1995-1997 Volkswagen Passat: Reliability
Updated: 11/23/08
1997 Volkswagen Passat
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1995-1997 Volkswagen Passat ▼
- Price Range: $1,000 - $2,100
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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. (1995-96)
Automatic transmission:
Automatic transmission may shift erratically due to an incorrect throttle angle setting. (1995-96)
Coolant leak:
Coolant loss on 2.8-liter engines could result from damaged oil cooler hoses. Hoses might be damaged during oil changes. (1995-97)
Coolant leak:
A low-coolant-level malfunction can be the result of the wrong concentration of antifreeze or a bad coolant sensor. (1995-96)
Hard starting:
Intermittent no-start or stalling condition is often due to the #3 relay. No trouble codes are stored in computer. (1995-97)
Manual transmission:
The manual-transmission shift lever may knock or vibrate in forward gears requiring realignment of the selector shaft housing. (1995-96)
Wipers:
The windshield wipers may chatter because of misalignment of the wiper arms. (1996)
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 | $640 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $795 |
| Brakes | $390 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $585 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,320 |
| Exhaust System | $440 |
| Radiator | $485 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $680 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $360 |








