Tl*the contact owns a 1997 volkswagen passat. Whenever the contact attempted to activate the windshield wipers or headlights, they failed to turn on. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. There were no warnings prior to the failures. The current mileage was 62,000 and failure mileage was 60,000.
1997 Volkswagen Passat: headlights failing or too dim
6 of the 37 complaints about the 1997 Volkswagen Passat describe headlights failing or too dim.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 16%
- typical mileage
- 97,000
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 7 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Headlights failing or too dim by model year
What owners say
1. Ignition switch failed. 2. Caused loss of electrical power and temporary engine failure. Electrical system damage. 3. Replaced electrical portion of ignition switch, headlight relay.
While driving at any speed at night in inclement conditions headlights and windshield wipers worked intermittently. Consumer stated, if he moved the key back and forth in the ignition switch the headlights would come back on.
Consumer complained about ignition switch and headlights problems. While driving on a winding road the headlights just turned off, and consumer would have to wiggle the ignition to get the lights to turn back on. Currently, manufacturer was recalling vehicles with this defect. However, because this vehicle had an excess of 125,000 miles it was 25,000 miles past the cut off point. *ak also, headlights will sometimes go out while driving. Dealer replaced ignition switch. Consumer felt that this problem should be a definitive recall without mileage limitations.
Numerous ocassions my passat will "shut down" while driving. Lose all power, A/C, headlights, windshield wipers, and numerous other power related items. This has happened while driving on the interstate and luckily I was able to pull over before being hit, or hitting someone.
The windshield wipers, air conditioner and headlights stopped working. The consumer staed the ignition switch needs replacing.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses
- Technical Bulletin: Condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light...
- Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation):
- Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): Exterior light assemblies (headlights,...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1997 Volkswagen Passat headlights
Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 1997 Volkswagen Passat?
6 of 37 owner complaints about the 1997 Volkswagen Passat (16%) mention headlights failing or too dim. The model year with the most reports is 2013.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Volkswagen Passat?
There are 0 recalls and 7 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Volkswagen Passat
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