1997 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Problems & Recalls

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...

Mileage: 200,000

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...

Mileage: 200,000

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...

Mileage: 60,000

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...

Mileage: 60,000

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 ...

Mileage: 157,000

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. T...

Mileage: 38,000

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...

Mileage: 115,500

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 ...

Mileage: 86,000

HEATER CORE FAILED- CLOUDING THE WINDOW TO A DEGREE THAT WE NEARLY HAD AN ACCIDENT BEFORE WE COULD GET THE CAR PULLED OVER.

Mileage: 125,952

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 100,0...

Mileage: 100,600

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

Mileage: 85,100

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

Mileage: 132,000

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

Mileage: 182,000

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. CIRCU...

Mileage: 215,000

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 S...

Mileage: 139,000

1997 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE DOOR LOCKS, AND SIDE DOOR HANDLE.*MR *NM

1997 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE DOOR LOCKS, AND SIDE DOOR HANDLE.*MR *NM

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 O...

Mileage: 113,900

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 B...

Mileage: 1,000

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.

Mileage: 295,950

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

Mileage: 136,000

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...

Mileage: 262,000

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 ...

Mileage: 79,000

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 ...

Mileage: 79,000

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

Mileage: 97,000

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

Mileage: 97,000

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 ...

Mileage: 125,000

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 ...

Mileage: 125,000

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, A...

Mileage: 45,000

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 VEHIC...

Mileage: 100,000

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 VEHIC...

Mileage: 100,000

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 VEHIC...

Mileage: 100,000

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 VEHIC...

Mileage: 100,000

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 PU...

NUMEROUS OCASSIONS MY PASSAT WILL "SHUT DOWN" WHILE DRIVING. LOSE ALL POWER, A/C, HEADLIGHTS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND NUMEROUS OTHER POWER RELATED ITEMS. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER BEFORE BEING HIT, OR HITTING SOMEONE.*AK

Mileage: 80,000

NUMEROUS OCASSIONS MY PASSAT WILL "SHUT DOWN" WHILE DRIVING. LOSE ALL POWER, A/C, HEADLIGHTS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND NUMEROUS OTHER POWER RELATED ITEMS. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER BEFORE BEING HIT, OR HITTING SOMEONE.*AK

Mileage: 80,000

NUMEROUS OCASSIONS MY PASSAT WILL "SHUT DOWN" WHILE DRIVING. LOSE ALL POWER, A/C, HEADLIGHTS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND NUMEROUS OTHER POWER RELATED ITEMS. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER BEFORE BEING HIT, OR HITTING SOMEONE.*AK

Mileage: 80,000

NUMEROUS OCASSIONS MY PASSAT WILL "SHUT DOWN" WHILE DRIVING. LOSE ALL POWER, A/C, HEADLIGHTS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND NUMEROUS OTHER POWER RELATED ITEMS. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER BEFORE BEING HIT, OR HITTING SOMEONE.*AK

Mileage: 80,000

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AIR CONDITIONER AND HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. THE CONSUMER STAED THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDS REPLACING. *JB

Mileage: 80,000

ON TOP OF ALL THE CHRONIC DESIGN AND OTHER FAILURES THAT HAVE BEEN ENDURED, ADD THE FOLLOWING : DRIVERS OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR - LENS FALLS OFF ON OWN ACCORD. ALSO, ALTHOUGH NOT IMMEDIATELY SAFETY RELATED - PASSENGER SIDE VISOR PLASTIC HOLES BROKE OUT SO SCREWS WILL NOT HOLD VISOR IN PLACE. *...

Mileage: 110,000

ON TOP OF ALL THE CHRONIC DESIGN AND OTHER FAILURES THAT HAVE BEEN ENDURED, ADD THE FOLLOWING : DRIVERS OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR - LENS FALLS OFF ON OWN ACCORD. ALSO, ALTHOUGH NOT IMMEDIATELY SAFETY RELATED - PASSENGER SIDE VISOR PLASTIC HOLES BROKE OUT SO SCREWS WILL NOT HOLD VISOR IN PLACE. *...

Mileage: 110,000

MY GIRLFRIENDS 1997 VW PASSAT HAS A PLASTIC COOLANT HOUSING WHICH FAILED. WHEN FAILURE OCCURS CATASTROPHIC LOST OF ALL COOLANT OCCURS IN SECONDS WHEN CRUISING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *JB

SUNROOF SUDDENLY AND LOUDLY EXPLODED OUTWARDS FROM CABIN AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING WITH HEAT ON HIGH/MEDIUM HIGH AT APPROX 65 MPH. SLIDING SUNROOF PARTITION WAS OPEN. ONLY A FEW PIECES OF GLASS FELL INTO CABIN, BUT ENTIRE SUNROOF WAS SHATTERED INTO THOUSANDS OF UNIFORM PIECES, EXPANDING OU...

Mileage: 80,418

STALLING WITHOUT REASON. DEALER CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM

STALLING WITHOUT REASON. DEALER CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM

STALLING WITHOUT REASON. DEALER CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM

STALLING WITHOUT REASON. DEALER CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM

SEAT BELTS NEVER RAVAL ALL THE WAY (MINOR ISSUE), AIR CONDITIONER GETS COLD ONLY FOR ABOUT A MINUTE (ONCE AGAIN MINOR), AND NOW IT MISFIRES ON CYLINDERS 5 AND 6. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH O2 SENSORS, THE COIL PACK (3 TIMES), IGNITION WIRES (TWICE), SPARK PLUGS (TWICE IN 4,000 MILES), AND THE ECU. STIL...

Mileage: 65,000

SEAT BELTS NEVER RAVAL ALL THE WAY (MINOR ISSUE), AIR CONDITIONER GETS COLD ONLY FOR ABOUT A MINUTE (ONCE AGAIN MINOR), AND NOW IT MISFIRES ON CYLINDERS 5 AND 6. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH O2 SENSORS, THE COIL PACK (3 TIMES), IGNITION WIRES (TWICE), SPARK PLUGS (TWICE IN 4,000 MILES), AND THE ECU. STIL...

Mileage: 65,000

SEAT BELTS NEVER RAVAL ALL THE WAY (MINOR ISSUE), AIR CONDITIONER GETS COLD ONLY FOR ABOUT A MINUTE (ONCE AGAIN MINOR), AND NOW IT MISFIRES ON CYLINDERS 5 AND 6. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH O2 SENSORS, THE COIL PACK (3 TIMES), IGNITION WIRES (TWICE), SPARK PLUGS (TWICE IN 4,000 MILES), AND THE ECU. STIL...

Mileage: 65,000

SEAT BELTS NEVER RAVAL ALL THE WAY (MINOR ISSUE), AIR CONDITIONER GETS COLD ONLY FOR ABOUT A MINUTE (ONCE AGAIN MINOR), AND NOW IT MISFIRES ON CYLINDERS 5 AND 6. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH O2 SENSORS, THE COIL PACK (3 TIMES), IGNITION WIRES (TWICE), SPARK PLUGS (TWICE IN 4,000 MILES), AND THE ECU. STIL...

Mileage: 65,000

HEATER CORE FAILED SPONTANEOUSLY, CAUSING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF SWEET SMELLING WHITE/GREY SMOKE AND HOT MIST TO FILL THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CAUSING A TOTAL VISUAL OBSTRUCTION TO THE DRIVER AND CHOKING/COUGHING OF A 5 YEAR OLD PASSENGER. THE DRIVER, MY DAUGHTER, MANAGER TO PULL SAFELY OFF THE BUSY R...

Mileage: 158,000

HEATER CORE FAILED SPONTANEOUSLY, CAUSING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF SWEET SMELLING WHITE/GREY SMOKE AND HOT MIST TO FILL THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CAUSING A TOTAL VISUAL OBSTRUCTION TO THE DRIVER AND CHOKING/COUGHING OF A 5 YEAR OLD PASSENGER. THE DRIVER, MY DAUGHTER, MANAGER TO PULL SAFELY OFF THE BUSY R...

Mileage: 158,000

1997 VW PASSAT TDI: RR DOOR LOCK CANNOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE. PROBLEM DEVELOPED OVER PERIOD OF TIME, SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE A PASSENGER WOULD BE UNABLE TO ESCAPE. LF DOOR AND RF DOOR DEVELOPING DIFFICULT OPENING. DOOR CAN BE OPENED FROM OUTSIDE WITH DIFFICULTY. LF DOOR WILL OPEN ONLY BY POWER.*A...

Mileage: 96,000

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING CHEMICAL FUMES ARE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. DEALER STATED HEATER CORE FAILED. *AK

ON AUGUST 16, 2003, WE WERE DRIVING ON THE NEW JERSEY PARKWAY IN OUR 1997 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT STATION WAGON WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL BROKE. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO OUR MECHANIC, HE CONFIRMED THAT THE CLUTCH WAS FINE BUT THAT THE PEDAL HAD BROKEN, A FAILURE HE HAD NEVER SEEN BEFORE.

Mileage: 70,500

LIGHTS, WIPERS AND HEATER FAN LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE, FIXING THE PROBLEM. THE IGNITION SWITCH PART NUMBER AS LISTED ON THE INVOICE (6NO-905-865) IS SIMILAR, IF NOT IDENTICAL, TO PART NUMBER 357-905-865 THAT FAILS IN THE 1996 V...

Mileage: 42,003

OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES OF BOTH FRONT DOORS DO NOT WORK. REAR DOOR HANDLES MUST BE PULLED HARD TO WORK. DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE WORKS ONLY IF WINDOWS ARE LOWERED SIGNIFICANTLY, BUT NOT ALL THE WAY. DURING THIS CAR ENTRY PROCESS, I ALSO DISCOVERED THAT RIGHT REAR WINDOW WILL GO BACK UP WHEN I TURN THE HEAD...

CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENLY NOT START. DLR DETERMINED THE IGNITION SWITCH IS DEFECTIVE. TS

THE ENGINE CUTS OUT WITHOUT WARNING WHILE I AM DRIVING. I HAVE NOT BEE REAR ENDED BUT I'M AFRAID THAT I MIGHT BE. WHEN THE ENGINE DIES I PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH ANY REMAINING POWER. AFTER 30 SECONDS TO 1 MINUTE I'M ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND PROCEED. I HAVE HAD THE VECHICLE TOWED ...

THE ENGINE CUTS OUT WITHOUT WARNING WHILE I AM DRIVING. I HAVE NOT BEE REAR ENDED BUT I'M AFRAID THAT I MIGHT BE. WHEN THE ENGINE DIES I PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH ANY REMAINING POWER. AFTER 30 SECONDS TO 1 MINUTE I'M ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND PROCEED. I HAVE HAD THE VECHICLE TOWED ...

3 DOOR LATCHES DO NOT WORK PROPERLY, AND CURRENTLY ARE COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE. HAVE TO PULL WITH EXTREME FORCE IN ORDER TO OPEN DOORS. *AK *YH

1996 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WITH 40,000 EXSPEIENCED SUDDEN ALTERNATOR FAILURE. NEW BATTERY PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED. NO EXPLANATION REGARDING FAILURE. REPLACEMENT COST EXCEEDED $700.*AK

SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. LAST REPORT TO NHTSA WAS 6/17/01 JB. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK

RT FRONT PASSSENGER DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE SECURELY. I WILL BE BRINGING THE CAR INTO THE DEALER FOR THE 3RD TIME TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM. *AK

CONSUMER STATES THE PIVOT AND PLUNGER PIVOT POINT OF THE DOOR LOCKS HAVE FAILED NUMEROUS TIMES.*JB

STARTED WITH AIRBAG LIGHT TURNING ON. A WEEK OR SO LATER THE PARKING BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS TURNED ON BUT ONLY FOR THE FIRST FEW MILES OF DRIVING. WHILE THESE WERE ON, THE AC FAN, WIPERS, AND HEADLIGHTS DO NOT OPERATE. THESE LIGHTS NOW STAY ON MOST OF THE TIME.

STARTED WITH AIRBAG LIGHT TURNING ON. A WEEK OR SO LATER THE PARKING BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS TURNED ON BUT ONLY FOR THE FIRST FEW MILES OF DRIVING. WHILE THESE WERE ON, THE AC FAN, WIPERS, AND HEADLIGHTS DO NOT OPERATE. THESE LIGHTS NOW STAY ON MOST OF THE TIME.

STARTED WITH AIRBAG LIGHT TURNING ON. A WEEK OR SO LATER THE PARKING BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS TURNED ON BUT ONLY FOR THE FIRST FEW MILES OF DRIVING. WHILE THESE WERE ON, THE AC FAN, WIPERS, AND HEADLIGHTS DO NOT OPERATE. THESE LIGHTS NOW STAY ON MOST OF THE TIME.

STARTED WITH AIRBAG LIGHT TURNING ON. A WEEK OR SO LATER THE PARKING BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS TURNED ON BUT ONLY FOR THE FIRST FEW MILES OF DRIVING. WHILE THESE WERE ON, THE AC FAN, WIPERS, AND HEADLIGHTS DO NOT OPERATE. THESE LIGHTS NOW STAY ON MOST OF THE TIME.

STARTED WITH AIRBAG LIGHT TURNING ON. A WEEK OR SO LATER THE PARKING BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS TURNED ON BUT ONLY FOR THE FIRST FEW MILES OF DRIVING. WHILE THESE WERE ON, THE AC FAN, WIPERS, AND HEADLIGHTS DO NOT OPERATE. THESE LIGHTS NOW STAY ON MOST OF THE TIME.

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE CONSUMERS WERE CONCERNED WITH THE FACT THAT THE TIRES LOOKED DRY ROT AND THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF CRACKING RUBBER, ONE MONTH LATER ALL FOUR TIRES FAILED DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING, THERE WERE NO INJURIES, THE CAR WAS TOTALLED AND THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE GUARD RAIL THAT WAS HIT W...

AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE CONSUMERS WERE CONCERNED WITH THE FACT THAT THE TIRES LOOKED DRY ROT AND THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF CRACKING RUBBER, ONE MONTH LATER ALL FOUR TIRES FAILED DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING, THERE WERE NO INJURIES, THE CAR WAS TOTALLED AND THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE GUARD RAIL THAT WAS HIT W...

AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE CONSUMERS WERE CONCERNED WITH THE FACT THAT THE TIRES LOOKED DRY ROT AND THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF CRACKING RUBBER, ONE MONTH LATER ALL FOUR TIRES FAILED DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING, THERE WERE NO INJURIES, THE CAR WAS TOTALLED AND THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE GUARD RAIL THAT WAS HIT W...

AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE CONSUMERS WERE CONCERNED WITH THE FACT THAT THE TIRES LOOKED DRY ROT AND THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF CRACKING RUBBER, ONE MONTH LATER ALL FOUR TIRES FAILED DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING, THERE WERE NO INJURIES, THE CAR WAS TOTALLED AND THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE GUARD RAIL THAT WAS HIT W...

WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY BRAKES TO STOP FOR A RED LIGHT, BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO MOVE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO TRAVEL INTO INTERSECTION. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT VACUUM LINE COMING OFF OF BOOSTER IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM RUPTURED, AND ...

WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY BRAKES TO STOP FOR A RED LIGHT, BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO MOVE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO TRAVEL INTO INTERSECTION. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT VACUUM LINE COMING OFF OF BOOSTER IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM RUPTURED, AND ...

WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY BRAKES TO STOP FOR A RED LIGHT, BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO MOVE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO TRAVEL INTO INTERSECTION. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT VACUUM LINE COMING OFF OF BOOSTER IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM RUPTURED, AND ...

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 95 IN THE PASSING LANE AT 70 MPH, THE CAR ENGINE SUDDENLY DIED AND WOULD NOT RESTART FOR 30 SECONDS, NECESSITATING QUICK MANUEVERING TO THE BREAK DOWN LANE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT.*AK

THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITH A LOCK-OUT FOR SELECTING REVERSE GEAR. ON OCCASION AND UNEXPECTINGLY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE THE THE TRANSMISSION REMAINS IN FORWARD FIRST GEAR. THIS HAPPENS EVEN THOUGH THE SHIFT LEVER IS DISTINCTLY IN REVERSE POSITION AN...

IGNITION SWITCH WORE OUT PREMATURELY. WHILE DRIVING HEADLIGHTS AND OTHER ELECTRICAL PORTIONS HAD TURNED OFF, AFFECTING CONSUMER VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING LATE AT NIGHT. *AK

IGNITION SWITCH WORE OUT PREMATURELY. WHILE DRIVING HEADLIGHTS AND OTHER ELECTRICAL PORTIONS HAD TURNED OFF, AFFECTING CONSUMER VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING LATE AT NIGHT. *AK

DOOR LATCHS THAT FAILED WOULD NOT BE REPLACED BY MANUFACTUER DO TO THE MILAGE ON THE CAR. WHAT MY DOOR HANDLES HAVE TO DO WITH THE MILAGE I DON'T KNOW!!!. *AK

DUE TO POORLY DESIGNED DOOR LATCHES ON FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE/PASSENGER'S SIDE, AND REAR DRIVER'S SIDE, DOORS DO NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. DEALER SAID VEHICLE NEEDED NEW DOORS IN ORDER TO FIX THE LATCH PROBLEM. *AK *ML

SINCE PURCHASED ENGINE BURNS 1/2-1 QT OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN VEHICLE. *AK

THE DOOR LOCKS AND LATCHES INTERMITTENTLY HAVE FAILED TO SECURE THE DOORS FROM OPENING,

ALL 4 DOOR HANDLES WILL QUIT WORKING INTERMITTENLY , CONSUMER THEN WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN DOOR OR UNLOCK DOOR. DEALER HAS REPLACED ALL 4 HANDLES, BUT DEFECT KEEPS OCCURRING. *AK

NOTHING

POWER WINDOW.

VEHICLE HAS A HESITATION PROBLEM AT SLOW OR HIGH SPEEDS. WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLS AND THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER. *AK

HEADLIGHTS ON ALL THE TIME ARE A SAFETY HAZARD, NOT A SAFETY SOLUTION! THIS IS YOUR FAULT, NOT THE CAR MANUFACTURERS. THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO DRIVE AROUND FOR A WHILE WITH ONLY THEIR HEADLIGHTS ON, NOT REALIZING THEY HAVE FAILED TO TURN ON THE FULL LIGHTS SYSTEM IS INFINITELY GREATER THAN THOSE...

ENGINE INTERMITTENT STALLING. OCCURS DURING ACCELERATION & STEADY SPEED. HOT OR COLD. NO IDENTIFIABLE PATTERN. IF CAR DIES, IT WILL START RIGHT UP (MOST TIMES IT JUST SURGES & DOES NOT ACTUALLY DIE). THE SURGING MOTION CAN LAST BETWEEN 15 & 45 SECS. HAS OCCURED 4 PREVIOUS TIMES (THATS PROMPTED ...

WHEN THE GEAR LEVER IS PUT IN THE REVERSE GEAR GATE THE GEARBOX MAY BE IN EITHER REVERSE OR FIRST GEAR. THE DRIVER DOES NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR THE CAR IS ACTUALLY IN UNTIL THE CLUTCH IS RELEASED. OBVIOUSLY, THIS MAKES PARKING A NEEDLESSLY DANGEROUS EXERCISE. *AK

DOOR HANDLE HAS FAILED SEVERAL TIMES.

WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED TWO TIMES.

COOLING FAN CONTROL MODULE FAILED.

ORIGINAL TIRES ON VEHICLE GOODYEAR EAGLE GA M+ S SIZE 215-50R15 HAVE A FAILED RESULTING IN FLAT TIRES.

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH AND WHEN TRYING TO TURN STEERING WHEEL, IT LOCKED UP. RACK AND PINION AND SOME OTHER PARTS WERE REPLACED BEFORE, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH AND WHEN TRYING TO TURN STEERING WHEEL, IT LOCKED UP. RACK AND PINION AND SOME OTHER PARTS WERE REPLACED BEFORE, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER POWER BUTTON SPONTANEOUSLY FAILED, AND CURRENTLY WORKS ONLY WHEN HELD IN THE ON POSITION. THIS IS A FAFETY ISSUE WHEN DRIVING, AS ONE HAND IS REQUIRED TO HOLD THE BUTTON ON UNTIL DEFROSTER CLEARS, TAKING CONCENTRATION AND COORDINATION OFF DRIVING. *AK

BRAKE SHOES MAKE NOISE.

WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS THERE IS A LOUD CRACKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE, IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH METAL IS CRACKING VERY LOUD. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO BODY: WHEEL WELL CRACKS. THE VEHICLE IS AT DEALERSHIP FOR PROLBEM. *AK

DIESEL FUMES IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.