1991 Volkswagen Passat: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1991 Volkswagen Passat: 1 recall, 24 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #92V131000 · 1992 · 12,650 vehicles
What's wrong: The venturi tube located in the throttle valve housing can become loose and fall against the throttle plate.
Why it matters: The venturi tube can partially block the throttle plateand prevent it from returning to its full idle position, resulting in unwantedengine speed when the vehicle is placed in a forward or reverse gear.
The fix: Replace the press-fit venturi tube with a thread type tube.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (6): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
- Engine & cooling (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel system (4): the most common themes are leaks (4), fire / smoke (2).
- Seat belts (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1991 Volkswagen Passat has 24 owner complaints, ranking #28 of 33 Passat model years for complaints (well below the 238 average). Complaints peaked in 1998 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 180,995 miles. Neighboring years: 1990 (34 complaints, 2 recalls), 1992 (39 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1991 Volkswagen Passat.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1991 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1991 Volkswagen Passat. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1991 Volkswagen Passat problems?
Owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (6), engine & cooling (6), fuel system (4).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Volkswagen Passat get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1991 Volkswagen Passat repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.