1997 Volkswagen Passat Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 5%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 111,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Volkswagen Passat, 5% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 111,000 miles.
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.
“While driving at any speed at night in inclement conditions headlights and windshield wipers worked intermittently. Consumer stated, if he moved the key back and forth in the ignition switch the headlights would come back on.”
NHTSA complaint #10103703, filed 2004-12, 97,000 miles“Consumer complained about ignition switch and headlights problems. While driving on a winding road the headlights just turned off, and consumer would have to wiggle the ignition to get the lights to turn back on. Currently, manufacturer was recalling vehicles with this defect. However, because this vehicle had an excess of 125,000 miles it was 25,000 miles past the cut off point. Also, headlights will sometimes go out while driving. Dealer replaced ignition switch. Consumer felt that this problem should be a definitive recall without mileage limitations.”
NHTSA complaint #10103729, filed 2004-12, 125,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10158533Feb 18, 2019Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 10121257Mar 27, 2015Technical Bulletin: Condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light lenses issue is discussed in this document
- 10239592Jun 4, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10120169Jun 4, 2014Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): This document informs of the Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. The…
- 10239591Mar 6, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10124287Mar 6, 2014Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): Exterior light assemblies (headlights, taillights, fog lights, turn signals) are vented and may collect moisture on…
- 10239590Feb 14, 2011Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 10% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 5 | 5% |
| 2015 | 6 | 2% |
| 2014 | 10 | 2% |
| 2013 | 60 | 8% |
| 2012 | 17 | 4% |
| 2011 | 1 | 6% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% |
| 2006 | 12 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 16 | 6% |
| 2003 | 39 | 6% |
| 2002 | 32 | 5% |
| 2001 | 30 | 7% |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% |
| 1999 | 15 | 2% |
| 1998 | 4 | 1% |
| 1997 | 2 | 5% |
| 1996 | 3 | 8% |
| 1995 | 5 | 5% |
| 1993 | 4 | 6% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 Volkswagen Passat
16 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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