1995 Volkswagen Passat
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Passat › 1995
These records cover every 1995 Volkswagen Passat. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1995 Volkswagen Passat. Newest first.
Improper material was used in manufacturing the radiator fan motor shaft causing the shaft to wear and become noisy.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A worn and noisy fan motor shaft can seize renderingthe fan motor inoperative, eventually causing the engine to overheat and stall. a stalled vehicle in traffic can increase the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the complete cooling fan assembly on vehicle having the potential shaft material problem. Dealers will install a new fan blade including a new lock nut on vehicle with loose fan blade lock nuts.
Owner complaints
93 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Parking brake · Service brakes, hydraulic
5SP vrg passat. Emergency/parking brake when applied under 40 degrees sticks on causing the rear wheel to drag down the road for up to a mile before they break loose again and move freely. *Tr
- Electrical system · Service brakes, electric
Backup lights didn't turn on, when the brakes were depressed the accent lights (lights that illuminate the gauges, window, a/c & heater controls and lock buttons etc.) would turn on. Also if the car if the keys were turned to the first notch (steering wheel unlock) and the heater vents turned to…
Backup lights didn't turn on, when the brakes were depressed the accent lights (lights that illuminate the gauges, window, a/c & heater controls and lock buttons etc.) would turn on. Also if the car if the keys were turned to the first notch (steering wheel unlock) and the heater vents turned to the on position but not blowing (due to no power) when you pressed the brake pedal the air would start blowing... I traced it down to an ignorant electrical engineer designing the car. The reverse lights were loomed on to the trunk arm, everytime the trunk was closed it bent the wire causing the wire to break and short out over time, I fixed the wire and rerouted it low and behold the reverse lights are apparently tied into the accent lights and the a/c & heater controls causing those to malfunction if the reverse was shorted, my guess IS they must all share a common ground. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
Driver side door fails to open 75% of the time, you have to yank the handle multiple times for it to open, the rear driver side door doesn't open from the outside anymore, the other doors are starting to have the same problem, when you lock the car the rear passenger doors lock mechanism slowly…
Driver side door fails to open 75% of the time, you have to yank the handle multiple times for it to open, the rear driver side door doesn't open from the outside anymore, the other doors are starting to have the same problem, when you lock the car the rear passenger doors lock mechanism slowly rises to the unlocked position. Drivers side door and passenger side door many times fail to close. When you close the doors they fly back open either immediately after closing or while operating the vehicle. **there IS a similar complaint misplaced into the air conditioner section by another individual.** *tr
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
Heater core "doors " melted from the r type antifreeze breaking down to an acid. This cause the heatercore to break, antifreeze entered the car through the vents and also oddly enough filled the gauge cluster with steam fogging the cluster. It's $800 for a replacement so I bought a fitting and some…
Heater core "doors " melted from the r type antifreeze breaking down to an acid. This cause the heatercore to break, antifreeze entered the car through the vents and also oddly enough filled the gauge cluster with steam fogging the cluster. It's $800 for a replacement so I bought a fitting and some hose clamps and bypasses the heater core so I could still operate the vehicle when it wasn't too cold. However when operating the vehicle in cold weather all the windows had to be down due to your body heat causing all glass in the vehicle to fog. Replaced the heater core in january, flushed the radiator and installed regular type 50/50 antifreeze and not the VW r-type fluid to prevent break down into acid again. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
The heater core failed on our 1995 VW passat while my son was driving it. Without warning it failed and poured 190 degree antifreeze over his ankles. Fortunately he wasn't severely burned or crashed the car, but it was serious issue. We spoke to VW but they wouldn't replace the heater core. Many…
The heater core failed on our 1995 VW passat while my son was driving it. Without warning it failed and poured 190 degree antifreeze over his ankles. Fortunately he wasn't severely burned or crashed the car, but it was serious issue. We spoke to VW but they wouldn't replace the heater core. Many customers have had the core replaced under warranty, but it seems to be randomly selected. I have read on the forums of this happening often and would like to know if there IS recall that VW needs to address. Thank you for your help. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle vibrates and IS worse when in high gear. part of the fan fractured causing the vehicle to overheat. there IS an nhtsa recall, # 95v178000, regarding the engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan. the vehicle vin was not included in the recall.
- Tires › Sidewall
1995 passat sidewall blew out while driving 65 mph. *ts the technician who performed the inspection pointed to cracks which were near the rim line. *Jb
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
95 passat heater core rupture filling the vehicle cabin with hot radiator fluid and steam. Windshield became coated with anti-freeze solution that just smeared and could not be wiped off. Vehicle left the road into the ditch. I will bypass the heater core for I can't afford to have it repaired at this time. Contacted vwoa and no specific recalls have been issued.*jb
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Dt: contact stated while driving at 35 mph. The vents started steaming. the vehicle was then towed to a mechanic. They performed a diagnostics test, which indicated that the heater core malfunctioned. the vehicle was not at a local dealership, and no repairs have been made. *Ak
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
Dt: caller can not open door from the outside. She has to use the handle on the inside of all the doors except the rear passenger door. dealer said they never heard of this. Manufacturer said they could not do anything to help her.*ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
1. Normal driving on a surburban road at about 45mph. All of a sudden, smoke/steam from the vents, a completely fogged windshield, a sweet smell, and scalding hot coolant onto my feet, almost causing me to hit a pedestrian walking alongside the road. 2. It was the heater core. A very common…
1. Normal driving on a surburban road at about 45mph. All of a sudden, smoke/steam from the vents, a completely fogged windshield, a sweet smell, and scalding hot coolant onto my feet, almost causing me to hit a pedestrian walking alongside the road. 2. It was the heater core. A very common problem to 80'S and 90'S VW passenger cars. So now I have no working heater (luckily its summer) and my car wont reach its max cooling capacity. Thus, car runs hot. 3. Because I am a college student and cannot afford a $1200usd fix, I have bypassed it with a copper u-pipe. The part IS avalible, and vwoa have done a massive number of 'good-will' fixes. I'm still talking with them to come of with a resolution.
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Heater core on the VR6 powered vehicles IS the valeo brand, known to fail. It just blews coolant through the dash vents all over the coupe inside.*ak
- Service brakes, air › Antilock › Control unit/module
ABS light failure - continue light on and possbile brake failure
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Heater core exploding, no events leading up to this I was simply going from a stoplight when smoke started pouring in through the vents and engine coolant going everywhere. I have not replaced anything yet, but the heater core IS destroyed.
- Steering › Rack and pinion
Rack and pinion steering failed. as result steering malfunctioned. however tconsumer was able to gain control. *ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Engine and engine cooling · Equipment · Seat belts · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Timing chain stretched and valves went against pistons. Engine light goes on and off all the time. Ignition switch fail and lights go off. Right window doesn't work. Ignition coil IS defective.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
I was starting my 1995 volkswagen passat VR6 (manual), and it started up just fine, but as I started to get going, the car died. I lost all electrical functions of the car initiated by the ignition switch, including power brakes, power steering, and headlights. I found out that my ignition switch…
I was starting my 1995 volkswagen passat VR6 (manual), and it started up just fine, but as I started to get going, the car died. I lost all electrical functions of the car initiated by the ignition switch, including power brakes, power steering, and headlights. I found out that my ignition switch had malfunctioned. I called VW of america (1-800-822-8987), and they told me that a recall was out for the 1996 and 1997 models. The only difference between these two model years and my model year IS the switch in the on board diagnostic system from obd 1 to obd 2. I knew from experience that the ignition switch was the same for all 1995 to 1997 passats, but just to be sure, I called stevens creek volkswagen parts department (1-408-492-1200). The guy there told me that part numbers matched through all 3 years, and that the ignition switch malfuntcions an all 3 model years including 1995. So, I called VW of america again, an asked them why they didn't recall my model year. They stated that "VW could have rectified the problem" which IS impossible when all 3 part numbers are the same. They then said that they would launch their own investigation into it, and told me to call nhtsa. My final say on this matter IS that it definitely IS life threatening, because the ignition switch IS electrical, and can malfuntcion at and time, causing you to lose power steering, brakes, and lighting on the road. I was luck because I just got going, and was able to push the car back by my house. Meanwhile, volkswagen of america IS cutting corners to save money by only recalling the model years that you have tested, even though the malfunctioning part IS the same inall 3 model years: 1995, 1996, and 1997. As a member of a VW vortex forum, I will tell others with this same problem to write in to you. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Front end was making a rattling noise. Also, radiator overheated. Took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced the head gasket. *ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Rear door latch IS malfunctioning. latch releases when driving
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
1995 VW passat. Door locks have been repaired several times by authorized VW dealer and repair shop. Doors do not open in cold weather despite car being in heated garage.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
The ABS light came on my 1995 passat. the dealer diagnosis indicated I needed a new ABS hydraulic unit at a cost of $1,768.00. I consider this an outrageous amount for such an important safety item. I contacted vwofa corporate and they told me there was nothing they could do because the car was out of warranty. *la
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
In february of 2003 on one of the cold days, the fan system didn't work and as a result car overheated and blew of the head gasket. Total cost to fix $2000. Small recall of cooling fan cost me $2000 and in spite of calls to customer service department, no cost was born by the company. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Coolant leaking out from under the dash. more than likely it IS the heater core. not supposed to happen this soon, car IS only years 8 old.*ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
The heater core ruptured. *Jb
- Electrical system
The vehicle's speedometer started to go high then low, the fuel gauge stopped registering. took to dealer and the instrument cluster was replaced. ph
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel tank puncture
- Fuel tank puncture
The office of defects investigation opened this investigation on august 10, 2000 based on 9 reports regarding punctured fuel tanks involving the jetta, passat, and cabrio models.the reports indicate additional reports in its response to the preliminary evaluation.this investigation has been upgraded for further study.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10239789To 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 ignition and visually locate the damage. Proceed with checking any other lines as necessary. Once the damaged line is identified, repair utilizing the Repair kit by Permatex ITEM 09117.
- 10238568For 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, check fuel pressure and injector timing.
- 10213836Airbag Issues.
- 10159010The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10157383VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
- 10155644This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10128105This 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.
- 10128104This 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 tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions.
- 10128055This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests.
- 10126785Update model year applicability to include 2017.
- 10125848Passat 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 purchased
- 10125762Passat 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 purchased
- 10124454Assembly Instructions: Installation of original remote start feature accessory, Volkswagen Passat.
- 10124348Technical 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.
- 10122956Tech 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 engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ignition and visually locate the damage.
- 10122240Tech 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. This document informs of how to diagnose the issue and tips on servicing the issue
- 10026848Volkswagen: 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.
- 621613Subject regarding latch system lower anchors and tethers for children, installing / retrofitting.
- 603353Subject on additional obd II diagnostic trouble codes ( dtcs ).
- 603351Subject on automatic transmission fluid ( atf ), checking 01 transmission.
- 601872Subject on maintenance intervals.
- 53616Toothed belt runs towards outside, wears out/ jumps off, and cracks.
- 53610Subject on the automatic transmission control module can additionally recognize two diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) not currently shown in the repair manual.
- 53604Conditions with engine intermittently will not start.
- 42010R-134a expansion valve noisy.
- 42009Revised instrument cluster due to loss of memory in the multi function indicator (mfi).
Every Volkswagen Passat model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.