1993 Volkswagen Passat Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 25%of 68 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 107,387miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the visibility of the 1993 Volkswagen Passat, 25% of the 68 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 107,387 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving at roughly 25 MPH, heater core failed. Interior of vehicle immediately began filling with foul smelling dense smoke, and windows became coated with a film. Driver quickly pulled off the road, which fortunately was easy as we were in a residential neighborhood. Driver and passengers believed the engine was on fire, as the true cause of the failure was not immediately known. We quickly evacuated all 4 passengers, including a 5 year old child who was strapped in a car seat. This was a terrifying experience. We had exited a busy freeway less than 1 minute before. …”
NHTSA complaint #10056641, filed 2004-02, 107,387 miles“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. ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****760759”
NHTSA complaint #10008787, filed 2002-04, 150,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10073592, filed 2004-07, 88,000 miles“Letter concerning the manner in which Volkswagen choose to handle a recent failure on the consumers vehicle. (nar) while driving the consumer vehicle heater core exploded.”
NHTSA complaint #10061150, filed 2004-03, 107,387 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #718788, filed 2000-02Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 6% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2017 | 6 | 5% |
| 2016 | 3 | 3% |
| 2015 | 12 | 5% |
| 2014 | 16 | 3% |
| 2013 | 23 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 6 | 4% |
| 2007 | 8 | 3% |
| 2006 | 21 | 4% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 13 | 5% |
| 2003 | 22 | 4% |
| 2002 | 27 | 4% |
| 2001 | 31 | 7% |
| 2000 | 26 | 5% |
| 1999 | 33 | 5% |
| 1998 | 27 | 8% |
| 1997 | 16 | 43% |
| 1996 | 12 | 30% |
| 1995 | 20 | 22% |
| 1994 | 2 | 8% |
| 1993 | 17 | 25% |
| 1992 | 7 | 18% |
| 1991 | 6 | 25% |
| 1990 | 8 | 24% |
Other parts of the 1993 Volkswagen Passat
18 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsTires
3 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1993 Volkswagen Passat
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology