1990 Volkswagen Jetta: problems, recalls and reliability
7 recalls and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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. *nm”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2004
“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.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2004
“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. *nlm”Owner report · Tires · May 2003
Show 6 more owner reports
“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. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2001
“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. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 1999
“The engine block has rusted through to the water jack and oil feed line at the front of the block just below the cylinder head and cannot be repaired.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 1998
“Consumer contacted dealer on several occasions in reference to recall 92v058001/manufacturer's recall sk/ca/ fuel line:hose metallic. Dealer stated parts were not available. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline
“Vehicle has no front lap seat belts. Has knee bolsters which driver's knees do not reach because of his height, 6' 5 inches. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts
“Distributor located below engine; if this area gets wet vehicle stalls shutting down all other engine related functions. On road several times w/no warning. Tt”Owner report · Electrical System
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 7 campaigns
CERTAIN HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES, P/N 171.611.107B, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1975-1985 VOLKSWAGEN (VW) RABBIT; 1985-1992 VW GOLF; AND 1980-1992 VW JETTA PASSENGER VEHICLES. POSSIBLE BRAKE HOSE RUPTURE COULD OCCUR WHICH FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES."
Remedy: FOREIGN PARTS DISTRIBUTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE BRAKE HOSES WITH COMPLIANT BRAKE HOSES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FOREIGN PARTS DISTRIBUTORS AT 305-885-8646 EXT. 11.
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.
Remedy: REPLACE POWER STEERING PUMP BRACKET.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PREHEATING TUBE SUPPORT BRACKET TO ENSURE PROPER POSITIONING RELATIVE TO THE RIGHT FRONT METAL BRAKE LINE.
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.
Remedy: INSTALL MISSING LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT AIR DUCTS.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
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.
Remedy: REPLACE THE HEATER CORE WITH AN IMPROVED HEATER CORE.
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.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.
How other years compare
Check your exact Jetta by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta have open recalls?
7 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.