1990-1994 Volkswagen Passat: Reliability

Updated: 11/23/08

1990 Volkswagen Passat GL 4-door sedan
1994 Volkswagen Passat
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1990-1994 Volkswagen Passat 

  • Price Range:  $600 - $1,200
CG Rating

47

out of 100

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Our reliability study for this generation Volkswagen Passat/ CC includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Volkswagen Passat/ CC .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: Models equipped with a variable-displacement A/C compressor may not cool properly due to restrictions in the system. (1993-94)

Battery: A broken wire between the alternator and warning light causes intermittent charging. (1992)

Coolant leak: A low-coolant-level malfunction can be the result of the wrong concentration of antifreeze or a bad coolant sensor. (1990-94)

Hard starting: No-starts or stalling may be traced to a faulty power relay to the engine-control computer. (1994)

Rough idle: Backfires due to faulty plugs dislodge the idle control damper from the rear of the VR6 engine causing rough, or no idle. (1992-94)

Tire wear: Uneven tire wear may be due to too much toe-in. A replacement rear stub axle is available. (1990-93)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $620
Alternator $400
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $795
Brakes $450
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $585
Constant Velocity Joints $1,320
Exhaust System $410
Radiator $370
Shocks and/or Struts $610
Timing Chain or Belt $360
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