1991 Volkswagen Passat recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. THE VENTURI TUBE LOCATED IN THE THROTTLE VALVE HOUSING CAN BECOME LOOSE AND FALL AGAINST THE THROTTLE PLATE.
What could happen: THE VENTURI TUBE CAN PARTIALLY BLOCK THE THROTTLE PLATEAND PREVENT IT FROM RETURNING TO ITS FULL IDLE POSITION, RESULTING IN UNWANTEDENGINE SPEED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN A FORWARD OR REVERSE GEAR.
The fix: REPLACE THE PRESS-FIT VENTURI TUBE WITH A THREAD TYPE TUBE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 PASSAT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 92V131000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: THE VENTURI TUBE LOCATED IN THE THROTTLE VALVE HOUSING CAN BECOME LOOSE AND FALL AGAINST THE THROTTLE PLATE.
Consequence: THE VENTURI TUBE CAN PARTIALLY BLOCK THE THROTTLE PLATEAND PREVENT IT FROM RETURNING TO ITS FULL IDLE POSITION, RESULTING IN UNWANTEDENGINE SPEED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN A FORWARD OR REVERSE GEAR.
Remedy: REPLACE THE PRESS-FIT VENTURI TUBE WITH A THREAD TYPE TUBE.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL: THROTTLE VALVE HOUSING.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS WITH 16 VALVE ENGINES AND CALIFORNIAEMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1991 Volkswagen Passat owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (6), Visibility (wipers / glass) (6), Fuel system (5), Gasoline (4), Transmission / drivetrain (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/28/2003 · Engine
BURNING HOT ANTI-FREEZE AND STEAM CLOUDED THE CABIN OF MY VW PASSAT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, CAUSING AN UNSAFE DRIVING SITUATION AND POTENTIAL HEALTH RISKS FROM BREATHING THE HOT FUMES.
01/21/2003 · Electrical system
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, STARTED VIBRATING AND SHUT DOWN. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PH
11/14/2000 · Fuel system
FUEL INJECTIN SYSTEM: ACCUMULATOR ( DELIVERY SYSTEM) WAS LEAKING GAS TO POINT IT WAS POURING OUT. GAS FUMES WERE STRONG FROM IN & OUTSIDE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO MOTOR GARAGE WHICH HAD SEEN A COMMON PROBLEM POSSIBLY DUE TO ROAD SALT ON STREET ADDED TO CORROSION. *AK FUMES POSSIBLY COULD HAVE IGNITED WHEN STOPPING AND COULD HAVE BEEN DANGEROUS.…
06/04/2000 · Engine
THE TIMMING BELT FAILED AT 152081 KM'S THIS IS IN CANADA. I WAS TOLD THAT I COULD CALL YOUR SITE AND REPORT THIS PROBLEM. THE TIMING BELT IS SUPPOSE TO BE GOOD FOR 100000 KM. THE TIMING BELT ONLY LASTED FOR 52 000 KM . I REPORTED IT TO VOLKSWAGEN NORTH AMERICA BUT THEY JUST GAVE ME THE RUN AROUND. IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT YOU CAN DO OR I CAN DO PLEASE…
05/03/2000 · Transmission / drivetrain
ODOMETER MILLAGE IS TURNED BACK. YH
05/03/2000 · Transmission / drivetrain
ODOMETER MILLAGE IS TURNED BACK. YH
04/18/2000 · Engine · fire
WHILE DRIVING, VEHCLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND BURNED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
03/21/2000 · Engine
TEMPERATURE AND GAS GAUGE WERE FIXED ON MANY OCCASIONS BY THE DEALER BUT NEVER FULLY FIXED. WORK ONLY WHEN PUSHED ON THE DASH COVER. THERE IS A SERVICE BULL ON THIS BUT PROBLEM, BUT IT DIDN'T HELP FIX IT. *AK