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1991 Volkswagen Golf problems

The most common problem on the 1991 Volkswagen Golf is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical Golf model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
8
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
14
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
23-25mpg

The worst 1991 Volkswagen Golf problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Engine
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1

Recalls 2

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported August 2, 1993 · 76,000 vehicles affected
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

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported April 14, 1992 · 358,000 vehicles affected
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

See all 2 recalls for the 1991 Volkswagen Golf

Defect investigations

Detachment of bumper coverOpened March 3, 1993, closed September 17, 1993

There is no summary currently available

EA93008

Detachment of bumper coverOpened December 17, 1992, closed March 3, 1993

There is no summary currently available

PE92089

Technical service bulletins for the 1991 Volkswagen Golf 14

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 14 bulletins for the 1991 Volkswagen Golf

1991 Volkswagen Golf fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cylFWD21-2226-2923-25

What 1991 Volkswagen Golf owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 31, 2002 · Acceleration · WI

While driving in extremely cold weather the accelerator stuck open. ( in researching on the internet I found volkswagen recalled cars in canada for this problem. Recall tr (canada only). ) this happened this winter -- below 10*f . It is an extremely hazardous situation in traffic. I had to pull off the road and turn the car off -- pushing the clutch in caused high rev's. In addition, the vehicle would not idle when it was below 20*f pushing the clutch in at a stop ligh would cause the engine to quit. Replacing the idle stabilizer valve helped this issue -- after the isv I removed from the car sat inside for several days I picked it up to move it and a clear liquid ran out which looked a lot like water. I have owned the car for several years but this is the first year I have driven it during the winter and this year I have moved 240 miles further north where the weather is colder.

Filed Sep 3, 2000 · Visibility · MD · 1 injury

Top section of heater core cracked open while engine at idle speed allowing very hot coolant to enter the cockpit driver and pass. Side at the foot level. After emailing other vw owners golf, jetta, gti, passat they have reported same problems due to fact that vwoa uses the same part on these cars. Also found a safety recall w/ www.alldata.com with tsb # cmpgsd issued may 1992 re: heater core.

Filed Feb 8, 2000 · Fuel system · MD

Consumer received recall campaign sk in november 1999 dated august 1993, however not able to receive repair due to lack of kits available for repair. (92v‑058)

Filed Apr 26, 1999 · Electrical, Visibility · WA

Windshield wiper control switch fell off due to weak material. Mjs

Filed Aug 31, 1998 · Visibility · NH

Heater core failed pouring hot coolant into passenger side floor and steam pouring through vents.

Filed May 12, 1998 · Body · VT

While pulling out of driveway the front bumper fell off for no apparent reason. The dealer is aware of the problem. Problem has not been corrected. The bumper is being held on by bungee cords at this time.

Filed Jul 4, 1995 · Electrical, Engine · AL

Alternator/air conditioner belts replaced.

Filed May 12, 1995 · Electrical · 00 · crash · 1 injury

Driving vehicle at speed 40 MPH, had complete loss of power, impact 3:00 position. Tt

Compare the 1991 Volkswagen Golf

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Questions about the 1991 Volkswagen Golf

Is the 1991 Volkswagen Golf reliable?

Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 1991 Volkswagen Golf, fewer than a typical Golf model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1991 Volkswagen Golf?

Electrical system, with 3 complaints. Next is visibility (3).

How many recalls does the 1991 Volkswagen Golf have?

2 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic and fuel system, gasoline.

What year does the Volkswagen Golf have the most electrical problems?

The Volkswagen Golf model years with the most electrical complaints are 2011 (18 complaints), 2015 (18 complaints) and 2001 (15 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1991 Volkswagen Golf get?

Official estimates for the 1991 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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