1989 Volkswagen Golf problems
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 1989 Volkswagen Golf problems
The Volkswagen Golf 2, produced from 1989, has been known for several common problems that have been reported by its owners. This article will discuss these issues in detail, focusing on the 1989 model.
- Clutch System: Another common issue with the Volkswagen Golf 2 is with the clutch system. Some models have experienced problems with the clutch cable, which can cause the clutch to slip or fail to engage properly. This can be caused by issues with the cable itself or problems with the clutch pedal assembly. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent clutch problems from occurring.
- Fuel Injection System: The late model Volkswagen Golf 2 was also known for having issues with the fuel injection system. Some models experienced problems with the fuel injectors, which could cause the engine to run rough or stall unexpectedly. Additionally, some models had issues with the fuel pressure regulator, which could cause the engine to run too rich or too lean. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent fuel injection problems from occurring.
- Braking System: The 1989 Volkswagen Golf 2 had issues with the braking system. Some models experienced problems with the brake calipers, which could cause the brakes to drag or fail to release properly. This could result in increased wear on the brake pads and rotors and potentially cause the brakes to overheat and fail. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent braking problems from occurring.
- Suspension System: The early model Volkswagen Golf 2 was known for having issues with the suspension system. Some models experienced problems with the strut mounts, which could cause the car to handle poorly and make noise while driving. Additionally, some models had issues with the rear axle, which could cause the car to feel unstable or wobbly at high speeds. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent suspension problems from occurring.
- Rust and Corrosion: The 1989 Volkswagen Golf 2 was also known for having issues with rust and corrosion, particularly in the wheel arches and floor pan. This was caused by exposure to moisture and road salt, which could cause the metal to corrode over time. Regular maintenance and proper care can help prevent rust and corrosion from occurring.
In conclusion, while the Volkswagen Golf 2 is a reliable car, it is important for owners to be aware of these common issues and take preventative measures to avoid them. Regular maintenance and inspections can help catch potential issues before they become major problems, and prompt repairs can keep the car running smoothly for years to come.
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.
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'.
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.
Is A VW Golf A Good car?
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'.
What mk is a 1989 Golf?
1989 Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk2 8V Three-Door.
1989 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Volkswagen Golf vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Volkswagen Golf
The NHTSA has received 40 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Volkswagen Golf. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Volkswagen Golf vehicles.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-18
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE IS LEAKING FLUID ONTO THE FLOOR BOARDS. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY RESULT IN VEHICLE CATCHING ON FIRE. *AK *NM
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-01
- VIN: 1VWFA917IKV
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER IS CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF HER BELT RESTRAINTS. THEY ONLY CONSIST OF SHOULDER BELTS THAT DO NOT PROVIDE ANY RESTRAINT, NO LAP BELTS. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS UNSAFE. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE LOCAL VW DEALER SHIP TO NO AVAIL. *JG
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-01
- VIN: 1VWFA917IKV
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER IS CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF HER BELT RESTRAINTS. THEY ONLY CONSIST OF SHOULDER BELTS THAT DO NOT PROVIDE ANY RESTRAINT, NO LAP BELTS. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS UNSAFE. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE LOCAL VW DEALER SHIP TO NO AVAIL. *JG
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWBA11G2KM
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I HAVE BEEN THE ONLY OWNER OF THE 1989 VW GOLF. IT ONLY CAME WITH A SHOULDER-TYPE SEATBELT (NO LAPBELTS) FOR THE FRONT SEATS. I RECENTLY BROUGHT MY CAR IN THE THE GARAGE FOR THE YEARLY INSPECTION AND THE MAN SAID HE COULD NOT INSPECT THE CAR BECAUSE IT HAD NO LAP BELTS. MY QUESTION IS: DID VW FORGET TO INSTALL LAP BELTS IN MY CAR, OR IS MY CAR "OK" AS IS. IF CAR IS "OK" THEN CAN YOU SEND ME DOCUMENTATION TO SHOW MY MECHANIC THAT MY VW DID NOT REQUIRE LAPBELTS. THANK-YOU. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1VWFA9176KV
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 20 DEGREES OR COLDER THROTTLE IS STICKING, CAUSING UNWANTED AND UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. ALSO, WHEN DEPRESSING CLUTCH, ENGINE REEVES UP. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER PURCHASED A USED VEHICLE WHICH HAD AN UNSAFE INCOMPLETE SEAT BELT (THE LAP BELT WAS MISSING), THE SALESMAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A LAP BELT BUT AFTER ASKING VW DEALER DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MADE WITHOUT A LAP BELT. NLM
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3VWBB11G2KM
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE EXPLODED THROUGH FLOOR OF CAR ON INTERSTATE 5, SENDING BOILING HOT WATER ONTO DRIVER'S RIGHT FOOT, SEVERELY BURNING FOOT AND FILLING CAR WITH DIRTY STEAM AND REDUCING VISION TO ZERO, CAUSING COLLISION WITH FREEWAY BARRIER WALL
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3VWBB11G2KM
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE EXPLODED THROUGH FLOOR OF CAR ON INTERSTATE 5, SENDING BOILING HOT WATER ONTO DRIVER'S RIGHT FOOT, SEVERELY BURNING FOOT AND FILLING CAR WITH DIRTY STEAM AND REDUCING VISION TO ZERO, CAUSING COLLISION WITH FREEWAY BARRIER WALL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-15
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: PEDALS FRAME WAS NOT PROPERLY WELDED TO BODY FRAME CAUSING FRAME TO TWIST WHEN BRAKE OR CLUTCH PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED LEADING TO THE BREAKING OF THE FRAME.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1VWFA9177KV
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER RESTRAINT FAILED RESULTING IN DRIVER'S INJURY ACCIDENT. YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-04
- VIN: 1VWFA9172KV
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DEFECT REPORTED TO OWNER AFTER INSPECTION OF VEHICLE BY CERTIFIED MECHANIC. INSPECTION INDICATED THAT COOLANT LOSS WAS CAUSED BY A HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK THAT HAD RUSTED THROUGH FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE BLOCK, INDICATING THAT THE BLOCK HAD BEEN CAST POORLY OR IMPROPERLY. VW CONTACTED AND FAILED TO SUGGEST A RESOLUTION SINCE CAR IS BEYOND PERIOD COVERED BY WARRANTY. CAR HAS HAD ONE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAS ONLY 56,OOO ORIGINAL MILES. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFA11G8KM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RADIATOR FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFA11G8KM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WATER PUMP FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFA11G8KM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE LIGHTS FUSE FAILED.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFA11G8KM
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFA11G8KM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING BELT FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFA11G8KM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING INTO DIFFERENTIAL.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFA11G8KM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: RIGHT OUTER CONSTANT VELOCITY BOOT TORN.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFA11G8KM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFA11G8KM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MUFFLER HANGERS AND CLAMPS FAILED.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFA11G8KM
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRES FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFA11G8KM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL FILTER FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFA11G8KM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFA11G8KM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SHIFTER HANDLE FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFA11G8KM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VALVE GASKET COVER FAILED.
1989 Volkswagen Golf recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- 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.
Other years of Volkswagen Golf
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