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1992 Volkswagen Passat problems

The most common problem on the 1992 Volkswagen Passat is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical Passat model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
39
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
13
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
21-22mpg

The worst 1992 Volkswagen Passat problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    17
  • Fuel system
    8
  • Transmission
    7
  • Visibility
    7
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Brakes
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Lights
    1
  • Locks
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1992 Volkswagen Passat

Stalling 5

Recalls 1

Vehicle speed controlReported September 15, 1992 · 12,650 vehicles affected
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

See all 1 recalls for the 1992 Volkswagen Passat

Technical service bulletins for the 1992 Volkswagen Passat 13

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 13 bulletins for the 1992 Volkswagen Passat

1992 Volkswagen Passat fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD1826-2821-22

What 1992 Volkswagen Passat owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 4, 2007 · Acceleration · 87,500 miles · CA

Throttle cable melts then it jams, usually in a high revving position. I have gone through 3 new throttle cables, each time they melt and stick.

Filed Jul 6, 2004 · Visibility · 120,000 miles · PA

While driving 65 MPH heater core blew out. As a result white steam filled the passenger compartment which impaired the visibility of the driver. *ak

Filed Oct 2, 2003 · Engine · 140,000 miles · NC

Heat exchanger (core) leaked while driving, steaming up the vehicle interior to impair visibility. Hot coolant leaked into passenger's foot area. This is very similar to the already issued recall # 96v115000. My car is 1992 vw passat: [xxx]. *jb information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Dec 20, 2002 · Visibility · NJ

While driving gas and fumes began emitting from vents causing windows to fog eliminating consumer's visibility. Dealer diagnosed that had a broken heater core. Ts

Filed Dec 11, 2001 · Visibility · CA

Heating system smells of antifreeze when using front vents and defrost. 2 - 3 fan selection used and heater set to medium warm setting antifreeze fumes started to blowout, which fogged front window and breathing in hazmat antifreeze.

Filed Dec 4, 2000 · Engine · PA

The engine valves and timing belt failed while driving causing the vehicle to shut down.

Filed Sep 14, 2000 · Transmission · CA

The electronic control module in the transmission failed.

Filed Mar 13, 2000 · Engine · PA

When it's cold vehicle will start fast and run well. But after car has been warmed up, parked and started again, it's hard to start. Then, when going down the street and slowing down, vehicle will stall. This is very unsafe. Vehicle has been repaired on several occasions, however continues to experience problems.

Filed Feb 2, 2000 · Acceleration, Brakes · TN

There is fuel leaking into the engine compartment. Dealer has seen vehicle. There have been many other problems with this vehicle, including: -automatic acceleration, throttle sticks when accelerating -heater core exploded -brake pedal goes to the floor -cv joints bad -trunk latch will not open -oil leak -transmission failures -exhaust problems -starting problems, ignition -fresh air control does not work -steering wheel lost screws *ak

Filed Feb 1, 2000 · Visibility · FL

The air conditioning works fine on this vehicle. But when the heat is turned on heat control switch melts from the inside out, causing damage to the dash panel. Dealer has not been contacted.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1992 Volkswagen Passat before you buy

Compare the 1992 Volkswagen Passat

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Other model years

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Questions about the 1992 Volkswagen Passat

Is the 1992 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

Owners have filed 39 complaints about the 1992 Volkswagen Passat, fewer than a typical Passat model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1992 Volkswagen Passat?

Engine and cooling, with 17 complaints. Next is fuel system (8).

How many recalls does the 1992 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 1992 Volkswagen Passat get?

Official estimates for the 1992 Volkswagen Passat range from 21 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 26-28 highway.

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