1996 Volkswagen Passat
US · Midsize Cars
The 1996 Volkswagen Passat is listed in the US market. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged (DSL,TRBO), 2.0L 4-cylinder (FFS), 2.8L 6-cylinder (FFS)
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Manual, Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline
- Economy
- 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) to 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged (DSL,TRBO), 2.0L 4-cylinder (FFS), 2.8L 6-cylinder (FFS) | |
| Displacement | 1.9 L to 2.8 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 to 6 | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Fuel type | Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Manual, Automatic | |
| Gears | 4 to 5 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) to 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) to 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 41 mpg (5.7 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
8 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. Last checked November 6, 2026.
02V256000: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ELECTRICAL PORTION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
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.
Reported September 18, 2002. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved November 10, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 20, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: November 10, 2026
Data verified: November 10, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1995 Volkswagen Passat
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((DSL,TRBO)), 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km)
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Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1996 Volkswagen Passat have?
Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((DSL,TRBO)), 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1996 Volkswagen Passat?
Combined fuel economy is 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) to 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1996 Volkswagen Passat front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 1996 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year (last checked November 6, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.