Three problems related to defogger have been reported for the 1996 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Vehicle has been experincing ongoing problem with day ruinning light/ head light, heater / cooling system would intermittently go out or stop operating. Sometimes if key is jiggled it would cause it to come back on or operate again. Aslo, speedometer / odometer fail edto operate. Dealer notified and refused to repair unless cost goes to consumer.
Both power windows fail and window defogger doesn't work. So when this occurs I don't even have the option of rolling down my windows to clear the car so that I can operate the vehicle. Very dangerous and has led to near accidents on 4 occasions. Driver's window completely failed. Must try to open door while driving to clear air. Must try and open door if stopped by policeman opening your door is not acceptable by policeman. As with other Volkswagen models, this model has major power window failure which posses a safety threat because of inability to operate both front windows. Dt.
Gauge cluster and hvac control unit both failed at startup. Dealer was unable to diagnose cause of failures.