1991 Volkswagen Passat: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern visibility.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 1992
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2003
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2003
“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. *yh”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2000
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving, vehcle caught on fire in the engine compartment and burned. Vehicle was totalled. Please provide any further information. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2000
“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. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 1999
“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 spoke1@look.ca or call me at 403-212-1034 thank you len.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 1999
“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. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 1999
“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. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 1999
“The power windows in the 1991 passat suddenly died. There is still electrical power to the mechanism inside the door, but the track/guide or whatever makes the window slide up smoothly is broken. Currently they are stuck in the up,sealed position because if they go down, they dont go back up completely. The car has sustained some water damage from when they could not be put up.”Owner report · Visibility · Aug 1998
“Consumer was driving on highway in stop and go traffic under normal road conditions, suddenly the ABS light sensor came on and vehicle lost brakes for approximately three hours. ABS senor light went out, and ABS system restored brakes. Dealer notified. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 1998
Recalls - 1 campaign
THE VENTURI TUBE LOCATED IN THE THROTTLE VALVE HOUSING CAN BECOME LOOSE AND FALL AGAINST THE THROTTLE PLATE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE PRESS-FIT VENTURI TUBE WITH A THREAD TYPE TUBE.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1991 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Passat by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1991 Volkswagen Passat. The most complained-about area is visibility.
Does the 1991 Volkswagen Passat have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning vehicle speed control. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.