Volkswagen / Passat / 1997
1997 Volkswagen Passat problems
Owners have filed 105 complaints about the 1997 Volkswagen Passat with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 20% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of visibility at 18.1%.
Complaints105
Crashes1
Fires3
Injuries2
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 20.0% · 21
Visibility 18.1% · 19
Engine and engine cooling 13.3% · 14
Latches/locks/linkages 9.5% · 10
Structure 6.7% · 7
Service brakes, hydraulic 5.7% · 6
Power train 3.8% · 4
Air bags 3.8% · 4
Severity
Of those complaints, 1 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 2 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 22 model years of the Volkswagen Passat in this data, 1997 draws comparatively few complaints; 2013 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 9 in the last three years against 44 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 98,500 miles.
In owners' own words
Lights, wipers and heater fan lose power while driving. The ignition switch was replaced by the dealer at the owner's expense, fixing the problem. The ignition switch part number as listed on the invoice (6no-905-865) is similar, if not identical, to part number 357-905-865 that fails in the 1996 vw Passat & jetta, a vehicle subject to a recall campaign for the same symptoms Electrical system · reported at 42,003 miles
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. Electrical system · reported at 80,000 miles
Ignition switch failure while vehicle operational. Same condition was covered under recall on 1996 vw Passat models, manufacturer is not offering coverage on same body style under 1997 and 1995 designation. Impacted vehicle is a 1997 vw Passat wagon. Electrical system · reported at 85,100 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…