1992 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 1992 Volkswagen Golf problems
The Volkswagen Golf, produced between 1984 and 1992, is known for its reliability and performance. However, some common problems have been reported by owners of this car, which are detailed below.
- Door Opener Issues: Some owners of the Volkswagen Golf have reported problems with the door opener. This issue can be caused by various factors, including the failure of older components such as window motors, blower motors, gauges, relays, and the result of electrical problems. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty components or repairing the electrical system.
- Tail Light Issues: Some Volkswagen Golf owners have reported issues with the tail lights. This issue can be caused by various factors, including faulty wiring, blown fuses, or a malfunctioning tail light assembly. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty components or repairing the electrical system.
- Radiator Fan Doesn't Come On: Some Volkswagen Golf owners have reported issues with the radiator fan not coming on. This issue can be caused by various factors, including a faulty radiator fan motor, a blown fuse, or a malfunctioning temperature sensor. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty components or repairing the electrical system.
- High Mileage Automatic Transmissions May Have Shifting Problems: Some Volkswagen Golf owners have reported issues with the automatic transmission. This issue can be caused by various factors, including wear and tear on the transmission components, low transmission fluid levels, or a malfunctioning shift solenoid. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty components or repairing the transmission.
- Electrical Problems: Some Volkswagen Golf owners have reported electrical problems, including failing older components such as window motors, blower motors, gauges, relays, and the result of electrical problems. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty components or repairing the electrical system.
In conclusion, while the Volkswagen Golf is a reliable and high-performing car, it is not immune to common problems. Owners of this car should be aware of the issues listed above and take necessary steps to prevent or resolve them. Regular maintenance and servicing can help prevent many of these issues, and prompt attention to any problems can help prevent further damage and costly repairs.
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%.
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.
Are golfs expensive to fix?
Volkswagens are premium vehicles, but their cost of maintenance overall can be the same as a Ford's or a Mazda's if the parts are replaced only when needed – and they are cared for in the correct manner.
Do VW Golf have transmission problems?
Over time, the gearbox in automatic Golf models can wear out and start to judder intermittently. This is a sign of failure in the mechatronic unit, also known as the control centre of the gearbox. Look out for the following symptoms: Loss of power when changing gear.
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%.
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.
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.
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'.
1992 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
- Visibility problems
- Seats problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Volkswagen Golf vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1992 Volkswagen Golf complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Volkswagen Golf.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: RECALL ON THE INTAKE AIR PRE-HEATING SYSTEM DENIED DUE TO LOCATION OF RESIDENCE IN THE US.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-19
- VIN: 3VWBA01G8NM
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CONSUMER IMPORTED VEHICLE FROM CANADA, AND IS HERE IN THE USA, IN SCHOOL. CONSUMERS MAIL WAS FORWARDED TO USA WHICH CONTAINED A MANUFACTURER'S NOTICE TO CHECK AND UPDATE THE PREHEATING SYSTEM OF VEHICLE. VOLKSWAGEN USA TOLD CONSUMER TO TAKE VEHICLE BACK TO CANADA TO HAVE REPAIRS DONE. BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT IN CANADA, ANY USA VOLKSWAGEN. DEALER IS REFUSING TO REPAIR VEHICLE . CONSUMER NEEDS HELP IN REPAIRING DEFECT. MANUFACTURER NOTICED DEFECT. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-15
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEATBACK REST BROKE AND COLLAPSED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFA21G7NM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL LINE HOSE LEAKING, INQUIRES FROM NHTSA AS TO RECALLS REGARDING HIS VEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-12
- VIN: 3VWFA21G3NM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: KEY CYLINDER ASSEMBLY FAILED, PREVENTING KEY FROM MOVING/VEHICLE FROM STARTING. *SKD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-27
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THROTTLE STICKS BETWEEN 1500/2000 RPM, ALSO LURCHES FORWARD. *AW
1992 Volkswagen Golf recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1992 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: 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.
Negative 1992 Volkswagen Golf car reviews
Positive 1992 Volkswagen Golf car reviews
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I've been driving this car for over a year now and it has exceeded my expectations by tenfold. It's also really easy to customize to your liking and the durability is superior to other newer cars on the market today.
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Your vehicle has been performing exceptionally well throughout its life. You will be pleased to know that there have been no issues with the engine or transmission. The body is in excellent condition, and new tires were fitted all around on 5/30/03. The transmission is a five-speed stick shift.
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We bought this car used last year for our newly-driving daughter. It's been a great addition to our family! Although it's 12 years old, it had low mileage and no body rust (which is fantastic when you live near the salt water of the Atlantic Ocean). After a year of hard-driving fun, we all love to tool around in this indestructible machine. If you come across one, you should definitely consider dropping the $500 to experience one of your own!
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share that I bought my car brand new 19 years ago and it's still going strong. I've only had to service the brakes and belts once, and the muffler three times. I use it to commute three times a week and occasionally for pleasure. I really feel like buying this car was a great investment.
Other years of Volkswagen Golf
Are you having problems with your 1992 Volkswagen Golf?
Derrick Boyer 2024-07-11
The Golf is a great car, but like any car, it requires maintenance, especially for a Golf. It's a fun car to drive, and the gas mileage is fantastic.