Burning hot anti-freeze and steam clouded the cabin of my vw passat while driving down the highway, causing an unsafe driving situation and potential health risks from breathing the hot fumes.
The worst 1991 Volkswagen Passat problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine6
- Visibility6
- Fuel system5
- Brakes3
- Seat belts3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine6
- Visibility6
- Fuel system5
- Brakes3
- Seat belts3
- Electrical2
- Transmission2
Recalls 1
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 1991 Volkswagen Passat 14
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the...
- Vas 6154
- This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound...
- Update model year applicability to include 2017.
- Airbag Issues.
- This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates,...
- This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates,...
- Assembly Instructions: Installation of original remote start feature accessory, Volkswagen Passat.
- Passat Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI)
1991 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 1991 Volkswagen Passat owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While traveling on the highway the vehicle lost power, started vibrating and shut down. Please fill in additional information, dealer is aware of the problem. Ph
Fuel injectin system: accumulator ( delivery system) was leaking gas to point it was pouring out. Gas fumes were strong from in & outside. Vehicle was towed to an auto motor garage which had seen a common problem possibly due to road salt on street added to corrosion. *ak fumes possibly could have ignited when stopping and could have been dangerous.
The timming belt failed at 152081 km's this is in canada. I was told that I could call your site and report this problem. The timing belt is suppose to be good for 100000 km. The timing belt only lasted for 52 000 km . I reported it to volkswagen north america but they just gave me the run around. If there is anything that you can do or I can do please write to me at [email protected] or call me at 403‑212‑1034 thank you len.
Odometer millage is turned back. Yh
While driving, vehcle caught on fire in the engine compartment and burned. Vehicle was totalled. Please provide any further information.
Temperature and gas gauge were fixed on many occasions by the dealer but never fully fixed. Work only when pushed on the dash cover. There is a service bull on this but problem, but it didn't help fix it.
Had smelled gas fumes inside vehicle. Differential pressure regulator was leaking onto the air conditioner clutch, which was a safety hazard. Differential pressure regulator body (plastic) had delaminated from the brass core and wa sleaking heavily.
Differential pressure regulator mounted on fuel distributor structurally failed. Composite body delaminated from brass core, causing steady fuel leak whenever ignition key is on and electric fuel pump is powered. Leaking gasoline drops directly on the electric clutch on the air conditioning compressor. This is a serious fire hazard, especially if the air conditioning system is turned on. An electric spark or the heat generated by the electric compressor clutch could ignite the leaking gasoline.
The automatic seatbelt control module will drain the cars battery in a matter of hours. To use the car the passive restraint system must be disabled. It is unclear if the belts even work manually under these circumstances.
Compare the 1991 Volkswagen Passat
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Other model years
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Questions about the 1991 Volkswagen Passat
Is the 1991 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
Owners have filed 24 complaints about the 1991 Volkswagen Passat, fewer than a typical Passat model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1991 Volkswagen Passat?
Engine and cooling, with 6 complaints. Next is visibility (6).
How many recalls does the 1991 Volkswagen Passat have?
1 recall, covering vehicle speed control.
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 1991 Volkswagen Passat get?
Official estimates for the 1991 Volkswagen Passat range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 26-27 highway.
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