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Volkswagen Passat

1996–2000 only

113 classified complaints

1996–2000 Volkswagen Passat models have 113 classified complaints on record for these years specifically. The most common issue in this range is ABS module and wheel speed sensors, typically surfacing around 132,263 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 1996–2000 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Volkswagen Passat report for every year combined.

Where this range fits

1996–2000

2001–2005

2006–2010

2011–2015

2016–2020

2021–2022

Complaints filed per 5-year model-year window — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 1996–2000 only

ABS module and wheel speed sensors · Brakes 17 complaints

Median onset: 132,263 miles.

Typical repair: $660–$1,260 nationally.

Body control and other modules · Electrical 16 complaints

Median onset: 133,850 miles. 6.3% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in newer model years.

Tank, lines and filler · Fuel system 16 complaints

Median onset: 106,000 miles.

More common in older model years.

Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim · Body and interior 9 complaints

Median onset: 120,000 miles.

Stalling and no-start · Engine 9 complaints

Median onset: 141,850 miles. 11.1% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in older model years.

Water leaks and seals · Body and interior 8 complaints

Median onset: 138,179 miles.

Wiring harness, grounds and connectors · Electrical 6 complaints

Median onset: 200,000 miles.

Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · More common in newer model years.

Heater core and coolant heat · Heating and A/C 4 complaints

Median onset: 143,009 miles.

More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $860–$1,590 nationally.

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 1996–2000 model years. See the full Volkswagen Passat report for every year and full specs/safety data.