1992 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 1992 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
- 1992 Volkswagen Passat owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (22), Fuel system (9), Gasoline (9), Visibility (wipers / glass) (8), Transmission / drivetrain (7).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/04/2007 · Vehicle Speed Control
THROTTLE CABLE MELTS THEN IT JAMS, USUALLY IN A HIGH REVVING POSITION. I HAVE GONE THROUGH 3 NEW THROTTLE CABLES, EACH TIME THEY MELT AND STICK. *JB
07/06/2004 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH HEATER CORE BLEW OUT. AS A RESULT WHITE STEAM FILLED THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHICH IMPAIRED THE VISIBILITY OF THE DRIVER. *AK *NM
10/02/2003 · Engine
HEAT EXCHANGER (CORE) LEAKED WHILE DRIVING, STEAMING UP THE VEHICLE INTERIOR TO IMPAIR VISIBILITY. HOT COOLANT LEAKED INTO PASSENGER'S FOOT AREA. THIS IS VERY SIMILAR TO THE ALREADY ISSUED RECALL # 96V115000. MY CAR IS 1992 VW PASSAT: [XXX]. *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
12/30/2002 · Vehicle Speed Control
CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE TACK ODOMETER (RPM). DOES NOT WORK. EVEN WHEN CONSUMER PUSHES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN. THE VEHICLE STILL DOES NOT MOVE. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
12/20/2002 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WHILE DRIVING GAS AND FUMES BEGAN EMITTING FROM VENTS CAUSING WINDOWS TO FOG ELIMINATING CONSUMER'S VISIBILITY. DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT HAD A BROKEN HEATER CORE. TS
12/11/2001 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
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.*AK
12/11/2001 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
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.*AK
12/04/2000 · Engine
THE ENGINE VALVES AND TIMING BELT FAILED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN. *MJS