1990 Volkswagen Passat: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Volkswagen Passat: 2 recalls, 34 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #92V131000 · 1992 · 12,650 vehicles
What's wrong: The venturi tube located in the throttle valve housing can become loose and fall against the throttle plate.
Why it matters: 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #96V115000 · 1996 · 8,100 vehicles
What's wrong: In the event the engine overheats and the vehicle is operated continuously in that condition, the coolant pressure will rise to a level at which the heat exchanger could leak.
Why it matters: A leaking heat exchanger will allow hot coolant to escape causing injury to the driver's feet or could steam up the interior of the vehicle temporarily impairing the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will replace the heat exchanger on these vehicles.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (12): the most common themes are leaks (7), overheating (3), fire / smoke (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (8): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (3).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (8): the most common themes are leaks (4).
- Seat belts (7): the most common themes are electrical failure (3).
The 1990 Volkswagen Passat has 34 owner complaints, ranking #26 of 33 Passat model years for complaints (well below the 238 average). Complaints peaked in 1996 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 146,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (24 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Volkswagen Passat. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 Volkswagen Passat problems?
Owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (12), transmission & drivetrain (8), visibility (wipers, glass) (8).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Volkswagen Passat get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Volkswagen Passat repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.