1985 Volkswagen Golf Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 20%of 10 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the fuel system of the 1985 Volkswagen Golf, 20% of the 10 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving vehicle about 40 MPH, heard a loud noise; pulled over & stopped, turned vehicle off & got out to look; suddenly within a few seconds, the vehicle exploded & started to burn near fuel tank area; police officer came & made out a report; the insurance co. Has vehicle now.”
NHTSA complaint #812611, filed 1997-05Related recalls
- 87V053000Apr 14, 1987Fuel pump, located inside fuel tank, could seize during high ambient temperatures because of an extreme fine mesh fuel filter restricting the fuel flow.Covers: Volkswagen Golf 1985–1987, Jetta 1985–1987, Cabriolet 1985–1987 +1 more
- 86V029000Feb 20, 1986More fuel than permitted by fmvss 301 may escape from the fuel tank assembly under the test conditions described in the standard. Consequence of defect: if…Covers: Volkswagen Golf 1985–1986, GTI 1985–1986
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 9% |
| 2020 | 1 | 17% |
| 2019 | 7 | 11% |
| 2018 | 10 | 34% |
| 2017 | 56 | 48% |
| 2016 | 32 | 38% |
| 2015 | 22 | 17% |
| 2014 | 2 | 17% |
| 2013 | 14 | 33% |
| 2012 | 14 | 29% |
| 2011 | 48 | 44% |
| 2010 | 32 | 46% |
| 2006 | 1 | 8% |
| 2005 | 5 | 26% |
| 2004 | 7 | 25% |
| 2003 | 1 | 4% |
| 2002 | 3 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 3% |
| 2000 | 7 | 8% |
| 1999 | 12 | 19% |
| 1995 | 2 | 5% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1993 | 1 | 14% |
| 1992 | 2 | 33% |
| 1991 | 1 | 13% |
| 1986 | 4 | 31% |
| 1985 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1985 Volkswagen Golf
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1985 Volkswagen Golf
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology