1997 Volkswagen Passat electrical system problems
Owners reported electrical system problems in 16 complaints for the 1997 Volkswagen Passat, 28% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 16 28% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 93,000 miles 16 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 3
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When electrical system problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 1 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 1 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 5 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 3 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 4 |
What the data shows
Of the 16 electrical system complaints that report mileage, the median is about 93,000 miles, and 12% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 3 fires.
What owners wrote
While en-route between dexter, michigan and grand rapids, michigan, cabin began to smell of smoke. Shortly thereafter, the cigarette lighter caught fire. Fire was extinguished with a halon extinguisher promptly. Examination of the components post-fire revealed a defective center conductor. Circuit was fused at 10 amps which was found to be blown, post fire. No injuries, no damage to personal goods, damage was confined to cigarette lighter assembly, which is poorly designed.
The windshield wipers, air conditioner and headlights stopped working. The consumer staed the ignition switch needs replacing.
Other problems reported for the 1997 Volkswagen Passat
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 16 complaints