1990 Volkswagen Golf: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Volkswagen Golf: 4 recalls, 10 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #90V142000 · 1990 · 11,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Omission of air ducts intended to guide flow of cooling air to left and right front brake calipers could allow brake fluid to exceed allowable operating temperature under certain operating conditions.
Why it matters: If brake fluid boils, this could result in reducedbraking pressure with potential for an accident.
The fix: Install missing left and right front air ducts.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #92V050000 · 1992 · 650,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The end cap connecting the heat exchanger's core to the engine cooling system could rupture and allow hot coolant to escape into the passenger compartment.
Why it matters: The coolant escaping into the passenger compartment couldcontact the driver's feet and injure the driver. Also, steam from the heatedliquid will cloud on the window surfaces and impair the driver's vision andcould result in a vehicle accident.
The fix: Replace the heater core with an improved heater core.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #92V058000 · 1992 · 358,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the engine compartment can cause an underhood fire if the fuel comes in contact with a source of ignition.
The fix: Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #93V129000 · 1993 · 76,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 one brake circuit.
Why it matters: Diminished braking can result in increased stoppingdistances and a possible accident.
The fix: Dealers will install a preheating tube support bracket to ensure proper positioning relative to the right front metal brake line.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #06E018000 · 2006 · 266 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain hydraulic brake hoses, p/n 171.611.107b, sold as replacement equipment for 1975-1985 Volkswagen (vw) rabbit; 1985-1992 vw golf; and 1980-1992 vw jetta passenger vehicles. Possible brake hose rupture could occur which fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 106, "brake hoses."
Why it matters: Brake hose rupture could result in loss of braking ability, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Foreign parts distributors will notify owners and replace the brake hoses with compliant brake hoses. The recall began on March 30, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Seat belts (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (2): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
The 1990 Volkswagen Golf has 10 owner complaints, ranking #26 of 34 Golf model years for complaints (well below the 42 average). Complaints peaked in 1998 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 83,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (8 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Volkswagen Golf.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Volkswagen Golf, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 Volkswagen Golf problems?
Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are seat belts (3), speed control / throttle (2), brakes (hydraulic) (2).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Volkswagen Golf get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Volkswagen Golf repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.