1996 Volkswagen Passat
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Passat › 1996
These records cover every 1996 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 1996 Volkswagen Passat. Newest first.
On certain passenger vehicles, the electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly can fail causing the headlights and windshield wipers to become inoperative.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
40 complaints3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Latches/locks/linkages
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…
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 › Cooling system
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 › Cooling system
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 · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
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…
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
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…
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 › Headlights
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…
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 › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
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 › Ignition › Switch
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 › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Heater core failure. Venting of noxious fumes into passanger compartment. *Nm
- Electrical system › Ignition
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.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
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…
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 › Ignition › Switch
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 › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
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 › Ignition › Switch
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 › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
1996 clutch pedal assembly failed on the 1996 volkswagen passat.*mr the consumer believed the part was poorly designed.*jb
- Electrical system
My 1996 VW passat has lost its entire instrument cluster, very unsafe with no backing from VW. *Jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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…
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 › Doors › Latch
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 › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
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…
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 › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
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 › Power window devices and controls
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 › Ignition › Switch
Ignition switch replaced in a 1996 passat VR6. was a recall on switch. I would like a refund on parts and labor. *jb
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
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…
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 › Ignition › Switch
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 › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel tank puncture
- Light and /windshield wipers
There is no summary currently available
- 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.
- Lights and/or windshield wiper obscured
There is no summary currently available
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.
- 10239592Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239591Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239590Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 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.
- 10174476Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
- 10159010The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10158533Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 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.
- 10127969Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. Update model year applicability.
- 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.
- 10124287Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): Exterior light assemblies (headlights, taillights, fog lights, turn signals) are vented and may collect moisture on their inner surfaces, depending on humidity and other climatic changes. This document discusses necessary to diagnosis, and potential remedy of the issue.
- 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
- 10121257Technical Bulletin: Condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light lenses issue is discussed in this document
- 10120169Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): This document informs of the Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. The document also informs how to service 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.
- 10006830Zf vh recall of the zf steering pump, supplied to wd's for replacement of the audi A4 passat p/n 8D0 145 156fx instead of the correct zf p/n 7691 955 276zw. 2004 audi A4 also included.
- 10004525Ignition switch special warranty extension question and answer sheet to volkswagen owners.
- 10004521Ignition switch limited warranty extension 1996-1997 vehicles.
- 621613Subject regarding latch system lower anchors and tethers for children, installing / retrofitting.
- 605989Conditions with visible smoke from exhaust system when accelerating.
- 603351Subject on automatic transmission fluid ( atf ), checking 01 transmission.
- 601872Subject on maintenance intervals.
- 53616Toothed belt runs towards outside, wears out/ jumps off, and cracks.
- 53606Difficulties with shift lever and transmission IS hard to shift into reverse gear.
- 53605Transmission pops out of gear/shifter feels like it has a double detent when shifting into gear, and will not maintain shift adjustment.
Every Volkswagen Passat model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.