1985 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

6 recalls, 15 complaints

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Defect Description

CERTAIN HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES, P/N 171.611.107B, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1975-1985 VOLKSWAGEN (VW) RABBIT; 1985-1992 VW GOLF; AND 1980-1992 VW JETTA PASSENGER VEHICLES. POSSIBLE BRAKE HOSE RUPTURE COULD OCCUR WHICH FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STAN... Read more

Consequence

BRAKE HOSE RUPTURE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FOREIGN PARTS DISTRIBUTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE BRAKE HOSES WITH COMPLIANT BRAKE HOSES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FOREIGN PARTS DISTRIBUTORS AT 305-885-8646 EXT. 11.

266 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FOREIGN PARTS DISTRIBUTORS, INC.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

Defect Description

THE END CAP CONNECTING THE HEAT EXCHANGER'S CORE TO THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM COULD RUPTURE AND ALLOW HOT COOLANT TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.

Consequence

THE COOLANT ESCAPING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT COULDCONTACT THE DRIVER'S FEET AND INJURE THE DRIVER. ALSO, STEAM FROM THE HEATEDLIQUID WILL CLOUD ON THE WINDOW SURFACES AND IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISION ANDCOULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE THE HEATER CORE WITH AN IMPROVED HEATER CORE.

650,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Defect Description

FUEL PUMP, LOCATED INSIDE FUEL TANK, COULD SEIZE DURING HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BECAUSE OF AN EXTREME FINE MESH FUEL FILTER RESTRICTING THE FUEL FLOW.

Consequence

FUEL SUPPLY TO ENGINE WOULD BE PARTIALLY INTERRUPTED,RESULTING IN STALLING.

Remedy

INSTALL A MODIFIED FUEL PUMP AND FILTER.

278,520 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

MORE FUEL THAN PERMITTED BY FMVSS 301 MAY ESCAPE FROM THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY UNDER THE TEST CONDITIONS DESCRIBED IN THE STANDARD. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE CAR IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, THE FUEL SPILLAGE ... Read more

Remedy

REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY WITH A MODIFIED UNIT.

77,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

SEAT BELTS

Defect Description

FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS MAY NOT PROPERLY LOCK DURING SUDDEN HEAVY BRAKE APPLICATION OR IMPACT DUE TO THE INTERFERENCE OF TWO POSITIONING TABS. ... Read more

Remedy

REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT BELTS AND MODIFY THE RETRACTOR POSITIONING TABS.

21,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Defect Description

A DEFECT HAS BEEN FOUND IN THE ASSEMBLY OF SOME MASTER BRAKE CYLINDERS. DURING ASSEMBLY, INTERNAL PARTS OF THE MASTER CYLINDER (PISTON CUPS) MAY HAVE BEEN INTERCHANGED.

Remedy

THE MASTER CYLINDER WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE.

575 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Complaint Statistics

15 total complaints 2 fires 2 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE	4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP	1
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER	1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT	1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY	1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD	1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS	1

Incident date: May 15, 1990

LACK OF LUBRICATION CAUSES DIFFERENTIAL TO LOCK UP. *AK

Incident date: Feb 1, 1999

RECALLED HEATER CORE FAILED CAUSING ANTIFEEZE TO FLOW FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD ONTO BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR SPLATTERING LIQUID ON DRIVER AND DOG RESULTING IN INJURY.

2 injured

WATER HOSE AND COOLANT HOSES BURST.

Incident date: Nov 3, 1997

REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED DUE TO STRESS CRACKS.

Incident date: Apr 15, 1997

VEHICLE FIRE.

Fire

Incident date: May 9, 1997

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 40 MPH, HEARD A LOUD NOISE; PULLED OVER & STOPPED, TURNED VEHICLE OFF & GOT OUT TO LOOK; SUDDENLY WITHIN A FEW SECONDS, THE VEHICLE EXPLODED & STARTED TO BURN NEAR FUEL TANK AREA; POLICE OFFICER CAME & MADE OUT A REPORT; THE INSURANCE CO. HAS VEHICLE NOW. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Oct 1, 1996

RIGHT FRONT CV JOINTS FAILED TWICE. *AK

Incident date: Jan 1, 1995

FUEL PUMP FAILED TWICE. *AK

Incident date: Jan 1, 1995

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FAILED. *AK

Incident date: Jan 1, 1995

REPLACED HEATER CORE. *AK

Incident date: Dec 1, 1991

TRANSMISSIONS FINAL DRIVE LEAKED, CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO LOCK UP TWICE. *DSH

WHILE DRIVING FOR NO REASON THE CAR WILL GO FULL THTOTTLE,IF YOU PUSH DOWN AND PEDAL OR PULL BACK IT STILL STAY STUCK. *AK

Incident date: Jun 12, 1995

HEATER CORE FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL, SPRAYING COOLANT INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING WINDOWS TO STEAM UP (92V-050). *AK

NHTSA Safety Investigations, VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2019

Vehicle Stalling - Manual Transmission

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has completed its review of a defect petition received on 14 August 2019 requesting an investigation of an alleged defect of the manual transmissions in Model Year (MY) 2019 Volkswagen (VW) GTI, Golf GTI and Jetta GLI vehicles. The stalling incidents cited o... ccurred without warning as the vehicle slows to a stop or prepares to make a turn across traffic with the clutch pressed in and the vehicle in neutral.The hazard posed by a vehicle stalling event is manifested in the inability of the vehicle to move with the flow of surrounding traffic. Two factors have a major impact on the potential hazard to the vehicle, its occupants and surrounding vehicles: the surrounding traffic speed and the subject vehicle's restart ability. In the case of the vehicles that are the subject of this petition, restart is immediate and the stalls occur when the vehicle is slowing to stop for a traffic signal, making a turn, or is completely stopped. These circumstances substantially reduce the risk of harm to the vehicle, its occupants and surrounding vehicles.As of March 2, 2020, out of the population of 11,333 subject vehicles, NHTSA has identified 214 consumer complaints in its database, with unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), citing engine stalling as vehicles are being brought to a stop and/or preparing to make a cross traffic turn. When combined with the warranty, field report and customer complaint data received from VW in response to the Information Request letter sent, NHTSA identified 413 unique VINs alleging low speed engine stalling.Volkswagen determined that the low speed / idle engine stall was the result of unwanted gases remaining in the cylinder caused by the intake valve camshaft not being in the correct position at idle. The intake camshaft is in an advanced position. This advanced position results in too much overlap with the position of the exhaust valve camshaft, allowing both the intake and exhaust valves to be open at the same time. The erroneous advanced position of the intake camshaft is a result of low oil pressure at idle and high oil temperatures, greater than or equal to 110?C/230?F combined with engine control algorithms in the Engine Control Module (ECM) that position the intake camshaft. Based on examination of returned engines, only engines manufactured at the Silao Mexico plant were affected due to a tolerance stack-up issue with the oil system of the engines.In December of 2019, VW initiated a Service Action (24FD) to remedy the stalling issue in the affected vehicles. The warranty for the affected vehicles was extended to December 31, 2025. The software in the Engine Control Module (ECM) will be updated with a new calibration value for the adaptation nodes of the regulation valve. This is a directed action with letters being sent to vehicle owners asking them to bring their vehicles to their dealership to have the software update installed in their vehicle. The letters were sent in December 2019.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Volkswagen in response to an information request and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that the stalling condition as alleged by the petitioner indicates the likelihood of a safety related defect that would warrant a formal investigation, therefore the petition is denied. Further specifics can be found in the Federal Register Notice.ODI complaint ID Numbers are listed on the attached sheet.Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2000

ENGINE STALLING

BY LETTER RECEIVED ON JUNE 24, 2005, MR. RONALD M. STRICKLAND OF RALEIGH, NC, SUBMITTED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE IGNITION COIL PLUGS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, GOLF AND PASSAT SEDANS.THE PETITIONER ALLEGES THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED MU... LTIPLE STALLING EVENTS AS A RESULT OF ONE OR MORE IGNITION COIL PLUGS MALFUNCTIONING ON HIS 2002 VW JETTA SEDAN.AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE STALLING, THE PETITIONER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORTS WHEN HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE.AFTER A FEW MINUTES PARKED ON THE SHOULDER HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE OPERATED AT REDUCED POWER.VW ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (CSC) ON JANUARY 31, 2003 TO INSTRUCT THEIR DEALERSHIPS TO INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ANY MALFUNCTIONING IGNITION COIL PACKS AND TO REPLACE THEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER.CONSUMERS WERE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERSHIPS VIA OWNER LETTERS MAILED OUT ON JUNE 6, 2003.WHILE VW INITIALLY INSTRUCTED THE DEALERSHIPS TO ONLY REPLACE THE MALFUNCTIONING IGNITION COIL PACKS, A REVISED CSC WAS ISSUED TO DEALERSHIPS IN DECEMBER 2003 AND JANUARY 2004, INSTRUCTING DEALERSHIPS TO REPLACE ALL IGNITION COIL PACKS REGARDLESS OF THEIR PERFORMANCE.A REMINDER TO THE DEALERSHIPS WAS SENT BY VW ON APRIL OF 2004.ALTHOUGH THE CONCERNS OF THE PETITIONER COULD THEORETICALLY CREATE A SAFETY PROBLEM, THE RISK IS VERY SMALL, DUE TO THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING ON EITHER 3, 5, OR 7 CYLINDERS.THERE ARE NO REPORTED CRASHES OR INJURIES DUE TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.ONCE DRIVERS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM (LOSS OF POWER DUE TO ONE OF THE IGNITION COIL PACKS MALFUNCTIONING), DRIVERS ARE ABLE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY AND COMPENSATORY MEASURES AND STILL MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLES.IN ADDITION, FOUR FIRES WERE REPORTED TO ODI.THESE WERE IGNITION COIL BURNOUTS WITH NO ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND WERE LOCALIZED ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. DURING THE LAST 24 MONTHS THE NUMBER OF STALL AND DRIVABILITY COMPLAINTS REPORTED TO ODI HAS GREATLY DIMINISHED FROM A PEAK OF 195 IN JANUARY OF 2003 TO ONLY 3 IN AUGUST OF 2005.THIS COINCIDES WITH THE CSC RELEASED BY VW.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

INADVERTENT SIDE-AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE-THORAX AND SIDE-HEAD CURTAIN AIRBAGS TO PROTECT THE FRONT AND REAR OUTBOARD OCCUPANTS IN A SIDE-IMPACT CRASH.THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 499 REPORTS (482 OWNERS REPORTS AND 17 WARRANTY CLAIMS).THE CRASH SENSING SYSTEM?S ALGORITHM MAY RECOGNIZE... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999

FUEL PUMP LEAKS

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON NOVEMBER 29, 2004, BASED ON FIVE CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP.BY LETTER OF APRIL 14, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA (VOLKSWAGEN) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 35,000 GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN WOLFSBU... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2000

TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON OCTOBER 19, 2004, BASED ON NINE REPORTS ON 2000 THROUGH 2001 JETTA AND GTI VEHICLES ALLEGING THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND OR HAZARD FLASHERS FAIL TO BLINK, OR FLASH.SOME OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD BLINK ONLY A FEW TIMES AND THEN STOP.SEVERAL OF T... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1995

HOOD LATCH FAILURE

ODI HAS RECEIVED THREE REPORTS, INCLUDING THE PETITIONERS, REGARDING ALLEGED HOOD LATCH FAILURES.ALL OF THE ODI REPORTS INDICATE THE HOOD FLEW UP WHILE DRIVING.FOLLOWING A TELEPHONE INQUIRY, VOLKSWAGEN PROVIDED ODI WITH SOME LIMITED INFORMATION REGARDING SIX ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF HOOD FLY-UP FOR MOD... Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1995

HOOD FLY-UP

There is no summary currently available

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1990

DETACHMENT OF BUMPER COVER

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1990

DETACHMENT OF BUMPER COVER

There is no summary currently available

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1986

WINDSHIELD WIPERS

===

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1987

HEATER CORE RUPTURE

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1986

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE

There is no summary currently available

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the VOLKSWAGEN GOLF across all model years (1985, 2021).

169 Total Recalls

2,101 Total Complaints

12 Investigations

90 Reported Crashes

48 Reported Fires

1 Reported Deaths

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2023	0	22	View
2022	0	132	View
2021	1	12	View
2020	2	8	View
2019	6	88	View
2018	6	38	View
2017	5	145	View
2016	9	115	View
2015	12	184	View
2014	5	14	View
2013	5	67	View
2012	6	68	View
2011	6	151	View
2010	4	97	View
2009	0	5	View
2008	0	1	View
2007	0	2	View
2006	3	16	View
2005	4	27	View
2004	6	33	View
2003	6	33	View
2002	7	98	View
2001	9	152	View
2000	8	118	View
1999	7	76	View
1998	1	28	View
1997	0	25	View
1996	1	74	View
1995	5	84	View
1994	5	57	View
1993	5	11	View
1992	2	6	View
1991	3	11	View
1990	5	10	View
1989	4	41	View
1988	6	9	View
1987	4	4	View
1986	5	20	View
1985 (current)	6	15

Other VOLKSWAGEN Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
JETTA	249	14,075	View
PASSAT	185	10,492	View
BEETLE	157	3,629	View
GTI	116	1,926	View
ID.4	115	1,606	View
ATLAS	101	2,700	View
TIGUAN	78	3,173	View
ATLAS CROSS SPORT	73	701	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1985 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF - All Years Overview

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF - Year by Year

Other VOLKSWAGEN Models