Model year record

1990 Volkswagen Jetta recalls & problems

The 1990 Volkswagen Jetta has 7 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (9 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints22filed by owners

Crashes · fires1 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: SABERSPORT 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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT 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.

Service brakes, hydraulicMar 1, 2006

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 06E018000266 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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 STANDARD NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES."
Risk: BRAKE HOSE RUPTURE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulicAug 2, 1993

Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 93V12900076,000 vehicles

Problem: AN 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.
Risk: DIMINISHED BRAKING CAN RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPINGDISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PREHEATING TUBE SUPPORT BRACKET TO ENSURE PROPER POSITIONING RELATIVE TO THE RIGHT FRONT METAL BRAKE LINE.

VisibilityApr 14, 1992

Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core

Recall 92V050000650,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: REPLACE THE HEATER CORE WITH AN IMPROVED HEATER CORE.

Fuel system, gasolineApr 14, 1992

Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 92V058000358,000 vehicles

Problem: THE 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.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE IF THE FUEL COMES IN CONTACT WITH A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Fix: REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.

Service brakes, hydraulicAug 6, 1990

Foundation components › Disc › Caliper

Recall 90V14200011,000 vehicles

Problem: OMISSION OF AIR DUCTS INTENDED TO GUIDE FLOW OF COOLING AIR TO LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS COULD ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO EXCEED ALLOWABLE OPERATING TEMPERATURE UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Risk: IF BRAKE FLUID BOILS, THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCEDBRAKING PRESSURE WITH POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: INSTALL MISSING LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT AIR DUCTS.

SteeringJan 22, 1990

Hydraulic power assist system

Recall 90V007000225 vehicles

Problem: POWER STEERING PUMP BRACKET IS SUBJECT TO BREAKAGE DUE TO EXCESSIVE TENSION CAUSED BY A LACK OF CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE PUMP MOUNTING BRACKET AND SEALING FLANGE EDGE OF THE OIL PAN.
Risk: BRACKET BREAKAGE COULD ALLOW POWER STEERING PUMP TO LOOSEN AND DRIVE BELT TO SLIP, RESULTING IN THE NEED FOR UNEXPECTED INCREASED STEERING FORCE WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
Fix: REPLACE POWER STEERING PUMP BRACKET.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

Jetta Diesel

34mpg combined

City / highway	31 / 39 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Jetta

25mpg combined

City / highway	22 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Jetta

23mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 3-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Jetta GLI 16v

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Cooling system › Radiator assembly	9	0	1	120,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Cables	4	1	0	—
Electrical systemIgnition; Starter assembly	4	0	0	—
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core	4	0	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulicPedals and linkages; Foundation components	3	1	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly; Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	2	0	0	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission	1	0	0	—
Seat beltsFront	1	0	0	—
TiresTread/belt	1	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HIS WINDOWS STEAMED UP AND HE SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, NEARLY CRASHING INTO A WALL. HE DISCOVERED COOLANT ON THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HE HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE SIX WEEKS AGO, THE CONTACT JUST FOUND RECALL NUMBER 2V050000 (VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:HEATER CORE). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE…
Jul 24, 2007 · 219,200 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
AUTO RECALL DATE: 19920414 VEHICLE COMPONENT: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:HEATER CORE ESTIMATED VEHICLES AFFECTED: 650000 1990 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA DEFECT SUMMARY: 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. DEFECT 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. NOTES: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC,
Mar 3, 2007 · 105,102 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
WHILE MY SON WAS OPERATING HIS 1990 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION IN THE DASHBOARD AREA WHICH RESULTED IN HOT COOLANT POURING AND SPRAYING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. AFTER CONTACTING A LOCAL SERVICE STATION I LEARNED THIS DEFECT WAS ACTUALLY RECALL 92V050000. THE DEALER WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED CLAIMED THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL BASED ON THE SEARCH OF MY VIN. MY SEARCH STATED THE MANUFACTURING DATE FOR THE RECALL WAS JANUARY 1990. APPARENTLY, MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN APRIL OF 1990. I DESIRED TO DISCUSS THIS IDENTICAL PROBLEM IN MY VEHICLE , AND WAS HOPING TO HAVE IT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AS WELL AS ALL OTHERS WHO MIGHT BE HARMED WITH SIMILAR FAILURES. I LOOK FORWARD…
Apr 11, 2005 · 120,000 miles
Vehicle speed control
THE GAS PEDAL FALLS TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO EXPERIENCE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. OWNER HAS TO STOMP ON BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. OWNER WILL CONTACT MANUFACTURER. *NM
Dec 25, 2004
Engine and engine cooling
VEHICLE LEAKED HOT ANTIFREEZE INSIDE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES. VEHICLE WAS TOWED, AND MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THERE WOULD BE A CHARGE TO CONSUMER TO HAVE THEM ANALYZE THE VEHICLE.*AK
Aug 24, 2004 · 130,000 miles
Tires › Tread/belt
I PURCHASED 4 TOYO ULTRA 800 TIRES IN OCTOBER 1998. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THREE OF THE TIRES DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION. I DRIVE APPX 5,000 MILES OR LESS PER YEAR. *NLM
May 5, 2003
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Nov 5, 2001
Vehicle speed controlCrash
STOPPED FOR ICE CREAM AFTER ABOUT 60 MILE DRIVE. DID NOT LEAVE VEHICLE. STARTED CAR AND WHEN I WENT FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE RPM'S SOARED (I HAD NOT TAKEN MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE) CAUSING THE CAR TO ACCELERATE IN REVERSE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE TO ATTEMPT TO STOP IT & THE BRAKES DID NOTHING. SO I PUT CAR INTO PARK & STILL CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE IN REVERSE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. WITH DIVINE DRIVING, THE CAR BACKED THROUGH AN EMPTY HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACE WHEN IT GOT CAUGHT UP ON THE CEMENT PARKING SPACE BARRICADE. WITH THE RPM'S STILL RACING, THE CAR HIT A SIGN, PROCEEDED ACROSS THE FRONT LAWN OF THE ESTABLISHMENT, HIT AN OCTAGONAL PICNIC TABLE, AND FINALLY…
Aug 5, 2001

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

DETACHMENT OF BUMPER COVERClosed
There is no summary currently available
EA93008 · opened Mar 3, 1993 · closed Sep 17, 1993
DETACHMENT OF BUMPER COVERClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE92089 · opened Dec 17, 1992 · closed Mar 3, 1993
HEATER CORE FAILUREClosedLed to recall 92V050000
There is no summary currently available
EA91054 · opened Dec 9, 1991 · closed Jun 12, 1992
UNSTABLE HIGH ENGINE IDLEClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE91030 · opened Jan 14, 1991 · closed May 31, 1991