1991 Volkswagen Jetta
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Jetta › 1991
These records cover every 1991 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 1991 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 venturi tube located in the throttle valve housing can become loose and fall against the throttle plate.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The venturi tube can partially block the throttle plateand prevent it from returning to its full idle position, resulting in unwantedengine speed when the vehicle IS placed in a forward or reverse gear.
Remedy
Replace the press-fit venturi tube with a thread type tube.
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.
The lock nut of the cruise control rod for the operating servo may not have been properly torqued during manufacture.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Inadequate 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.
Remedy
Check and assure proper lock nut torque on the cruise control rod.
Front brake hoses of insufficient length were installed in some vehicles. These short hoses could stretch and develop cracks.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in brake fluid leakage, with loss offluid pressure and braking ability.
Remedy
Replace both brake hoses.
Owner complaints
31 complaints2 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
Accelerator cable disconnected from the gas pedal while driving at 30 mph on city street. Pulled over to side of road as car died. Dangerous situation!
- Vehicle speed control · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
TL* the contact owns a 1991 volkswagen jetta. While driving approximately 35 mph, the accelerator pedal independently disconnected. The contact was able to reconnect the pedal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin and failure mileage were unknown. updated 07/18/17*lj *cn
- Tires · Wheels
I was driving on hw 87 in san jose ca. I was in the center lane when the left rear tire separated. A piece of the tire tread that had separated hit the parking brake cable and jammed the left rear parking brake on. This caused vehicle to spin out of control. The vehicle did a complete 180 degree…
I was driving on hw 87 in san jose ca. I was in the center lane when the left rear tire separated. A piece of the tire tread that had separated hit the parking brake cable and jammed the left rear parking brake on. This caused vehicle to spin out of control. The vehicle did a complete 180 degree turn, crossing the over the right lane and hitting the right roadside barrier. the tire was made by general tire 175/70/13 and had about 75% of the tread left. *tr ## vin failed ## 81 VW pickup ##
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Visibility
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic
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…
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.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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…
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
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
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
- Engine and engine cooling
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…
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: [xxx]. *nm updated 07/26/2012 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
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
- Structure
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
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
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
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
While driving windows fogged up and antifreeze was spraying into vehicle. Consumer has contacted dealer. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Coolant escaped into passenger compartment without warning and burned driver's foot and leg. *Ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
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
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Seat belts › Front › Anchorage · Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
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…
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
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
- Vehicle speed control
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
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
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.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Intermittent stalling.
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
Transmission interlock system failed.
- Structure › Body › Door
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
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
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.
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
When getting ready to drive the vehicle the gas pedal was stuck in the up position.*ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
Failure of the rear windshield defogger, the defogger was too hot, causing the rear windshield to shatter. *ak
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
Left rear wheel fell off due to wheel bearing being completely sheared off, causing accident. (New jersey state police report) *dsh
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear wheel separation
There is no summary currently available
- Detachment of bumper cover
There is no summary currently available
- Detachment of bumper cover
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.
- 10240922Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10213843Jetta Bluetooth manual coding procedure.
- 10213836Airbag Issues.
- 10159010The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10157383VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
- 10155644This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10128105This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions.
- 10128104This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions.
- 10128055This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests.
- 10126785Update model year applicability to include 2017.
- 10125849Jetta Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections: A checklist to insure a customer receives a wonderful delivery of a vehicle that looks, feels, and meets the expectations of a new vehicle that he/she has purchased
- 10125764JETTA-JSW Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections: A checklist to insure a customer receives a wonderful delivery of a vehicle that looks, feels, and meets the expectations of a new vehicle that he/she has purchased
- 10125763JETTA Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections: A checklist to insure a customer receives a wonderful delivery of a vehicle that looks, feels, and meets the expectations of a new vehicle that he/she has purchased
- 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.
- 53613Information obtaining the fluid capacity chart.
Every Volkswagen Jetta model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.