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1988 Volkswagen GolfProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 9 owner complaints about the 1988 Volkswagen Golf, most often about the visibility. It is covered by 5 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls5Free fix at dealersOwner complaints92 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Visibility

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 2, 2009. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Volkswagen Golf has problems

9 complaints 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
Visibility30
Electrical system21
Steering20
Engine and engine cooling11
Seat belts10

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

5 recalls

1988 Volkswagen Golf 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

Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 93V-129 · Aug 2, 1993 · 76,000 vehicles

Risk. DIMINISHED BRAKING CAN RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPINGDISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core

Recall 92V-050 · Apr 14, 1992 · 650,000 vehicles

Risk. THE COOLANT ESCAPING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT COULDCONTACT THE DRIVER'S FEET AND INJURE THE DRIVER.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 92V-058 · Apr 14, 1992 · 358,000 vehicles

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE IF THE FUEL COMES IN CONTACT WITH A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall

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

1988 vs. every other Golf 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 Golf median. How we score

'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1988 Volkswagen Golf, and the recalls they led to.

  1. HEATER CORE FAILUREEA91054 · closed Jun 12, 1992
    Led to recall 92V-050
In owners' words

What Golf owners report

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

1. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM SCHOOL WHEN THE WINDSHIELD FOGGED UP AND I WAS FORCED TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW SO I COULD SEE HOW FAR I WAS TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. 2. 3. I HAD THE HEATER CORE BYPASSED SO I CAN DRIVE THE CAR AT LEAST. *TR
Complaint 10290595 · Nov 2, 2009
VEHICLE IS LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE FROM HEATER CORE, RESULTING IN A BAD ODOR WITHIN THE PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT. ALSO, WINDOWS FOG UP. CONSUMER NOTED RECALL NUMBER 92V050000. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Complaint 856117 · Feb 3, 2000

Own a 1988 Golf?

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