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.
The worst 1990 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine7
- Acceleration4
- Electrical4
- Visibility4
- Brakes2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine7
- Acceleration4
- Electrical4
- Visibility4
- Brakes2
- Fuel system2
- Seat belts1
- Tires1
- Transmission1
Recalls 5
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
Steering: hydraulic power assist system
- What is wrong
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 90V007000 · Recall details
See all 5 recalls for the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta
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
Unstable high engine idle
There is no summary currently available
PE91030
Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta 2
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1990 Volkswagen Jetta 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4‑cyl Diesel | FWD | 31 | 39 | 34 |
| 1.8L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21-22 | 26-29 | 23-25 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19 | 26 | 22 |
What 1990 Volkswagen Jetta owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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,
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
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.
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.
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.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
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..
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.
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.
Compare the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta
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Other model years
19901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027
Questions about the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta
Is the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta, fewer than a typical Jetta model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta?
Engine and cooling, with 7 complaints, typically around 120,000 miles. Next is acceleration (4).
How many recalls does the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta have?
5 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, visibility and fuel system, gasoline.
What year does the Volkswagen Jetta have bad engine?
The Volkswagen Jetta model years with the most engine complaints are 2010 (188 complaints), 2009 (168 complaints) and 2019 (149 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta get?
Official estimates for the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta range from 22 to 34 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl diesel, FWD) gets 31 city and 39 highway.
VIN decoder
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