1990 Volkswagen Jetta
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Jetta › 1990
These records cover every 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
If brake fluid boils, this could result in reducedbraking pressure with potential for an accident.
Remedy
Install missing left and right front air ducts.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
Replace power steering pump bracket.
Owner complaints
22 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest 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…
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 was 220,000 and failure mileage was 219,200.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
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…
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,
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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…
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 to your response .*ak sincerely, jeff filosa
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Vehicle speed control
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…
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 hit another car parked at an business on the other side of the building. I was braking with both feet the entire time with the car in the park position through most of the ordeal. A witness verified he could hear the rpm's soaring..*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
Was in drive through line when suddenly inside of vehicle filled with steam and hot water on driver's side. Contacted manufacturer , and informed consumer no recalls. Will be taking vehicle to dealership's mechanic to check it. *Ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Received notice 92v058001/ fuel line: metallic and contacted dealership. Was informed that parts were not available, and were on national back order. Contacted another dealership who had parts & vehicle was repaired. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Consumer contacted dealer on several occasions in reference to recall 92v058001/manufacturer's recall sk/ca/ fuel line:hose metallic. dealer stated parts were not available. *ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Hot steam and hot water came through vents and from under dash, causing the windows to become fogged over.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
The engine block has rusted through to the water jack and oil feed line at the front of the block just below the cylinder head and cannot be repaired.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While starting vehicle it suddenly caught on fire. Vehicle was totalled. *Ak
- Seat belts › Front
Vehicle has no front lap seat belts. Has knee bolsters which driver's knees do not reach because of his height, 6' 5 inches. *ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Heater core failure. *ak
- Electrical system › Starter assembly
Faulty starter system too close to the engine, continues to overheat and shorts out, replacement 3 times. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
There was a failure in the brake pedal linkage. Please describe . *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
Distributor located below engine; if this area gets wet vehicle stalls shutting down all other engine related functions. On road several times w/no warning. tt
- Electrical system › Ignition
Auto loses power at high speeds-while driving on highway. tt
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
Fuel throttle cables have been replaced five different times. tt
- Electrical system › Ignition · Power train › Automatic transmission · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Vehicle won't start, also when vehicle does start it makes grinding noise. *skd
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Detachment of bumper cover
There is no summary currently available
- Detachment of bumper cover
There is no summary currently available
- Heater core failure
There is no summary currently available
- Unstable high engine idle
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.
- 10026848Volkswagen: 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.
- 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.