1986 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

3 recalls — 2 complaints

92V050000 Apr 14, 1992
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
86V149000 Nov 7, 1986
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Defect Description
MORE FUEL THAN PERMITTED BY FMVSS 301 MAY ESCAPE FROM THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: CARS ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 301.
Remedy
REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY WITH A MODIFIED UNIT.
23,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
86V029000 Feb 20, 1986
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

Complaint Statistics

2 total complaints

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER Nov 27, 1995
Incident date: Nov 27, 1995
THE SHOCK TOWERS ARE COMPLETELY BROKEN. TT
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR Sep 14, 1995
Incident date: Aug 20, 1995
THE STEERING COLUMN SLIPPED OUT OF THE SLEEVE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

EPA Fuel Economy — 1986 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 23.0 29.0 25.0 Regular $2,700

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

VOLKSWAGEN GTI — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the VOLKSWAGEN GTI across all model years (1985–2025).

83 Total Recalls
1,934 Total Complaints
0 Investigations
66 Reported Crashes
23 Reported Fires
7 Reported Deaths

VOLKSWAGEN GTI — Year by Year

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

Year Recalls Complaints
2025 1 0 View
2024 2 40 View
2023 5 11 View
2022 6 47 View
2021 1 6 View
2020 3 10 View
2019 4 287 View
2018 3 21 View
2017 2 54 View
2016 4 84 View
2015 6 123 View
2014 1 18 View
2013 2 42 View
2012 2 52 View
2011 2 65 View
2010 1 68 View
2009 2 295 View
2008 1 76 View
2007 1 102 View
2006 2 57 View
2005 1 12 View
2004 1 13 View
2003 1 72 View
2002 2 141 View
2001 2 97 View
2000 3 58 View
1999 2 11 View
1998 0 12 View
1997 0 12 View
1996 1 11 View
1995 2 28 View
1994 2 0 View
1993 2 0 View
1992 1 0 View
1991 1 1 View
1990 2 0 View
1989 1 0 View
1988 1 0 View
1987 2 2 View
1986 (current) 3 2
1985 2 3 View

Other VOLKSWAGEN Models

Model Recalls Complaints
JETTA 249 14,075 View
GOLF 190 2,084 View
PASSAT 185 10,492 View
BEETLE 157 3,629 View
ID.4 115 1,606 View
ATLAS 101 2,700 View
TIGUAN 78 3,173 View
ATLAS CROSS SPORT 73 701 View