This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
: the contact stated the vehicle would not start sometimes and the windshield wipers worked intermittently. The vehicle finally started after several attempts. There was a NHTSA recall, # 02V256000, regarding the electrical system: Ignition: Switch. The manufacturer informed the contact that previous recall repair information was available through the dealer. The dealership was not contacted.
Ignition switch failure results in windshield wiper, windows, and blinker failure as well as the engine not starting or stopping once started. Very dangerous and prone to serious accident. May cause personal injury and harm and injury to others in an highway accident.
There is a recall campaign in progress for Passat ignition switch with NHTSA campaign id number 02V256000. I would like to have this campaign extended to include my vehicle as I am experiencing the same safety defect that is the subject of the current campaign.
Ignition switch failure with failure of windshield wiper, headlights, turning signals and ac/heat fan. All except for the letter I considered a safety concern. NHTSA posted a recall for this particular year and model but vwoa do not have records of such recall and charge for the parts and labor of replacement.
NHTSA# 15255-02-V-256-000 ignition switch assembly can fail causing the head light, widshield and wipers to become inoperative. A recall has been issued on similar makes and models, however this vehicle is not include to VIN# dealer notified
Called VW - NHTSA campaign number 02V256000 describing recall does not apply to my car?! ridiculous! I had this exact thing happen to me, in snowy weather. I drove 60 miles with my hand on the key switch twisting it so lights and wipers would stay on! this recall needs to be expanded!
Re: NHTSA recall campaign number 02V256000 states that "on certain passenger vehicles, the electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly can fail causing the headlights and windshield wipers to become inoperative. If such failures occur while the vehicle is in use at night or in a rainy or snowy weather, a crash could occur. Dealers will replace the electrical part of the ignition switch assembly. Owner notification is expected to begin during September or October 2002. Owners should contact vwofa at 1-800-822-8987. Well, at this writing it is October 14, 2002 I haven't received the notification. The problem stated above happened to my car. But I was told that I would not be eligible for the replacement because my VIN does not match their list. Duh, put it on the list because it happened. The moronic "customer advocate" as they call themselves kept repeating that the VIN is not on the list so he cannot do anything. Can NHTSA do something about this problem?
When the key is inserted into the ignition and turned, the engine does not start, which also caused other componets to become inoperative, consumer had the ignition lock assembly replaced. After the replacement, consumer was still experiencing difficulties in starting the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the ignition lock assembly was faulty, also the battery was eplaced.
There is a recall on the ignition switch of the 1996 Audi A4. This is the same vehicle as the VW Passat. When this part fails, it causes the running or headlights, windshield wipers, defroster, and heater blower to fail. All of these electrical tools are necessary for driving at night or in bad weather. My dealer seems to be unaware of the Audi recall and also did not see why I felt this intermitent problem made my vehicle unsafe to drive. Over the course of the last two weeks I have attempted to get this problem rectified...once the switch did fail completely and was no longer an intermitent problem, the electrician was able to pin point the cause.
On Tuesday, owner noticed that the drl were not working as well as the interior A/C fan. Driver had been instructed by dealer to 'jiggle' switch in order to get both working. Instructions did not make either to work. Driver switched off engine while moving, trying to get either to work. After trying this several times with no luck, one incident caused the cruise control to 'set'. driver was unable to turn off the cruise control either by switch, brake pedal or clutch pedal. Driver ended up turning off car in order to cancel the cruise control. After letting car sit for about 10 minutes, both items worked again, but after the car sat overnight, both items did not work again.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Cornish, NH, USA