1992 Volkswagen Jetta: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is vehicle speed control (27% of complaints); the 1993 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While applying the accelerator pedal it failed to accelerate. After applying the accelerator pedal numerous times vehicle suddenly accelerated uncontrollably. Consumer applied the brake pedal, but it failed. This caused the vehicle to collide into a guard rail. Vehicle was towed to a garage for inspection. Driver sustained minor injuries. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2004
“The vehicle experienced a coolant leak from the heater core. *jb the consumer was driving when a boiling sound was heard coming from the air vent and viewed heavy steam coming from the dash board as well, and when the vents were opened, hot radiator coolant was splashed in the consumers face. *scc *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2003
“Heater coil bursted and cooliant came inside of vehicle through dashboard. Dealership wasn't aware of problem, but said that she will call them today.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Nov 2000
Show 7 more owner reports
“When started vehicle heard a noise, smelled smoke, and vehicle lurged forward. Vehicle finally stopped when rear end collided with the front of a pickup truck parked in the lane. Driver suffered injuries, and vehicle sustained damage. Accident was caused by accelerator cable snapping in half. Applied brakes, but failed to stop vehicle prior to collision. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 1999
“Driver was on the highway when the vehicle suddenly lost power and smoke began coming from under the hood and through the fresh air system. The driver pulled off the road, lifted the hood, and found that the wiring harness (platic covering on wires) was melted and on fire. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 1998
“The defective heater core malfunctioned, causing heavy smoke coming out of the vents, blinding the occupant while driving which almost caused an accident. Also there are problems with the fuel lines in relation to the recall. (92v-058.001). *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Aug 1997
“Vehicle was in idle position left to warm up, water/ heater/ defroster, was turned on, after driving the vehicle 15 minutes, rear windows exploded. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 1997
“When vehicle was involved in a rear end crash, the seat belt on the driver's side did not restrain the driver, causing injuries to the driver's neck/shoulder and back. Please provide any further information. *ak *yc”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 1996
“While drivng down the highway vehicle caught on fire on the right underside of the hood, consumer pulled off highway, in less than (10) minutes vehicle was engulfed in flames. *ak *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 1996
“Ongoing/intermittent problem with starter overheating, and causing engine to shut off. Consumer learned of a service bulletin conerning same problem. But dealer/manufacturer were not conerned. Can NHTSA provide additional information or help in this matter. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 1994
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
THE VENTURI TUBE LOCATED IN THE THROTTLE VALVE HOUSING CAN BECOME LOOSE AND FALL AGAINST THE THROTTLE PLATE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE PRESS-FIT VENTURI TUBE WITH A THREAD TYPE TUBE.
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.
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 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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1992 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
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 1992 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Volkswagen Jetta. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Volkswagen Jetta problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 119,646 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Volkswagen Jetta have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning vehicle speed control. 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.