1997 Volkswagen Passat: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Volkswagen Passat: 0 recalls, 70 owner complaints and up to 36 mpg combined.
Recalls
0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (19): the most common themes are leaks (3), fire / smoke (2).
- Electrical (17): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), stalls / loses power (2), fire / smoke (2).
- Engine & cooling (13): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), electrical failure (2).
- Latches & locks (10): the most common themes are door / lock issues (10).
The 1997 Volkswagen Passat has 70 owner complaints, ranking #22 of 33 Passat model years for complaints (well below the 238 average). Complaints peaked in 2004 (13 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 100,300 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (142 complaints, 1 recalls), 1998 (331 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 42 | 36 | Diesel |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | 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 1997 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.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1997 Volkswagen Passat, but 1 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1997 Volkswagen Passat problems?
Owners have filed 70 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (19), electrical (17), engine & cooling (13).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Volkswagen Passat get?
EPA ratings run up to 36 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 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.