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NHTSA Recall 02V256000: Switch (electrical system)

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 10,450 vehicles. It affects 1996 Volkswagen Passat.

10,450
vehicles potentially affected
1
model affected
2002
owners notified (November 20)
NHTSA campaign02V256000
Manufacturer campaignWQ
ComponentELECTRICAL SYSTEM › IGNITION › SWITCH
Report receivedSeptember 18, 2002
Owner notificationNovember 20, 2002
Initiated byNHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Defect

On certain passenger vehicles, the electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly can fail causing the headlights and windshield wipers to become inoperative.

Safety risk

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).

Vehicles covered by recall 02V256000

Make and modelModel years
Volkswagen Passat1996

Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.