1986 Volkswagen Jetta Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 21%of 14 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,869miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the visibility of the 1986 Volkswagen Jetta, 21% of the 14 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,869 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is 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.
“The contact owns a 1986 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact was driving 60 MPH when he noticed antifreeze abnormally leaking onto her foot. As a result, the contact sustained burns to her foot and the vehicle was towed to a local repair facility. The mechanic advised that the heater core had fractured and caused the anti-freeze to leak onto the contact. The contact did not call the manufacturer regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 97,869.”
NHTSA complaint #10357943, filed 2010-09, 97,869 miles“Consumer received a recall notice on the heater core. The dealer had to remove the air duct seals. The mechanic informed the owner that the seals needed to be replaced . Dealer had to remove seals in order to repair the recall. Dealer will not replace the seals unless the owner pays for them.”
NHTSA complaint #816957, filed 1997-10Related recalls
- 92V050000Apr 14, 1992The end cap connecting the heat exchanger's core to the engine cooling system could rupture and allow hot coolant to escape into the passenger compartment.Covers: Volkswagen Jetta 1985–1990, GTI 1985–1990, Golf 1985–1990
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 9% |
| 2024 | 4 | 9% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 4 | 6% |
| 2020 | 2 | 4% |
| 2019 | 26 | 5% |
| 2017 | 5 | 3% |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 2% |
| 2014 | 8 | 2% |
| 2013 | 13 | 3% |
| 2012 | 24 | 5% |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 | 14 | 2% |
| 2009 | 10 | 1% |
| 2008 | 8 | 4% |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% |
| 2006 | 24 | 4% |
| 2005 | 7 | 3% |
| 2004 | 11 | 5% |
| 2003 | 21 | 5% |
| 2002 | 45 | 6% |
| 2001 | 71 | 11% |
| 2000 | 77 | 18% |
| 1999 | 81 | 23% |
| 1998 | 42 | 22% |
| 1997 | 16 | 30% |
| 1996 | 13 | 42% |
| 1995 | 26 | 12% |
| 1994 | 15 | 13% |
| 1993 | 4 | 24% |
| 1992 | 3 | 10% |
| 1991 | 7 | 23% |
| 1990 | 4 | 18% |
| 1989 | 6 | 21% |
| 1988 | 2 | 11% |
| 1987 | 4 | 22% |
| 1986 | 3 | 21% |
| 1985 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1986 Volkswagen Jetta
5 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1986 Volkswagen Jetta
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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