1985 Volkswagen Golf problems

General information about Volkswagen-Golf
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada (Mk1 and Mk5), and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico (Mk1).

The original Golf Mk1 was a front-engined, front-wheel drive replacement for the air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Volkswagen Beetle. Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model and is among the world's top three best-selling models, with more than 35 million units sold as of 2019.

Initially, most Golfs were 3-door hatchbacks. Other variants include a 5-door hatchback, estate (Variant, from 1993), convertible (Cabriolet and Cabrio, 1979–2002, Cabriolet, 2011–present), and a Golf-based saloon, called the Jetta, Vento (from 1992) or Bora (from 1999). The Golf covers economy to high-performance market segments.

The Golf has won awards, including the World Car of the Year in 2009, with the Mk6 and in 2013 with the Mk7. Along with the Renault Clio and the Vauxhall Astra, the Golf is one of only three cars to have won European Car of the Year twice, in 1992 and 2013. The Golf has made the annual Car and Driver 10Best list multiple times. The Mk7 won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 2015, and the Mk1 GTI also won the award in 1985. The Mk4 won for the best-selling car in Europe in 2001.

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Common 1985 Volkswagen Golf problems

The Volkswagen Golf, produced in 1985, is a popular car among enthusiasts, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. One issue that frequently arises is the inability of the car to stay running. This problem can be traced back to the fifth (injector) solenoid, which may be spraying fuel intermittently, causing the engine to die after running for a short period.

Another common problem with the 1985 Volkswagen Golf is electrical issues. These problems often stem from failing older components, such as window motors, blower motors, gauges, relays, and other electrical components. These issues can be frustrating for owners, as they can be difficult to diagnose and repair without the proper knowledge and tools.

The engines used in the 1985 Volkswagen Golf have also been criticized for their poor performance. The 1.8-liter engine, in particular, has been criticized for its lack of power, with only 75 horsepower available. This engine was tasked with moving a heavy car, leading to poor performance and a lack of reliability over time.

Despite these issues, the 1985 Volkswagen Golf has its strengths. The car's engines are generally well-engineered and durable, with no major weaknesses. However, problems with the car's engine can arise from neglect, abuse, wear, and age. Regular maintenance and care are essential to keeping the car running smoothly.

In summary, the 1985 Volkswagen Golf is a popular car that has its share of common problems. Electrical issues, engine performance, and the inability of the car to stay running are all issues that have been reported by owners. However, with proper maintenance and care, these issues can be minimized, and the car can provide years of reliable service.

Are old VW Golfs reliable?

The Volkswagen Golf is generally a reliable car. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, petrol models came 18th out of 29 cars in the family car category, while diesel ones actually ranked higher – 14th. Petrol models received a reliability rating of 90.4%, while diesel ones 92.5%.

What year is the best Golf to get?

Overall, the Volkswagen Golf is a decent choice if you want a compact vehicle. We recommend going with 1997, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2020, or 2021 to maximize every mile.

How long will a VW Golf engine last?

Most Volkswagen vehicles will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, although well-kept models can last even longer than that. All VWs are remarkably reliable vehicles. When it comes to longevity, the Golf, Passat, Jetta, and Beetle are known to be particularly long-lasting.

How much horsepower does a 1985 Golf have?

Specifications for Volkswagen Golf 3-door 1.6 Manual, 75hp, 1985.

Are old VW Golfs reliable?

What year is the best Golf to get?

Overall, the Volkswagen Golf is a decent choice if you want a compact vehicle. We recommend going with 1997, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2020, or 2021 to maximize every mile.

How long will a VW Golf engine last?

Is VW Golf a good car to buy?

Yes, it's the Volkswagen Golf, the 'hear hooves, think horses' of family hatchbacks. It's an industry benchmark. A vanguard in the battle against the overdone, overblown and ostentatious. An easy (and possibly lazy) recommendation given by all car people to non-car people when they simply need 'a car'.

1985 Volkswagen Golf car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Golf problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Visibility problems
Power train problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Volkswagen Golf vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Volkswagen Golf complaints

The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Volkswagen Golf.

1999-06-14

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1990-05-15
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: LACK OF LUBRICATION CAUSES DIFFERENTIAL TO LOCK UP. *AK

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1999-03-02

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-02-01
Number Of Injuries: 2
VIN: 1VWAG0117FV
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: RECALLED HEATER CORE FAILED CAUSING ANTIFEEZE TO FLOW FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD ONTO BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR SPLATTERING LIQUID ON DRIVER AND DOG RESULTING IN INJURY.

Add Complaint

1999-03-02

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1VWAG0117FV
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
Summary: WATER HOSE AND COOLANT HOSES BURST.

Add Complaint

1997-12-22

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-11-03
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED DUE TO STRESS CRACKS.

Add Complaint

1997-05-30

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-05-09
Fire: 1
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 40 MPH, HEARD A LOUD NOISE; PULLED OVER & STOPPED, TURNED VEHICLE OFF & GOT OUT TO LOOK; SUDDENLY WITHIN A FEW SECONDS, THE VEHICLE EXPLODED & STARTED TO BURN NEAR FUEL TANK AREA; POLICE OFFICER CAME & MADE OUT A REPORT; THE INSURANCE CO. HAS VEHICLE NOW. *AK

Add Complaint

1997-05-07

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-04-15
Fire: 1
VIN: 1VWBA0171FV
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: VEHICLE FIRE.

Add Complaint

1996-10-17

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-10-01
VIN: 1VWAG0172FV
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: RIGHT FRONT CV JOINTS FAILED TWICE. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-05-27

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
VIN: 1VWFA017XFV
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: FUEL PUMP FAILED TWICE. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-05-27

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
VIN: 1VWFA017XFV
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FAILED. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-05-27

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
VIN: 1VWFA017XFV
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: REPLACED HEATER CORE. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-02-22

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1VWFA0170FV
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: WHILE DRIVING FOR NO REASON THE CAR WILL GO FULL THTOTTLE,IF YOU PUSH DOWN AND PEDAL OR PULL BACK IT STILL STAY STUCK. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-02-22

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1VWFA0170FV
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: WHILE DRIVING FOR NO REASON THE CAR WILL GO FULL THTOTTLE,IF YOU PUSH DOWN AND PEDAL OR PULL BACK IT STILL STAY STUCK. *AK

Add Complaint

1995-09-25

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1991-12-01
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: TRANSMISSIONS FINAL DRIVE LEAKED, CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO LOCK UP TWICE. *DSH

Add Complaint

1995-06-12

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-06-12
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: HEATER CORE FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL, SPRAYING COOLANT INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING WINDOWS TO STEAM UP (92V-050). *AK

Add Complaint

1985 Volkswagen Golf recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1985 Volkswagen Golf.

2006-03-01

Manufacturer: FOREIGN PARTS DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: 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."
Consequence: BRAKE HOSE RUPTURE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.

1992-04-14

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
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.
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.

1987-04-14

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: FUEL PUMP, LOCATED INSIDE FUEL TANK, COULD SEIZE DURING HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BECAUSE OF AN EXTREME FINE MESH FUEL FILTER RESTRICTING THE FUEL FLOW.
Consequence: FUEL SUPPLY TO ENGINE WOULD BE PARTIALLY INTERRUPTED,RESULTING IN STALLING.
Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED FUEL PUMP AND FILTER.

1986-02-20

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: MORE FUEL THAN PERMITTED BY FMVSS 301 MAY ESCAPE FROM THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY UNDER THE TEST CONDITIONS DESCRIBED IN THE STANDARD. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE CAR IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, THE FUEL SPILLAGE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY WITH A MODIFIED UNIT.

1985-03-25

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS MAY NOT PROPERLY LOCK DURING SUDDEN HEAVY BRAKE APPLICATION OR IMPACT DUE TO THE INTERFERENCE OF TWO POSITIONING TABS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETAIN THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SUBJECTING THEM TO POSSIBLE INJURY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT BELTS AND MODIFY THE RETRACTOR POSITIONING TABS.

1984-10-30

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: A DEFECT HAS BEEN FOUND IN THE ASSEMBLY OF SOME MASTER BRAKE CYLINDERS. DURING ASSEMBLY, INTERNAL PARTS OF THE MASTER CYLINDER (PISTON CUPS) MAY HAVE BEEN INTERCHANGED.
Remedy: THE MASTER CYLINDER WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE.