Known Recalls

Model year record

1996 Volkswagen Passat

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 48 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V256000

Electrical system: ignition: switch

Component
Electrical system: ignition: switch
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Vehicles affected
10,450
Reported to NHTSA
2002-09-18
Owners notified
2002-11-20

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ELECTRICAL PORTION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Safety risk

IF SUCH FAILURES OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE AT NIGHT OR IN RAINY OR SNOWY WEATHER, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer 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

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

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Electrical system: ignition: switch1084,200 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core683,900 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch425,000 mi
Electrical system384,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights3140,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls388,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system286,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition1150,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling1117,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan1117,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine192,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control1—
Latches/locks/linkages1120,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock110,028 mi
Power train: automatic transmission160,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module176,279 mi
Structure: body: door1—
Unknown or other192,000 mi
Vehicle speed control1—
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior110,028 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring158,000 mi

The 1995 model has about a third as many complaints as this one. The 1997 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

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.