1991 Volkswagen Passat
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 24
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1991
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1991: 24 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 34 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 40 |
| 1993 | 68 |
| 1994 | 25 |
| 1995 | 94 |
| 1996 | 142 |
| 1997 | 70 |
| 1998 | 331 |
| 1999 | 664 |
| 2000 | 507 |
| 2001 | 430 |
| 2002 | 636 |
| 2003 | 629 |
| 2004 | 279 |
| 2005 | 148 |
| 2006 | 576 |
| 2007 | 262 |
| 2008 | 168 |
| 2009 | 146 |
| 2010 | 163 |
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2012 | 484 |
| 2013 | 749 |
| 2014 | 594 |
| 2015 | 243 |
| 2016 | 106 |
| 2017 | 110 |
| 2018 | 46 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2022 | 13 |
Known problem areas
Only 24 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Visibility
7 of 24 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing electrical heating element and power window devices and controls.
Show complaint excerpts
Shock occurs to anyone touching body of car, due to possible electric short.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-08
Also filed under Electrical system
Engine and engine cooling
6 of 24 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving, vehcle caught on fire in the engine compartment and burned. Vehicle was totalled. Please provide any further information.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-04-18
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-28
Fuel system, gasoline
4 of 24 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel injection system and fuel pump.
Service brakes
3 of 24 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Seat belts
3 of 24 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1993-06-11Vehicle speed control92V131000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1991 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 92V131000 · Vehicle speed control
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1991 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1991 Volkswagen Passat?
- The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1991 Volkswagen Passat have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.