Vehicle recall 02V256000 · September 18, 2002
1996 Volkswagen Passat
On certain passenger vehicles, the electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly can fail causing the headlights and windshield wipers to become inoperative.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- On certain passenger vehicles, the electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly can fail causing the headlights and windshield wipers to become inoperative.
- Consequence
- If such failures occur while the vehicle is in use at night or in rainy or snowy weather, a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Notes
- Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 02V256000
- Reported to NHTSA
- September 18, 2002
- Filed by
- VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Manufacturer campaign
- WQ
- Owner notification
- November 20, 2002
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 10,450
- Initiated by
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
- Components
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Volkswagen Passat (1996): 1996
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