MYRModel Year Report

1992 Volkswagen Passat

▲ Better than typical
1992 Volkswagen Passat
RENDERED 2026-09-16T04:27:57.007Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Volkswagen Passat Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1992 highlighted. 1990: 34 complaints 1990 1991: 24 complaints 1992: 40 complaints 1992 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
1992: 40 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 43%

43% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

AFTERMARKET ENGINE MOUNTS HAVE BROKEN IN TWO DIFFERENT VOLKSWAGEN VEHICLES, PART NO 191199279C FOR THREE DIFFERENT VW VEHICLES 85-95 MODELS. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960403

ENGINE FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950209

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].

NHTSA ODI report, 20031002

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 20%

20% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and delivery.

POWER TRAIN 18%

18% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

VISIBILITY 18%

18% of complaints: visibility — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing heater core and windshield wiper/washer.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20040504

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20021220

SERVICE BRAKES 13%

13% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH

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

1992 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (7 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 ▲ 2018 ▲ 1993

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 1999 ■ 2003

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1992 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 Volkswagen Passat is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1992 Volkswagen Passat?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1992 Volkswagen Passat have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.