1996 Volkswagen Passat Recall: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ELECTRICAL PORTION OF THE IGNITION…
NHTSA campaign 02V256000 · Electrical System · filed Sep 18, 2002 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ELECTRICAL PORTION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
The risk
IF SUCH FAILURES OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE AT NIGHT OR IN RAINY OR SNOWY WEATHER, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRICAL PART OF THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen | Passat | 1996 |
Related recalls
More Volkswagen Passat recalls
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- 2021 Volkswagen Atlas and 2 other models — Front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly…
- 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 7 other models — These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation…
- 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 4 other models — These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation…
- 2020 Volkswagen Passat — Passenger frontal air bag may have been folded incorrectly…
Other campaigns involving Volkswagen vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 02V256000 (manufacturer number WQ). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.