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1990 Volkswagen Jetta problems

The most common problem on the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta is engine and cooling, typically around 120,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Jetta model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
22
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
2
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
22-34mpg

The worst 1990 Volkswagen Jetta problems

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

  • Engine
    7
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Electrical
    4
  • Visibility
    4
  • Brakes
    2

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    7
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Electrical
    4
  • Visibility
    4
  • Brakes
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 5

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

Visibility: defroster/defogger/HVAC system: heater coreReported April 14, 1992 · 650,000 vehicles affected
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 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

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliperReported August 6, 1990 · 11,000 vehicles affected
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 systemReported January 22, 1990 · 225 vehicles affected
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 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

Heater core failureOpened December 9, 1991, closed June 12, 1992

There is no summary currently available

EA91054

Unstable high engine idleOpened January 14, 1991, closed May 31, 1991

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.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.6L 4‑cyl DieselFWD313934
1.8L 4‑cylFWD21-2226-2923-25
2.0L 4‑cylFWD192622

What 1990 Volkswagen Jetta owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 25, 2007 · Visibility · 219,200 miles · KY

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.

Filed Mar 3, 2007 · Engine, Visibility · 105,102 miles · NJ

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,

Filed Apr 15, 2005 · Engine · 120,000 miles · SC

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

Filed Jan 21, 2005 · Acceleration · OH

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.

Filed Aug 27, 2004 · Engine · 130,000 miles · WA

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.

Filed May 14, 2003 · Tires · OR

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.

Filed Nov 14, 2001 · Engine · UT

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Filed Aug 13, 2001 · Acceleration, Brakes · IA · crash

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..

Filed May 24, 2001 · Engine · OH

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.

Filed Mar 1, 2000 · Fuel system · VA

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1990 Volkswagen Jetta before you buy

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.

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