Consumer states that while driving and with no warning the wiring in the trunk caught on fire and the consumer was forced to pull over to exit the vehicle. Dealer notified ts consumer had turned on the rear defrost for the first time. There was a cracking sound and a stream of smoke came up from the drivers side rear hatch area. The vehicle was completely destroyed. *jg
The worst 1990 Volkswagen Golf problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Seat belts3
- Acceleration2
- Brakes2
- Electrical2
- Visibility1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Seat belts3
- Acceleration2
- Brakes2
- Electrical2
- Visibility1
Recalls 4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a preheating tube support bracket to ensure proper positioning relative to the right front metal brake line.
Recall number 93V129000 · Recall details
Visibility: defroster/defogger/HVAC system: heater core
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- Replace the heater core with an improved heater core.
Recall number 92V050000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.
Recall number 92V058000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- Install missing left and right front air ducts.
Recall number 90V142000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 1990 Volkswagen Golf
Defect investigations
Detachment of bumper cover
There is no summary currently available
EA93008
Detachment of bumper cover
There is no summary currently available
PE92089
Heater core failure
There is no summary currently available
EA91054
Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Volkswagen Golf 2
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1990 Volkswagen Golf fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21-22 | 26-29 | 23-25 |
What 1990 Volkswagen Golf owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While driving could see a light burning on floor of vehicle . Consumer got out of vehicle and saw u a blue flame. Vehicle started filling up with smoke. Fire could not be put out. Fire department stated that fire started from engine compartment to trunk. Vehicle was totaled.
While driving at 40 to 45 MPH heard a snap and that was rotors snapping in half, lost all brakes and steering. There were five recalls on vehicle that had never been done.
While driving home from work, the passenger compartment of my car suddenly begin to fog up. I was coasting toward a stop light and as soon as I stopped I noticed antifreeze pouring in from around the firewall area. I was only a few blocks from home so I watched the temperature gauge and proceeded slowly- somehow keeping my feet suspended off of the floor to avoid the hot antifreeze. I suspected the heater core because I knew that it was internal to the passenger compartment. I replaced this myself because the dealer said they would charge between 600-800.00 for this repair. This was the biggest pain the neck to repair because I had to remove the dashboard to access the heater core. Plus I had to replace the carpet because it is almost impossible to get antifreeze out of carpet. Now I know why the dealer charges so much!
This vehicle was manufactured without front lap belts, but do have shoulder belts. Dealer says vehicle is safe.
The vehicle isn't safe due to the fact that the vehicle doesn't have lap belts.
Consumer has received a recall leter, and has contacted the dealer. Parts are not available.
Seat belt failure.
Car was put into drive didn't press on the gas car accelerate and hit a park car no injury . Tt
Sudden acceleration of vehicle while driving.
Compare the 1990 Volkswagen Golf
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Questions about the 1990 Volkswagen Golf
Is the 1990 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 1990 Volkswagen Golf, fewer than a typical Golf model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 Volkswagen Golf?
Seat belts, with 3 complaints. Next is acceleration (2).
How many recalls does the 1990 Volkswagen Golf have?
4 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, visibility and fuel system, gasoline.
What gas mileage does the 1990 Volkswagen Golf get?
Official estimates for the 1990 Volkswagen Golf range from 23 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-22 city and 26-29 highway.
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