general problems of the 1996 Volkswagen Passat

Five problems related to equipment have been reported for the 1996 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/06/1999

Instrument cluster failed after car left out in cold. Had to get replacement according to dealer from germany. Took 4-6 weeks to get replaced. Additionally left drivers door lock mechanism failed and would not open the door. The only way into the door was either from passengers side door, or roll down the electric windows. If car left out in cold, windows will not roll down. Lock come unlocked while driving or parked. Dealer said would cost big bucks to replace defective door handle mechanism. I purchased extended warranty but they said not covered. Major safety issues as we are raising my grandchild and she rides in the back seat while these lock mechanisms fail.

2 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/01/1999

All doors at 32 degrees and below intermitently will not stay closed/ instrument panel intermitently would not show milage 1 year ago but now the instrument cluster including speed,feul level, and tach do no work at all.

3 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/08/1997

Instrument cluster failed.

4 Equipment problem

No summary.

5 Equipment problem

The check engine light comes on and off.


Other Equipment related problems of the 1996 Volkswagen Passat



Safety Ratings of Passat Cars
Fuel Economy of Passat Vehicles
Passat Service Bulletins
Passat Safety Recalls
Passat Defect Investigations