NHTSA vehicle safety data
1996 Volkswagen Passat
The 1996 Volkswagen Passat has 1 NHTSA recall and 142 owner complaints on record — every open recall is repaired free at an authorized Volkswagen dealer.
Complete safety data for the 1996 Volkswagen Passat, including NCAP crash-test ratings. Data pulled live from api.nhtsa.gov.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
NHTSA #02V256000Reported September 18, 2002 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Defect description
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ELECTRICAL PORTION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Safety consequence
IF SUCH FAILURES OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE AT NIGHT OR IN RAINY OR SNOWY WEATHER, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Free manufacturer 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.
Notes
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).