Menu

1988 Volkswagen JettaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 19 owner complaints about the 1988 Volkswagen Jetta, most often about the vehicle speed control. It is covered by 7 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls7Free fix at dealersOwner complaints193 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem4Vehicle speed control

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 29, 1999. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Volkswagen Jetta has problems

19 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
Vehicle speed control40
Seat belts30
Service brakes, hydraulic31
Structure30
Visibility20
Latches/locks/linkages20
Fuel system, gasoline10
Tires10
Exterior lighting11
1 other systems11

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

7 recalls

1988 Volkswagen Jetta 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 →

–no report yet

Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 89V-221 · Dec 8, 1989 · 8,000 vehicles

Risk. PROLONGED CHAFING COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE A LEAKING BRAKELINE RESULTING IN DIMINISHED BRAKING IN ONE BRAKE CIRCUIT WHICH WOULD INCREASETHE STOPPING DISTANCES…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 3 more recalls
–no report yet

Power assist: vacuum

Recall 88V-144 · Aug 29, 1988 · 1,700 vehicles

Risk. BRAKE BOOSTER HALVES COULD SEPARATE UNDER HEAVY BRAKEAPPLICATION AND BRAKING POWER WOULD SUDDENLY DIMINISH WHICH COULD RESULT IN ANACCIDENT.

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

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

'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

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

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

Own a 1988 Jetta?

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