One problem related to engine stall has been reported for the 1997 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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 this complaint). Previous occurrences: 8/19/97 8,658 mi; 6/19/98 18,413 mi; 7/31/98 19,841 mi; 9/14/98 21,402. Completely frustrated and concerned dealer will bill me when I take the car in the 5th time to repair something that should have been fixed a year and a half ago.