1984 Volkswagen Jetta problems

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The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car/small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen since 1979. Positioned to fill a sedan niche above the firm's Golf hatchback, it has been marketed over seven generations, variously as the Atlantic, Vento, Bora, City Jetta, Jetta City, GLI, Jetta, Clasico, and Sagitar (in China).

The Jetta has been offered in two- and four-door saloon / sedan, and five-door wagon / estate versions – all as four- or five-seaters. Since the original version in 1980, the car has grown in size and power with each generation. By mid-2011, almost 10 million Jettas have been produced and sold all over the world. As of April 2014, Volkswagen marketed over 14 million, becoming its top selling model.

Nameplate etymology

Numerous sources note that the Jetta nameplate derives from the Atlantic 'jet stream' during a period when Volkswagen named its vehicles after prominent winds and currents (e.g., the Volkswagen Passat (after the German word for trade wind), Volkswagen Bora (after bora), and Volkswagen Scirocco (after sirocco).

A 2013 report by former VW advertising copywriter Bertel Schmitt, said that — after consulting VW sources including Dr. Carl Hahn, former Volkswagen of America Chief and W.P. Schmidt, former sales chief at Volkswagen — no evidence suggested Volkswagen employed a naming theme for its front-drive, water-cooled vehicles; nor was there evidence the names derived from a theme; nor that a naming system "was ever announced, either officially or confidentially."

1984 Volkswagen Jetta

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Common 1984 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Volkswagen Jetta 1984, several common problems have been reported:

  • Fuel System Problems: Complaints include issues with the fuel system, which can affect the overall performance of the vehicle.
  • Starting Problems: Some owners reported starting problems with the Volkswagen Jetta TDI model, which could be a significant inconvenience.
  • Transmission Issues: Automatic transmission problems have been highlighted by owners, impacting the driving experience and reliability of the vehicle.
  • Turbocharger Concerns: Turbo problems have been noted, potentially affecting the power and efficiency of the vehicle.
  • Air Conditioning (AC) Problems: AC problems have been reported, which can lead to discomfort while driving, especially in hot weather.
  • Wiper Motor Malfunctions: Issues with the wiper motor have been mentioned, affecting visibility during adverse weather conditions.
  • EGR Valve Troubles: Problems with the EGR valve have been identified, impacting emissions and engine performance.
  • Gearbox and Clutch Issues: Owners have reported problems with the gearbox and clutch, affecting the smooth operation of the vehicle.
  • Timing Chain Concerns: Timing chain issues have been highlighted, which can lead to engine performance problems and potential damage.

These problems can vary in severity and may require different levels of attention and repair. Addressing these issues promptly can help maintain the overall performance and reliability of the Volkswagen Jetta 1984.

1984 Volkswagen Jetta engine

What is a common problem in Volkswagen Jetta?

Automatic gearbox problems

It has been known for the automatic gearboxes on these cars to suffer with different problems. One of the most common problems is for the gears struggling to change, which could be caused by problems with the gear linkage. Does this video below sound anything like your problem?

What year Jetta has transmission problems?

Harsh Shifting on Automatic Transmission Jettas

Shifting problems have been a common issue in many 1990-2012 and 2016 Jettas. Drivers report that their vehicles jerk when shifting from second to third gear, as well as suffer from a slipping transmission while moving at 35-50 miles an hour.

What year Jetta is most reliable?

Here are the most reliable selections for the Jetta:

  • 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
  • 2017 Volkswagen Jetta.
  • 2020 Volkswagen Jetta.

How long do Jetta engines last?

In many cases, the VW Jetta can run for more than 200,000 miles when properly maintained. Most VW Jetta owners drive their cars for 7 and a half years, which is usually around 75,000 miles before they upgrade to a new model with the latest features.

How long can a Jetta engine last?

In many cases, the VW Jetta can run for more than 200,000 miles when properly maintained. Most VW Jetta owners drive their cars for 7 and a half years, which is usually around 75,000 miles before they upgrade to a new model with the latest features.

What year Jetta is most reliable?

Here are the most reliable selections for the Jetta:

  • 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
  • 2017 Volkswagen Jetta.
  • 2020 Volkswagen Jetta.

How reliable is a Volkswagen Jetta?

The Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 21st out of 36 for compact cars. The average annual repair cost is $609 which means it has average ownership costs. Repairs are less severe and less frequent than the average car, so the Jetta is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.

What is a common problem in Volkswagen Jetta?

Automatic gearbox problems

It has been known for the automatic gearboxes on these cars to suffer with different problems. One of the most common problems is for the gears struggling to change, which could be caused by problems with the gear linkage. Does this video below sound anything like your problem?

1984 Volkswagen Jetta car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1984 Volkswagen Jetta vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1984 Volkswagen Jetta complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1984 Volkswagen Jetta.

1998-06-09

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-05-22
  • VIN: WVWGG0162EW
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THE PLASTIC TRIM AROUND WHEEL WELL CAME APART AND DAMAGED WHEEL AT HIGHWAY SPEED.

1984 Volkswagen Jetta recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1984 Volkswagen Jetta.

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.
1985-07-30
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: UNDER ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, OUTER RUBBER LAYER OF BRAKE HOSES MAY BECOME BRITTLE AND DEVELOP CRACKS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: CRACKS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID RESULTING IN AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE AND POSSIBLY AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE BRAKE HOSES AS NECESSARY.
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1984 Volkswagen Jetta photo