1990 Volkswagen Passat Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 24%of 34 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 179,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1990 Volkswagen Passat, 24% of the 34 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 179,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Many electrical problems: power windows, ignition switch, passenger side passive seat belt, automatic transmission intermittently will not shift into 4th gear (turn key of and on to reset transmission). Finally, the engine compartment caught fire appears to be electrical causing wide-ranging damage to hood and other engine components.”
NHTSA complaint #10018331, filed 2003-05, 179,000 miles“Many electrical problems: power windows, ignition switch, passenger side passive seat belt, automatic transmission intermittently will not shift into 4th gear (turn key of and on to reset transmission). Finally, the engine compartment caught fire appears to be electrical causing wide-ranging damage to hood and other engine components.”
NHTSA complaint #10018332, filed 2003-05, 179,000 miles“We did not realize other owners had the same problems with this model year until we read your reports.we did not contact the manufacture because we thought our problems may be one of a few. Others are hard start, rough/hunting at idle ,harsh engagement & finally no 4th gear shift.”
NHTSA complaint #725552, filed 2000-07“Long axle metal donut outside diamond press, glued to hub, pressed on shaft from the differential, slid down and wedged in the front wheel axle pivot. See enclosed video.”
NHTSA complaint #803988, filed 1997-01Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 15% |
| 2019 | 2 | 17% |
| 2018 | 3 | 7% |
| 2017 | 5 | 5% |
| 2016 | 5 | 5% |
| 2015 | 12 | 5% |
| 2014 | 37 | 6% |
| 2013 | 33 | 4% |
| 2012 | 15 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 6% |
| 2010 | 34 | 21% |
| 2009 | 10 | 7% |
| 2008 | 12 | 7% |
| 2007 | 13 | 5% |
| 2006 | 47 | 8% |
| 2005 | 13 | 9% |
| 2004 | 38 | 14% |
| 2003 | 35 | 6% |
| 2002 | 25 | 4% |
| 2001 | 34 | 8% |
| 2000 | 19 | 4% |
| 1999 | 29 | 4% |
| 1998 | 16 | 5% |
| 1996 | 2 | 5% |
| 1995 | 10 | 11% |
| 1994 | 4 | 16% |
| 1993 | 4 | 6% |
| 1992 | 7 | 18% |
| 1991 | 2 | 8% |
| 1990 | 8 | 24% |
Other parts of the 1990 Volkswagen Passat
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology