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1996 Volkswagen Passat electrical problems

14 complaints (35% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 105,000.

owner complaints
14
of this car's complaints
35%
typical mileage
105,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Ignition: switch
    10
  • Ignition
    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 electrical problems in other years

1990199520002005201020152022

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported September 18, 2002 · 10,450 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, the electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly can fail causing the headlights and windshield wipers to become inoperative.
Risk
If such failures occur while the vehicle is in use at night or in rainy or snowy weather, a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the electrical part of the ignition switch assembly. Owner notification began november 20, 2002. Owners should contact vwoa at 1‑800‑822‑8987.

Recall number 02V256000 · Recall details

What 1996 Volkswagen Passat owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

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 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 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.

Filed Jul 13, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · GA

I have had ongoing issues with electronic and emissions sensors for this vehicle and recently spent $756.54 to (again!) replace sensors so that the vehicle would pass its annual emissions test (as mandated by the epa). I wrote to vw customer care to seek reimbursement of this (and past) charges and was told today (7/13/06) that no recalls or service bulletins were issued, so no reimbursement will be made. I told them that the federal safety agency issued recall 99v131 (which addresses some of the areas) but vw told me that it did not apply, as all reimbursements are VIN-specific. Can anyone please help? Thank you.

Filed Mar 16, 2006 · Electrical · 105,000 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated the headlights and windshield wipers became inoperable, then the vehicle would not start. The vehicle has not been seen by a mechanic. The recall, #02v256000 concerning the ignition switch was performed on the vehicle in august 2002. The vehicle is having the same problem as indicated in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted.

Filed Nov 30, 2005 · Electrical · NY

Consumer had 1996 vw passat ignition switch replaced. After about a year switch needed to be replaced again. *ts the first time the switch was replaced it was free of charge and now that it has failed again the dealer doesn't want to replace the ignition switch under the recall again because they stated the vehicle was more than 8 years old.

Filed Aug 9, 2005 · Electrical · 84,000 miles · PA

My 1996 vw passat has lost its entire instrument cluster, very unsafe with no backing from vw.

Filed May 2, 2005 · Electrical · 142,045 miles · DE

My 1996 vw passat has an ignition switch is faulty. My first time was at night and my lights went out. I pulled of the road and restarted the car and the lights came on. The next time the lights went out and the wipers stop. I hit every switch and when I hit the ignition switch everything care on. I called dealer and he said my VIN was not covered under the recall. If my car is having the same problems as the recall why can't this be covered by the safety recall?

Filed Dec 11, 2004 · Electrical · 84,200 miles · FL

Ignition switch replaced in a 1996 passat vr6. Was a recall on switch. I would like a refund on parts and labor.

Filed Sep 20, 2004 · Electrical · IL

Consumer's vehicle experienced the same problems as stated in the federal safety agency recall 02v256000. On certain passenger vehicles, the electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly can fail, causing the headlights and windshield wipers to become inoperative. Dearship indicated to consumer sorry this vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.

Questions about the 1996 Volkswagen Passat electrical

Does the 1996 Volkswagen Passat have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the electrical of the 1996 Volkswagen Passat, 35% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1996 Volkswagen Passat electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 105,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Volkswagen Passat electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 02V256000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Volkswagen Passat have the most electrical problems?

The Volkswagen Passat model years with the most electrical complaints are 2002 (220 complaints), 2012 (95 complaints) and 2013 (93 complaints).

Other 1996 Volkswagen Passat problems

Visibility 12Engine 5Locks 5Lights 3Acceleration 2Transmission 2Body 1Brakes 1

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