1990 Volkswagen Passat engine problems

12 complaints (35% of all complaints for this car).

owner complaints: 12
of this car's complaints: 35%
crashes: 0
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Engine
7
Cooling system
4
Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
1
Engine: gasoline
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Volkswagen Passat engine problems in other years

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: cooling systemReported July 1, 1996 · 8,100 vehicles affected

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

What 1990 Volkswagen Passat owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 12, 2004 · Engine · 146,000 miles · CT

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

Filed Mar 29, 2001 · Engine, Visibility · CA

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.

Filed Dec 13, 2000 · Engine · CT

Water pump failed and engine overheated. Currently, there is a leak.

Filed Apr 18, 2000 · Brakes, Engine · CA

Spring struts and strut mounts failed. Yh

Filed Apr 12, 2000 · Brakes, Engine · NY

The engine stalls when I apply quick brakes at 50 MPH. Also, when I leave the highway, reducing vehicle speec to 30 MPH, upon applying braking the engine frequently stalls. This is an dangerous driving condition which can cause accident/crash. This also happens when I apply quick brakes at 30 MPH. The lack of vaccum present due to engine stalling causes the power brakes to fail, requiring excessive foot pressure and emergency brakes engagement in order to stop the vehicle. This vehicle had an recent tune-up without any success to the problem*ak.

Filed Sep 30, 1999 · Engine · NJ

Consumer was driving at 30 MPH and noticed smoke coming from the engine due to the oil top being left off which caused anit-freeze fluid to leak onto the engine.

Filed Feb 12, 1998 · Engine · CA

Engine overheats, causing the coolant pressure to rise, resulting in leakage.

Filed Mar 18, 1997 · Engine, Visibility · IL

Head gasket leaks, allowing oil to run onto exhaust manifold and burns, causing carbon monoxide fumes to ente rvehicle; also, heat exhanger leaks, causing odor to enter passenger compartment. Could result in injury to driver's feet or fog up windshield.

Filed Feb 18, 1997 · Engine · IL

The heater exchanger leaks and oder enters passenger compartment. This leak could cause injury to the driver's feet or cause the windshield to fog over, increasing the risk of an accident.

Filed Feb 18, 1997 · Engine · IL

Head gasket leaks allow oil to run onto the exhaust manifold and burn, causing carbon monoxide to enter the passenger compartment. There is also a risk of fire in the engine compartment.

Questions about the 1990 Volkswagen Passat engine

Does the 1990 Volkswagen Passat have engine problems?

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the engine of the 1990 Volkswagen Passat, 35% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1990 Volkswagen Passat engine problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

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).