1981 Volkswagen Rabbit problems
The Volkswagen Golf Mk1 is the first generation of a small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen. It was noteworthy for signalling Volkswagen's shift of its major car lines from rear-wheel drive and rear-mounted air-cooled engines to front-wheel drive with front-mounted, water-cooled engines that were often transversely-mounted.
Successor to Volkswagen's Beetle, the first generation Golf debuted in Europe in May 1974 with styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign.
History
Replacing the Beetle; early efforts
Volkswagen began producing prototypes of possible Beetle replacements as far back as the early 1950s, and may have received design proposals from Porsche earlier than that. All of the internal projects' names started with "EA", standing for "Entwicklungsauftrag" and meaning "Development assignment". This work began during the tenure of Heinz Nordhoff, who was Director General of Volkswagen from 1948 to 1968.
In 1952 the company built the EA41 in collaboration with Pininfarina. Essentially a rebodied Beetle, it never went into production.
The first EA47 prototype appeared in 1953; at least 11 more EA47 variations were built over the next three years.
By the mid- to late-1950s, questions about the future of the Beetle began to be asked from outside the company. In 1957, an article with the title "Is the Volkswagen dated?" appeared in the West German magazine Stern. Two years later, a similar headline was used in an article in Der Spiegel weekly news.: 236
In 1958 Porsche began a project numbered 728 for a revised Beetle. A few years later this became the Volkswagen EA53. This project continued for a number of years and produced several prototypes, with early ones having bodywork designed by Porsche and later ones styled by Ghia. The EA53 eventually led to the Type 3 model.: 92
In 1957 another design study, the EA97, was started. This exercise was larger than the Beetle, but kept the usual rear-mounted powertrain. Two hundred instances of this design were built. Styling varied, depending on whether a particular car's bodywork was done by VW or by Ghia. Some cars’ looks echo the later Type 3 cars, although the EA97 was smaller. The last EA97 was built in 1960. The EA97 would provide the basis for the Brasília model from Volkswagen do Brasil.: 158
The EA158 was a Beetle-successor project that started in 1962 with a unibody study by Pininfarina. As the project progressed the car grew in size and weight. Eventually it was rejected as a Beetle replacement, but served as the foundation of the subsequent Volkswagen Type 4 model.
In 1967 another set of prototypes for possible Beetle replacements appeared in the form of the EA235 and EA235a.
In 1968 the last internal prototype for a Beetle replacement built under Nordhoff's direction appeared. This car, designated EA276, was a small three-door hatchback with front-wheel drive using a front-mounted Volkswagen air-cooled engine. The EA276 program was cancelled after the death of Nordhoff, but did find new life as the inspiration for the Brazilian Gol.
During Nordhoff's time VW did broaden its product line with the launch of the Volkswagen Type 3 in 1961 and the Volkswagen Type 4 in 1968. In 1964 the company acquired control of the Auto Union group from Daimler-Benz and with it the technologies of the constituent companies of DKW, Horch, Audi and Wanderer.
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Common 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit problems
The Volkswagen Rabbit, produced in 1981, is known for a few common problems that owners have reported. These issues can affect the car's performance, safety, and overall satisfaction for the driver. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems:
- Clutch replacement: Volkswagen Rabbit clutch replacement can be costly, with an average estimate of $1,761 to $2,046. This is a significant repair that may be required due to wear and tear or other issues with the clutch system.
- Mass airflow sensor replacement: The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and helps determine the correct fuel mixture. Replacing this sensor in a Volkswagen Rabbit can cost between $273 and $363.
- Engine oil cooler replacement: The engine oil cooler helps maintain the engine's temperature, and replacing it in a Volkswagen Rabbit can cost between $1,085 and $1,156. This is a more expensive repair, but it is necessary to maintain the engine's performance and longevity.
- Powertrain control module replacement: The powertrain control module is the car's main computer, which controls various engine and transmission functions. Replacing this module in a Volkswagen Rabbit can cost between $1,920 and $1,957. This is a significant repair that may be required due to electrical issues or other problems with the powertrain.
- Spark plug replacement: Spark plugs are crucial for the engine's ignition system, and replacing them in a Volkswagen Rabbit can cost between $156 and $226. This is a relatively common repair that should be done regularly to maintain the engine's performance and fuel efficiency.
- Valve cover gasket replacement: The valve cover gasket seals the valve cover to the engine block, preventing oil leaks. Replacing this gasket in a Volkswagen Rabbit can cost between $256 and $356. This is a necessary repair to prevent oil leaks and maintain the engine's performance.
- Brake system inspection: Regular brake system inspections are essential for the car's safety. The cost of a brake system inspection for a Volkswagen Rabbit is between $101 and $128.
- Wheel hub assembly replacement: The wheel hub assembly is responsible for connecting the wheel to the car's suspension system. Replacing this assembly in a Volkswagen Rabbit can cost between $298 and $657. This is a necessary repair to maintain the car's handling and safety.
- Power seat switch replacement: The power seat switch controls the car's power seats, and replacing it in a Volkswagen Rabbit can cost between $270 and $283. This is a relatively minor repair, but it can affect the car's comfort and convenience.
- Vehicle speed sensor replacement: The vehicle speed sensor measures the car's speed and sends this information to the car's computer. Replacing this sensor in a Volkswagen Rabbit can cost between $416 and $432. This is a necessary repair to maintain the car's speedometer and other functions.
In addition to these common problems, Volkswagen Rabbit owners have reported issues with the car's fuel system, brakes, electrical system, steering, lighting, and seats. These issues can affect the car's performance, safety, and overall satisfaction for the driver. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent some of these problems, but others may require significant repairs or replacements.
How much is a 1981 VW Rabbit worth?
The average 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit costs about $17,444.00. The average price has decreased by -30.2% since last year. The 1 for sale on CarGurus range from $19,988 to $19,988 in price.
What is the gas mileage on a 1981 VW Rabbit?
1981 Volkswagen Rabbit MPG
Based on data from 25 vehicles, 766 fuel-ups and 220,719 miles of driving, the 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit gets a combined Avg MPG of 40.40 with a 0.93 MPG margin of error.
What happened to the VW Rabbit?
Is Volkswagen planning an electric Rabbit for the US? Although the Rabbit made its US return in 2006, it was discontinued again in 2009. The agile compact car is only available as a special edition of the Golf. However, don't count it out too soon, as it may be making its return in the electric era.
How many miles will a VW Rabbit last?
Most Volkswagen vehicles will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, although well-kept models can last even longer than that. All VWs are remarkably reliable vehicles.
1981 Volkswagen Rabbit car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Rabbit problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Volkswagen Rabbit complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1VWCD9172BV
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT AND SEAT BELTS DID NOT HOLD. DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERAL INJURIES. *AK
1981 Volkswagen Rabbit recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
- 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: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
- Summary: A LOCK NUT WHICH SECURES THE TIE ROD TO THE INNER BALL JOINT OF THE STEERING SYSTEM MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SECURELY FASTENED ON SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DURING ASSEMBLY. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ALONG POOR ROADS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE TIE ROD COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING ASSEMBLY.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL CHECK THE LOCK NUT FOR ADEQUATE TIGHTNESS, CORRECTING WHERE NECESSARY.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE LEFT AND RIGHT OUTER TIE ROD ENDS OF THE STEERING SYSTEM MAY HAVE CIRCUMFERENTIAL CRACKS DUE TO AN IMPROPER MACHINE SET-UP IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS.
- Remedy: THE TIE ROD ENDS WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
- Summary: ON SOME VEHICLES, THE PRESSURE COULD INCREASE INSIDE THE FUEL TANK FROM HIGH SURROUNDING TEMPERATURES WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS MORE THAN HALF FULL.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A RESTRICTOR VALVE INTO THE FUEL FILLER PIPE, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Other years of Volkswagen Rabbit
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