1985 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.
Social links
Common 1985 Volkswagen Rabbit problems
The Volkswagen Rabbit, produced in 1985, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. One major issue is related to the brakes, with a total of 18 recalls issued for this specific problem. This issue can lead to serious safety concerns, as the braking system is crucial for the safe operation of the vehicle.
Another common problem is with the fuel system, with a total of 13 recalls issued for this issue. This can lead to various problems, including fuel leaks, engine performance issues, and even the risk of fire.
The structure of the vehicle has also been a concern for many owners, with a total of 8 recalls issued for this problem. This can lead to issues such as poor vehicle handling, reduced safety in the event of a collision, and decreased durability of the vehicle.
Equipment-related issues have also been reported, with a total of 7 recalls issued for this problem. This can include problems with the vehicle's electrical systems, lighting, and other components.
Electrical issues have been a problem for some Rabbit owners, with a total of 5 recalls issued for this problem. This can lead to various problems, including issues with the vehicle's lighting, electrical systems, and other components.
Steering issues have also been reported, with a total of 3 recalls issued for this problem. This can lead to difficulties in controlling the vehicle, particularly at low speeds or when parking.
Lighting issues have been a concern for some Rabbit owners, with a total of 3 recalls issued for this problem. This can lead to reduced visibility while driving, particularly at night or in low-light conditions.
Seat-related issues have also been reported, with a total of 1 recall issued for this problem. This can lead to discomfort for the vehicle's occupants, as well as potential safety concerns in the event of a collision.
It is important to note that while these issues have been reported, not all Rabbit owners will experience these problems. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and consider the costs of any necessary repairs or maintenance when considering the purchase of a 1985 Volkswagen Rabbit.
How many miles will a VW Rabbit last?
No major mechanical failures. You should easily get 162,000 miles out of a Rabbit, and the body will hold up much better than your '95 Taurus.
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 per gallon did a 1980 VW Rabbit get?
32 mpg
The gasoline-engined Rabbit Pickup got a claimed 32 mpg on the highway (real-world mileage was always lower), while the diesel version had a 39 mpg rating. Of course, the gas engine made 62 hp, and the oil-burner wheezed out 48 hp (and I can say from personal experience that these things were slow).
What is the top speed of the VW Rabbit?
The Infinity ECU-tuned #2111 White Goose Bar VW Rabbit Pickup set a land speed record at this year's Speed Week, achieving an incredible 189.7 mph in the F/BMMP class, beating the existing record of 175.567 mph.
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.
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.
Is the VW 1.6 diesel reliable?
On the downside, the 1.6 TDI engine does have some common problems that have been reported by owners, such as diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging, turbocharger failure, injector problems, and oil leaks. It's important to keep up with regular maintenance and oil changes to help prevent these issues.
What was the gas mileage on a Volkswagen Rabbit in 1980?
32 mpg
The gasoline-engined Rabbit Pickup got a claimed 32 mpg on the highway (real-world mileage was always lower), while the diesel version had a 39 mpg rating. Of course, the gas engine made 62 hp, and the oil-burner wheezed out 48 hp (and I can say from personal experience that these things were slow).
1985 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Volkswagen Rabbit vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Volkswagen Rabbit complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Volkswagen Rabbit.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-24
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- VIN: WVWGA0161FW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLED IN ROADWAY, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURIES. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT)
1985 Volkswagen Rabbit recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1985 Volkswagen Rabbit.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS MAY NOT PROPERLY LOCK DURING SUDDEN HEAVY BRAKE APPLICATION OR IMPACT DUE TO THE INTERFERENCE OF TWO POSITIONING TABS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETAIN THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SUBJECTING THEM TO POSSIBLE INJURY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT BELTS AND MODIFY THE RETRACTOR POSITIONING TABS.
Other years of Volkswagen Rabbit
Are you having problems with your 1985 Volkswagen Rabbit?
Leave your review of 1985 Volkswagen Rabbit