Recalls: Volkswagen Mk.4 Passat
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Volkswagen Mk.4 Passat
- In September 1996, a recall was issued for Volkswagen Mk.4 Passat vehicles due to a defective heater core safety valve (PRA 1996/2921).
Problems and faults: Volkswagen Mk.4 Passat
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Problems and faults: Volkswagen Mk.4 Passat
- Automatic transmissions may shift erratically due to an incorrect throttle angle setting.
- Intermittent failure to start or stalling may be due to a defective #3 relay.
- In models with manual transmissions, the gear shift lever may knock or vibrate in the forward gears, requiring the selector shaft housing to be re-aligned.
- For Volkswagen Mk.4 Passat models with the 2.8-litre V6 engine, coolant may leak from the oil cooler hoses – these can be damaged during oil changes.
- A ‘low coolant level’ malfunction may be due to the wrong concentration of anti-freeze or a faulty coolant sensor.
- The windscreen wipers may chatter due to misalignment of the wiper arms.
