1997 Volkswagen Passat
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Volkswagen › Passat › 1997
These records cover every 1997 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 1997 Volkswagen Passat. Newest first.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Owner complaints
37 complaints1 involved a crash2 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Ignition
TL* the contact owns a 1997 volkswagen passat tdi. The contact stated that a fire erupted spontaneously inside the dashboard which caused all of the wires to melt and the windshield to fracture. The fire department was contacted who determined that the fire started in the area where the ignition…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 volkswagen passat tdi. The contact stated that a fire erupted spontaneously inside the dashboard which caused all of the wires to melt and the windshield to fracture. The fire department was contacted who determined that the fire started in the area where the ignition was located. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 200,000. updated 6/12/12 *cn the consumer stated the fire occurred in the area of the ignition and locking components were service, replaced and removed 15 days before the fire. The fire dept determined the fire started in the ignition.
- Electrical system · Visibility
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 volkswagen passat. whenever the contact attempted to activate the windshield wipers or headlights, they failed to turn on. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. there were no warnings prior to the failures. the current mileage was 62,000 and failure mileage was 60,000.
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 volkswagen passat. while parking the vehicle, the contact heard an unfamiliar noise and the air conditioning began to blow hot air. he exited the vehicle and discovered water leaking from the undercarriage. he believes that the heater core may have failed. the current and failure mileages were 157,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 volkswagen passat. the contact has taken his vehicle to the garage and the dealer eight times. the engine head was replaced at 42,000 miles and the turbo charge IS currently failing. the contact stated that the repairs cost more than the actual price of the vehicle.…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 volkswagen passat. the contact has taken his vehicle to the garage and the dealer eight times. the engine head was replaced at 42,000 miles and the turbo charge IS currently failing. the contact stated that the repairs cost more than the actual price of the vehicle. the dealer stated that the computer needed to be replaced in order to correct the turbo charge. the replacement would cost $1,000. the vin was verified, but appears to be invalid. the current mileage was 46,000 and failure mileage was 38,000. updated 03/18/08. *lj updated 03/18/08 *tr
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
On sunday, august 5TH, 2007, while driving the car with my 7 year old son in the back seat, dense, noxious 'steam'/smoke began to come out of all vents and around the dash area in my well-maintained volkswagen. hot coolant also leaked into the passenger compartment of my passat on the driver's…
On sunday, august 5TH, 2007, while driving the car with my 7 year old son in the back seat, dense, noxious 'steam'/smoke began to come out of all vents and around the dash area in my well-maintained volkswagen. hot coolant also leaked into the passenger compartment of my passat on the driver's side. note that this occurred while air conditioning (a/c) was on & continued to pour out of vents without a/c on. my 'low coolant' indicator light (red led in instrument cluster) also began flashing. Fortunately, I was able to get the car (and my son) home without overheating after stopping on the side of a busy washington dc thoroughfare (wisconsin avenue), opening the fogged-up windows, cleaning the interior of the front windshield, and refilling the coolant reservoir/'overflow' tank with antifreeze purchased nearby. since the 'steam' smelled like coolant/antifreeze, I immediately suspected that this was due to a failure of my car's heater core. I subsequently confirmed this diagnosis after dropping off the passat at my long-time, certified, mechanic, beahm's auto service of silver spring maryland. beahm's diagnosed, but did not replace my heater core on tuesday, august 7TH, 2007 (the heater core has been temporarily bypassed so that the car could be driven without additional coolant loss or of the car's windows/interior). my passat IS otherwise in excellent, well-maintained condition with only 116,000 miles, no accidents, and it passed washington dc safety and emissions inspection in august, 2007. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Vehicle volkswagen 1997 passat glx - V6 engine. full instrument cluster - speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, digital clock... Everything on it, does not operate when outside temperature IS below 50 degrees. car must be driven for 10min., or about 8-12 miles, before instrument cluster returns to…
Vehicle volkswagen 1997 passat glx - V6 engine. full instrument cluster - speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, digital clock... Everything on it, does not operate when outside temperature IS below 50 degrees. car must be driven for 10min., or about 8-12 miles, before instrument cluster returns to normal fuction. car IS being driven without functioning speedometer, and it IS difficult to estimate my speed and does not feel safe. there were no significant events leading up to the failure, except instrument cluster would make a buzzing noise when car started and trip mileage would reset. This started a few months before complete failure began. this problem gets worse as time passes, as the instrument cluster problem occurs in warmer weather now. problem used to occur when temperature was below 35 degrees. now happens at 50 degrees. *Tr
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Heater core failed- clouding the window to a degree that we nearly had an accident before we could get the car pulled over.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Various electronic components failed while driving--windshield wipers, lights, defrost motor--on a very dark, rainy morning, causing a dangerous situation and a near-accident. manufacturer previously warned of 'ignition switch failure', but would only repair after failure and before 10 yrs or…
Various electronic components failed while driving--windshield wipers, lights, defrost motor--on a very dark, rainy morning, causing a dangerous situation and a near-accident. manufacturer previously warned of 'ignition switch failure', but would only repair after failure and before 10 yrs or 100,000 miles. my car has 100,600 miles. manufacturer refuses to bear the repair cost for this known defect that could have caused a serious accident. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Ignition switch failure while vehicle operational. same condition was covered under recall on 1996 VW passat models, manufacturer IS not offering coverage on same body style under 1997 and 1995 designation. impacted vehicle IS a 1997 VW passat wagon. *jb
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Hot coolant suddenly started coming out of the vents and caused all the windows to fog over. had to pull of freeway and get a tow. no indication of a problem prior to the failure. problem turns out to be a bad heater core. had heater core bypassed because of the cost of the repair. *nm
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Dt: the contact stated the heater core was leaking coolant onto the floor, not allowing the windshield to completely defrost. the vehicle has not been seen by a dealer and no repairs have been made. *ak updated 01/19/06. *Jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
While en-route between dexter, michigan and grand rapids, michigan, cabin began to smell of smoke. shortly thereafter, the cigarette lighter caught fire. fire was extinguished with a halon extinguisher promptly. examination of the components post-fire revealed a defective center conductor.…
While en-route between dexter, michigan and grand rapids, michigan, cabin began to smell of smoke. shortly thereafter, the cigarette lighter caught fire. fire was extinguished with a halon extinguisher promptly. examination of the components post-fire revealed a defective center conductor. circuit was fused at 10 amps which was found to be blown, post fire. no injuries, no damage to personal goods, damage was confined to cigarette lighter assembly, which IS poorly designed. *nm
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Heater core failure. Initially I only smell the radiator fluid. Then it quickly changes over to steam actually coming out of your vents. This causes your windows to fog up. Radiator fluid came shooting out of the dash but on the passenger side. This probably would have scalded someone if they were sitting there. *jb
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Structure › Body › Door
1997 volkswagen passat developed problems with the door locks, and side door handle.*mr *nm
- Tires › Sidewall
Dt: goodyear tires eagle gps , size 195/60/r14 experienced a large crack in the sidewall completely around left front tire rim. the consumer took the vehicle to a goodyear dealer, and they urged the consumer to take tire to sears because these tires came on a used vehicle, these were not part…
Dt: goodyear tires eagle gps , size 195/60/r14 experienced a large crack in the sidewall completely around left front tire rim. the consumer took the vehicle to a goodyear dealer, and they urged the consumer to take tire to sears because these tires came on a used vehicle, these were not part of the original equipment. the consumer went to sears, who replaced the left front tire free of charge because there were only 1,000 miles and hardly any wear on them. the other tires were also cracked. the service man at sears asked the consumer to return the next day and he would replace the other tires. but when consumer returned the next day a different person was working and said these were not sear's tires but samataea's club tires. the consumer was referred to samataea's club to replace all tires and return the previously replaced tire to sears. samataea's club would not honor the tire warranty because the consumer was not a member, and that was part of their policy. the consumer contacted goodyear, and they said it was up to samataea's club as to how those tires should be replaced. the tires have hardly any wear but continue to crack. currently on the sidewall the steel and tread IS shows through . No one will replace these tires at this time. the consumer does plan to replace these tires, but feels he should not be responsible for the repair cost. *ak
- Electrical system
1997 VW passat tdi. the car had a "TV-12" recall, in which the ecm and intake manifold was replaced. within six (6) months, the ecm went out again, and VW "refuses" to live up to the warranty. 2) failure of this, does not diminish it's "crusing" capacity down the highway. However, there will…
1997 VW passat tdi. the car had a "TV-12" recall, in which the ecm and intake manifold was replaced. within six (6) months, the ecm went out again, and VW "refuses" to live up to the warranty. 2) failure of this, does not diminish it's "crusing" capacity down the highway. However, there will be no power to pass safely, and much loss of power, when entering the 'exits'. consequently, a very possible situation results to have a terrible crash. VW knows about this, and only fixes it when "the customer complains". 3) the original intake was replaced, and ecm. however, VW will not put a 'new' ecm in, rather, they put in a "rebuilt" one. this IS prone to human error, and that's why mine failed within five (5) to six (6) months. it 'goes out' constantly. *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
1. Ignition switch failed. 2. caused loss of electrical power and temporary engine failure. Electrical system damage. 3. Replaced electrical portion of ignition switch, headlight relay.
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
I haven't experience a failure yet, but I have a 1997 passat VR6 and it seems that many people with my model have experienced heater core failures, especially while driving. I'm filing this report as a preemptive mechanism.*ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Heater core failure - heater core failed catastrophically, dumping hot coolant in the drivers side foot well, and obscuring visibility by rapidly steaming up all windows.*ak upon request, vwoa replaced the heater core and covered parts/labor 100% as a good will gesture. this should be a…
Heater core failure - heater core failed catastrophically, dumping hot coolant in the drivers side foot well, and obscuring visibility by rapidly steaming up all windows.*ak upon request, vwoa replaced the heater core and covered parts/labor 100% as a good will gesture. this should be a formal recall as the heater core in this vehicle IS the same part (same part number, manufacturer, etc...) that was the subject of formal recalls in the late 1980's and early 1990's golf/jetta/corrado/passat chassis.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Visibility › Glass, side/rear
Driver's power window regulator mechanism has repeated failures despite replacement/repair on six occasions. this IS a serious safety hazard, since the window must be closed by grasping the glass and manipulating it which can result in fingers being trapped and broken. also, once this failure has…
Driver's power window regulator mechanism has repeated failures despite replacement/repair on six occasions. this IS a serious safety hazard, since the window must be closed by grasping the glass and manipulating it which can result in fingers being trapped and broken. also, once this failure has happened, the window may drop down into the door unexpectedly at high speed causing driver distraction, or fail to open in an emergency precluding an escape path. this IS compounded by faulty door latch mechanism actuators which preclude door opening from outside by rescue personnel. the failure IS caused by a faulty roll pin slipping out of the door latch trigger mechanism causing failure of and binding of the linkage which causes the door lock actuating mechanism to fail, trapping passengers inside the vehicle. please note that per the ge information services, japan issued a recall for this problem.*ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Consumer complained about door locks and latches. The door locks and latches froze in cold weather. Consumer had to tie a belt from the door to driver's leg to keep the door from opening when driving the vehicle. Consumer contacted the dealer and the manufacturer. The dealer lubricated the locks, and it helped for only two weeks and the problem recurred. manufacturer was no help. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Consumer complained about ignition switch and headlights problems. while driving on a winding road the headlights just turned off, and consumer would have to wiggle the ignition to get the lights to turn back on. Currently, manufacturer was recalling vehicles with this defect. however, because…
Consumer complained about ignition switch and headlights problems. while driving on a winding road the headlights just turned off, and consumer would have to wiggle the ignition to get the lights to turn back on. Currently, manufacturer was recalling vehicles with this defect. however, because this vehicle had an excess of 125,000 miles it was 25,000 miles past the cut off point. *ak also, headlights will sometimes go out while driving. Dealer replaced ignition switch. Consumer felt that this problem should be a definitive recall without mileage limitations. *Ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights · Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer
While driving at any speed at night in inclement conditions headlights and windshield wipers worked intermittently. Consumer stated, if he moved the key back and forth in the ignition switch the headlights would come back on. *Ak
- Air bags · Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood · Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
I purchased a 1997 volkswagen passat VR6 at checkered flag BMW in june 2004, and since have discovered that the electrical system IS horrible. First, the air conditioner( a/c) quit working, then the airbag light came on, and the ac started working for a day, then blew a chemical cloud into the…
I purchased a 1997 volkswagen passat VR6 at checkered flag BMW in june 2004, and since have discovered that the electrical system IS horrible. First, the air conditioner( a/c) quit working, then the airbag light came on, and the ac started working for a day, then blew a chemical cloud into the vehicle, while I was on the highway. My eyes were burning (as well as my face) for the rest of the day. Finally, I have already had to replace the battery, and there's a slow coolant leak. May I suggest that we remove all vw's from america's streets? They are a total menace to anyone who owns them! I went to checkered flag VW, to have it serviced, and they wanted to charge 89 dollars a problem, just to look, then they said I could trade it for a new one. Why would I want a new one? I don't need to trade an old problem for a new, more expensive one, I just want a reliable work vehicle, and I wish I had stuck to my guns and bought another prelude. This thing will see the crusher when I'm done paying it off! Four problems in not so many months. Only another VW owner would know that kind of frustration!*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
I was driving my 1997 passat when it started to over heat. The temperature gage rose very quickly and I immediately took the next exit off of the freeway ( 1/8 of a mile in distance). When the temperature gage reached 240 degrees my red dashboard light started to flash. I decided that I needed to…
I was driving my 1997 passat when it started to over heat. The temperature gage rose very quickly and I immediately took the next exit off of the freeway ( 1/8 of a mile in distance). When the temperature gage reached 240 degrees my red dashboard light started to flash. I decided that I needed to pull over immediately. Within seconds, not minutes, I heard a loud pop sound, like an explosion. Steam shot out at myself and my daughter inside the car and we were sprayed with boiling liquid on our feet and lower legs. Visablility was almost zero from the spraying steam as I swerved into the nearest parking lot. I tried to come to a stop in the nearest parking space but I could no longer keep my foot on the brake pedal because my foot was being sprayed with boiling water. I threw the car into park and tried to grab the emergency brake, but we had already jumped the parking space curb and hit a large bush. The entire front inside of my car IS damaged from water and coolant, and the front of my car on the outside has a dent and puncture in the bumper. The mechanic that came to my aid told me that the heater core had exploded. I don't know what would have happened if I had not noticed my car over heating, and I had still been on the busy freeway driving 55 mph when this explosion occured! Repairs have not been made. The car IS at a repair shop. I'm not sure what to do next.
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.
- 10241340Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10241177Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 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.
- 10237427Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10235138Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10213836Airbag Issues.
- 10174476Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
- 10159016Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
- 10159014Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 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.
- 10157828Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10157383VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
- 10157302Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10155644This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10150856Engine replacement tip
- 1013334417 17 01 July 5, 2017 2012855 Supersedes Technical Bulletin 17-16-02 (V171602) dated April 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
- 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
- 10125661Update to existing tip for fuel quality checking.
- 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
- 10120329Technical Bulletin (Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard): This document informs of a sample list of products generally available in the North American market that meet the Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard
- 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.
Every Volkswagen Passat model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.