1990 Volkswagen Passat
WVWZZZ31ZME087470
Vehicle record for the 1990 Volkswagen Passat (VIN WVWZZZ31ZME087470). Red, wagon / suv, diesel. Registered in Khmelnytskyi. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN WVWZZZ31ZME087470
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1990 Volkswagen Passat data →
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1990 Volkswagen Passat 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1990 Volkswagen Passat costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1990 Volkswagen Passat — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 5
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free.
VOLKSWAGEN: EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD, REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES. HEAT SHIELDS ARE TO BE INSPECTED AFTER COMPLETION O ANY TYPE OF REPAIR TO THE UNDERBODY (EXHAUST SYSTEM TRANSMISSION, ETC.), AND IF DAMAGED, REPLACED. *PE
Bulletin 2015831 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Structure · Aug 2008INFORMATION REGARDING AIRBAG SYSTEM INSPECTION SERVICE. *TT
Bulletin 9910 · Air Bags · Jun 1999INFORMATION SUMMARIZING ALL COMPONENTS THAT MUST BE REPLACED FOLLOWING AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. *TT
Bulletin 9902 · Air Bags · Jun 1999CONDITIONS WITH ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT START. *YC
Bulletin 9704109707D · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 1997UNKNOWN
Bulletin GRP92/9502 · Visibility · Apr 1995Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the PASSAT. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 3
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1990 Volkswagen Passat. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles equipped with seat heating units, the front seat back heaters may supply concentrated heat in a localized area of the seat back or produce excessive heat that could not be reduced by operating the seat heater controls except by switching off the controls completely. The concentrated heat could singe the fabric at the lower backrest and, in some instances, in…
Transport Canada #2002239 · Dec 2002Heater And Defroster
INCREASED COOLANT PRESSURE DUE TO ENGINE OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN RUPTURE OF HEAT EXCHANGER CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY, OR, STEAMING OF INTERIOR. CORRECTION: HEAT EXCHANGER WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Transport Canada #1996109 · Jul 1996Lights And Instruments
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING. DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WILL NOT OPERATE WITH THE THREE POSITION LIGHT SWITCH IN THE SECOND POSITION. CORRECTION: MAIN LIGHT SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED ON JETTA, CORRADO AND PASSAT AND A RELAY WITH WIRING HARNESS WILL BE INSTALLED.
Transport Canada #1990105 · Jul 1990Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat is a nameplate of large family cars (D-segment) manufactured and marketed by the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen since 1973 and also marketed variously as the Dasher, Santana, Quantum, Magotan, Corsar and Carat — in saloon, estate, and hatchback body styles. With sales of 34 million units worldwide, the Passat is the fourth best-selling automobile of all time.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEAT EXCHANGER ON THESE VEHICLES.
NHTSA Campaign #96V115000 · 01/07/1996VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE VENTURI TUBE LOCATED IN THE THROTTLE VALVE HOUSING CAN BECOME LOOSE AND FALL AGAINST THE THROTTLE PLATE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE PRESS-FIT VENTURI TUBE WITH A THREAD TYPE TUBE.
NHTSA Campaign #92V131000 · 15/09/1992Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1990 Volkswagen Passat, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 1 involved a crash 🔥 3 involved a fire 🚑 1 reported injury
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 45
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
VISIBILITY
HI I PURCHASED A 1990 VW PASSAT THE VIN # IS [XXX] .... THE HEATER CORE BLEW ON THIS VEHICLE, I BY PASSED THE HOSES 2 STOP THE HEATER CORE FROM LEAKING, IT SMELLED LIKE SYRUP AND VISIBILITY WAS BAD IF I HAD TO USE THE WINDSHIELD DEFOGGER , I HAVE RECENTLY HEARD OF THIS RECALL AND CHECKED YOUR SITE AND SAW THAT THIS RECALL I HEARD ABOUT WAS TRUE. SO NEXT …
NHTSA ODI #10145479VISIBILITY
WIFE WAS DRIVING ALONG WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, HEATER CORE BURST, FILLING INTERIOR OF CAR WITH HOT COOLANT AND STEAM. HER VISION WAS OBSTRUCTED BY THE STEAM ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND HE HAD TO BRING THE CAR TO A COMPLETE STOP IN TRAFFIC. MY DAUGHTER, WHO WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, HAD SOME COOLANT SPILL ONTO HER SHOE. VOA HAS ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS …
NHTSA ODI #10090884ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
RECALL 96V115000: THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY HEAT, THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED AND THE DEALER FOUND A FAULTY HEATING CORE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE HEATER CORE, BUT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10044805POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS: POWER WINDOWS, IGNITION SWITCH, PASSENGER SIDE PASSIVE SEAT BELT, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT SHIFT INTO 4TH GEAR (TURN KEY OF AND ON TO RESET TRANSMISSION). FINALLY, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE APPEARS TO BE ELECTRICAL CAUSING WIDE-RANGING DAMAGE TO HOOD AND OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS. *JB
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10018331POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS: POWER WINDOWS, IGNITION SWITCH, PASSENGER SIDE PASSIVE SEAT BELT, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT SHIFT INTO 4TH GEAR (TURN KEY OF AND ON TO RESET TRANSMISSION). FINALLY, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE APPEARS TO BE ELECTRICAL CAUSING WIDE-RANGING DAMAGE TO HOOD AND OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS. *JB
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10018332SUSPENSION
THE RIGHT BALL JOINTS AND SWAY BARS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT LOW MILEAGE. NLM
NHTSA ODI #785474ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
RECALL 96 V 115 000/ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED OVERHEATING IN WHICH COOLANT / STEAM WAS COMING INTO VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK HEATING CORE FAILED AND LEAKED THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM REPAIR WHILE THE SAME FAILURES …
NHTSA ODI #884612ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WATER PUMP FAILED AND ENGINE OVERHEATED. CURRENTLY, THERE IS A LEAK. *AK
NHTSA ODI #876465+ 37 more complaints on record.
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