1987 Volkswagen Jetta problems
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."
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Common 1987 Volkswagen Jetta problems
The Volkswagen Jetta, particularly the 1987 model, has been known for various issues that affect its performance and reliability. Here are some of the common problems based on complaints from owners of this car:
- High Mileage Automatic Transmission Shifting Problems: The automatic transmission of the 1987 Volkswagen Jetta may experience shifting problems, particularly at high mileage. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out transmission fluid, a faulty transmission control module, or a malfunctioning solenoid.
- Dirty Injectors: The 1987 Volkswagen Jetta may have dirty injectors, which can cause the engine to run poorly or stall, especially during idle. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including infrequent fuel filter changes, a lack of fuel system maintenance, or the use of low-quality fuel.
- Fuel Injector Line Cracks: The 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta models with the 2.0L TDI engine may experience fuel injector line cracks, which can cause fuel leaks. This issue is caused by a resonance condition with the number 2 fuel injector line and the fuel injector pulses, which can cause small cracks in the line.
These are just a few of the common problems that owners of the 1987 Volkswagen Jetta have reported. It's important to note that not all cars of this model will experience these issues, and many can be resolved with regular maintenance and repairs. However, it's essential to be aware of these problems and to address them promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.
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.
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.
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.
1987 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:
- Visibility problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Volkswagen Jetta vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Volkswagen Jetta complaints
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Volkswagen Jetta.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WVWGA9161HW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OXYGEN SENSOR NEEDED ON A 5-SPEED JETTA WITH GASOLINE ENGINE.-----DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS-------769740. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-01
- VIN: WVWGB0167HW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL PUMP INSIDE OF GAS TANK GETS HOT IT AND QUITS. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED RECALL ON FUEL PUMP PROBLEM AND REPAIR WAS DONE. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WVWGA0164HW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE CONSUMER WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND TIRED TO STEP ON GAS TO GO, RADIATOR EXPLODED, AND THROUGH RADIATOR WATER ENTERED INTO VEHICLE BURNING PASSENGER, AND FLOODING VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE IT WAS NOT PART OF RECALL NUMBER 92V050000.*AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THE HEATER CORE EXPLODED WHILE SITTING IN A DRIVE-THRU, ANTIFREEZE LEAKED THROUGH THE VENTS AND RADIO COMPARTMENT ONTO THE FLOOR WITH PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE, ONE PERSON WAS BURNT WITH RADIATOR FLUID, RADIO SHORTED. *SLC
STEERING,SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WVWCB0165HW
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH, LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE, WHEEL CAME OFF, TIE ROD SNAPPED IN HALF, VEHICLE ROLLED 3 OR 4 TIMES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-30
- VIN: WVWGA0165HW
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS FREQUENTLY STICK, AND EVENTUALLY BREAK, ESPECIALLY WHEN EXPOSED TO COLD WEATHER. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET INTO THE CAR FROM THE OUTSIDE, THOUGH THE INTERIOR MECHANISMS FOR THE DOOR LATCHES USUALLY WORK WELL.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-06
- VIN: WVWGB0169HW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: POWER WENT OFF/ LIGHTS/ENGINE FAILED AT 65 MPH ON HWY FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS. THEN CAME BACK ON AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED. NEVER DID IT SINCE. NOT SURE WHAT FAILED, BUT IT WAS SCARY. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-11
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE BACKING UP THE VEHICLE ON A HILL AREA THE LOWER CONTROL ARM CRACKED AT ONE POINT, CAUSING THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL TO MOVE AROUND FREELY. VOLKSWAGEN DOES NOT HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS INCIDENT. THE OWNER CORRECTED THE PROBLEM HIMSELF. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WVWGA016XHW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE PEDAL GOES MOST OF THE WAY DOWN AND THE VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP UNTIL IT IS PRESSED FOR THE SECOND TIME. MECHANIC SAID NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-05
- VIN: VVWGA9168HW
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: DRIVING 25MPH VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 45MPH APPLIED THE BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. IN ORDER TO STOP, THE GEARS WERE SWITCHED SEVERAL TIMES AND THEN TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBACK BROKE, CAUSING THE SEAT TO FALL BACKWARDS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-03
- VIN: WVWGA0167HW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BRACKET HOLDING ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TOGETHER BROKE, DUE TO BEING MADE OF ALUMINUM, CAUSING FAILURE OF VEHICLES FINAL DRIVE. *DSH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-19
- VIN: WVWGA0161HW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE FUEL SYSTEM HAS A VAPOR FORMING WHICH HAPPENS IN HOT WEATHER OR HEAVY TRAFFIC AND CAUSES THE CAR TO SHUT OFF. TT CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 87V053 REGARDING A FAULTY FUEL PUMP, OVER THE YEARS AFTER REPAIR, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HESITATION AND STALLING IN HOT CONDITIONS OR HEAVY TRAFFIC, CONSUMER STATES PRIOR TO HESITATION OR STALLING, FUEL PUMP WOULD MAKE A HUMMING NOISE. *SLC
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-29
- VIN: WVWGB016XHW
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD HAS BECOME PITTED, CAUSING DIFFICULTY TO SEE THE ROAD. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SHOULDER BELT WILL STICK IN COLD WEATHER. DRIVER STATES MUST RIDE WITHOUT BELT UNTIL VEHICLE WARMS. TT
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-09-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE BURST, CAUSING INJURY. *TW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-02
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WVWGA016XHW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL FIRE, ORIGINATING AT FUSE BOX AND PRECEDED BY A CLICKING NOISE. *TW
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-04-05
- VIN: WVWGB0161HW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGERS SEATBELT LOCKS UP IN ITS POSITION, SOMETIMES IT WILL NOT PULL OUT SO THAT PASSENGER CANNOT SLIP IT ON, ALSO WHEN LOCKED, IT RESTRICTS MOVEMENT. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-19
- VIN: WVWGB0165HW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL PUMP FAILED AFTER RECALL REPAIRS (87V-053). *SKD
1987 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1987 Volkswagen Jetta.
- 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: 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Consequence: PROLONGED CHAFING COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE A LEAKING BRAKELINE RESULTING IN DIMINISHED BRAKING IN ONE BRAKE CIRCUIT WHICH WOULD INCREASETHE STOPPING DISTANCES AND RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: CURVE OR REPLACE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE.
- 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.
Other years of Volkswagen Jetta
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