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1990 Volkswagen GLIProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 1990 Volkswagen GLI, most often about the visibility. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage159kVisibility, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 26, 2005. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1990 Volkswagen GLI has problems

1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Visibility10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1990 Volkswagen GLI recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control

Recall 92V-131 · Sep 15, 1992 · 12,650 vehicles

Risk. THE VENTURI TUBE CAN PARTIALLY BLOCK THE THROTTLE PLATEAND PREVENT IT FROM RETURNING TO ITS FULL IDLE POSITION, RESULTING IN UNWANTEDENGINE SPEED WHEN THE…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.

Best & worst years

1990 vs. every other GLI year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the GLI median. How we score

'90'08'09'21
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What GLI owners report

Recent visibility complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGH WAY MY HEATER CORE BURST SHOOTING COOLANT INTO THE FLOORS AND ON TO MY LEGS IN SIDE THE CAR. AS OF YET MY HEATER CORE HAS JUST BEEN BY PASSED DUE TO ME AWAITING A HOPEFUL GOOD WILL FROM VWOA. *JB
Complaint 10137608 · Sep 26, 2005 · 159,000 miles

Own a 1990 GLI?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.