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!
The worst 1991 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Visibility7
- Acceleration5
- Engine5
- Electrical4
- Seat belts3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Visibility7
- Acceleration5
- Engine5
- Electrical4
- Seat belts3
- Body2
- Brakes2
- Steering2
- Transmission2
- Fuel system1
- Locks1
- Suspension1
- Tires1
- Wheels1
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
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- The venturi tube located in the throttle valve housing can become loose and fall against the throttle plate.
- 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.
Recall number 92V131000 · 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
Vehicle speed control: linkages
- What is wrong
- The lock nut of the cruise control rod for the operating servo may not have been properly torqued during manufacture.
- 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.
Recall number 91V064000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Front brake hoses of insufficient length were installed in some vehicles. These short hoses could stretch and develop cracks.
- Risk
- This could result in brake fluid leakage, with loss offluid pressure and braking ability.
- Remedy
- Replace both brake hoses.
Recall number 90V173000 · Recall details
See all 5 recalls for the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta
Defect investigations
Rear wheel separation
There is no summary currently available
PE94068
Detachment of bumper cover
There is no summary currently available
EA93008
Detachment of bumper cover
There is no summary currently available
PE92089
Technical service bulletins for the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta 16
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the...
- Vas 6154
- This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound...
- Update model year applicability to include 2017.
- Airbag Issues.
- This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates,...
- This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates,...
- Jetta Bluetooth manual coding procedure.
- Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI)
1991 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 | 36-39 | 33-34 |
| 1.8L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21-22 | 26-29 | 23-25 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19 | 26 | 22 |
What 1991 Volkswagen Jetta owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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
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 ##
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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
Compare the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta
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Other model years
19901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027
Questions about the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta
Is the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta, fewer than a typical Jetta model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta?
Windows, wipers and visibility, with 7 complaints. Next is acceleration (5).
How many recalls does the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta have?
5 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control and fuel system, gasoline.
What year does the Volkswagen Jetta have the most visibility problems?
The Volkswagen Jetta model years with the most visibility complaints are 1999 (81 complaints), 2000 (77 complaints) and 2001 (71 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta get?
Official estimates for the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta range from 22 to 34 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl diesel, FWD) gets 31 city and 36-39 highway.
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