1988 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 1988 Volkswagen Jetta problems
The Volkswagen Jetta, first introduced in 1980, has been a popular choice among car buyers for its sporty design and performance. However, the 1988 Volkswagen Jetta has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners.
One of the most common issues reported is engine problems, with several complaints about the head gasket blowing, CV joints failing, and the exhaust completely falling off. These problems can be costly and time-consuming to fix, with some owners reporting that they had to replace the head gasket and CV joints multiple times. The oil leak is another common problem, with some owners reporting that they noticed the leak only after purchasing the car.
The transmission is another problematic area, with some owners reporting that the car downshifts roughly, indicating a potential issue with the transmission or clutch. Cooling problems are also common, with some owners reporting that their car has cooling problems galore, which can lead to overheating and potential engine damage.
Electrical problems are also common, with some owners reporting that all electrical systems shorted out at a certain mileage. This can be a significant issue, as it can affect various car functions, including the lights, radio, and power windows.
Interior quality is one area where the 1988 Volkswagen Jetta shines, with some owners reporting that the interior is still in perfect shape, clean, and looking new. However, this is not enough to compensate for the numerous mechanical and electrical problems reported by owners.
In summary, the 1988 Volkswagen Jetta has several common problems, including engine, transmission, cooling, and electrical issues. While the interior quality is generally praised, the car's reliability and durability are questionable, with some owners reporting that they had to spend a significant amount of money and time on repairs. Therefore, potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when making a purchasing decision.
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?
2014 Volkswagen Jetta
This model received high ratings for safety, reliability, and fuel efficiency. It also has a spacious interior and a smooth ride. The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan known for its reliable performance and comfortable ride.
Are Jettas expensive to repair?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Volkswagen Jetta is $609, compared to an average of $526 for compact cars and $652 for all vehicle models.
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?
In addition to electrical issues, the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta has been associated with reported transmission problems. Some owners have encountered difficulties such as rough shifting and premature transmission failure.
Are Jettas high maintenance?
The 2021 Jetta ranks for lowest cost of maintenance compared to other compact sedans. The 2021 Passat and Arteon have lower maintenance costs than similar midsize sedans by Toyota, Honda, or Hyundai. The 2021 Atlas Cross Sport has the lowest maintenance costs of the midsize SUV category.
1988 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Volkswagen Jetta vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Volkswagen Jetta complaints
The NHTSA has received 24 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Volkswagen Jetta.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE FROM THE HOOD. CONSUMER LOOKED UNDER HOOD, AND VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. ALSO DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED WITHOUT FRONT LAP BELTS . VOLKSWAGEN SAYS THAT THE CAR MEETS ALL STANDARDS. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WVWFA9164JW
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: LEFT REAR DOOR LATCH STICKS, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN DOOR FROM INSIDE OR OUT.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1VWFB9160JV
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES REPLACED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-01
- VIN: 1VWFB9160JV
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: REPLACED FUEL LINE.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-05
- VIN: WVWFA9165JW
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: BRIDGESTONE TIRE SIDEWALL IS CRACKING.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-01
- VIN: WVWFA9168JW
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: GAS PEDAL STICKS IN COLD WEATHER, CAUSING SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *DH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- VIN: WVWFB9164JW
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: DRIVER EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: INSIDE/OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES HAVE BROKEN OFF. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WVWFB9168JW
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE ONWER WENT TO GET INTO HIS CAR AND THE TRIGGER BROKE IN THE DOOR HANDLE SO THE OWNER WAS UNABLE TO GET IN HIS CAR. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-24
- VIN: WVWAA0169JW
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING SMOKE CAME THRU VENT AND STEAMED UP ALL WINDOWS RADIATOR COOLANT CAME INSIDE THE CAR. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-24
- VIN: WVWAA0169JW
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING SMOKE CAME THRU VENT AND STEAMED UP ALL WINDOWS RADIATOR COOLANT CAME INSIDE THE CAR. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-22
- Fire: 1
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: EXPERIENCED FIRE IN TRUCK FROM LIGHT BULB THAT MALFUNCTIONED. TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-07
- VIN: WDWRD11G4KW
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DRIVERS DOOR AND THE TWO REAR DOORS ARE BROKEN VEHICLE ONLY SIX YEARS OLD VOLKSWAGEN ONLY OFFERS TO PAY 50% WHICH IS FELT TO BE UNFAIR. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-02-01
- VIN: 1VWF89168JV
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE LAP BELTS IN DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE, MANUFACTURER DOES NOT SUPPLY. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-03
- VIN: WVWEA0163JW
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE WENT INTO OPEN THROTTLE POSITION SPEED 90 MPH, TO STOP APPLIED REAL HARD. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-03
- VIN: WVWEA0163JW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: VEHICLE WENT INTO OPEN THROTTLE POSITION SPEED 90 MPH, TO STOP APPLIED REAL HARD. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1BWFB9162JV
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: #93V129000 RECEIVE RECALL PICK UP CAR FROM DEALER WAS DRIVING HOME TRY TO STOP THERE WAS NO BRAKE CONSUMER HIT A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE. TT
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-19
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE MALFUNCTIONED PRIOR TO RECALL. (92V-050) (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *AW
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-13
- VIN: 1VWB9165JV0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SKD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-18
- VIN: 1VWFB9164JV
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SHOULDER BELTS DO NOT LOCK PROPERLY WHEN PANIC STOPPING.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-18
- VIN: 1VWFB9164JV
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESIGNED WITHOUT FRONT LAP BELTS. *SKD
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-01
- VIN: WVWFB9169JW
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: REAR DOOR LOCKED UP, COULD NOT OPEN DOOR FROM INSIDE OR OUT. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-14
- VIN: 1VWFB9163JV
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: NO FRONT SEAT LAP BELTS. *AK
1988 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the 1988 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: 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.
- 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: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
- Summary: BRAKE BOOSTERS HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED WITH THE TWO HALVES OF THE BOOSTER UNIT INSUFFICIENTLY CONNECTED.
- Consequence: BRAKE BOOSTER HALVES COULD SEPARATE UNDER HEAVY BRAKEAPPLICATION AND BRAKING POWER WOULD SUDDENLY DIMINISH WHICH COULD RESULT IN ANACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE BRAKE BOOSTERS AS NECESSARY.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT RETRACTOR PAWL MAY NOT MEET HARDENING SPECIFICATIONS CONTAINED IN VOLKSWAGENS DESIGN STANDARD.
- Consequence: VEHICLES DO NOT MEET VOLKSWAGENS DESIGN STANDARD.
- Remedy: REPLACE FRONT PASSIVE RESTRAINT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY AS NECESSARY.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY NOT BE MARKED WITH LETTERS RES TO IDENTIFY THE RESUME FUNCTION AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 101.
- Consequence: VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 101.
- Remedy: REPLACE PART OF CRUISE SWITCH PORTION.
Other years of Volkswagen Jetta
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