

10,450 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Complaint Statistics

185 total complaints 2 crashes 1 fires 6 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH	17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH	14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION	11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH	11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	8
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	7
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS	7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	6
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS	6

Incident date: Dec 5, 2013

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLES FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLES FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE KEY FRO... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 2011

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN MY 1996 VW PASSAT AT 65 MPH AND THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF MY CAR WAS ENGULFED WITH WATER AND ANTI FREEZE STEAM AND VAPOR. IT WAS QUICKLY AND WITH OUT WARNING IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THE PROBABLE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM IS A DEFECTIVE HEATER CORE. THIS IS ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 12, 2010

HEATER CORE FAILED WHILE DRIVING, BLOWING HOT STEAM OUT OF THE VENTS, DUMPING HOT COOLANT ONTO MY FEET AND FOGGING UP THE WINDSHIELD INSTANTLY. *TR

Incident date: Oct 1, 2006

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE SELLER STATED THAT IT WAS A MINOR ISSUE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS RESET AND ILLUMINATED AGAIN TWO DAYS LATER. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD CONSTANTLY OVE... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2006

Incident date: May 10, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHILE THE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, THE AIR CONDITIONER UNIT, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND HEADLIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A... Read more

Incident date: Jun 2, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AT NIGHT, THE EXTERIOR HEADLAMPS FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V256000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONS... Read more

Incident date: Dec 13, 2007

HEATERCORE FAILED FOGED UP ALL MY WINDOWS,SOAKED CARPET AND FILLED CABIN WITH TOXIC ANTIFREEZE VAPOR ON MY WAY HOME FROM MY UNCLES FUNERAL. *CN

Incident date: Jan 26, 2007

THE IGNITION SWITCH ON MY 1996 VW PASSAT WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, WHICH SHUT DOWN THE HEADLIGHTS. THIS IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 02V256000 I WAS INFORMED BY VW CUSTOMER SERVICE THIS RECALL DIDN'T APPLY TO MY VIN#, DESPITE IT BEING A 1996 PASSAT. I THI... Read more

Incident date: Oct 22, 2006

HEATER CORE FAILURE. VENTING OF NOXIOUS FUMES INTO PASSANGER COMPARTMENT. *NM

Incident date: Aug 11, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START SOMETIMES AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE FINALLY STARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 02V256000, REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT P... Read more

Incident date: Jun 23, 2006

I HAVE HAD ONGOING ISSUES WITH ELECTRONIC AND EMISSIONS SENSORS FOR THIS VEHICLE AND RECENTLY SPENT $756.54 TO (AGAIN!) REPLACE SENSORS SO THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD PASS ITS ANNUAL EMISSIONS TEST (AS MANDATED BY THE EPA). I WROTE TO VW CUSTOMER CARE TO SEEK REIMBURSEMENT OF THIS (AND PAST) CHARGES AND... Read more

Incident date: Jun 23, 2006

Incident date: Mar 16, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEADLIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECAME INOPERABLE, THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY A MECHANIC. THE RECALL, #02V256000 CONCERNING THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE IN AUGUST 2002. THE VEHICLE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM... Read more

Incident date: Dec 6, 2005

HEATER CORE IS LEAKING, AND MAKES DRIVING IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO DECREASED VISIBILITY, AND THE FUMES COMING OFF THE HEATER CORE CAUSE ME TO COUGH FOR A FEW DAYS IF I ACTUALLY DRIVE MY CAR. *NM

Incident date: Jun 30, 2004

CONSUMER HAD 1996 VW PASSAT IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED. AFTER ABOUT A YEAR SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *TS THE FIRST TIME THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED IT WAS FREE OF CHARGE AND NOW THAT IT HAS FAILED AGAIN THE DEALER DOESN'T WANT TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH UNDER THE RECALL AGAIN BECAUSE THEY ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2005

1996 CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY FAILED ON THE 1996 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PART WAS POORLY DESIGNED.*JB

Incident date: Aug 1, 2005

MY 1996 VW PASSAT HAS LOST ITS ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, VERY UNSAFE WITH NO BACKING FROM VW. *JB

Incident date: Aug 8, 2004

MY 1996 VW PASSAT HAS AN IGNITION SWITCH IS FAULTY. MY FIRST TIME WAS AT NIGHT AND MY LIGHTS WENT OUT. I PULLED OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE CAR AND THE LIGHTS CAME ON. THE NEXT TIME THE LIGHTS WENT OUT AND THE WIPERS STOP. I HIT EVERY SWITCH AND WHEN I HIT THE IGNITION SWITCH EVERYTHING CARE O... Read more

Incident date: Apr 24, 2005

REAR DOOR LATCH FAILED AND DOOR FLEW OPEN AND 10 YEAR OLD CHILD FELL OUT OF THE CAR. THE DOOR APPEARS TO CLOSE NORMALLY BUT IT IS NOT LATCHED. AFTER CLOSING THE DOOR MULTIPLE TIMES , IT DOES CATCH BUT IT IS NOT OBVIOUS WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED. LUCKILY, THERE MINOR INJURIES DUE TO THE LOW SPEED OF TH... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Jan 7, 2004

IN JANUARY 2004 I DROVE BACK TO SCHOOL IN VIRGINIA AFTER SPENDING CHRISTMAS WITH MY FAMILY. ON THE WAY BACK WHILE I WAS ON THE PENNSYLVANIA TURN PIKE MY HEATER CORE BURST, SPRAYING BOILING HOT COOLANT (BOTH LIQUID AND STEAM) INTO THE VEHICLES INTERIOR. THE LIQUID FOR THE MOST PART CAUSED DAMAGE TO... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Dec 6, 2004

THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES TEND NOT TO OPERATE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. TAKEN TO DEALER FOR CHECK UP AND, RESULTS SHOWED THAT THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER. *AK *NM

Incident date: Sep 1, 2004

DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS NOISY WHEN CLOSING, NOW HAS FAILED SUCH THAT WINDOW DOES NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY, SLIDES DOWN ALLOWING WATER AND WIND TO ENTER VEHICLE. MOTOR WILL FUNCTION, BUT MAKES SOUNDS AS THOUGH COGS IN REGULATOR ARE STRIPPED. MANY OTHER OWNERS ON VARIOUS DISCUSSION FORUMS HAVE EXPERIENCE... Read more

Incident date: Aug 24, 2004

IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED IN A 1996 PASSAT VR6. WAS A RECALL ON SWITCH. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND ON PARTS AND LABOR. *JB

Incident date: Oct 18, 2004

OWNER OF 1996 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX. DRIVING LOW SPEED WHEN I HEARD A POP & HISS SOUND. TONS OF STEAM CAME THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS & UNDER THE DASH. I PULLED THE CAR OVER AND FOUND LEAKING COOLANT UNDER VEHICLE ON PASSENGER SIDE. HEATER CORE FAILED. I HAD TO TOW MY VEHICLE BACK TO MY... Read more

Incident date: Sep 20, 2004

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALL 02V256000. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ELECTRICAL PORTION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL, CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. DEARSHIP INDICATED TO CONSUMER SORRY THIS VEHIC... Read more

Incident date: May 12, 2003

NO EVENT LEADING TO THE FAILURE... I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH WHEN MY HEATER CORE FAILED.. CAUSING SOLDING HOT COOLANT TO RUSH ONTO MY FEET WHILE DRIVING.. I HAD TO BRAKE WHILE COOLANT WAS ALL OVER MY FEET...BURNING THEM...NEARLY CAUSING AND ACCIDENT!*AK

1 injured

Incident date: Jun 24, 2004

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A DOOR LOCK PROBLEM. CURRENTLY, THREE OF THE FOUR DOOR LOCKS BROKE. DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO INDICATED THAT THEY WILL DO NOTHING. CONSUMER PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER, IT DID NOT COVER THE ... Read more

CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAD THE VERY SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 02V256000 CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH. ALSO, THE ELECTRICAL PART OF THE SWITCH SHORTED OUT THE LIGHTS, AIR CONDITIONING, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND RADIO. TOOK VEHICLE DEALER, AND CONSUMER WAS GRANTED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEV... Read more

Incident date: Jun 17, 2003

TRANSMISSION BROKEN AT 60,000 MILES, ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIS UNABLE TO FIX PROPERLY, THEY HAD TO REPLACE IT UNDER THERI WARANTEE WITHIN 12,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION LASTED 8 MONTH WITH SHAKEY SHIFTING THEN WENT AGAIN. NOW 4TH TRANMISSION DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY . *AK

Incident date: Jan 1, 2001

THE DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. IT STARTED WITH THE LEFT REAR DOOR WHICH I TRIED TO REPAIR MYSELF. THEN IT WAS THE DRIVER DOOR. IT WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER AT A HIGH COST. NOW IT IS THE PASSENGER DOOR. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE THE OBJECT OF A RECALL.*AK

Incident date: Oct 3, 2003

DOOR HANDLES WORE OUT WITHIN THREE YEARS OF THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD TWO VEHICLES THAT HAD DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLES. NOT LONG AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO OPEN ANY OF THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE. *AK DEALER FOUND THE WORN DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 3, 2003

WHILE DRIVING FOR OVER TWO HOURS VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, REVVING UP WHEN THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE AND STALLED. *AK

Incident date: Aug 12, 2003

WHILE DRIVING, THE HEADLIGHTS BLEW OUT WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO ABRUPTLY PULL OVER. *JB

Incident date: Sep 1, 2003

THE PASSENGER DOOR POWER WINDOW DOES NOT WORK MOST OF THE TIME - TRUNK WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH KEY, CRUISE CONTROL ONLY WORKS SOMETIMES.*AK

Incident date: Sep 1, 2003

THE PASSENGER DOOR POWER WINDOW DOES NOT WORK MOST OF THE TIME - TRUNK WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH KEY, CRUISE CONTROL ONLY WORKS SOMETIMES.*AK

Incident date: Apr 21, 2003

HEADLIGHTS CONTINUALLY GO OUT. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP SUPPOSEDLY DID ELECTRICAL PART OF IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT, BUT HEADLIGHTS STILL DID NOT WORK. FURTHER REAIRS BY AN INDEPENDANT MECHANIC WORKED FOR A SHORT TIME, THEN ONE OF THE LIGHTS WENT OUT AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR OVER A YEAR. ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2003

Incident date: Jul 10, 2003

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, THE CAME ON AND WENT OFF INTERMITTENTLY. *AK WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECTS AS STATED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. *PH. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED UNDER THE RECALL RE... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2003

WHILE TRAVELING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL COME ON AND OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. *AK

DOOR HANDLE PROBLEM. HANDLES HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES ON DIFFERENT DOORS. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO.*AK

Incident date: Oct 1, 2000

OUR MAIN COMMENT IS THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO OUR DAUGHTER ILLEGALLY. WE THEN FOUND THAT THE MILEAGE INDICATOR HAD BEEN ROLLED BACK. THIS CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN HER DRIVEWAY BECAUSE IT WILL NOT RUN, ALL THE HARDWARE IS FALLING OFF. AFTER FINALLY IN. *JB ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFT... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2000

Incident date: Nov 1, 2002

1. MY CAR HAD IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. THERE IS A RECALL ON IGNITION SWITCH FAILURES FOR THE YEAR/MAKE/MODEL OF MY CAR. WHEN I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER THEY SAID THE RECALL DOESN'T APPLY TO MY VIN. 2. DRIVERS DOOR WINDOW REGISTER HAS FAILED. MANY OWNERS OF SIMILAR VEHICLES HAVE REPORTED SAME... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2002

WHILE DRIVING THE WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. NHTSA RECALL 02 V 256 000 WAS RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM BUT THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *NLM

Incident date: Nov 1, 2002

THE DASHBOARD AND ELECTRICAL WIRES HAVE BURNT. CONSUMER STATES' NONE OF THE GAUGES ARE WORKING AND BRAKES ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Incident date: Nov 12, 2002

CONSUMER STATES THE DASHBOARD INSTRUMENT ARE NOT WORKING AT ALL. SPEEDOMETER IS NOT SHOW ACCURATE SPEED, NEITHER THE GASOLINE GAUGE AND OTHER PANEL INSTRUMENTS. POR FAVOR ENVIE EL CUESTIONARIO. TS

Showing 50 of 185 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1996 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	31.0	41.0	35.0	Diesel	$2,300
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	18.0	25.0	20.0	Regular	$3,100
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	18.0	26.0	21.0	Regular	$2,950
2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	16.0	23.0	18.0	Regular	$3,400
2.8L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	17.0	24.0	19.0	Regular	$3,250

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, 1996 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

53 manufacturer communications from 36 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	9
350000 EQUIPMENT	7
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING	6
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	3
116100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH	3
103300 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)	2
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	2
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM	2

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.

350000 EQUIPMENT

The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.

350000 EQUIPMENT

VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Update model year applicability to include 2017.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. Update model year applicability.

140000 AIR BAGS

Airbag Issues.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech

350000 EQUIPMENT

132000 VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engin

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Technical Bulletin: Condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light lenses issue is discussed in this document

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Technical Bulletin: Condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light lenses issue is discussed in this document

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

For long crank/ difficulty starting with the engine hot: Before replacing any components for this complaint, drain the fuel from the vehicle and replace with known good diesel fuel from a reputable source. If the complaint still exists, che

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

080000 FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Assembly Instructions: Installation of original remote start feature accessory, Volkswagen Passat.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): This document informs of the Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. The document also informs how to service the issue.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials

350000 EQUIPMENT

Technical Bulletin (Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials): This doucment contains a list of components and applications developed to repair concerns of squeaks, rattles, noise and trim fit conditions.

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): Exterior light assemblies (headlights, taillights, fog lights, turn signals) are vented and may collect moisture on their inner surfaces, depending on humidity and other climatic

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults

138200 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ign

116100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

138220 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Passat Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections: A checklist to insure a customer receives a wonderful delivery of a vehicle that looks, feels, and meets the expectations of a new vehicle that he/she has purc

350000 EQUIPMENT

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation

161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

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

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

116100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

IGNITION SWITCH SPECIAL WARRANTY EXTENSION QUESTION AND ANSWER SHEET TO VOLKSWAGEN OWNERS. *TT

116100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

IGNITION SWITCH LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION 1996-1997 VEHICLES. *TT

015100 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

ZF VH RECALL OF THE ZF STEERING PUMP, SUPPLIED TO WD'S FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE AUDI A4 PASSAT P/N 8D0 145 156FX INSTEAD OF THE CORRECT ZF P/N 7691 955 276ZW. 2004 AUDI A4 ALSO INCLUDED. *TT

220000 SEATS

SUBJECT REGARDING LATCH SYSTEM LOWER ANCHORS AND TETHERS FOR CHILDREN, INSTALLING / RETROFITTING. *TT

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

CONDITIONS WITH VISIBLE SMOKE FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM WHEN ACCELERATING. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SUBJECT ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID ( ATF ), CHECKING 01 TRANSMISSION. *YC

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SUBJECT ON MAINTENANCE INTERVALS. *YC

061110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

TOOTHED BELT RUNS TOWARDS OUTSIDE, WEARS OUT/ JUMPS OFF, AND CRACKS. *AK

103300 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR/SHIFTER FEELS LIKE IT HAS A DOUBLE DETENT WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR, AND WILL NOT MAINTAIN SHIFT ADJUSTMENT. *AK

103400 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR/SHIFTER FEELS LIKE IT HAS A DOUBLE DETENT WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR, AND WILL NOT MAINTAIN SHIFT ADJUSTMENT. *AK

105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE

DIFFICULTIES WITH SHIFT LEVER AND TRANSMISSION IS HARD TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE GEAR. *YC

103300 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

DIFFICULTIES WITH SHIFT LEVER AND TRANSMISSION IS HARD TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE GEAR. *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 (current)	1	185
1995	1	142	View
1994	1	36	View
1993	3	90	View
1992	1	60	View
1991	1	30	View
1990	2	50	View
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

1996 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1996 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Technical Service Bulletins, 1996 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT - All Years Overview

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT - Year by Year

Other VOLKSWAGEN Models