Hi I purchased a 1990 vw passat the VIN # is [xxx] .... The heater core blew on this vehicle, I by passed the hoses 2 stop the heater core from leaking, it smelled like syrup and visibility was bad if I had to use the windshield defogger , I have recently heard of this recall and checked your site and saw that this recall I heard about was true. So next I went to the volkswagen dealer(jack daniels, located in fair lawn nj). I gave him the VIN # and he said there weren't any recalls on this vehicle. I don't know what I do next so if you can help me out thanks. *nm updated 07/17/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
The worst 1990 Volkswagen Passat problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine12
- Transmission8
- Visibility8
- Seat belts7
- Brakes3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine12
- Transmission8
- Visibility8
- Seat belts7
- Brakes3
- Electrical2
- Suspension2
- Fuel system1
- Seats1
- Tires1
Recalls 2
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system
- What is wrong
- In the event the engine overheats and the vehicle is operated continuously in that condition, the coolant pressure will rise to a level at which the heat exchanger could leak.
- Risk
- A leaking heat exchanger will allow hot coolant to escape causing injury to the driver's feet or could steam up the interior of the vehicle temporarily impairing the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the heat exchanger on these vehicles.
Recall number 96V115000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- The venturi tube located in the throttle valve housing can become loose and fall against the throttle plate.
- Risk
- The venturi tube can partially block the throttle plateand prevent it from returning to its full idle position, resulting in unwantedengine speed when the vehicle is placed in a forward or reverse gear.
- Remedy
- Replace the press-fit venturi tube with a thread type tube.
Recall number 92V131000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Volkswagen Passat 2
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1990 Volkswagen Passat fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 26-27 | 21 |
What 1990 Volkswagen Passat owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Wife was driving along when all of a sudden, heater core burst, filling interior of car with hot coolant and steam. Her vision was obstructed by the steam on the inside of the windshield and he had to bring the car to a complete stop in traffic. My daughter, who was in the passenger seat, had some coolant spill onto her shoe. Voa has issued a recall on this exact part before on other serial number ranges and other models, but for some reason, they claimed my VIN was outside of recall criteria, even though the same exact part suffered the same exact failure.
Recall 96v115000: the vehicle did not have any heat, the vehicle was checked and the dealer found a faulty heating core. The manufacturer was aware of the problem and indicated that there was a recall on the heater core, but the consumer's vehicle was not included due to VIN. *ak *sc
Many electrical problems: power windows, ignition switch, passenger side passive seat belt, automatic transmission intermittently will not shift into 4th gear (turn key of and on to reset transmission). Finally, the engine compartment caught fire appears to be electrical causing wide-ranging damage to hood and other engine components.
Many electrical problems: power windows, ignition switch, passenger side passive seat belt, automatic transmission intermittently will not shift into 4th gear (turn key of and on to reset transmission). Finally, the engine compartment caught fire appears to be electrical causing wide-ranging damage to hood and other engine components.
The right ball joints and sway bars had to be replaced at low mileage. Nlm
Recall 96 v 115 000/engine cooling system: vehicle experienced overheating in which coolant / steam was coming into vehicle. Manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that this vehicle was not part of recall due to VIN. *ak heating core failed and leaked through the vents. The consumer's vehicle was excluded from repair while the same failures as in the recall occured.
Water pump failed and engine overheated. Currently, there is a leak.
On two separate occasions (03/11/00 and 07/03/00) I was travelling at a speed in excess of 75 MPH and heard a sudden snap coming from one of my tires. However, the sound was very much like the sound when something gets caught underneath the car momentarily while passing over it. The first occasion involved the left front tire, the second involved the right rear tire. On both occasions I was able to pull over safely to the side of the road. On each occasion I found the tire's tread separated from the rest of the tire, leaving the steel belt underneath totally exposed. Both incidents involved the same model of firestone tire, the firehawk ss10. The affected tires remained completely inflated, so had I not pulled over to the side of the road after the initial snap, I wouldn't have noticed that something was wrong. I fear that if I had not pulled over immediately, I may have been involved in an accident when the rest of the tread separated from the tire, perhaps only a few miles down the road. I now have 3 new bridestone tires on my car and fear for my safety.( dot number: tire size: p215/60r14 )
We did not realize other owners had the same problems with this model year until we read your reports.we did not contact the manufacture because we thought our problems may be one of a few. Others are "hard start, rough/hunting at idle ,harsh engagement & finally no 4th gear shift.
Compare the 1990 Volkswagen Passat
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Other model years
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Questions about the 1990 Volkswagen Passat
Is the 1990 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Owners have filed 34 complaints about the 1990 Volkswagen Passat, fewer than a typical Passat model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 Volkswagen Passat?
Engine and cooling, with 12 complaints. Next is transmission (8).
How many recalls does the 1990 Volkswagen Passat have?
2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and vehicle speed control.
Was there a recall on the 1990 Volkswagen Passat engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 96V115000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Volkswagen Passat have bad engine?
The Volkswagen Passat model years with the most engine complaints are 2003 (153 complaints), 2002 (148 complaints) and 2006 (130 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Volkswagen Passat get?
Official estimates for the 1990 Volkswagen Passat range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 26-27 highway.
VIN decoder
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