Volkswagen Jetta 1991

Model Jetta made in 1991 by Volkswagen got 34 consumer complains, 3 investigations there are 6 recalls as well as 4 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to electrical system, engine and engine cooling and latches/locks/linkages. Technical service bulletines regarding engine and engine cooling, fuel system, gasoline and seats. The car had some investigations: structure, suspension. There were some recalls concerningexterior lighting, fuel system, gasoline and service brakes, hydraulic. The car has 3 modeles with engines 1.6l, 1.8l and 2.0l.

Model 1991

Engine [L]CylindersTransmissionDriveEstimate MPG (city/highway/combined)Unadjusted MPG (city/highway/combined)FuelFuel costClassRelease date
( 1.6L) 4Manual, 5 gearsFWD37/43/4042/56/47D$ 4504900731
( 1.6L) 4Manual, 5 gearsFWD37/40/3841/51/45D$ 4734901029
( 1.8L) 4Automatic, 3 gearsFWD23/28/2526/36/30Regular$ 7504900902
( 1.8L) 4Manual, 5 gearsFWD25/32/2727/41/32Regular$ 6944900902
( 2.0L) 4Manual, 5 gearsFWD22/28/2424/36/28Regular$ 7824900515

Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
09E012000SABERSPORT E (Equipment)1627005/11/2009OVSCVOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC04/07/200904/07/2009571108
Defect SummarySabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment. these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Consequence SummaryDecreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Corrective SummarySabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
NotesThis recall only pertains to aftermarket replacement equipment and has no relation to any original equipment installed on vehicles produced by the vehicle manufacturer.in order to determine if your aftermarket lamp assembly is affected by this noncompliance, please review the list of model numbers provided to us by sabersport.the list can be found under document search located at the bottom of your screen.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
92V058000VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INCfrom 07/01/1985 to 06/01/1992V (Vehicle)35800005/22/1992MFRVOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC04/14/199204/24/1992
Defect SummaryThe fuel hose attached to the fuel distribution rail on the engine may shrink beyond the clamp force of the fuel hose clamps, allowing fuel to leak.
Consequence SummaryFuel leakage in the engine compartment can cause an underhood fire if the fuel comes in contact with a source of ignition.
Corrective SummaryReplace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.
NotesSystem: fuel lines.vehicle description:passenger cars.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
06E018000FOREIGN PARTS DISTRIBUTORS, INC. E (Equipment)26603/30/2006OVSCVOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC03/01/200603/01/2006571106
Defect SummaryCertain 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 standard no. 106, brake hoses.
Consequence SummaryBrake hose rupture could result in loss of braking ability, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Corrective SummaryForeign 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.
NotesCustomers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
93V129000VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INCfrom 08/01/1987 to 07/01/1991V (Vehicle)7600009/24/1993MFRVOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC08/02/199308/13/1993
Defect SummaryAn engine preheating tube may not be properly supported due to a missing support bracket, causing the preheating tube to chafe against the right front metal brake line. this can damage the hydraulic line, causing brake fluid leakage and diminished braking in one brake circuit.
Consequence SummaryDiminished braking can result in increased stoppingdistances and a possible accident.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install a preheating tube support bracket to ensure proper positioning relative to the right front metal brake line.
NotesSystem: brakes; hydraulic lines.vehicle description: passenger cars equipped with digifant engine managementsystems.
90V173000VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INCfrom 05/01/1990 to 06/01/1990V (Vehicle)46510/12/1990MFRVOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC09/25/199010/01/1990
Defect SummaryFront brake hoses of insufficient length were installed in some vehicles. these short hoses could stretch and develop cracks.
Consequence SummaryThis could result in brake fluid leakage, with loss offluid pressure and braking ability.
Corrective SummaryReplace both brake hoses.
NotesSystem: front brake hoses.vehicle description: passenger cars.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL - LINKAGES
91V064000VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INCfrom 10/01/1990 to 03/01/1991V (Vehicle)55004/22/1991MFRVOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC04/15/199104/25/1991
Defect SummaryThe lock nut of the cruise control rod for the operating servo may not have been properly torqued during manufacture.
Consequence SummaryInadequate torque of the lock nut could allow the rodadjustment to change. this could increase the engine idle speed, and possiblyincrease stopping distance with a potential for a vehicle accident.
Corrective SummaryCheck and assure proper lock nut torque on the cruise control rod.
NotesSystem: cruise control.vehicle description: passenger cars; california models equipped with cruisecontrol.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
201583108/28/200810026848Volkswagen: exhaust heat shield, replacement guidelines. heat shields are to be inspected after completion o any type of repair to the underbody (exhaust system transmission, etc.), and if damaged, replaced. *pe12/29/2008
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
9705169704F05/16/199753613Information obtaining the fluid capacity chart. *yc03/30/1998
SEATS
010106/12/2001621613Subject regarding latch system lower anchors and tethers for children, installing / retrofitting. *tt09/27/2001
STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS - UNDERBODY SHIELDS
201583108/28/200810026848Volkswagen: exhaust heat shield, replacement guidelines. heat shields are to be inspected after completion o any type of repair to the underbody (exhaust system transmission, etc.), and if damaged, replaced. *pe12/29/2008

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
STRUCTURE
EA93008VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC03/03/199309/17/1993DETACHMENT OF BUMPER COVER
 There is no summary currently available
PE92089VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC12/17/199203/03/1993DETACHMENT OF BUMPER COVER
 There is no summary currently available
SUSPENSION
PE94068VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC09/14/199412/30/1994REAR WHEEL SEPARATION
 There is no summary currently available

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
01/01/19012
 1991 volkswagen jetta had mechanical problems. the mechanic replaced the generator and belt, however the problem recurred. *kb the consumer had the same problem fixed at a local independent repair shop and no more problems have developed. *jb
1201/01/1998
 Gates 7280 belt speced for aplication alternator for jetta w/ac belt to long and to large wears out almost imediatly and derailes and has derailed other belt with it. it is to long and to large its cords are visible above the the drive pulley!!!. *ak
07/15/20001004/01/1998
 Vw bulletin 139202 i lost all my belts on the highway and lost power steering cause belts flung into the v notch of other belts no injuries.no belts will last on this vehicle due either to poor geometry of the alternator belt or to much hosrepower draw from the alternator. the alternator belt has gone 10 times in the 20000 miles since purchase.i felt this was a nuisance problem until i lost my power steering and now i fear this car will kill me. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH
01/23/20071170001
 Car has been sitting for 2 months in the driveway. i just had everything tuned and battery working before i parked it. i started it once in between that time and it worked. i went out the other day and the car would not start. i know it's not the starter. it is the seat belt system where the car won't start unless the seat belt is connected. the car still won't start so i am upset. please make this work out for me. *tr
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
11/15/2008815651
 1991 volkswagen jetta heater core failure. coolant smell and coolant loss dripping on carpet by drivers feet and fogs up windshield making it dangerous to drive especially at night. i have access to alldata auto repair website and there is a recall listed for this vehicle. the local dealer said it doesn't apply to my car. *tr
03/31/2001112/01/1999
 Coolant escaped into passenger compartment without warning and burned driver's foot and leg. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
05/10/19950
 Valve cover gasket failed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
03/01/19981209/01/1997
 Intermittent stalling.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES - DOORS - LATCH
06/24/19954
 Rear door latches failed. *aw
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
11/01/19941
 Transmission seal failed. *skd
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
03/01/1997108/01/1991
 Transmission interlock system failed.
SEAT BELTS - FRONT - ANCHORAGE
1201/01/1998
 Gates 7280 belt speced for aplication alternator for jetta w/ac belt to long and to large wears out almost imediatly and derailes and has derailed other belt with it. it is to long and to large its cords are visible above the the drive pulley!!!. *ak
07/15/20001004/01/1998
 Vw bulletin 139202 i lost all my belts on the highway and lost power steering cause belts flung into the v notch of other belts no injuries.no belts will last on this vehicle due either to poor geometry of the alternator belt or to much hosrepower draw from the alternator. the alternator belt has gone 10 times in the 20000 miles since purchase.i felt this was a nuisance problem until i lost my power steering and now i fear this car will kill me. *ak
SEAT BELTS - FRONT - WEBBING
05/05/199906/01/1991
 Front shoulder belt housing design defect has caused the belt to fray. a quarter of the blet thickness has worn away thereby, deteriorating the structural integrity of the seatbelt restraint capability. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
07/18/2008147980
 Tl*the contact owns a 1991 volkswagen jetta. ever since the vehicle was purchased, the contact has had to replace the brakes, calipers, master cylinder, and brake booster. while driving 10 mph, she would have to place the vehicle into neutral and engage the emergency brake in order to stop the vehicle. the mechanic stated that brake line was faulty. the contact is constantly changing or repairing some parts of the brakes. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 147,980.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
 Abs brakes; abs pump is generating too much current blowing circuits/fuses. please describe details. tt
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
07/15/20001004/01/1998
 Vw bulletin 139202 i lost all my belts on the highway and lost power steering cause belts flung into the v notch of other belts no injuries.no belts will last on this vehicle due either to poor geometry of the alternator belt or to much hosrepower draw from the alternator. the alternator belt has gone 10 times in the 20000 miles since purchase.i felt this was a nuisance problem until i lost my power steering and now i fear this car will kill me. *ak
STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
01/01/1994
 Steering wheel lockup, hit steering column very hard, or turn key very hard. tt
STRUCTURE
11/12/20011030001
 The vehicle lacked a protective shield for the steering components which caused them to become wet during rainy weather and as a result the steering became impaired. the dealer has been notified. *mr *nlm
STRUCTURE - BODY - BUMPERS
09/22/19942
 Front bumper designed with fasteners only at two points, causing bumper to fall off. *skd
STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR
03/02/1992
 The rear passenger's and driver's side door handle broke from the outside due to the metal part inside the door being cracked, therefore the consumer cannot open the doors from either inside or outside. *ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING
03/29/19969
 Left rear wheel fell off due to wheel bearing being completely sheared off, causing accident. (new jersey state police report) *dsh
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
01/19/19984
 The fuel throttle linkage would keep popping off. it was replaced at least 4 different times. each time it happened on the freeway and would last approximately 3-7 days. *ak
02/06/19956
 Sudden acceleration, causing loss of control. (other vehicle on 479567) *skd
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL - ACCELERATOR PEDAL
08/29/1996202/22/1994
 When getting ready to drive the vehicle the gas pedal was stuck in the up position.*ak
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL - CABLES
01/23/1996
 Vehicle throttle linkage system got stuck, resulting in speed movement. tt
VISIBILITY
11/15/2008815651
 1991 volkswagen jetta heater core failure. coolant smell and coolant loss dripping on carpet by drivers feet and fogs up windshield making it dangerous to drive especially at night. i have access to alldata auto repair website and there is a recall listed for this vehicle. the local dealer said it doesn't apply to my car. *tr
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM
09/04/1996
 Failure of the rear windshield defogger, the defogger was too hot, causing the rear windshield to shatter. *ak
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - HEATER CORE
09/04/2005160000107/25/2003
 The heater core connection lines in my jetta failed, and my sister was burned mildly when the hot coolant leaked down onto her feet, above the gas pedal. there is a recall already for this problem, but my vehicle manufacture date was not included in that recall ( recall campaign number: 92v050000 ). this recall should be re-issued to include all 1991 models that were manufactured in 1990, because the design did not change after the last manufacture date allowed for recall. i do not plan on paying to repair this problem with my vehicle, it is expensive, and i feel that vw america is liable to fix their defect. i have tried getting help from the local dealership, but they cannot do anything until a new or revised recall is issued. please help! my vehicle vin: 3vwra21g2mm015336. *nm
02/10/20031
 The heater core failed, which caused the vehicle to have no heat.*jb and antifreeze fumes are seeping into vehicle making it difficult to drive vehicle for any period of time. *tt
01/08/2002
 While driving 55 mph vehicle filled with smoke. heater core had ruptured, causing steam and anti-freeze to escape into passenger's compartment. dealer contacted. please give any further details.*ak
05/15/20011
 While driving windows fogged up and antifreeze was spraying into vehicle. consumer has contacted dealer. *ak
07/14/199809/18/1991
 The end cap connecting the heat exchanger's core to engine cooling system ruptured, allowing hot coolant to escape into the passenger's department, as per recall 92v050000. both drivers/passenger's feet were placed in contact with hot coolant.
02/18/19971
 The heater core suddenly ruptured while traveling at 70 mph. without warning, large amounts of steam came out of the defroster vents. within seconds the windshield and both side winders were completely covered with a thick fog of steam and antifreeze. visibility was completely obstructed. related recall does not apply to this vehicle.

Car dealers selling


StateCityZipNamePhone
UTSOUTH JORDAN84095VOLKSWAGEN SOUTHTOWNE801-676-6401