1996 Volkswagen Passat problems

Filed Feb 6, 2015 · Locks · 120,000 miles · AZ

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the rear passenger side door handles failed to open from the outside. The contact also stated that the front driver side and the front passenger side door handles failed to open from the outside. The contact had to use the key from the outside of the door to wind the window down to open the doors. The VIN was not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Jul 4, 2011 · Engine · 86,000 miles · AZ

I was driving on the highway in my 1996 vw passat at 65 MPH and the entire inside of my car was engulfed with water and anti freeze steam and vapor. It was quickly and with out warning impossible to see through the windshield. The probable cause of the problem is a defective heater core. This is a very serious safety issue and could have lead to a major accident resulting in injury or death.

Filed Nov 12, 2010 · Engine · 115,017 miles · NY

Heater core failed while driving, blowing hot steam out of the vents, dumping hot coolant onto my feet and fogging up the windshield instantly.

Filed Aug 18, 2008 · Engine · 117,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 volkswagen passat. Upon purchasing the vehicle, the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The seller stated that it was a minor issue. The check engine light was reset and illuminated again two days later. In addition, the vehicle would constantly overheat. There were no signs of the vehicle overheating while driving; however, radiator fluid would spill out of the vehicle when it was parked. The radiator, timer, water pump, and sensors were replaced on the vehicle, but none of the repairs remedied the failure. The federal safety agency campaign id number 95v178000 (engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan) for the 1995 passat is identical to the failure she is experiencing. The failure mileage was 117,000 and current mileage was 136,000. Updated 09/10/08. *lj updated 09/16/08.

Filed Aug 4, 2008 · Electrical · MO

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 volkswagen passat. The contact started the ignition and the antilock brake system warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. While the light was illuminated, the air conditioner unit, windshield wipers, and headlights were inoperative. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and they stated that the failure was related to the electrical component in the ignition switch. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact was displeased to know that his VIN was not included in the recall, especially since the failures were identical. The recall number was unknown. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 120,000.

Filed Jun 2, 2008 · Lights · 140,000 miles · WA

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 volkswagen passat. While driving 40 MPH at night, the exterior headlamps failed. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v256000 (electrical system:ignition:switch), although the failures were identical. The contact would be responsible for the repairs at the cost of $250. He is currently in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The failure and current mileages were 140,000.

Filed Jan 4, 2008 · Visibility · 83,900 miles · PA

Heatercore failed foged up all my windows,soaked carpet and filled cabin with toxic antifreeze vapor on my way home from my uncles funeral.

Filed Nov 27, 2007 · Electrical · WA

The ignition switch on my 1996 vw passat went out while driving at night, which shut down the headlights. This is exactly the same as described in the federal safety agency campaign id number : 02v256000 I was informed by vw customer service this recall didn't apply to my VIN#, despite it being a 1996 passat. I think it should.

Filed Oct 27, 2006 · Visibility · 68,000 miles · NC

Heater core failure. Venting of noxious fumes into passanger compartment.

Filed Aug 11, 2006 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · NH

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle would not start sometimes and the windshield wipers worked intermittently. The vehicle finally started after several attempts. There was a the federal safety agency recall, # 02v256000, regarding the electrical system: ignition: switch. The manufacturer informed the contact that previous recall repair information was available through the dealer. The dealership was not contacted.