Volkswagen Quantum problems

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The Volkswagen Passat (B2) is an automobile which was produced by German manufacturer Volkswagen from 1981 to 1988. It was the second generation of the Volkswagen Passat. The platform was slightly longer than the preceding Passat (B1). As with the previous generation, it was based on the platform of the Audi 80; the corresponding B2 version of which had been already launched in 1978. The Santana was also manufactured in China, Brazil, Mexico (as the Corsar, from 1984 and 1988) and Argentina (as the Carat between 1987 and 1991). In Brazil, the Santana station wagon was sold as the Quantum. In the United States, both the Santana sedan and station wagon were sold as the Quantum. The Passat saloon and estate were produced in South Africa for their local market until 1987. The production of Passat B2 in China ended in January 2013.

History

The Body configurations for the Passat B2 included hatchback, Variant (estate/wagon), and a three-box saloon which, until the 1985 facelift, was marketed as the Volkswagen Santana in Europe. In most markets, the equipment levels were renamed from L/LS/GLS to CL/GL/CD. The four-wheel drive Syncro Variant was introduced in April 1984, initially only with the 2-litre five-cylinder engine. In August, the more powerful 2.2-litre option was added.

Like the previous generation, the B2 Passat was mainly sold with four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Unlike its predecessor, however, top-of the line versions received five-cylinder Audi or VW engines of 1.9–2.2 litres. In addition to four- and five-speed manuals and three-speed automatic gearboxes, the Passat/Santana was also available with Volkswagen's interesting 4+E transmission. This, also called the "Formel E", had an overdrive fourth and an even taller fifth gear, which combined with a freewheeling mechanism to provide better gas mileage but less impressive performance. Originally, this was the only five-speed transmission offered with the Passat B2. An automatic stop/start was also available in some markets.

The four-wheel drive system used in the Passat Variant Syncro shared the mechanics of the Audi 80 quattro rather than the Volkswagen Golf Syncro. When first shown, at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show, the car was meant to be called the "Passat Tetra". The Syncro's bottom plate was almost entirely different, requiring a transmission tunnel, a relocated gas tank, and no spare tire well (to make room for the complex rear axle assembly). Unlike the related Audi 80 quattro which used a reversed front wheel setup, the rear-axle was an adapted Volkswagen Transporter unit which enabled retaining a flat loading floor. Only the more popular estate was deemed worthy of reengineering, so as to not offer direct competition with the sedan-only Audi 80 quattro. Syncro was also available in the American market, only with the five-cylinder engine.

photo of Volkswagen Quantum car production

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Volkswagen Quantum model years

volkswagen quantum 1985 photo
Quantum 1985
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volkswagen quantum 1984 photo
Quantum 1984
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Common Volkswagen Quantum problems

The Volkswagen Quantum, also known as the Passat B2 in other markets, is a car manufactured in the late 1970s and early 1980s. While it is considered a well-engineered vehicle, it has some common problems that owners have reported.

  1. Exhaust down pipe: Replacing the front exhaust down pipe is a common issue in Volkswagen Quantum cars. This problem may be due to the material used in the down pipe, which can corrode or crack over time, leading to exhaust leaks and reduced performance.
  2. CV axles: Installing rebuilt CV axles is another common problem in the Volkswagen Quantum. The CV axles are a critical component of the car's drivetrain, and they can wear out over time, leading to noise, vibration, and decreased performance.
  3. Ball joints: Replacing the front ball joints is a common issue in the Volkswagen Quantum. The ball joints are a critical part of the car's suspension system, and they can become loose or worn out over time, leading to noise, vibration, and decreased performance.
  4. Rear shocks: Replacing the rear shocks with struts off a Jetta is a common problem in the Volkswagen Quantum. The rear shocks are a critical component of the car's suspension system, and they can wear out or fail over time, leading to noise, vibration, and decreased performance.
  5. Odometer: The odometer in the Volkswagen Quantum has been known to stop working, making it difficult for owners to determine the car's mileage. This problem may be due to a faulty odometer or a problem with the car's electrical system.
  6. Speedometer lighting: The speedometer lighting in the Volkswagen Quantum has been known to go out, making it difficult for drivers to see the speedometer at night. This problem may be due to a faulty speedometer or a problem with the car's electrical system.
  7. Clutch: Replacing the clutch is a common problem in the Volkswagen Quantum. The clutch is a critical component of the car's drivetrain, and it can wear out or fail over time, leading to noise, vibration, and decreased performance.
  8. Brakes: Replacing the front and rear brakes and wheel cylinder is a common problem in the Volkswagen Quantum. The brakes are a critical component of the car's safety system, and they can wear out or fail over time, leading to decreased performance and increased stopping distances.
  9. Emergency brake cable: Replacing the broken emergency brake cable is a common problem in the Volkswagen Quantum. The emergency brake is a critical component of the car's safety system, and it can wear out or fail over time, leading to decreased performance and increased stopping distances.
  10. A/C compressor: Replacing the A/C compressor is a common problem in the Volkswagen Quantum. The A/C compressor is a critical component of the car's climate control system, and it can wear out or fail over time, leading to decreased performance and increased noise.
  11. A/C hose and pressure sensor: Replacing the leaking A/C hose and pressure sensor is a common problem in the Volkswagen Quantum. The A/C hose and pressure sensor are critical components of the car's climate control system, and they can wear out or fail over time, leading to decreased performance and increased noise.
  12. Wheel bearing: Replacing the noisy left-front wheel bearing is a common problem in the Volkswagen Quantum. The wheel bearing is a critical component of the car's suspension system, and it can wear out or fail over time, leading to noise, vibration, and decreased performance.
  13. Battery: Replacing the battery is a common problem in the Volkswagen Quantum. The battery is a critical component of the car's electrical system, and it can wear out or fail over time, leading to decreased performance and increased noise.
  14. Fuel filter pre-heater: Installing a fuel filter pre-heater is a common problem in the Volkswagen Quantum. The fuel filter pre-heater is a critical component of the car's fuel system, and it can wear out or fail over time, leading to decreased performance and increased noise.
  15. Heater core: Replacing the heater core that "smells bad" is a common problem in the Volkswagen Quantum. The heater core is a critical component of the car's climate control system, and it can wear out or fail over time, leading to decreased performance and increased noise.
  16. Belts and timing belt: Replacing the belts and timing belt is a common problem in the Volkswagen Quantum. The belts and timing belt are critical components of the car's drivetrain, and they can wear out or fail over time, leading to decreased performance and increased noise.
  17. Electrical problems: The Volkswagen Quantum is known for its electrical problems, which can include issues with the car's lighting, electrical systems, and sensors. These problems may be due to faulty wiring, blown fuses, or corroded connectors.

In summary, the Volkswagen Quantum is a well-engineered car, but it has some common problems that owners have reported. These problems include issues with the car's exhaust system, drivetrain, suspension, electrical system, and climate control system. While these problems can be frustrating, they are generally easy to diagnose and repair, and they do not necessarily indicate a major issue with the car's overall reliability.

Volkswagen Quantum

Is quantum oil genuine VW?

Quantum – Manufacturer Approved*

As well as being designed to suit all of the Volkswagen Group vehicles, the Quantum oil range is also approved by a host of major vehicle manufacturers.

Is 1.5 TSI fast?

The result of all this is 148bhp, delivered between 5000 and 6000rpm and 184lb ft of torque, available from 1500rpm through to 3500rpm. It's claimed to shove the 1324kg hatch to 62mph in 8.3-seconds and onto 134mph all while generating on official CO2 figure of 116g/km.

Why are Volkswagen oil changes so much?

What makes Volkswagen oil changes expensive? One reason is that VW cars require synthetic oil, which is more expensive than regular motor oil. Also, the design of Volkswagen engines is another factor that can contribute to the higher Volkswagen oil change costs.

Is Mobil 1 good for VW?

Fully synthetic oils such as Mobil 1 circulate around your Volkswagen engine more easily than traditional mineral oils, so your engine operates more efficiently. Mobil 1 also gets to work faster so your engine reaches peak operating efficiency quicker.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Volkswagen Quantum years

We have researched Volkswagen problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volkswagen Quantum cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Volkswagen Quantum model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volkswagen Quantum model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Volkswagen Quantum years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Volkswagen Quantum car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Volkswagen Quantum , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Power train problems
  • Exterior lighting problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Volkswagen Quantum vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Quantum model years

A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volkswagen Quantum . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volkswagen Quantum vehicles.

List of Volkswagen Quantum complaints

Volkswagen Quantum 1984
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-12-05
  • VIN: WVWFBO327FE
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: HEAD LIGHTS FAILED.
Volkswagen Quantum 1984
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-12-05
  • VIN: WVWFBO327FE
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER FAILED.
Volkswagen Quantum 1984
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-12-05
  • VIN: WVWFBO327FE
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: BATTERY FAILED.
Volkswagen Quantum 1984
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-12-05
  • VIN: WVWFBO327FE
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: EXHAUST SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY.
Volkswagen Quantum 1984
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-12-05
  • VIN: WVWFBO327FE
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CAR OVERHEATS DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO HOLD WATER.
Volkswagen Quantum 1984
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-12-05
  • VIN: WVWFBO327FE
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: SAFETY/WARNING LIGHTS FAILED.
Volkswagen Quantum 1984
  • Date Of Incident: 1989-06-21
  • Date Complaint: 1996-02-12
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: WVWGB0332EE
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR, CAUSING VEHICLE TO COME TO A HALT ON THE HIGHWAY/ACCIDENT. *SD
Volkswagen Quantum 1984
  • Date Of Incident: 1986-12-02
  • Date Complaint: 1996-02-12
  • VIN: WVWGB0332EE
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: ODOMETER CABLE BROKE AND WENT INSIDE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING IMMEDIATE HALT OF VEHICLE. *SD
Volkswagen Quantum 1984
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1995-07-28
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: AUTO-TRANSMISSION FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE COMING TO AN ABRUPT HALT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
Volkswagen Quantum 1985
  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-23
  • Date Complaint: 1995-01-27
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: THREE OF FOUR BONDED PADS FAILED/BROKE OFF FROM METAL BACKING PLATES; CAUSED LOSS OF BRAKE CONTROL; PEDAL TRAVELED TO FLOOR; EXTENDED BRAKING. TT

Recalls Volkswagen Quantum

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the Volkswagen Quantum.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Volkswagen Quantum 1984
  • Report Received Date: 1988-02-22
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: IDLE CONTROL UNIT MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE IDLE STABLIZER VALVE TO BECOME ACTIVATED OUTSIDE ITS NORMAL OPERATING RANGE.
  • Consequence: IDLE RPM MAY BECOME ERRATIC AND IN SOME INSTANCES,INCREASE.
  • Remedy: REPLACE IDLE CONTROL UNIT.
  • Model: Volkswagen Quantum 1985
  • Report Received Date: 1987-05-18
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: EXCESSIVE WEAR OF IDLE STABILIZER COULD CAUSE IDLE FLUCTUATIONS.
  • Consequence: IDLE FLUCTUATIONS COULD RESULT IN UNSATISFACTORYDRIVEABILITY.
  • Remedy: REPLACE IDLE STABILIZER.
  • Model: Volkswagen Quantum 1984
  • Report Received Date: 1985-07-30
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: UNDER ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, OUTER RUBBER LAYER OF BRAKE HOSES MAY BECOME BRITTLE AND DEVELOP CRACKS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: CRACKS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID RESULTING IN AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE AND POSSIBLY AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE BRAKE HOSES AS NECESSARY.
  • Model: Volkswagen Quantum 1984
  • Report Received Date: 1984-08-22
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM
  • Summary: REAR BRAKE DRUMS MAY CRACK IN SERVICE, DUE TO AN ERROR IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS.
  • Remedy: UPON INSPECTION, DEALER WILL REPLACE BRAKE DRUMS, IF NECESSARY.

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