1996 Volkswagen Passat problems
The Volkswagen Passat is a nameplate of large family cars (D-segment) manufactured and marketed by the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen since 1973. It has been marketed variously as the Dasher, Santana, Quantum, Magotan, Corsar and Carat, with varying body styles such as saloon, estate, and hatchback.
A "four-door coupé" variant of the Passat with a lower roof was released in the North American market in 2008 as the Passat CC, which was then renamed to Volkswagen CC. The CC was succeeded by the Arteon in 2017.
In January 2011, Volkswagen introduced a separate Passat model line, internally designated "Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan" or NMS, that was manufactured in the US at the Chattanooga assembly plant and in China at Nanjing by SAIC-Volkswagen. Developed to increase Volkswagen sales in North America, the Passat NMS is larger and cost less to produce. sold in the North America, South Korea, China, and Middle East. The separate B8 Passat model entered production in Europe in 2014, based on the MQB platform.
In 2019, the Passat NMS program was split into two as the North American one continued being produced on an older platform while the Chinese Passat moved on to the MQB platform, which resulted in Volkswagen marketed three models under the Passat nameplate globally at that time. The North American Passat was discontinued after the 2022 model year.
Volkswagen ended the production of the saloon Passat for the European market in 2022. The B9 Passat, released in 2023, is only available in an estate body style. The Passat continues to be available as a saloon in China.
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Common 1996 Volkswagen Passat problems
The Volkswagen Passat, produced in 1996, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners of this car. These problems include clock spring failure, ignition coil failure, and engine issues such as oil sludge resulting in engine failure and engine failure from low oil pressure.
Clock spring failure is a significant issue for Volkswagen Passat owners, with the failed recall under investigation. This failure can result in a disabled driver's side airbag, horn, and steering wheel controls, making it challenging and potentially dangerous to drive the vehicle.
Ignition coil failure is another common problem in the 1996 Volkswagen Passat. Ignition coils produce a high-voltage current that fires the spark plugs, but VW coils often fail, causing the engine to suddenly lose power. This can lead to shaking or hesitation, leaving the driver in a vulnerable position.
Engine issues are also prevalent in the 1996 Volkswagen Passat. Oil sludge resulting in engine failure is a significant concern, with 49 complaints for the 2002 Passat and 44 complaints for the 2003 Passat. Engine failure from low oil pressure is another issue, with 29 complaints for the 2003 Passat and 14 complaints for the 2005 Passat. Oil sludge problems can cause the engine to die, requiring a new engine, as reported by some owners.
In addition to these issues, the 1996 Volkswagen Passat has also been known to have problems with door handles, wheel bearings, gears, speedometer, window motors, rust, spindles, locks, and Volkswagen scalloping back wheel wear. The vehicle's headlamps are also considered inadequate, and the plastic interior is often criticized for being shoddy and breaking easily.
Despite these problems, some owners have reported positive experiences with the 1996 Volkswagen Passat, noting its fuel efficiency and reliability. For example, one owner reported getting 47-50 mpg highway and driving over 775,000 miles with no engine or transmission work. However, this owner also noted that the door handles do not last as long as most cars.
In conclusion, the 1996 Volkswagen Passat has several common problems, including clock spring failure, ignition coil failure, and engine issues such as oil sludge resulting in engine failure and engine failure from low oil pressure. Additionally, the vehicle has been known to have problems with door handles, wheel bearings, gears, speedometer, window motors, rust, spindles, locks, and Volkswagen scalloping back wheel wear. The vehicle's headlamps are also considered inadequate, and the plastic interior is often criticized for being shoddy and breaking easily. However, some owners have reported positive experiences with the vehicle, noting its fuel efficiency and reliability.
What is the common problem in VW Passat?
The VW Passat scores well in major reliability ratings with a 3.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal and a 4.5 out of 5.0 from J.D. Power. Common Volkswagen Passat problems include issues with interior accessories, steering problems, and oil sludge problems.
Are old Passats reliable?
According to carparts.com, the Passat generally scores above average in reliability with few major repairs during ownership. The Volkswagen Passat is one of the most reliable family vehicle choices on the market. If you stick with a dependable year, you're getting the best of the best.
Is Volkswagen Passat high maintenance?
The 2021 Passat and Arteon have lower maintenance costs than similar midsize sedans by Toyota, Honda, or Hyundai. The 2021 Atlas Cross Sport has the lowest maintenance costs of the midsize SUV category. The 2021 Tiguan has lower maintenance costs than other compact SUVs by Honda, Toyota, and Subaru.
Is a Volkswagen Passat a good reliable car?
Is a used Volkswagen Passat saloon reliable? The Passat got a good score of 96.4% in the executive car class in our most recent reliability survey, and came in fifth place out of 26 cars.
1996 Volkswagen Passat car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Passat problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Volkswagen Passat vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Volkswagen Passat
The NHTSA has received 159 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Volkswagen Passat. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Volkswagen Passat vehicles.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-05
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 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 FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE DOOR TO WIND THE WINDOW DOWN TO OPEN THE DOORS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-04
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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 A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND COULD HAVE LEAD TO A MAJOR ACCIDENT RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-12
- VIN: WVWFE83A9TE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-01
- VIN: WVWEE83A0TE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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 OVERHEAT. THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF THE VEHICLE OVERHEATING WHILE DRIVING; HOWEVER, RADIATOR FLUID WOULD SPILL OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS PARKED. THE RADIATOR, TIMER, WATER PUMP, AND SENSORS WERE REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE, BUT NONE OF THE REPAIRS REMEDIED THE FAILURE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 95V178000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN) FOR THE 1995 PASSAT IS IDENTICAL TO THE FAILURE SHE IS EXPERIENCING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 136,000. UPDATED 09/10/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/16/08. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-10
- VIN: WVWEE83A0VB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED TO KNOW THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-02
- VIN: WVWGG83A7TB
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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 RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS AT THE COST OF $250. HE IS CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-12-13
- VIN: WVWEE83A5TE
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-26
- VIN: WVWHG83A8TE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 THINK IT SHOULD. *TR
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-22
- VIN: WVWFE83A6TE
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE FAILURE. VENTING OF NOXIOUS FUMES INTO PASSANGER COMPARTMENT. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-11
- VIN: WVWEE83A7TE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIR INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE DEALER. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT CONTACTED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-23
- VIN: WVWEE83A5TE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 WAS TOLD TODAY (7/13/06) THAT NO RECALLS OR SERVICE BULLETINS WERE ISSUED, SO NO REIMBURSEMENT WILL BE MADE. I TOLD THEM THAT NHTSA ISSUED RECALL 99V131 (WHICH ADDRESSES SOME OF THE AREAS) BUT VW TOLD ME THAT IT DID NOT APPLY, AS ALL REIMBURSEMENTS ARE VIN-SPECIFIC. CAN ANYONE PLEASE HELP? THANK YOU. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-16
- VIN: WVWFE83A0TE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-06
- VIN: WVWEE83A6TE
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-30
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 STATED THE VEHICLE WAS MORE THAN 8 YEARS OLD. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-01
- VIN: WVWHG83A1TE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1996 CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY FAILED ON THE 1996 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT.*MR THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PART WAS POORLY DESIGNED.*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-01
- VIN: WVWEE83A6TE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY 1996 VW PASSAT HAS LOST ITS ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, VERY UNSAFE WITH NO BACKING FROM VW. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-08
- VIN: WVWHG83AXTE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 ON. I CALLED DEALER AND HE SAID MY VIN WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. IF MY CAR IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE RECALL WHY CAN'T THIS BE COVERED BY THE SAFETY RECALL?
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WVWEE83AXTE
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 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 THE CAR.*AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-07
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WVWEE83A6TE
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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 THE CARPET, AND FORTUNATELY ANY THAT WAS SPRAYED ON MY SIDE OF THE COMPARTMENT WAS BLOCKED BY MY PANTS. THE STEAM HOWEVER FILLED MY COMPARTMENT, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE AND CAUSING A NEAR COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO OPEN MY WINDOWS AND CLEAR IT OUT. THE INJURY LISTED AS SUCH IS IN REGARDS TO MY BREATHING THE COOLANT IN, WHICH IS HARMFUL TO ONES HEALTH. MAINTENNANCE HAD BEEN PERFORMED PREVIOUSLY ON MY VEHICLE JUST BEFORE THAT REPLACING THE AUX WATER PUMP, AND I HAD THE COOLANT SYSTEM FLUSHED AND MAINTENNANCE DONE ON IT AT THAT TIME AT AN AUTHORIZED VW DEALERSHIP. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY COOLING SYSTEM, THE AUX WATER PUMP, THE HEATER CORE, AND THE THERMOSTAT. FORTUNATELY POLICE WERE PASSING BY AT THE TIME AND GAVE ASSISTANCE, AS WELL AS CALLING A TOW TRUCK.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-06
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-01
- VIN: WVWEE83A1TE
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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 EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-24
- VIN: WVWEE83A7TE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED IN A 1996 PASSAT VR6. WAS A RECALL ON SWITCH. I WOULD LIKE A REFUND ON PARTS AND LABOR. *JB
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-18
- VIN: WVWEE83A6TE
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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 HOUSE AND CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA TO REPAIR. NO RESPONSE FROM VWOA AS OF YET AS I CONTACTED THEM VIA EMAIL A COUPLE DAYS AGO.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-20
- VIN: WVWFE83A4TE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WVWEE83A5TB
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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
1996 Volkswagen Passat recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
Negative 1996 Volkswagen Passat car reviews
Positive 1996 Volkswagen Passat car reviews
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This car is perfect for road trips! You can leave Houston with a full tank and make it all the way to the other side of Kansas City before needing to stop for gas. It's also incredibly comfortable for long drives - I've spent over 12 hours behind the wheel with no issues. The only downside is the door handles, which are typically cheaply made by VW.
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I can't understand why this car has such a low rating. I've had virtually no problems with it. The styling is a lot better than the newer models (which is the main reason I haven't bought a new Passat), it has more interior room than much larger cars, and I've enjoyed rock solid reliability. This car has made me a VW fan for life. There are some small complaints-- the door latch mechanism has needed repair, and the car does lack power in the low end. But once you get up to about 45 it's great. The car handles extremely well and always feels safe. The interior quality is excellent and it has a great personality-- which is unique too!
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The 42 city, 48 hgwy, 5-speed is a blast to drive, although it can be a bit smokey on start-up. It's great in the snow!
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Hi there! It's great to hear that you and your wife have been enjoying your Passat for almost 4 years now. It sounds like you've been taking really good care of it with regular maintenance like replacing the timing belt and water pump, changing the oil and filter, and flushing the radiator. With proper care, your car will definitely keep going for a long time! Of course, there have been some downsides like the low resale value and a few issues with the window regulator, door handles, air lock system, and check engine light. But overall, it's wonderful to hear that you've had such a positive experience with your Passat. Thanks for sharing!
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The 1996 VW Passat is a blast to drive and looks great. I have a diesel model and I'm excited to see if I can make it go even faster, since it's only 90 hp.
Other years of Volkswagen Passat
Are you having problems with your 1996 Volkswagen Passat?
Watson Sipes 2024-11-21
This car is roomy, stable, and comfortable to drive. Although, it has not been very reliable and it is expensive to maintain. We have had some issues with warning lights indicating problems with the engine, brakes, or ABS. We have had to replace several parts such as the ignition switch, secondary thermostat, cruise control switch, dashboard bulbs, coil, and hatch hardware. It has been quite frustrating. I will be happy when we can sell this car and go back to a reliable Honda or Subaru.
Evan Hartmann 2024-10-23
The first few years were not too bad, but I did have to replace the odometer assembly because it stopped working. Unfortunately, the cruise control also died and required a $500 vacuum pump replacement. Additionally, the AC evaporator failed, costing $2000, and the coil pack malfunctioned, costing $400 to repair. The ignition also had some problems, and the door lock mechanism seems to have a mind of its own. The rotors also struggle in Michigan's challenging weather. It's ironic that most of these issues were not covered by the warranty. As a consumer, it's important to be aware when a company only offers a 2/24K basic warranty. All in all, I think I'll be going back to my Honda and enjoying some sushi.
Pablo Bashirian 2024-10-02
Hi there! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're sorry to hear that you've had some issues with your car, but we appreciate your feedback. We understand that automatic transmission problems, build quality, cup holders, ABS light, acceleration issues, oil leaks, ride comfort, and fuel mileage have been a concern for you. We hope that you've been able to find some positives in your experience, such as the car being mistaken for a Volvo. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with us!
Alexander Stokes 2024-09-25
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with my car. While I do love driving it, I have had a few issues with it. However, I was able to find a great independent mechanic who has helped me sort out the problems. Despite some initial difficulties, I'm now getting about 26-27 mpg, which is great! Plus, I've found that Autozone has oil filters for only $15. Thanks for listening!
Samson Huel 2024-09-22
In August 2002, I purchased a 1996 Passat. Unfortunately, I had some issues with the car shortly after. The muffler system needed to be replaced, but thankfully it was covered under warranty. However, I then experienced some trouble with the engine light and cruise control. I had to take the car to the repair shop multiple times over the course of three weeks. The distributor cap and coil wire were replaced, but the engine light remained on. Despite this, the garage assured me that there was no need to worry. Unfortunately, the car broke down again less than 24 hours later, and this time it was the transmission. The projected cost to fix it is now 2500.00.