1986 Volkswagen Golf Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 31%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the fuel system of the 1986 Volkswagen Golf, 31% of the 13 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 3 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 sitting with vehicle running fuel pump operated erratically. Took vehicle to mechanic and they replaced fuel filter. Consumer stated if sitting too long at a light vehicle will stall and shut off.”
NHTSA complaint #890465, filed 2001-06“Gas tank leaks as it nears the 10 gallon point and it appears to come from on top of the tank assembly near the point where the filler tube and tank were molded together dealer says there is no recall.”
NHTSA complaint #706515, filed 1999-05Related 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
- 86V149000Nov 7, 1986More fuel than permitted by fmvss 301 may escape from the fuel tank assembly. Consequence of defect: cars are not in compliance with fmvss 301.Covers: Volkswagen Golf 1986, GTI 1986
- 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 1986 Volkswagen Golf
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1986 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