1992 Volkswagen Passat Problems
- Complaints
- 39filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 18 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1992 Volkswagen Passat (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 1992 Volkswagen Passat. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 17 complaints (44% of the total), followed by fuel system (8) and transmission and drivetrain (7). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 120,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 12 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling17 44%
- Fuel system8 21%
- Brakes3 7.7%
- Electrical system3 7.7%
- Seat belts2 5.1%
- Suspension2 5.1%
- Exterior lighting1 2.6%
Also reported: Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “There is fuel leaking into the engine compartment. Dealer has seen vehicle. There have been many other problems with this vehicle, including: -automatic acceleration, throttle sticks when accelerating -heater core exploded -brake pedal goes to the floor -cv joints bad -trunk latch will not open -oil leak -transmission failures -exhaust problems -starting problems, ignition -fresh air control does not work -steering wheel lost screws”
NHTSA complaint #856016, filed 2000-02Transmission and drivetrain: “Experiencing possible auto tranmission. Interlock system failure, can remove key in any gear; also, gear shift lever can be moved out of park into any gear without key being in ignition, date of mfr. 08-91.”
NHTSA complaint #810146, filed 1997-03Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Heating system smells of antifreeze when using front vents and defrost. 2 - 3 fan selection used and heater set to medium warm setting antifreeze fumes started to blowout, which fogged front window and breathing in hazmat antifreeze.”
NHTSA complaint #755507, filed 2001-12Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 87,500 and 140,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1992 Volkswagen Passat. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passat · sedan | not rated | 2 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1992 Volkswagen Passat version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passat FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 28 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Passat FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Passat Wagon FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 28 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Passat Wagon FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 92V131000Sep 15, 1992Vehicle speed controlCovers: Volkswagen Passat 1990–1992, GTI 1990–1992, Jetta 1991–1992 +1 more
The venturi tube located in the throttle valve housing can become loose and fall against the throttle plate.
Recall details for the 1992 Volkswagen Passat → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 12 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10159010Mar 27, 2019Equipment. The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10155644Jun 28, 2017Equipment. This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10157383Jun 22, 2017Equipment. VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
- 10128055Feb 1, 2017Equipment. This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests.
- 10126785Oct 31, 2016Equipment. Update model year applicability to include 2017.
- 10213836Jan 22, 2016Air bags. Airbag Issues.
- 10128105Jun 29, 2015Equipment. This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and…
- 10128104Jun 22, 2015Equipment. This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical…
- 10124454Aug 1, 2014Electrical system. Assembly Instructions: Installation of original remote start feature accessory, Volkswagen Passat.
- 10125762Jul 17, 2013Equipment. Passat Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections: A checklist to insure a customer receives a wonderful delivery of a vehicle that looks, feels, and meets the…
Other model years of the Volkswagen Passat
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 13 | 90 | 0 | 4 | 28 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 20 | 27,232 | 1 | 4–5 | 28 | — | Rising |
| 2020 | 18 | 4,500 | 3 | 5 | 27 | — | Rising |
| 2019 | 12 | 3,500 | 1 | 5 | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 46 | 35,000 | 4 | 5 | 29 | 20 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2017 | 110 | 32,000 | 7 | 5 | 27 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 106 | 34,000 | 5 | 5 | 29 | 45 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 243 | 47,386 | 7 | 5 | 28 | 77 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 594 | 49,220 | 10 | 5 | 26 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2013 | 749 | 51,000 | 9 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2012 | 484 | 58,000 | 11 | 5 | 25 | 98 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 16 | 85,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 163 | 71,000 | 4 | — | 25 | 38 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 146 | 79,826 | 4 | — | 23 | 36 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 168 | 90,000 | 4 | — | 22 | 25 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 262 | 71,000 | 7 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 576 | 64,000 | 7 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 148 | 71,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 279 | 69,800 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 628 | 59,000 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 636 | 48,973 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 430 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 507 | 69,250 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 664 | 75,000 | 5 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 331 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 37 | 100,300 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 40 | 84,200 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 93 | 130,853 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 25 | 120,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 68 | 107,387 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 39 | 120,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 24 | 180,995 | 1 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 34 | 146,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Volkswagen Passat model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1992 Volkswagen Passat have?
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 1992 Volkswagen Passat as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1992 Volkswagen Passat is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 17 complaints (44% of the total), followed by fuel system with 8.
Has the 1992 Volkswagen Passat been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1992 Volkswagen Passat get?
The EPA rates the 1992 Volkswagen Passat (Passat, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 18 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1992 Volkswagen Passat reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 120,000 miles and the middle half falls between 87,500 and 140,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.