Volkswagen Passat 1993

• Recall 17312 [USA]: A worn and noisy fan motor shaft can seize renderingthe fan motor inoperative, eventually causing the engine to overheat and stall. a stalled vehicle in traffic can increase the potential for a vehicle accident.
  Improper material was used in manufacturing the radiator fan motor shaft causing the shaft to wear and become noisy.
  dealers will replace the complete cooling fan assembly on vehicle having the potential shaft material problem. Dealers will install a new fan blade including a new lock nut on vehicle with loose fan blade lock nuts.
  system: engine cooling system; fan.Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with vr6 engines.Note: owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

• Recall 21917 [USA]: Separation of the axle can cause the vehicle to pull tothe side of the separation and result in loss of vehicle control and anaccident.
  Lock nuts used to hold the left and right front axles to the suspension struts may not have been properly manufactured. The lock nuts may break and cause separation of the axle from the suspension struts.
  replace the lock nuts.
  system: suspension; front.Vehicle description: passenger vehicles.

• Recall 22373 [USA]: Fuel leakage in the engine compartment can cause an underhood fire if the fuel comes in contact with a source of ignition.
  The fuel hose attached to the fuel distribution rail on the engine may shrink beyond the clamp force of the fuel hose clamps, allowing fuel to leak.
  replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.
  system: fuel lines.Vehicle description:passenger cars.

• Recall 2002239 [Canada]: Seats and restraints
  On certain vehicles equipped with seat heating units, the front seat back heaters may supply concentrated heat in a localized area of the seat back or produce excessive heat that could not be reduced by operating the seat heater controls except by switching off the controls completely. The concentrated heat could singe the fabric at the lower backrest and, in some instances, injure the seat occupant. Correction: dealers will affect repairs.

• Recall 1995221 [Canada]: Engine
  Note: includes passat, golf and jetta turbo diesel. On 1993-94 models, the radiator fan motor shaft could seize and render the fan motor inoperative. 1994-95 models could experience a condition whereby the lock nut securing the radiator fan blade hub to the motor could lose its required torque. A loose lock nut could cause the fan hub to loosen from the shaft and cause the belt pulley to run "off-center". This in turn could cause the fan belt to disconnect or break. Either of the above conditions could result in engine overheating and stalling. A vehicle stalling in traffic could cause an accident. Correction: vehicles with either have the complete cooling fan assembly replaced or a new fan blade with a new lock nut installed.

• Recall 1993118 [Canada]: Suspension
  The lock nuts used to secure the left and right front axles to the suspension struts may not have been properly heat treated and could break. In the event that a lock nut should break and the bolt detaches, the vehicle will pull to one side without warning, possibly resulting in an accident. Correction: lock nuts will be replaced on affected vehicles.

• Recall 1993143 [Canada]: Fuel supply
  The fuel hose attached to the fuel distribution rail, located in the engine compartment, may not be adequately clamped. This could lead to fuel seepage at the hose connection. Escaping fuel could come into contact with hot engine components and possibly cause an engine compartment fire. Correction: fuel hose attached to the fuel rail will be replaced and existing hose clamps will be replaced with a new spring type hose clamp.

To ensure accuracy and for your safety, it is recommended to do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

• Fuel tank puncture investigation as of 20001228

  
  

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• Fog lamp fire investigation as of 19990512

  Alleged that the fog lamp housing catches fire during use
  

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Tl*the contact owns a 1993 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the fuel leaks at the end of the hose and he smelled gas. The vehicle did not run as effectively when the fuel began leaking. The failure occurred while driving 35 mph. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 115,000.

Heater core bad in 1993 vw glx, very common in my experience. *tr

Front seat belts fail to power, must use emergency belts. *jb

Fuel leakage in the engine compartment and noisy fan motor shaft. Found two recalls referring to these two problems. Never received recall letters from manufacturer. *jb

Faulty heater cores/heater exchangers located behind the dashboard is a pervasive problem. Heater core leaked. *bf anti freeze leaked into the passenger compartment around the feet of the passenger. The consumer found that this was a common problem. Recall# 98v295000. *sc

Turn on air conditioner, or heater, and a steam of antifreeze coats windshield, and it gets completely fogged over to the point where i cannot see. Has occurred numerous times. 1993, passat glx. Vr6. *ak

Vehicle was at a complete stop when steam started coming through the air vents and the windows fogged up. Hot anti freeze leaked in and scorched the driver's feet. This occurred because the heater core came apart at the seam. *ak *jb

Letter concerning the manner in which volkswagen choose to handle a recent failure on the consumers vehicle. (nar) *ph while driving the consumer vehicle heater core exploded. *cb

While driving heater core was steaming the engine. Dealer notified. *ak

After driving from ct to wash, d.C., i was parking my 1993 vw passat. I heard a "pop" sound, and in < 5 seconds, the car filled with antifreeze steam & scalding antifreeze poured into the driver side compartment. As the car was nearly parked, we were able to jump out of the car. I took my car to the wheaton service center in wheaton, md. Via phone, the mechanics immediately suspected the heater core. Ironically, there was another 1993 passat getting fixed for the same problem when i got there. Once investigated, my heater core had cracked. They noted that this was a recurring problem in vws. I called the vw consumer care line. After lengthy negotiation, vw agreed to reimburse me for the $788 repair, if i brought the broken part and the new part's packaging to the car's home dealership, riverside motors, in ct. I was reimbursed several months later, after weekly follow up phone calls to "remind" vw of their reimbursement committment. I am upset and concerned about this matter for several reasons: 1) i bought the car used in 1998. The only issue with the car was that the windows tended to "fog up", particularly when the a/c or heat was on, which had been logged at service visits. At no time was the heater core looked at. But, there are numerous heater core and "defogging" consumer complaints. Further, i began the review of complaints after listening to a recent npr car talk show, b/c they referenced the problem with vw heater cores. What is conspicuously missing is a saftey bulletin for this known problem. 2) as many of the complaints noted, (see oid id 755858 for example), they could have been killed or seriously injured, as was the case for me. 30 minutes earlier & i would have been driving 65mph on the highway. While i understand that every complaint cannont be investigated, this is a failure that can result in a life-or-death situation. I expect that you will investigate this problem further, and at minimum issue a safety bulletin.

Was driving 25mph when film started developing on windows. Driver was not able to see out of windshield. Had smelled antifreeze inside vehicle. Drove to dealership and was informed by mechanic that heater core had failed, causing antifreeze to leak, which caused the film on windows. *ak

The heater coil blew and caused the car to rapidly fill up with steam to the point that driver was unable to see out any windows. Driver was traveling in the fast lane of inerstate 285 in the atlanta area and amazingly was able to stop the vehicle and jump out without being killed. This failure of the heater coil and subsequent release of steam into the vehicle is certainly a safety hazard that could have resulted in the death of the driver.

The power windows operate by themselves-need to pull fuse to stop this, but then they are not operable at all--this could be extremely dangerous in terms of escape from vehicle, and is very inconvenient from a ventilation stand point. The engine stalls when cornering and braking, creating very dangerous situations. *jb ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****760759

115f degree day. Used a/c. Parked car. Return 15 min later. Floor/dash/instruments wet/fog/hot.*ak

While driving at an unknown speed, steam and hot engine coolant fluids started coming out of ventilation system, burning drivers feet and legs, and reducing visibility out of vehicle. Dealership examined vehicle and made repairs to heater core. Then on august 2, 2001, air conditioning started making a strange noise, and started producing steam and hot fluids from the ventilation again. Please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak

Air conditioner stopped working. Mechanic has advised that air conditioner's wiring melted and glued to each other. A minor fire errupted, causing melting. Please additional information. *ak

Leakage of hot engine coolant from the heat exchanger located in the vehicles passenger compartment caused minor burns to driver's lower leg area. Additionally, steam from this event filled the passenger compartment making it difficult to navigate the vehicle. This event required the driver to execute emergency actions to avoid a collision and safety stop the vehicle. I understand that volkswagen of american, inc. Implemented a recall campaign for the 1992-1994 vr6 corrado which experienced a similar failure (nhtsa investigation/action no. Ea98-012). *nlm

The heater core ruptured and flooded the passenger compartment with steam and hot coolant. Fortunately, the car had just come to a complete stop. This has occured in the only other vw vehicle i have owned, a 1986 jetta gl. That vehicle was recalled for this very same problem. I find it very disturbing that the passenger compartment of the vehicle can be affected by such an equipment failure. I can accept the heater core leaking in the passenger compartment, but not exploiding like a bomb. Witnessess thought the car was on fire. Luckily, my wife and child were not cruising down the freeway at 65 mph.

Vehicle experienced failure of the recall component prior to notification (95v-178). *mjs

While driving consumer would step on the brake pedal to stop but vehicle won't stop. *ak

When getting into the vehicle and driving consumer can smell fumes within the vehicle. When checking out the problem, consumer noticed a fuel leakage coming from the distribution rail near the engine beyound the clamp. *ak

Heater core failure was severe scolding coolant blew through dash vents over hands and flooded car with coolant and toxic fumes

Driving to airport the temperator indicator light came on, flashing, and the heater core exploded. Interior of the car filled with dense white vapor. I was able to stop the car on the road/shoulder and my wife and i evacuated. Road at the time of incident was basicly clear of other vehicles otherwise it would have been a problem of our survival. *ak

While driving vehicle smells of gas fumes. Consumer feels this is coming from the fuel hose, and it may lead to a fire. *ak

Car fails to start when turning ignition on. Takes repeated attempts. Requires unlocking adjustable steeering wheel and 'thumping' the wheel up and down. Occasionally starts on first attempt, mostly after several thumps. Three times took over 45 minutes to get car started. Dealer replaces starter the first time i took it in for repair. Three more dealer visits have been labeled 'works ok', even though i had to start car for service manager. Came back 'checks ok'. I suspect corrosion of some kind in the ignition wiring. Very frustrating.*ak

92v05800; when driving vehicle started smoking, and underhood the cables melted, and the hood would not open. Vehicle has extensive damage to front/interior, and motor compartment. Vehicle will be towed back,. Dealer is aware of the problem. Manufacturer contacted, and stated the vehicle does not comply to recall. *ak

Timing belt failed causing the vehicle to stall out in heavy traffic and destroyed all the valves. Nlm

While driving on the highway vehicle stalled unexpectedly due a defective timing belt and ruined engine compartment. Please provide further information. *ak

Transmission/heater core/ fan switch and engine cooling t system water pump malfunctioned, causing vehicle to overheat and hesitate. Dealer replaced heater core/water pump etc. Please provide further information. *ak

Driving the vehicle and other cars noticed flames coming from underneath the fog lights of the car. Pulled vehicle over , turned the ignition switch off and put the flames out. Fireman determined that the fire came from the front left fog light. Took vehicle to the dealer. *ak

Miles:1,519- doesn't turn over - replaced battery: 8602- check engine light stays on- repl bad housing connection:11,672-check engine light on-rpl cam position sensor&ecm&ac controls:22,013-rattling whining noise-repl frozen radiator fan motor, burnt fan conn/reproduced wring, o/ring, defective cam position, sensor;25,763 replace battery;34,677-serpentine belt repl;36,800-repl hall/tci control unit;50,610- repl battery, alternator harness;51,070 repl auxiliary water pump;connector,hoses;53,190-ac control with open connection & wiring overheated,repl controls & repaired wiring, heatercontrol, connector:60,523-repl heater core, seals, thermostate, housing, seal ring, 3 o-rings, serpintine belt; 63,782-repl battery, cruise control & sunroof no longer work too costly to repair, 66,035- repl power supply relay, fuel pump;71,000 transmission problems. Dealer indicates full replacement of transmission. Purchased '88 jetta. In '97 decided to upgrade to passat glx. With all the problems i have had with this car i would not recommend anyone buy a volkswagen. *ak

The consumer was having problems with engine cooling fan. Consumer brought vehicle into the shop for repairs. After repairs were completed noticed there was a hole within the radiator. Consumer thinks radiator became defective when the vehicle was being repaired. *ak

When decelerating while making a left hand turn the engine would falter and die, often leaving me exposed to oncomming traffic. Once the car had come to a stop it could be restarted and would perform perfectly. This would happen constantly and the dealer was able to confirm it with a road test. The dealer said it was the mass air flow sensor and quoted a price. While calling around for a realistic price i was told the problem sounded like water was in the unit and was shorting things out. I opened the unit and foung a table spoon or so of water sloshing around on the circuit board. Every time the car decellerated and turned left the water would move over enough to cause the sensor to command a sharp reduction in fuel to the engine. I drained the water and dried it out with a hair drier and re-sealed the box with rtv and it has performed flawlesly. The water appears to have entered through the sensor probe opening and not through the cover. I told the local vw service dept. And they were uninpressed.

Ignition system failed causing engine to stall during motion.

Replaced broken heater core. *ak

Original factory installed fog light reflectors are injection molded plactic. One fog light burne dout and another partially melted. *ak

I had two blowouts of this goodyear eagle ga touring tire over a period of 10 months driving freeway speed of 70 when one blowout occurred and 50 mph with the other. Even though i accepted a settlement of $176.04 from goodyear, this amount was slightly higher than the cost of one tire. I had 4 goodyears on the car. (tiresize: 215/50r15)( dot number: tire size: 215/50r15 )

After turning on the vehicle, an electrical short in the wiring caused the wires from the battery to the dash to catch on fire. *ak

Vehicle caught on fire, fuel injectors were worked on 6 months prior, dealer says it is an electrical problem. *ak

Brakes failed resulting in vehicle collision.

The climate control module needs to be replaced, as a result the fan speed knob has melted because of the heat.*ak

Ignition : for the last 9 months, intermittently, car will continue to run after the ignition is turned off and key is removed... Been to 3 vw dealerships 5 times total. Abs brakes never worked since new, wouldn't stop on snow or ice like other abs brake systems .. After many complaints for 4 years vw fixed some of the abs problems but abs warning light still comes on sometimes. Also, pedal intermittently will go to floor, and snow and ice performance is much worse than our other abs passats . Seat belts: lap belt buckle seems likely to cause injury in an accident . Air conditioner : $150 switch in dash has failed 3 times (common on 1993-94 passats). Sunroof: small part breaks on track requires replacement of entire expensive sunroof mechanism ... (seems to happen many 1993-94 passats). Fog lights: corrado and passat lenses fog up or fill up with water and then crack from heat. Vw and hella redesigned lens on corrado model but not on passat $26 to $50 per lens, 11 lenses so far. *ak

While driving vehicle the abs brakes locked up, causing the brake pedal to go to the floor, owner also notes that the abs warning lights flash. *ak

Ignition : for the last 9 months, intermittently, car will continue to run after the ignition is turned off and key is removed... Been to 3 vw dealerships 5 times total. Abs brakes never worked since new, wouldn't stop on snow or ice like other abs brake systems .. After many complaints for 4 years vw fixed some of the abs problems but abs warning light still comes on sometimes. Also, pedal intermittently will go to floor, and snow and ice performance is much worse than our other abs passats . Seat belts: lap belt buckle seems likely to cause injury in an accident . Air conditioner : $150 switch in dash has failed 3 times (common on 1993-94 passats). Sunroof: small part breaks on track requires replacement of entire expensive sunroof mechanism ... (seems to happen many 1993-94 passats). Fog lights: corrado and passat lenses fog up or fill up with water and then crack from heat. Vw and hella redesigned lens on corrado model but not on passat $26 to $50 per lens, 11 lenses so far. *ak

Vehicle will stall without warning while driving, in for repair 4 times. Tt

Continental tire failure caused accident. *dsh

The car was in an accident at 10mph and experienced an engine compartment fire. Please describe. *ak

The vehicle stalls while driving for no apparent reason. Tt

The wheels are out of line have to replace the tires on the vehicle too often. Tt

Ignition switch defect.

Blister forms on inside sidwall of the tires. This is the second occurance. Tt

Electrical system failure, brake light don't turn on, horn would blow by itself. Tt

Disc brakes cause premature wear on tires. *skd

Faulty stub axle caused premature wear of tires. *tw

The left fog light started smoking, and then on fire. I was sitting inside the vehicle, cleaning it. The lights were on, including the fog lights. I smelled burning plastic, and didn't think much of it at first, it got worse, so i got out of the car and saw smoke coming from around the right side of the bumper. I got under there to see what's going on, and seconds later a piece of burning plastic with the bulb still in it fell into the inside of the bumber, apparently it separated from the main unit of the light. I had to stuff it with snow to stop the fire. There was no serious damage to the vehicle beyound the light itself. Later on i purchased a pair of used fog lights from ebay to replace mine. When trying to replace them, it turned out that the left light on my vehicle was also burnt, and the piece with the bulb fell out of it too. The lights i bought also tirned out to be damaged in similar way, but just melted. The reason i mark property damage on this form, is because to replace one of the units costs $135, without any guarantee that this same thing will not happen again. I believe that this is an obvious and hazardous design flaw, and vw should replace the units with fire proof ones. Vw shoud also pay for that, not i.*ak

Electrical short, causing resistors/fuses/electrical windows/heating/air conditioning to fail. *ak

Possible engine failure caused consumer to smelled gas fumes, minutes later the vehicle caught on fire. Nlm

Timing belt broke while in heavy traffic and without warning, causing safety hazard. *ak

Fog lights burned a hole in the finder. Dealer has been notified. *ak

While stopping for red light smelled strong odor. Vehicle caught on fire.

While driving at 60 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the transmission needed to be replaced. The problem still occurs. *mr

While driving at 60 mph vehicle burst into flames. Fire started from engine compartment. Cause unknown. *ak

Driver side seat belt failure. Still fails to function properly after repairs.