1987 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 1987 Volkswagen Golf problems

The Volkswagen Golf 2, produced from 1983 to 1991, is known for several common problems that owners have reported.

One of the most common issues is with the electrical system, particularly in the 1987-1991 models. The alternator is a common culprit, with some models experiencing premature failure, leading to battery drain and unexpected stalling. The battery itself can also be a problem, causing starting issues.

Another common issue is with the clutch system, particularly in the 1987-1991 models. The clutch cable can wear out or become damaged, leading to clutch slippage or failure to engage properly. This can be caused by issues with the cable itself or problems with the clutch pedal assembly.

The fuel injection system is also a common source of problems in the 1987-1991 models. Some models have experienced issues with the fuel injectors, which can cause the engine to run rough or stall unexpectedly. The fuel pressure regulator can also be a problem, causing the engine to run too rich or too lean.

The braking system is another area where the 1987-1991 models can experience issues. Some models have experienced problems with the brake calipers, which can cause the brakes to drag or fail to release properly. This can result in increased wear on the brake pads and rotors and potentially cause the brakes to overheat and fail.

In addition to these issues, the Volkswagen Golf 2 can also experience problems with the transmission, particularly in automatic models. The automatic transmissions can develop shifting problems over time, and the shift points may become erratic or hard. This can be caused by issues with the transmission fluid, a clogged filter, or problems with the valve body.

The timing belt is another critical component of the engine that can cause problems. If the timing belt breaks, it can cause severe engine damage. Volkswagen recommends replacing the timing belt every 60,000 miles to prevent issues from occurring.

Finally, some Volkswagen Golf 2 models have had issues with the fuel system. Some models have experienced fuel leaks, which can be caused by a variety of issues, including faulty fuel lines, damaged fuel tanks, or problems with the fuel pump.

Regular maintenance and inspections can help catch potential issues before they become major problems. Prompt repairs can keep the car running smoothly for years to come.

Are old Volkswagen Golf reliable?

Is a used Volkswagen Golf hatchback 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.

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.

Is Volkswagen Golf high maintenance?

According to RepairPal, Volkswagen maintenance costs are only slightly more expensive than average. Volkswagen maintenance and repairs cost about $676 per year while the industry average is $652.

Which VW Golf is most reliable?

We recommend the 2014 model, the Volkswagen Golf Mk6, for an excellent combination of classic Golf and new technology features. According to motorbiscuit.com, the 2014 Volkswagen Golf is the best because it is more reliable than the previous generation and filled with technology the old Volkswagen Golf did not have.

Are old Volkswagen Golf reliable?

Which VW Golf is most reliable?

How long do VW Golf engines last?

Is Volkswagen Golf high maintenance?

According to RepairPal, Volkswagen maintenance costs are only slightly more expensive than average. Volkswagen maintenance and repairs cost about $676 per year while the industry average is $652.

1987 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:

Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Volkswagen Golf vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1987 Volkswagen Golf complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Volkswagen Golf.

2000-05-25

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-04-04
VIN: 1VWDC0176HV
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: TRANSFER FUEL PUMP WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY. IT WOULD FAIL TO SUPPLY FUEL TO THE PUMP. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL OUT. ITS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE WEATHER IS WARM OR VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR A WHILE. *AK

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2000-05-05

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-02-02
VIN: 1VWFA917XHV
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR JUST STOPPED. NO PRIOR WARNING AS HAS HE WAS DRIVING. CONSUMER DRIFTED TO THE SHOULDER. HE TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND IT STARTED. *AK

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1997-08-12

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1VW8A9178HV
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE MOUNTING BRACKET THAT ATTACHES TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CLUTCH PEDAL IS STARTING TO BREAK, CAUSING AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK

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1996-10-03

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: AFTER RAIN, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BECOMES WET/MOULDY AND PRESENTS A FOUL ODOR. *AK

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1987 Volkswagen Golf recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1987 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.

1987-05-08

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Components: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Summary: THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL LUG NUTS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY TORQUED.
Consequence: AN IMPROPERLY TORQUED WHEEL MAY LOOSEN OVER A PERIOD OFTIME AND COULD EVENTUALLY SEPARATE, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSPECT AND RE-TORQUE LEFT FRONT WHEEL LUG NUTS.

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.