1992 Volkswagen Passat: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 39 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (38% of complaints); the 1991 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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. *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2007
“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 *nm”Owner report · Visibility · Apr 2004
“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). *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Visibility · Dec 2002
“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.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Dec 2001
“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. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2000
“Transfer pump was replaced once during warranty, all others after its expiration. The symptom is that the engine stalls at all speeds. If this happens when the car is in neutral, all power assisted components stop working. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 1999
“Fuel pump has failed and has had to be replaced 5 times. I have back-up paperwork, invoices, etc. Symptoms are car stalling, sometimes on freeway. I feel the car is unsafe to drive. Dealership says talk to vw; vw says talk to dealership. I'm stuck.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 1999
“Automobile stalls out because the fuel pump goes bad and has to be replaced. Consumer states has had this done five times. Both dealer and manufacturer have been contacted, neither wants to assume responsibility for the vehicle's defects. *ak *ml”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 1999
“Vehicle would start, shifted into drive position, vehicle will not go or move. Put vehicle in shop 3 different times for transmission. Vehicle in shop now. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 1996
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
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 1992 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 1992 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
NHTSA has 39 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1992 Volkswagen Passat. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (38% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Volkswagen Passat problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 120,000 miles or less.
Does the 1992 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.