1978 Volkswagen Dasher problems
The Volkswagen Passat (B1) is a large family car produced by Volkswagen in West Germany from 1973 to 1981.
B1 in Europe
The original Volkswagen Passat was launched in 1973. The body types offered originally were two- and four-door fastback sedans (that were discontinued in 1981). These were joined in January 1975 by identically profiled three- and five-door hatchback versions. Externally all four shared a modern design, styled by the Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. In essence, the first Passat was a fastback version of the mechanically identical Audi 80 sedan, introduced a year earlier. While the Audi 80 was nominated Car of the Year by the European motor press in 1973, they considered the Passat a facelifted version of the Audi and thus ineligible for the 1974 competition. The Passat became Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1974, however. A five-door station wagon/estate was introduced in 1974; the same car was available with Audi badging in many markets.
The Passat was one of the most modern European family cars at the time and was intended as a replacement for the aging Volkswagen Type 3 and Type 4. The platform serving it and the Audi 80 was named B1. In Europe, the Passat was equipped with either two rectangular, two round 7-inch (180 mm) units, or quadruple round 5.5-inch (140 mm) headlights depending on specification.
The Passat originally used the four-cylinder OHC 1.3 L (55 PS or 40 kW or 54 hp) and 1.5 L (with either 75 or 85 PS, 55 or 63 kW or 74 or 84 hp) petrol engines developed by Audi and also used in the Audi 80 -longitudinally mounted with front-wheel drive, in Audi tradition, with either a four-speed manual transmission or three-speed automatic. It had a MacPherson strut front suspension with a solid axle/coil spring setup at the rear.
The SOHC 1.5 was enlarged to 1.6 L in August 1975 with unchanged power ratings and slightly higher torque ratings. In July 1978 the Passat Diesel became available, equipped with the VW Golf's 50 PS (37 kW; 49 hp) 1.5 L Diesel, followed in February 1979 (at the AutoRAI) by the Passat GLI with a fuel-injected version of the 1.6 L engine.
The whole range received a facelift in summer 1977 (model year 1978 - launched during 1978 outside of Europe), featuring an interior upgrade including a new dashboard and subtly revised styling including repositioned indicators and depending on model, either four round or two rectangular headlights. The objective, according to the manufacturer, was to differentiate the VW version from the mechanically similar Audi 80. Inside was a restyled dashboard in the style of the Golf, with the radio and heating controls now mounted centrally, one above the other, in a single unit alongside the principal dials. Engine mountings, the gearbox, and the exhaust system were modified in order to reduce interior noise, and comfort was also improved by changes to the springing and shock absorbers. The car's wheels were increased in size, and at the back, there was a stronger anti-roll bar. Right-hand-drive versions retained the original dashboard.
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Common 1978 Volkswagen Dasher problems
The Volkswagen Dasher, also known as the Passat in some markets, was a car produced between 1974 and 1981. While I couldn't find specific complaints about the 1978 model, I can share common issues reported in similar models from the same era.
- Braking System: The braking system in the Volkswagen Dasher could have issues, including worn-out brake pads and rotors, leaking brake lines, and master cylinder problems. These issues could lead to reduced braking performance or even brake failure in extreme cases.
- Suspension and Steering: The suspension and steering systems in the Volkswagen Dasher could experience issues such as worn-out ball joints, tie rods, and bushings. These problems could result in poor handling, steering wobble, and excessive tire wear.
- Electrical Systems: Electrical issues were common in the Volkswagen Dasher, including faulty alternators, starters, and batteries. These problems could lead to starting issues, dim headlights, and other electrical malfunctions.
- Rust and Corrosion: Rust and corrosion were significant issues in the Volkswagen Dasher, particularly in areas with harsh winter conditions. The car's body panels, frame, and undercarriage could be prone to rust, which could lead to structural issues and compromise the car's safety.
- Interior and Exterior Trim: The interior and exterior trim of the Volkswagen Dasher could experience issues such as peeling, fading, or cracking. This was particularly true for the dashboard, door panels, and exterior moldings.
- Fuel System: The fuel system in the Volkswagen Dasher could experience issues such as clogged fuel filters, faulty fuel pumps, and leaking fuel lines. These problems could lead to poor fuel efficiency, starting issues, and even fire hazards.
- Cooling System: The cooling system in the Volkswagen Dasher could experience issues such as leaking radiators, faulty water pumps, and clogged cooling systems. These problems could lead to overheating, which could cause engine damage or even failure.
- Exhaust System: The exhaust system in the Volkswagen Dasher could experience issues such as leaking exhaust manifolds, faulty catalytic converters, and muffler problems. These problems could lead to reduced performance, increased emissions, and even safety hazards.
- Heating and Air Conditioning: The heating and air conditioning systems in the Volkswagen Dasher could experience issues such as leaking refrigerant, faulty heater cores, and clogged vents. These problems could lead to reduced comfort and even safety hazards, particularly in extreme temperatures.
What is the most common problem on Volkswagen?
Some Volkswagen models will experience coil failure around 70,000 miles. A failed coil can lead to ignition and engine issues. You might experience backfiring, terrible fuel consumption, and your engine stalling. You'd be smart to take the car to your mechanic if you feel it could be a coil issue.
What year did the Volkswagen Dasher come out?
North America. In North America, the car was called the Volkswagen Dasher. The three- and five-door hatchback and a station wagon model were launched in North America for and during the 1974 model year.
How many miles will a Volkswagen last?
between 100,000 and 200,000 miles
Most Volkswagen vehicles will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, although well-kept models can last even longer than that. All VWs are remarkably reliable vehicles. When it comes to longevity, the Golf, Passat, Jetta, and Beetle are known to be particularly long-lasting.
Is Volkswagen hard to fix?
“They are German cars, so they're extremely reliable and sturdily made.” “They are German cars, so they're hard to repair.” “They are German cars, so they are expensive to repair.” The fact is Volkswagens are not hard to repair or too expensive—as long as the mechanic has the knowledge and tools to do so.
What is the most common problem with Volkswagens?
Some of the most prevalent VW problems include coil failure, overheating, coolant leaks, ABS control module failures, electrical issues, timing belt problems, and oil leaks/consumption.
What is a Volkswagen Dasher?
The VW Dasher was really the first generation of VW Passat, a model that has served the company very well for decades. This car had a 75hp carb'd four banger in it. That engine would be replaced with a 1.6L Bosch fuel injected piece making 78hp about a year later.
What are the disadvantages of Volkswagen?
There are a few major reasons for VW's struggles.
- The Scandal. ...
- A History Of Questionable Reliability. ...
- VWs come at a cost. ...
- Missing a key product. ...
- The market is crowded.
What are the weaknesses of Volkswagen?
Volkswagen's Weaknesses
- As a result of the diesel emissions scandal, Volkswagen was penalized to pay over € 30 Billion in fines in various countries and has struggled to regain the trust of consumers. [ ...
- While it has an impressive portfolio, the company is focused on producing cars for sale.
1978 Volkswagen Dasher car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Dasher problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Volkswagen Dasher vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1978 Volkswagen Dasher complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Volkswagen Dasher.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-01
- VIN: 3282049172
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP FAILURE.
1978 Volkswagen Dasher recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1978 Volkswagen Dasher.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE FUEL PUMP MAY STOP FUNCTIONING WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAN OCCUR BECAUSE AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR IN THE FUSE PANEL MAY OVERHEAT AND INTERRUPT THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUSE BOX AND ITS CONNECTORS FOR CORROSION, AND CORRECT WHERE NECESSARY. A BYPASS ADAPTER TO THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL BE INSTALLED.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
- Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE TWO GUIDE BOLTS FOR EACH OF THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE FREE-FLOATING FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS DURING ASSEMBLY.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL TIGHTEN THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE BOLTS TO SPECIFICATIONS, FREE OF CHARGE, WHERE FOUND NECESSARY.
Other years of Volkswagen Dasher
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