1988 Volkswagen Jetta
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Jetta › 1988
These records cover every 1988 Volkswagen Jetta. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 1988 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.
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 and remedy
Risk
Diminished braking can result in increased stoppingdistances and a possible accident.
Remedy
Dealers will install a preheating tube support bracket to ensure proper positioning relative to the right front metal brake line.
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the engine compartment can cause an underhood fire if the fuel comes in contact with a source of ignition.
Remedy
Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.
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.
Brake boosters have been improperly assembled with the two halves of the booster unit insufficiently connected.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Brake booster halves could separate under heavy brakeapplication and braking power would suddenly diminish which could result in anaccident.
Remedy
Replace brake boosters as necessary.
Seat belt retractor pawl may not meet hardening specifications contained in volkswagens design standard.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Vehicles do not meet volkswagens design standard.
Remedy
Replace front passive restraint seat belt assembly as necessary.
Certain vehicles may not be marked with letters res to identify the resume function as required by fmvss 101.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Vehicles do not comply with fmvss 101.
Remedy
Replace part of cruise switch portion.
Owner complaints
19 complaints1 involved a crash2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
While traveling consumer noticed smoke from the hood. Consumer looked under hood, and vehicle was on fire. Manufacturer has been notified. Also dealer. Please provide further information. *ak
- Seat belts › Front
Vehicle was designed without front lap belts . Volkswagen says that the car meets all standards. *ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Left rear door latch sticks, making it impossible to open door from inside or out.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel rail · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Replaced fuel line.
- Tires › Sidewall
Bridgestone tire sidewall IS cracking.
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Gas pedal sticks in cold weather, causing sudden acceleration. *Dh
- Vehicle speed control
Driver experienced sudden acceleration when starting the vehicle. *ak
- Structure › Body › Door
Inside/outside door handles have broken off. *ak
- Structure › Body › Door
The onwer went to get into his car and the trigger broke in the door handle so the owner was unable to get in his car. *ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
While driving smoke came thru vent and steamed up all windows radiator coolant came inside the car. Please describe details. tt
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Experienced fire in truck from light bulb that malfunctioned. tt
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Heater core malfunctioned prior to recall. (92v-050) (attorney for client) *aw
- Structure › Body › Door
Drivers door and the two rear doors are broken vehicle only six years old volkswagen only offers to pay 50% which IS felt to be unfair. tt
- Vehicle speed control
Sudden acceleration. *skd
- Seat belts › Front · Seat belts › Front › Webbing
Vehicle designed without front lap belts. *skd
- Seat belts › Rear/other
Vehicle does not have lap belts in driver and passenger side, manufacturer does not supply. tt
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Vehicle speed control
Vehicle went into open throttle position speed 90 mph, to stop applied real hard. tt
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
#93V129000 receive recall pick up car from dealer was driving home try to stop there was no brake consumer hit a government vehicle. tt
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hatchback/liftgate › Lock
Rear door locked up, could not open door from inside or out. tt
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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.