MYRModel Year Report

1991 Volkswagen Passat

○ Not enough data
1991 Volkswagen Passat
RENDERED 2026-09-16T22:01:00.220Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Volkswagen Passat Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1991 highlighted. 1990: 34 complaints 1990 1991: 24 complaints 1991 1992: 40 complaints 1993: 68 complaints 1994: 25 complaints 1995: 94 complaints 1995 1996: 142 complaints 1997: 70 complaints 1998: 331 complaints 1999: 664 complaints 2000: 507 complaints 2000 2001: 430 complaints 2002: 636 complaints 2003: 629 complaints 2004: 279 complaints 2005: 148 complaints 2005 2006: 576 complaints 2007: 262 complaints 2008: 168 complaints 2009: 146 complaints 2010: 163 complaints 2010 2011: 16 complaints 2012: 483 complaints 2013: 748 complaints 2014: 594 complaints 2015: 243 complaints 2015 2016: 106 complaints 2017: 110 complaints 2018: 45 complaints 2019: 12 complaints 2020: 18 complaints 2020 2021: 18 complaints 2022: 12 complaints 2022
1991: 24 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19880
19890
199034
199124
199240
199368
199425
199594
1996142
199770
1998331
1999664
2000507
2001430
2002636
2003629
2004279
2005148
2006576
2007262
2008168
2009146
2010163
201116
2012483
2013748
2014594
2015243
2016106
2017110
201845
201912
202018
202118
202212

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, 19950608

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.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING, VEHCLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND BURNED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20000418

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, 20030828

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

R 19930611 — vehicle speed control

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.

Campaign 92V131000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1991 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 92V131000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1990 ▲ 1992 ▲ 2018

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 1999 ■ 2003

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.