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1985 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."

1985 Volkswagen Jetta

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Common 1985 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (Atlantic), several common problems have been reported:

  1. Engine Issues: Owners have reported problems with the engine, including issues with performance, reliability, and maintenance. These problems could range from poor acceleration, stalling, to more serious engine malfunctions that require costly repairs.
  2. Transmission Problems: Complaints regarding the transmission system have been noted, such as difficulties with shifting gears, transmission slippage, or grinding noises during gear changes. These issues can affect the driving experience and may lead to safety concerns.
  3. Electrical Problems: Owners have reported various electrical issues, including problems with the wiper motor, door locks, cruise control system, ventilation, heating, and air conditioning settings. Electrical malfunctions can impact the overall functionality and comfort of the vehicle.
  4. Window Regulator Failures: The 1985 Volkswagen Jetta has been associated with window regulator failures, leading to issues like windows getting stuck open or closed, moving unexpectedly, or falling off clamps due to cheap plastic clamps. These problems can affect the vehicle's security and convenience.
  5. Odor Complaints: Some owners have reported persistent bad odors emanating from the vehicle, particularly after the HVAC system has been running for an extended period. This issue could be related to the ventilation system or other components within the car.
  6. Body Integrity Concerns: Complaints have been raised about the body integrity of the 1985 Volkswagen Jetta, including loose bolts, faulty trunks, squeaking doors, and chipping paint. These issues can impact the aesthetics and structural integrity of the vehicle.
  7. Clutch Problems: Owners have experienced issues with the clutch system, such as difficulty shifting into reverse gear, the need to pump the clutch multiple times, or grinding noises during gear changes. Clutch problems can affect the drivability and performance of the vehicle.

These common problems reported by owners of the 1985 Volkswagen Jetta highlight a range of issues that can impact the overall performance, safety, and reliability of the vehicle. Addressing these concerns promptly through professional maintenance and repairs is essential to ensure the longevity and optimal functioning of the car.

1985 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.

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 is most reliable?

Here are the most reliable selections for the Jetta:

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

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.

How much horsepower does a 1985 Volkswagen Jetta have?

Engines

ModelYearsPower
Petrol engines without catalytic converter
1.81985–198766 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) at 5200 rpm
1.8 GT1984–198782 kW (112 PS; 110 hp) at 5500 rpm
1.8 GT1987–199182 kW (112 PS; 110 hp) at 5400 rpm

1985 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:

  • Power train problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems

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

1985 Volkswagen Jetta complaints

The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Volkswagen Jetta.

2002-06-24

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WVWGG0167FW
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: YOU CANNOT TELL IF THE CAR IS IN FIRST GEAR OR REVERSE. THIS IS EXTREEMLY DANGEROUS.*AK
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2002-01-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-01-07
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CONSUMER PUT ONE AND HALF QUARTS OF OIL INSIDE OF ENGINE, AND FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER, VEHICLE STARTED MAKING KNOCKING NOISE. HE HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS HOUSE AND CHANGED THE OIL . *AK
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2000-06-09

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-05-01
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS JUST MY CLUTCH CABLE NEEDING REPLACED BUT IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE PEDALS WELD POINT. THE ODOMETER HAS NEVER WORKED SINCE I'VE OWNED THE CAR BUT NO ONE CAN TELL WHY IT DOESN'T WORK. NO GEARS ARE STICKING AND THE SPEEDOMETER WORKS FINE. QUESTION, I REPLACED THE HEATER CORE AND HAD THE FUEL PUMP PROBLEM ALSO; HOW CAN I GET REIMBERSED FOR THESE RECALLS ?
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1998-08-18

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-08-16
  • VIN: WVWGA016XSW
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKE LINE RUSTED THROUGH AND SPRUNG A LEAK, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID, CAUSING TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. THE DEALER ANS MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. AK
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1998-03-31

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WVWCAO162FW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ALTERNATOR/STARTER FAILED.
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1998-03-31

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WVWCAO162FW
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: BELTS FAILED.
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1998-03-31

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WVWCAO162FW
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CLUTCH COIL FAILED.
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1997-09-17

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-08-10
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKES FAILED CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
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1996-06-10

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-06-10
  • VIN: 3VWRC81H5FM
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: FRONT BRAKES MAKE A GRINDING NOISE. APPEARS TO BE EXCESSIVE BRAKE WEAR. *AK
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1996-06-10

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-06-10
  • VIN: 3VWRC81H5FM
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: SHAKE IN FRONT-END CONTINUAL NOISE DURING SHARP TURNS. *AK
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1995-08-16

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: ALL THE DOOR HANDLES OUTSIDE STICK . TT
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1995-06-16

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-06-16
  • VIN: WVWGA0165FW
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CLUTCH CABLE FAILED TWICE. *AK
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1995-02-28

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-28
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BOLTS SHEARED OFF SEAT STRUCTION AND FLOOR DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING DRIVER TO BE THROWN FORWARD AND BACK, RESULTING IN INJURY. SKD
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1995-02-28

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-28
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FORCED DRIVER BACKWARDS AGAINST SEAT DURING ABOVE ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURY.
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1995-02-28

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-28
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEAT BELT CAUSED SEPARATION OF STERNUM AND NERVE DAMAGE TO LEG DURING ACCIDENT. *AW
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1995-02-28

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: SEAT BOLTS SHEARED OFF DURNG ACCIDENT.
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1995-01-23

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-03-23
  • VIN: WVWGA0167FW
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: HEATER CORE RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED, NO REASON GIVEN (92V-050). *AK
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1985 Volkswagen Jetta recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1985 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.
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.
1984-11-14
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: THE CLIP LOCATED ABOVE THE EXHAUST PIPE WHERE IT ENTERS THE PRE-MUFFLER MAY MELT FROM EXCESSIVE HEAT CAUSED BY ENGINE IDLING.
  • Remedy: THE DEALER HAS INITIATED A TWO STEP CORRECTIVE PROCEDURE: THE FIRST STEP CONSISTS OF IMMEDIATE REMOVAL OF THE PLASTIC CLIP ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. STEP TWO INVOLVES REPLACEMENT OF THE PLASTIC CLIP WITH A METAL ONE WHEN PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.
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Other years of Volkswagen Jetta

volkswagen jetta 1986 photo
Jetta 1986
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volkswagen jetta 1987 photo
Jetta 1987
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volkswagen jetta 1988 photo
Jetta 1988
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volkswagen jetta 1989 photo
Jetta 1989
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volkswagen jetta 1990 photo
Jetta 1990
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volkswagen jetta 1991 photo
Jetta 1991
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1985 Volkswagen Jetta photo