4.1

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
28,803 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1996 Volkswagen Passat electrical problems

electrical problem

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1996 Volkswagen Passat Owner Comments

problem #14

Jan 262007

Passat 4-cyl Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #13

Mar 162006

Passat 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles
: 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.

- Huntington Woods, MI, USA

problem #12

Jun 302004

Passat

  • miles
Consumer had 1996 VW Passat ignition switch replaced. After about a year switch needed to be replaced again. 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.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #11

Aug 082004

Passat 4-cyl Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • 142,045 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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?

- Dover, DE, USA

problem #10

Aug 242004

Passat 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,200 miles
Ignition switch replaced in a 1996 Passat VR6. Was a recall on switch. I would like a refund on parts and labor.

- Saint Petersburg, FL, USA

problem #9

Sep 202004

Passat 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
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.

- Hoffman Estates, IL, USA

problem #8

Jan 202004

(reported on)

Passat

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Consumer stated vehicle had the very same problem as mentioned in recall 02V256000 concerning ignition switch. Also, the electrical part of the switch shorted out the lights, air conditioning, windshield wipers, and radio. Took vehicle dealer, and consumer was granted an extended warranty. However, the problem still exists.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #7

Apr 212003

Passat

  • miles
Headlights continually go out. Volkswagen dealership supposedly did electrical part of ignition switch replacement, but headlights still did not work. Further reairs by an independant mechanic worked for a short time, then one of the lights went out again. This has been ongoing for over a year. Dealership completely uninterested.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #6

Jul 102003

Passat 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles
While traveling on the highway and without prior warning, the came on and went off intermittently. Windshield wipers worked intermittently. Consumer also experienced the same defects as stated in the ignition switch recall.. the consumer stated the problem was fixed under the recall regarding the ignition switch.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #5

Nov 012002

Passat 4-cyl Diesel

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
1. my car had ignition switch failure. There is a recall on ignition switch failures for the year/make/model of my car. When I contacted the manufacturer they said the recall doesn't apply to my VIN. 2. drivers door window register has failed. Many owners of similar vehicles have reported same.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #4

Nov 132002

(reported on)

Passat

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Consumers notice the electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly has failed causing the windshield wipers to become inoperative. Dealer has been contacted.

- Bronxville, NY, USA

problem #3

Feb 042000

(reported on)

Passat

  • miles
When the car is cold or in the first 10 minutes of driving, headlights go out. Some of the dashlights stay on, however the headlights, blower motor, turnsignal, windshield wipers, power windows and A/C do not work. Defective switch has been replaced.

- Solon Springs, WI, USA

problem #2

Jan 312000

(reported on)

Passat

  • miles
The ignition switch prematurely malfunctioned due to the design which caused the headlghts and the daytime running lights and the windsheild wipers to become inoperable.

- Sheverport, LA, USA

problem #1

Feb 011998

Passat

  • miles
On this model VW--I.e., diesel, failure of ignition switch results in partial loss of power braking, headlights and windshield wiper function--the car is unsafe to drive. Problem was called to manufacturer's attention via letter and via bringing into a VW dealer for repair. Dealer was not selling dealer mentioned above.

- Gaithersburg, MD, USA

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