1987 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
4 recalls, 21 complaints - 1 TSBs
06E018000 Mar 1, 2006
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.
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.
89V221000 Dec 8, 1989
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Consequence
PROLONGED CHAFING COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE A LEAKING BRAKELINE RESULTING IN DIMINISHED BRAKING IN ONE BRAKE CIRCUIT WHICH WOULD INCREASETHE STOPPING DISTANCES AND RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
CURVE OR REPLACE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE.
87V053000 Apr 14, 1987
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.
Complaint Statistics
21 total complaints
2 crashes 1 fires 4 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE | 3 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | 2 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | 1 |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 1 |
| SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 |
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
May 14, 2003
OXYGEN SENSOR NEEDED ON A 5-SPEED JETTA WITH GASOLINE ENGINE.-----DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS-------769740. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Sep 17, 2001
Incident date: Jun 1, 2001
FUEL PUMP INSIDE OF GAS TANK GETS HOT IT AND QUITS. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED RECALL ON FUEL PUMP PROBLEM AND REPAIR WAS DONE. *YH
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
May 2, 2001
Incident date: Feb 24, 2001
CONSUMER STATES THE HEATER CORE EXPLODED WHILE SITTING IN A DRIVE-THRU, ANTIFREEZE LEAKED THROUGH THE VENTS AND RADIO COMPARTMENT ONTO THE FLOOR WITH PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE, ONE PERSON WAS BURNT WITH RADIATOR FLUID, RADIO SHORTED. *SLC
1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Feb 27, 2001
WHILE CONSUMER WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND TIRED TO STEP ON GAS TO GO, RADIATOR EXPLODED, AND THROUGH RADIATOR WATER ENTERED INTO VEHICLE BURNING PASSENGER, AND FLOODING VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE IT WAS NOT PART OF RECALL NUMBER 92V05000... Read more
1 injured
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
Feb 27, 2001
WHILE CONSUMER WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND TIRED TO STEP ON GAS TO GO, RADIATOR EXPLODED, AND THROUGH RADIATOR WATER ENTERED INTO VEHICLE BURNING PASSENGER, AND FLOODING VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE IT WAS NOT PART OF RECALL NUMBER 92V05000... Read more
1 injured
STEERING:LINKAGES
Jan 8, 2001
Incident date: Jan 2, 2000
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH, LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE, WHEEL CAME OFF, TIE ROD SNAPPED IN HALF, VEHICLE ROLLED 3 OR 4 TIMES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK
Crash
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Jan 8, 2001
Incident date: Jan 2, 2000
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH, LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE, WHEEL CAME OFF, TIE ROD SNAPPED IN HALF, VEHICLE ROLLED 3 OR 4 TIMES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK
Crash
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Aug 30, 1999
Incident date: Jul 30, 1999
THE DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS FREQUENTLY STICK, AND EVENTUALLY BREAK, ESPECIALLY WHEN EXPOSED TO COLD WEATHER. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET INTO THE CAR FROM THE OUTSIDE, THOUGH THE INTERIOR MECHANISMS FOR THE DOOR LATCHES USUALLY WORK WELL.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 4, 1999
Incident date: Feb 6, 1998
POWER WENT OFF/ LIGHTS/ENGINE FAILED AT 65 MPH ON HWY FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS. THEN CAME BACK ON AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. NEVER DID IT SINCE. NOT SURE WHAT FAILED, BUT IT WAS SCARY. *AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Mar 12, 1999
Incident date: Nov 11, 1998
WHILE BACKING UP THE VEHICLE ON A HILL AREA THE LOWER CONTROL ARM CRACKED AT ONE POINT, CAUSING THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL TO MOVE AROUND FREELY. VOLKSWAGEN DOES NOT HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS INCIDENT. THE OWNER CORRECTED THE PROBLEM HIMSELF. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Feb 17, 1999
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE PEDAL GOES MOST OF THE WAY DOWN AND THE VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP UNTIL IT IS PRESSED FOR THE SECOND TIME. MECHANIC SAID NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 6, 1997
Incident date: Jun 5, 1997
DRIVING 25MPH VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 45MPH APPLIED THE BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. IN ORDER TO STOP, THE GEARS WERE SWITCHED SEVERAL TIMES AND THEN TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Apr 18, 1997
WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBACK BROKE, CAUSING THE SEAT TO FALL BACKWARDS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jun 1, 1996
Incident date: Mar 3, 1995
BRACKET HOLDING ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TOGETHER BROKE, DUE TO BEING MADE OF ALUMINUM, CAUSING FAILURE OF VEHICLES FINAL DRIVE. *DSH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Nov 30, 1995
Incident date: Aug 19, 1995
THE FUEL SYSTEM HAS A VAPOR FORMING WHICH HAPPENS IN HOT WEATHER OR HEAVY TRAFFIC AND CAUSES THE CAR TO SHUT OFF. TT CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 87V053 REGARDING A FAULTY FUEL PUMP, OVER THE YEARS AFTER REPAIR, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HESITATION AND STALLING IN HOT CONDITIONS OR HEAVY TRAFFIC, CONSUMER S... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Nov 30, 1995
Incident date: Aug 19, 1995
THE FUEL SYSTEM HAS A VAPOR FORMING WHICH HAPPENS IN HOT WEATHER OR HEAVY TRAFFIC AND CAUSES THE CAR TO SHUT OFF. TT CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 87V053 REGARDING A FAULTY FUEL PUMP, OVER THE YEARS AFTER REPAIR, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HESITATION AND STALLING IN HOT CONDITIONS OR HEAVY TRAFFIC, CONSUMER S... Read more
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Sep 29, 1995
Incident date: Sep 29, 1995
WINDSHIELD HAS BECOME PITTED, CAUSING DIFFICULTY TO SEE THE ROAD. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Jun 22, 1995
Incident date: Mar 2, 1995
ELECTRICAL FIRE, ORIGINATING AT FUSE BOX AND PRECEDED BY A CLICKING NOISE. *TW
Fire
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
Jun 9, 1995
SHOULDER BELT WILL STICK IN COLD WEATHER. DRIVER STATES MUST RIDE WITHOUT BELT UNTIL VEHICLE WARMS. TT
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
Jun 8, 1995
Incident date: Sep 1, 1991
HEATER CORE BURST, CAUSING INJURY. *TW
1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Apr 5, 1995
Incident date: Apr 5, 1994
PASSENGERS SEATBELT LOCKS UP IN ITS POSITION, SOMETIMES IT WILL NOT PULL OUT SO THAT PASSENGER CANNOT SLIP IT ON, ALSO WHEN LOCKED, IT RESTRICTS MOVEMENT. *AK
EPA Fuel Economy, 1987 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 21.0 | 25.0 | 22.0 | Regular | $2,800 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 23.0 | 31.0 | 26.0 | Regular | $2,350 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1987 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
1 manufacturer communications from 1 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 220000 SEATS | 1 |
0101
Jun 12, 2001
220000 SEATS
SUBJECT REGARDING LATCH SYSTEM LOWER ANCHORS AND TETHERS FOR CHILDREN, INSTALLING / RETROFITTING. *TT
NHTSA Safety Investigations, VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
EA04010
Opened: Mar 30, 2004 , Closed: Oct 21, 2004
DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT OVERHEATS
THIS INVESTIGATION CONCERNS THE ELECTRIC SEAT HEATER INSTALLED IN SOME MY 2002-2003 VOLKSWAGEN (VW) JETTA VEHICLES.CONSUMERS ALLEGE THAT THE SEAT HEATER MAY OVERHEAT, RESULTING IN BURN DAMAGE TO THE SEAT COVER AND TO THE DRIVER'S CLOTHING AND/OR SKIN.THIS EA ADDRESSES WHETHER SUCH FAILURES MAY POSE ... Read more
RQ03010
Opened: Dec 17, 2003 , Closed: Mar 1, 2004
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH
THE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND MANUFACTURER FAILURE REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING AND OR INACCURATE INFORMATION.THE INJURY NOTED ABOVE WAS MINOR.ON FEBRUARY 26, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. (VW) SUBMITTED A DEFECT NOTIFICATION (PER 49CFR573) TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFF... Read more
PE03052
Opened: Nov 19, 2003 , Closed: Mar 30, 2004
DRIVER SEAT OVERHEATS/BURNS
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ELECTRICALLY HEATED DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS.INFORMATION RECEIVED DURING PE03-052 DISCLOSED A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF INCIDENTS OF MALFUNCTIONING/OVERHEATING OF THE DRIVER SEAT HEATER IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ADDITIONAL INCIDENTS MAY OCCUR DURING ... Read more
EA00028
Opened: Dec 28, 2000 , Closed: Jan 29, 2002
FUEL TANK PUNCTURE
EA00020
Opened: Aug 10, 2000 , Closed: Oct 9, 2002
LIGHT AND /WINDSHIELD WIPERS
There is no summary currently available
PE00006
Opened: Feb 2, 2000 , Closed: Aug 10, 2000
LIGHTS AND/OR WINDSHIELD WIPER OBSCURED
There is no summary currently available
PE99007
Opened: Jan 29, 1999 , Closed: Feb 8, 1999
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRE
IN ITS LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 4, 1999, VOLKSWAGEN STATED THAT IT WILL RECALL APPROXIMATELY 23,600 REDESIGNED 1999 JETTA AND GOLF 4-DOOR VEHICLES, OF WHICH APPROXIMATELY 11,000 HAVE BEEN SOLD TO CUSTOMERS, TO CORRECT A DEFECT THATMAY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE PASSENGEER COMPARTMENT AFTER A VEHICLE COLLISION... Read more
PE94068
Opened: Sep 14, 1994 , Closed: Dec 30, 1994
REAR WHEEL SEPARATION
There is no summary currently available
DP92003
Opened: Mar 3, 1992 , Closed: Mar 23, 1992
DEFECTIVE HEATER CORES
DEFECTIVE HEATER CORES
PE91114
Opened: Aug 26, 1991 , Closed: Dec 9, 1991
HEATER CORE FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
PE91030
Opened: Jan 14, 1991 , Closed: May 31, 1991
UNSTABLE HIGH ENGINE IDLE
There is no summary currently available
PE91031
Opened: Jan 14, 1991 , Closed: Apr 29, 1991
ENGINE MOUNT FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the VOLKSWAGEN JETTA across all model years (1980, 2026).
229
Total Recalls
14,194
Total Complaints
12
Investigations
718
Reported Crashes
400
Reported Fires
18
Reported Deaths
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8 | View |
| 2025 | 2 | 29 | View |
| 2024 | 0 | 59 | View |
| 2023 | 0 | 65 | View |
| 2022 | 1 | 72 | View |
| 2021 | 4 | 99 | View |
| 2020 | 6 | 78 | View |
| 2019 | 11 | 793 | View |
| 2018 | 3 | 38 | View |
| 2017 | 7 | 249 | View |
| 2016 | 5 | 249 | View |
| 2015 | 8 | 284 | View |
| 2014 | 5 | 552 | View |
| 2013 | 6 | 739 | View |
| 2012 | 8 | 692 | View |
| 2011 | 10 | 880 | View |
| 2010 | 5 | 1,184 | View |
| 2009 | 7 | 1,275 | View |
| 2008 | 6 | 251 | View |
| 2007 | 6 | 280 | View |
| 2006 | 6 | 792 | View |
| 2005 | 7 | 354 | View |
| 2004 | 5 | 295 | View |
| 2003 | 4 | 553 | View |
| 2002 | 7 | 885 | View |
| 2001 | 7 | 862 | View |
| 2000 | 5 | 633 | View |
| 1999 | 7 | 488 | View |
| 1998 | 3 | 253 | View |
| 1997 | 2 | 213 | View |
| 1996 | 2 | 245 | View |
| 1995 | 6 | 338 | View |
| 1994 | 7 | 167 | View |
| 1993 | 6 | 22 | View |
| 1992 | 4 | 33 | View |
| 1991 | 7 | 38 | View |
| 1990 | 7 | 29 | View |
| 1989 | 5 | 28 | View |
| 1988 | 8 | 23 | View |
| 1987 (current) | 4 | 21 | |
| 1986 | 3 | 18 | View |
| 1985 | 4 | 18 | View |
| 1984 | 2 | 1 | View |
| 1983 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1982 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1981 | 4 | 0 | View |
| 1980 | 2 | 0 | View |