1991 Volkswagen Jetta Problems
- Complaints
- 31filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 117,000miles, 7 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 1.8L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints for the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta. The part named most often is visibility, with 7 complaints (23% of the total), followed by engine cooling (5) and vehicle speed control (5). 7 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 117,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 14 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling5 16%
- Electrical system4 13%
- Seat belts3 9.7%
- Brakes2 6.5%
- Steering2 6.5%
- Body and structure2 6.5%
- Fuel system1 3.2%
Also reported: Latches, locks and linkages (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “1991 Volkswagen Jetta heater core failure. Coolant smell and coolant loss dripping on carpet by drivers feet and fogs up windshield making it dangerous to drive especially at night. I have access to alldata auto repair website and there is a recall listed for this vehicle. The local dealer said it doesn't apply to my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10257764, filed 2009-02, 81,565 milesEngine cooling: “The heater core connection lines in my Jetta failed, and my sister was burned mildly when the hot coolant leaked down onto her feet, above the gas pedal. There is a recall already for this problem, but my vehicle manufacture date was not included in that recall ( recall campaign number: 92v050000 ). This recall should be re-issued to include all 1991 models that were manufactured in 1990, because the design did not change after the last manufacture date allowed for recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10139701, filed 2005-10, 160,000 milesVehicle speed control: “The contact owns a 1991 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal independently disconnected. The contact was able to reconnect the pedal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown. Updated 07/18/17”
NHTSA complaint #10991149, filed 2017-05Electrical system: “Car has been sitting for 2 months in the driveway. I just had everything tuned and battery working before I parked it. I started it once in between that time and it worked. I went out the other day and the car would not start. I know it's not the starter. It is the seat belt system where the car won't start unless the seat belt is connected. The car still won't start so I am upset. Please make this work out for me.”
NHTSA complaint #10188302, filed 2007-04, 117,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
0% of the 7 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 103,000 and 147,980 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1991 Volkswagen Jetta version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Jetta FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Jetta GLI 16v FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Jetta FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl · diesel | 5-speed manual | 31 | 39 | 34 | $2,800 |
| Jetta FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl · diesel | 5-speed manual | 31 | 36 | 33 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 93V129000Aug 2, 1993Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 1988–1991, Golf 1988–1991
An engine preheating tube may not be properly supported due to a missing support bracket, causing the preheating tube to chafe against the right front metal brake line. This can damage the hydraulic line, causing brake fluid leakage and diminished braking in…
- 92V131000Sep 15, 1992Vehicle speed controlCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 1991–1992, Passat 1990–1992, GTI 1990–1992 +1 more
The venturi tube located in the throttle valve housing can become loose and fall against the throttle plate.
- 92V058000Apr 14, 1992Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 1988–1992, Golf 1988–1992, Fox 1990–1993 +5 more
The fuel hose attached to the fuel distribution rail on the engine may shrink beyond the clamp force of the fuel hose clamps, allowing fuel to leak.
- 91V064000Apr 15, 1991Vehicle speed control › LinkagesCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 1991
The lock nut of the cruise control rod for the operating servo may not have been properly torqued during manufacture.
- 90V173000Sep 25, 1990Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 1991
Front brake hoses of insufficient length were installed in some vehicles. These short hoses could stretch and develop cracks.
Recall details for the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE94068Rear wheel separationClosed · Sep 14, 1994
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 14 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10159010Mar 27, 2019Equipment. The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10155644Jun 28, 2017Equipment. This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10157383Jun 22, 2017Equipment. VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
- 10128055Feb 1, 2017Equipment. This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests.
- 10126785Oct 31, 2016Equipment. Update model year applicability to include 2017.
- 10213836Jan 22, 2016Air bags. Airbag Issues.
- 10128105Jun 29, 2015Equipment. This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and…
- 10128104Jun 22, 2015Equipment. This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical…
- 10213843Mar 19, 2014Equipment. Jetta Bluetooth manual coding procedure.
- 10240922Oct 28, 2013Equipment. Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
Other model years of the Volkswagen Jetta
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 300 | 1 | 5 | 34 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 32 | — | 2 | 5 | 33 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 46 | 15,000 | 0 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 43 | 11,000 | 0 | 5 | 34 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 43 | 3,250 | 1 | 5 | 34 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 71 | 9,000 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 30 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 54 | 6,951 | 6 | 5 | 34 | 30 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2019 | 552 | 4,700 | 11 | 5 | 34 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 32 | 40,000 | 2 | 5 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 160 | 36,950 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 51 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 162 | 42,731 | 4 | 5 | 29 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 194 | 42,000 | 7 | 5 | 28 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 388 | 55,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 518 | 56,000 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 500 | 55,412 | 5 | 4 | 26 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 607 | 50,000 | 7 | 4 | 27 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 852 | 53,939 | 4 | — | 25 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 889 | 60,150 | 6 | — | 25 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 188 | 58,000 | 4 | — | 24 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 201 | 53,661 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 580 | 71,491 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 248 | 71,207 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 231 | 66,000 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 456 | 56,000 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 702 | 52,000 | 5 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 668 | 50,000 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 439 | 64,400 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 349 | 72,000 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 192 | 81,282 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 54 | 78,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 31 | 95,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 220 | 112,984 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 117 | 91,800 | 5 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 17 | 170,000 | 4 | — | 22 | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 30 | 119,646 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 31 | 117,000 | 5 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 22 | 125,000 | 5 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 28 | — | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 19 | — | 7 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 18 | — | 3 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 14 | 97,869 | 2 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 13 | — | 3 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
All Volkswagen Jetta model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta have?
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints for the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta is reported most often?
Visibility is named most often, in 7 complaints (23% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 5.
Has the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta get?
The EPA rates the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta (Jetta, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 21 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta reported?
Among the 7 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 117,000 miles and the middle half falls between 103,000 and 147,980 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.