1984 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.

1984 Volkswagen Quantum

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Common 1984 Volkswagen Quantum problems

The Volkswagen Quantum, produced in 1984, is known for several common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues range from mechanical and electrical problems to interior and exterior concerns.

  • Suspension and Steering: The suspension and steering systems of the 1984 Quantum have also been known to cause issues. Front and rear ball joints may become loose and need replacement.
  • Brakes: The brakes on the 1984 Quantum may also need attention. The front and rear brakes, as well as wheel cylinders, may need to be replaced as part of regular maintenance.
  • Electrical Systems: The electrical systems in the 1984 Quantum are known to cause problems. The odometer may stop working, making it difficult to determine the exact mileage of the vehicle.
  • Clutch and Transmission: The clutch and transmission systems in the 1984 Quantum may also require attention. The clutch may need to be replaced if the throwout bearing gets stuck.
  • Interior and Exterior: The interior and exterior of the 1984 Quantum may also have issues. The heater core may smell bad and need replacement, although it's unclear if the core itself or the hose connections are the source of the problem.
  • Performance: The 1984 Quantum's performance may be impacted by its engine. The five-cylinder engine, while smooth and unique, may not provide the level of performance that some drivers expect, especially given its larger size and higher price point compared to competitors.

In summary, the 1984 Volkswagen Quantum has several common problems that owners should be aware of, including issues with the exhaust and emission system, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical systems, clutch and transmission, interior and exterior, and performance. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address these issues before they become more serious problems.

1984 Volkswagen Quantum engine

1984 Volkswagen Quantum car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Quantum problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

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

The graph below shows statistics for all 1984 Volkswagen Quantum vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1984 Volkswagen Quantum complaints

The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1984 Volkswagen Quantum.

1997-12-05

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WVWFBO327FE
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: HEAD LIGHTS FAILED.
1997-12-05

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WVWFBO327FE
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER FAILED.
1997-12-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WVWFBO327FE
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: BATTERY FAILED.
1997-12-05

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WVWFBO327FE
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: EXHAUST SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY.
1997-12-05

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WVWFBO327FE
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CAR OVERHEATS DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO HOLD WATER.
1997-12-05

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WVWFBO327FE
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: SAFETY/WARNING LIGHTS FAILED.
1996-02-12

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1989-06-21
  • 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
1996-02-12

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1986-12-02
  • VIN: WVWGB0332EE
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: ODOMETER CABLE BROKE AND WENT INSIDE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING IMMEDIATE HALT OF VEHICLE. *SD
1995-07-28

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: AUTO-TRANSMISSION FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE COMING TO AN ABRUPT HALT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

1984 Volkswagen Quantum recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1984 Volkswagen Quantum.

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.
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.
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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Other years of Volkswagen Quantum

volkswagen quantum 1985 photo
Quantum 1985
Volkswagen

1

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
volkswagen quantum 1984 photo
Quantum 1984
Volkswagen

9

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1984 Volkswagen Quantum photo