1987 Volkswagen Jetta
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Jetta › 1987
These records cover every 1987 Volkswagen Jetta. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1987 Volkswagen Jetta. Newest first.
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 and remedy
Risk
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
Replace the heater core with an improved heater core.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Fuel pump, located inside fuel tank, could seize during high ambient temperatures because of an extreme fine mesh fuel filter restricting the fuel flow.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel supply to engine would be partially interrupted,resulting in stalling.
Remedy
Install a modified fuel pump and filter.
Owner complaints
18 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
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
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
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
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 92v050000.*ak
- Steering › Linkages · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
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
- Structure › Body › Door
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
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
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
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
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
While driving the driver's side seatback broke, causing the seat to fall backwards. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Bracket holding engine and transmission together broke, due to being made of aluminum, causing failure of vehicles final drive. *Dsh
- Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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 states prior to hesitation or stalling, fuel pump would make a humming noise. *slc
- Visibility › Windshield
Windshield has become pitted, causing difficulty to see the road. tt
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
Electrical fire, originating at fuse box and preceded by a clicking noise. *tw
- Seat belts › Front › Webbing
Shoulder belt will stick in cold weather. Driver states must ride without belt until vehicle warms. tt
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Heater core burst, causing injury. *tw
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Defective heater cores
Defective heater cores
- Heater core failure
There is no summary currently available
- Heater core failure
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 621613Subject regarding latch system lower anchors and tethers for children, installing / retrofitting.
Every Volkswagen Jetta model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.