1990 Volkswagen Jetta Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 32%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta, 32% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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 my son was operating his 1990 Volkswagen Jetta there was an explosion in the dashboard area which resulted in hot coolant pouring and spraying into the passenger compartment. After contacting a local service station I learned this defect was actually recall 92v050000. The dealer where vehicle was purchased claimed there was never a recall based on the search of my VIN. My search stated the manufacturing date for the recall was january 1990. Apparently, my vehicle was manufactured in april of 1990. …”
NHTSA complaint #10117936, filed 2005-04, 120,000 miles“Vehicle leaked hot antifreeze inside passenger and driver sides. Vehicle was towed, and manufacturer was notified and stated there would be a charge to consumer to have them analyze the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10089887, filed 2004-08, 130,000 miles“Was in drive through line when suddenly inside of vehicle filled with steam and hot water on driver's side. Contacted manufacturer , and informed consumer no recalls. Will be taking vehicle to dealership's mechanic to check it.”
NHTSA complaint #889103, filed 2001-05“The engine block has rusted through to the water jack and oil feed line at the front of the block just below the cylinder head and cannot be repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #539833, filed 1998-08Related service bulletins
- 10026848Aug 28, 2008Volkswagen: exhaust heat shield, replacement guidelines. Heat shields are to be inspected after completion o any type of repair to the underbody (exhaust system transmission…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 2% |
| 2014 | 6 | 2% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 8 | 2% |
| 2011 | 25 | 4% |
| 2010 | 71 | 8% |
| 2009 | 72 | 8% |
| 2008 | 7 | 4% |
| 2007 | 9 | 4% |
| 2006 | 54 | 9% |
| 2005 | 41 | 17% |
| 2004 | 37 | 16% |
| 2003 | 45 | 10% |
| 2002 | 104 | 15% |
| 2001 | 109 | 16% |
| 2000 | 121 | 28% |
| 1999 | 78 | 22% |
| 1998 | 15 | 8% |
| 1997 | 11 | 20% |
| 1996 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 26 | 12% |
| 1994 | 20 | 17% |
| 1992 | 6 | 20% |
| 1991 | 5 | 16% |
| 1990 | 7 | 32% |
| 1989 | 2 | 7% |
| 1987 | 3 | 17% |
| 1985 | 2 | 15% |
Other parts of the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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