Model year record

1995 Volkswagen Passat

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 142 owner complaints on file.

Volkswagen Passat, 1995–1997 generation
Pictured: the 1995–1997 generation. IFCAR, Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 95V178000

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan

Component
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Vehicles affected
34,000
Reported to NHTSA
1995-09-20
Owners notified
1995-11-29

Defect description

IMPROPER MATERIAL WAS USED IN MANUFACTURING THE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR SHAFT CAUSING THE SHAFT TO WEAR AND BECOME NOISY.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline8—
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch895,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls8175,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core7130,853 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system6115,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission6—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip6—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan5163,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition4—
Electrical system: ignition: switch4121,870 mi
Structure: body: door4—
Electrical system387,491 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery3175,000 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator3—
Vehicle speed control3—
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.2—
Exterior lighting: headlights2—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump2—
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock2—
Parking brake2165,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module2108,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control2—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system2165,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior2—
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly2—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash1—
Engine and engine cooling1175,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine1—
Equipment1175,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1—
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack1—
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch1—
Exterior lighting: tail lights1—
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit1—
Fuel system, gasoline1—
Latches/locks/linkages1165,000 mi
Power train1—
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines1—
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch1—
Power train: clutch assembly1—
Power train: manual transmission1—
Seat belts1175,000 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage1—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly1—
Seat belts: rear/other1—
Service brakes, air: antilock: control unit/module1—
Service brakes, electric1165,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic1165,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1—
Steering1—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar1—
Steering: linkages1—
Steering: rack and pinion1110,000 mi
Structure1—
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments1114,000 mi
Structure: frame and members1—
Suspension: front1—
Suspension: front: control arm1—
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm1—
Suspension: front: springs: leaf spring assembly1—
Suspension: front: wheel bearing1—
Tires1—
Tires: sidewall1—
Unknown or other1—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor1—
Visibility: glass, side/rear1—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer1—

The 1994 model has 4 times as many complaints as this one. The 1996 model has 3 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Other Volkswagen Passat model years

All Volkswagen Passat recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.