1991 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."

1991 Volkswagen Jetta

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Common 1991 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Common Problems with the Volkswagen Jetta 1991

The Volkswagen Jetta 1991 has been known to have several issues, mostly related to engine problems, as reported by owners of this car. The following are the most common problems and their details.

  • Engine Problems: The 1991 Volkswagen Jetta ranks 12th out of 46 generations in reliability, with 10 complaints, mostly about engine problems.
  • Starter Motor Failure: The starter motor has been known to fail in the 1987 Jetta, with one complaint. This issue can cause the car to fail to start, and it may require a replacement of the starter motor.
  • Broken Axle: The axle has been reported to break in the 1991 Jetta, with one complaint. This issue can cause the car to be undrivable and may require a replacement of the axle.
  • Electrical Problems: The 1991 Volkswagen Jetta has also been known to have electrical problems, with two complaints. These issues can range from the car not starting to the electrical system failing while driving.
  • HVAC Problems: The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system has been reported to have issues in the 1991 Jetta, with one complaint. These issues can cause the car to be uncomfortable to drive in extreme temperatures.
  • Drivetrain Problems: The drivetrain has been reported to have issues in the 1991 Jetta, with one complaint. These issues can cause the car to be difficult to drive or fail to move.
  • Cooling System Problems: The cooling system has been reported to have issues in the 1991 Jetta, with one complaint. These issues can cause the car to overheat, which can cause damage to the engine.

In summary, the Volkswagen Jetta 1991 has several common problems, mostly related to engine issues. These issues can cause the car to fail to start, break down, or be uncomfortable to drive. It is essential to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage to the car.

1991 Volkswagen Jetta engine

Is the 1991 Jetta reliable?

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.

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 engine is in a 1991 Jetta?

Used 1991 Volkswagen Jetta GL - Specs & Features

Engine
Base engine size1.8 L
CylindersInline 4
Base engine typeGas
Horsepower100 hp @ 5,400 rpm

Is the 1991 Jetta reliable?

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.

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 engine is in a 1991 Jetta?

Used 1991 Volkswagen Jetta GL - Specs & Features

Engine
Base engine size1.8 L
CylindersInline 4
Base engine typeGas
Horsepower100 hp @ 5,400 rpm

Are VW Jettas reliable cars?

Those behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Jetta should anticipate taking it in for unexpected fixes an average of . 3 times a year, right up with the average for other compact vehicles on the market. Overall, the Jetta is decent in reliability depending on the year you purchase for your next drive.

1991 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
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Volkswagen Jetta vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1991 Volkswagen Jetta

The NHTSA has received 33 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1991 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles.

2017-06-06

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-05-23
  • VIN: WVWRK21G2MW
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: ACCELERATOR CABLE DISCONNECTED FROM THE GAS PEDAL WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH ON CITY STREET. PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD AS CAR DIED. DANGEROUS SITUATION!
2017-05-23

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-05-22
  • VIN: WVWRK21GMW2
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INDEPENDENTLY DISCONNECTED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RECONNECT THE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 07/18/17*LJ *CN
2013-02-25

TIRES,WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-02-11
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: NA
  • Components: TIRES,WHEELS
  • Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON HW 87 IN SAN JOSE CA. I WAS IN THE CENTER LANE WHEN THE LEFT REAR TIRE SEPARATED. A PIECE OF THE TIRE TREAD THAT HAD SEPARATED HIT THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE AND JAMMED THE LEFT REAR PARKING BRAKE ON. THIS CAUSED VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE DID A COMPLETE 180 DEGREE TURN, CROSSING THE OVER THE RIGHT LANE AND HITTING THE RIGHT ROADSIDE BARRIER. THE TIRE WAS MADE BY GENERAL TIRE 175/70/13 AND HAD ABOUT 75% OF THE TREAD LEFT. *TR ## VIN FAILED ## 81 VW PICKUP ##
2009-02-06

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-11-15
  • VIN: WVWRA21G7MW
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
  • Summary: 1991 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA HEATER CORE FAILURE. COOLANT SMELL AND COOLANT LOSS DRIPPING ON CARPET BY DRIVERS FEET AND FOGS UP WINDSHIELD MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. I HAVE ACCESS TO ALLDATA AUTO REPAIR WEBSITE AND THERE IS A RECALL LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER SAID IT DOESN'T APPLY TO MY CAR. *TR
2008-07-18

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-07-18
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CONTACT HAS HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES, CALIPERS, MASTER CYLINDER, AND BRAKE BOOSTER. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, SHE WOULD HAVE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT BRAKE LINE WAS FAULTY. THE CONTACT IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING OR REPAIRING SOME PARTS OF THE BRAKES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,980.
2007-04-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-01-23
  • VIN: 11111111111
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CAR HAS BEEN SITTING FOR 2 MONTHS IN THE DRIVEWAY. I JUST HAD EVERYTHING TUNED AND BATTERY WORKING BEFORE I PARKED IT. I STARTED IT ONCE IN BETWEEN THAT TIME AND IT WORKED. I WENT OUT THE OTHER DAY AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I KNOW IT'S NOT THE STARTER. IT IS THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM WHERE THE CAR WON'T START UNLESS THE SEAT BELT IS CONNECTED. THE CAR STILL WON'T START SO I AM UPSET. PLEASE MAKE THIS WORK OUT FOR ME. *TR
2006-07-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 1991 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA HAD MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE GENERATOR AND BELT, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *KB THE CONSUMER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM FIXED AT A LOCAL INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND NO MORE PROBLEMS HAVE DEVELOPED. *JB
2005-10-14

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-09-04
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: 3VWRA21G2MM
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE HEATER CORE CONNECTION LINES IN MY JETTA FAILED, AND MY SISTER WAS BURNED MILDLY WHEN THE HOT COOLANT LEAKED DOWN ONTO HER FEET, ABOVE THE GAS PEDAL. THERE IS A RECALL ALREADY FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT MY VEHICLE MANUFACTURE DATE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL ( RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 92V050000 ). THIS RECALL SHOULD BE RE-ISSUED TO INCLUDE ALL 1991 MODELS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED IN 1990, BECAUSE THE DESIGN DID NOT CHANGE AFTER THE LAST MANUFACTURE DATE ALLOWED FOR RECALL. I DO NOT PLAN ON PAYING TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE, IT IS EXPENSIVE, AND I FEEL THAT VW AMERICA IS LIABLE TO FIX THEIR DEFECT. I HAVE TRIED GETTING HELP FROM THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, BUT THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL A NEW OR REVISED RECALL IS ISSUED. PLEASE HELP! MY VEHICLE VIN: [XXX]. *NM UPDATED 07/26/2012 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2003-02-10

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-02-10
  • VIN: WVWTJ21GXMW
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: THE HEATER CORE FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HAVE NO HEAT.*JB AND ANTIFREEZE FUMES ARE SEEPING INTO VEHICLE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE VEHICLE FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME. *TT
2002-11-12

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-11-12
  • VIN: WVWRA21G5MW
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE LACKED A PROTECTIVE SHIELD FOR THE STEERING COMPONENTS WHICH CAUSED THEM TO BECOME WET DURING RAINY WEATHER AND AS A RESULT THE STEERING BECAME IMPAIRED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *MR *NLM
2002-01-25

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-01-08
  • VIN: NOT AVAILAB
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE. HEATER CORE HAD RUPTURED, CAUSING STEAM AND ANTI-FREEZE TO ESCAPE INTO PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT. DEALER CONTACTED. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
2001-06-22

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-05-15
  • VIN: WVWRA21G1MW
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING WINDOWS FOGGED UP AND ANTIFREEZE WAS SPRAYING INTO VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
2001-04-02

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-03-31
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: WVWTE21G0MW
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: COOLANT ESCAPED INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WITHOUT WARNING AND BURNED DRIVER'S FOOT AND LEG. *AK
2000-07-31

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WVWRG21G0MW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: GATES 7280 BELT SPECED FOR APLICATION ALTERNATOR FOR JETTA W/AC BELT TO LONG AND TO LARGE WEARS OUT ALMOST IMEDIATLY AND DERAILES AND HAS DERAILED OTHER BELT WITH IT. IT IS TO LONG AND TO LARGE ITS CORDS ARE VISIBLE ABOVE THE THE DRIVE PULLEY!!!. *AK
2000-07-16

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-07-15
  • VIN: WVWRG21G0MW
  • Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: VW BULLETIN 139202 I LOST ALL MY BELTS ON THE HIGHWAY AND LOST POWER STEERING CAUSE BELTS FLUNG INTO THE V NOTCH OF OTHER BELTS NO INJURIES.NO BELTS WILL LAST ON THIS VEHICLE DUE EITHER TO POOR GEOMETRY OF THE ALTERNATOR BELT OR TO MUCH HOSREPOWER DRAW FROM THE ALTERNATOR. THE ALTERNATOR BELT HAS GONE 10 TIMES IN THE 20000 MILES SINCE PURCHASE.I FELT THIS WAS A NUISANCE PROBLEM UNTIL I LOST MY POWER STEERING AND NOW I FEAR THIS CAR WILL KILL ME. *AK
2000-04-22

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-05-05
  • VIN: WVWMK21G3MW
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: FRONT SHOULDER BELT HOUSING DESIGN DEFECT HAS CAUSED THE BELT TO FRAY. A QUARTER OF THE BLET THICKNESS HAS WORN AWAY THEREBY, DETERIORATING THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SEATBELT RESTRAINT CAPABILITY. *AK
1999-03-02

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-01-19
  • VIN: FILL IN
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: THE FUEL THROTTLE LINKAGE WOULD KEEP POPPING OFF. IT WAS REPLACED AT LEAST 4 DIFFERENT TIMES. EACH TIME IT HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY AND WOULD LAST APPROXIMATELY 3-7 DAYS. *AK
1998-07-16

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-07-14
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: THE END CAP CONNECTING THE HEAT EXCHANGER'S CORE TO ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM RUPTURED, ALLOWING HOT COOLANT TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER'S DEPARTMENT, AS PER RECALL 92V050000. BOTH DRIVERS/PASSENGER'S FEET WERE PLACED IN CONTACT WITH HOT COOLANT.
1998-06-25

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-03-01
  • VIN: WVWRA21G5MW
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING.
1997-12-23

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-03-01
  • VIN: WVWRA21GOMW
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK SYSTEM FAILED.
1997-03-24

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-03-02
  • VIN: WVWTJ21G8MW
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THE REAR PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE FROM THE OUTSIDE DUE TO THE METAL PART INSIDE THE DOOR BEING CRACKED, THEREFORE THE CONSUMER CANNOT OPEN THE DOORS FROM EITHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. *AK
1997-02-20

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-02-18
  • VIN: WVWRA21G1MW
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: THE HEATER CORE SUDDENLY RUPTURED WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH. WITHOUT WARNING, LARGE AMOUNTS OF STEAM CAME OUT OF THE DEFROSTER VENTS. WITHIN SECONDS THE WINDSHIELD AND BOTH SIDE WINDERS WERE COMPLETELY COVERED WITH A THICK FOG OF STEAM AND ANTIFREEZE. VISIBILITY WAS COMPLETELY OBSTRUCTED. RELATED RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS VEHICLE.
1996-10-08

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-08-29
  • VIN: WVWRA2163MW
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHEN GETTING READY TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE THE GAS PEDAL WAS STUCK IN THE UP POSITION.*AK
1996-09-13

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-09-04
  • VIN: 3VWRB2GXMM0
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: FAILURE OF THE REAR WINDSHIELD DEFOGGER, THE DEFOGGER WAS TOO HOT, CAUSING THE REAR WINDSHIELD TO SHATTER. *AK
1996-04-29

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-03-29
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 3VWRA21G1MM
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: LEFT REAR WHEEL FELL OFF DUE TO WHEEL BEARING BEING COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT) *DSH

1991 Volkswagen Jetta recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta.

2009-04-07
  • Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
  • Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
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.
1993-08-02
  • 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.
1992-09-15
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: THE VENTURI TUBE LOCATED IN THE THROTTLE VALVE HOUSING CAN BECOME LOOSE AND FALL AGAINST THE THROTTLE PLATE.
  • Consequence: THE VENTURI TUBE CAN PARTIALLY BLOCK THE THROTTLE PLATEAND PREVENT IT FROM RETURNING TO ITS FULL IDLE POSITION, RESULTING IN UNWANTEDENGINE SPEED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN A FORWARD OR REVERSE GEAR.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE PRESS-FIT VENTURI TUBE WITH A THREAD TYPE TUBE.
1992-04-14
  • 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.
1991-04-15
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
  • Summary: THE LOCK NUT OF THE CRUISE CONTROL ROD FOR THE OPERATING SERVO MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TORQUED DURING MANUFACTURE.
  • Consequence: INADEQUATE TORQUE OF THE LOCK NUT COULD ALLOW THE RODADJUSTMENT TO CHANGE. THIS COULD INCREASE THE ENGINE IDLE SPEED, AND POSSIBLYINCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE WITH A POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: CHECK AND ASSURE PROPER LOCK NUT TORQUE ON THE CRUISE CONTROL ROD.
1990-09-25
  • Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: FRONT BRAKE HOSES OF INSUFFICIENT LENGTH WERE INSTALLED IN SOME VEHICLES. THESE SHORT HOSES COULD STRETCH AND DEVELOP CRACKS.
  • Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, WITH LOSS OFFLUID PRESSURE AND BRAKING ABILITY.
  • Remedy: REPLACE BOTH BRAKE HOSES.

Negative 1991 Volkswagen Jetta car reviews

  1. Willis Franecki 2024-09-17

    I bought this car used and unfortunately, I've had some issues with it. Despite being told that there were no problems, I've had to replace brakes, fuel pressure regulators, and a/c compressors. It requires weekly maintenance and consumes a lot of oil and coolant. While VW's are generally great cars, the 91 Jetta model has not lived up to the standard. I've heard similar complaints from other 91 Jetta owners, so it seems like I'm not alone in this experience.

  2. Lisandro Shields 2024-09-04

    Hi there! I recently purchased this VW from an auction and unfortunately, I've had a few issues with it. After just a couple of days, I noticed that the transmission was leaking fluid and I had to pay $400 to fix a bad seal. Then, just a few days later, the automatic transmission started slipping and making a strange noise. Now, I'm faced with the cost of rebuilding the transmission, which is estimated to be around $1500. It's a shame because the car has only had 81,000 miles and had three owners before me. I'm hoping that these issues are the only ones I'll encounter with this VW.

  3. Arely Hackett 2024-08-18

    I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share with you that I bought this car just a few months ago from a private seller in my neighborhood. It had 145,000 miles on it, but it was in excellent running condition. I'm really happy with my purchase because these cars are built to last! The original engine runs great and has decent get-up in the city, even though it only has 103 horsepower. The two door coupe model has excellent room in the front and back seats, large rear windows, terrific visibility, and an enormous trunk. Overall, I think it's a great car!

  4. Hassan O'Kon 2024-07-27

    This is my second VW and I love it! It has only required normal maintenance. Despite a couple of wrecks, its performance has not been diminished. It gave where it should have and repairs easily. The documentation is great.

  5. Kurt Christiansen 2024-07-08

    Hi guys, I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my Jetta, which happens to be my third vehicle. As a young person, I was surprised by the amount of repair work it needs. Unfortunately, it seems to fall apart on a weekly basis! My father has already put 3 grand into this car, and it's been a bit frustrating. I'm sure he had good intentions, but I wish he had bought me something that doesn't require so much maintenance.

Positive 1991 Volkswagen Jetta car reviews

  1. Fabian Bashirian 2024-11-01

    Everything about this car is great, except it's not built to take my abuse. I'm on my second motor and it runs beautifully. The first one ran great too, until I advanced the timing and threw a rod!

  2. Domingo Grant 2024-09-24

    I love the VWs. They are so fun to drive and this 16V has decent power. I raced a 1.8T Jetta and I held my own. The Jetta still runs like new even at 135,000 miles.

  3. Damon Powlowski 2024-09-20

    When I first bought this car, it needed a bit of attention. I noticed that the driver's side seat belt ignition switch was starting to go bad, so I decided to bypass the system by cutting the wire that goes from the seat belt switch. After connecting the two wires leading away from the switch, I pushed the wires back into the door. Additionally, I replaced the coolant temp. sensor, a few vacuum hoses, one door handle, and the engine knock sensor. I also had to fix a leak in the automatic transmission torque converter seal, which required me to take the transmission out and put a new seal on it. If you're not comfortable with fixing cars yourself, I wouldn't recommend buying one of these.

  4. Raul Roberts 2024-08-02

    I'm so glad to hear that your diesel has been performing well! From what you've shared, it sounds like it's still going strong even after putting on some miles. It's great to hear that you're getting such good gas mileage too, especially on a cross country trip. While you've had a few minor issues, it's impressive that they haven't been too significant given the mileage. I can understand why you love this car - it's affordable to run and insure, and it sounds like it's got some unique features too. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

  5. Reagan Ferry 2024-06-15

    My '91 Jetta has 315,000 miles on it now with no major work done, just one clutch and it is still going strong. I was told when buying a Jetta always buy the German built ones. I'm glad I did. I am considering upgrading to the new wagon, which is also German built. Maybe I'll get lucky twice.

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