Six problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 1996 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I have had ongoing issues with electronic and emissions sensors for this vehicle and recently spent $756. 54 to (again!) replace sensors so that the vehicle would pass its annual emissions test (as mandated by the epa). I wrote to vw customer care to seek reimbursement of this (and past) charges and was told today (7/13/06) that no recalls or service bulletins were issued, so no reimbursement will be made. I told them that NHTSA issued recall 99v131 (which addresses some of the areas) but vw told me that it did not apply, as all reimbursements are VIN-specific. Can anyone please help? thank you.
My 1996 vw Passat has lost its entire instrument cluster, very unsafe with no backing from vw.
When driving vehicle without warning the headlights, windshield wipers, and turn signals will go out. Cause is unknown. Please provide any further information. Mr.
Consumer states while driving all vehicle's headlights, taillights and interior lights fail w/o warning. Ts.
Complete shut down of electrical system while the car is being driven resulting in complete loss of power and limited control of the car. A search of the web indicates this is not an isolated occurance. Volkswagen customer service is non existent. As for the door handle and window problem, again this is not an isolated incident. So far no one has lost their life at least in our case. M.
Ongoing problem with electrical shortages. Vehicle been in / out of dealer shop on three occasions, and the problem still reoccurring. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.