MYRModel Year Report

1997 Volkswagen Passat

▲ Better than typical
1997 Volkswagen Passat
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:42:54.424Z

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, 1997 highlighted. 1990: 34 complaints 1990 1991: 24 complaints 1992: 40 complaints 1993: 68 complaints 1994: 25 complaints 1995: 94 complaints 1995 1996: 142 complaints 1997: 70 complaints 1997 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
1997: 70 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 29%

29% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FIRE ERUPTED SPONTANEOUSLY INSIDE THE DASHBOARD WHICH CAUSED ALL OF THE WIRES TO MELT AND THE WINDSHIELD TO FRACTURE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120507

WHILE EN-ROUTE BETWEEN DEXTER, MICHIGAN AND GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN, CABIN BEGAN TO SMELL OF SMOKE. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED WITH A HALON EXTINGUISHER PROMPTLY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20051226

VISIBILITY 26%

26% of complaints: visibility — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing heater core and rear window wiper/washer.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 5TH, 2007, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WITH MY 7 YEAR OLD SON IN THE BACK SEAT, DENSE, NOXIOUS 'STEAM'/SMOKE BEGAN TO COME OUT OF ALL VENTS AND AROUND THE DASH AREA IN MY WELL-MAINTAINED VOLKSWAGEN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20071002

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 17%

17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cooling system.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I WAS DRIVING MY 1997 PASSAT WHEN IT STARTED TO OVER HEAT. THE TEMPERATURE GAGE ROSE VERY QUICKLY AND I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE NEXT EXIT OFF OF THE FREEWAY ( 1/8 OF A MILE IN DISTANCE).

NHTSA ODI report, 20040810

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 14%

14% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch.

STRUCTURE 10%

10% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door.

Show complaint excerpts

WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS THERE IS A LOUD CRACKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE, IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH METAL IS CRACKING VERY LOUD. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO BODY: WHEEL WELL CRACKS. THE VEHICLE IS AT DEALERSHIP FOR PROLBEM.

NHTSA ODI report, 19970923

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20000810 — PE (closed 20001228)

FUEL TANK PUNCTURE

I 20001228 — EA (closed 20020129)

FUEL TANK PUNCTURE

R 20090728 — exterior lighting

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Volkswagen Passat — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) 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 1997 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Volkswagen Passat is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Volkswagen Passat?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 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.