1990 Volkswagen Golf
Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1990
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1990: 10 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 13 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 17 |
| 1990 | 10 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 6 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 43 |
| 1995 | 43 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 18 |
| 1999 | 64 |
| 2000 | 88 |
| 2001 | 116 |
| 2002 | 74 |
| 2003 | 26 |
| 2004 | 28 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 70 |
| 2011 | 110 |
| 2012 | 48 |
| 2013 | 43 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 131 |
| 2016 | 85 |
| 2017 | 117 |
| 2018 | 29 |
| 2019 | 62 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
3 of 10 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing front.
Vehicle speed control
2 of 10 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
Car was put into drive didn't press on the gas car accelerate and hit a park car no injury . Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-09-27
Sudden acceleration of vehicle while driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-14
Service brakes
2 of 10 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Electrical system
2 of 10 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and rear compartment/trunk.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer states that while driving and with no warning the wiring in the trunk caught on fire and the consumer was forced to pull over to exit the vehicle. Dealer notified ts consumer had turned on the rear defrost for the first time.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-24
While driving could see a light burning on floor of vehicle . Consumer got out of vehicle and saw u a blue flame. Vehicle started filling up with smoke. Fire could not be put out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-02-12
Visibility
1 of 10 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1990-08-23Service brakes, hydraulic90V142000 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.
Remedy: Install missing left and right front air ducts.
-
I
1991-12-09Engineering analysisClosed 1992-06-12 Heater core failure
-
R
1992-05-22Fuel system, gasoline92V058000 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.
Remedy: Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.
-
R
1992-05-29Visibility92V050000 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.
Remedy: Replace the heater core with an improved heater core.
-
I
1992-12-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-03-03 Detachment of bumper cover
-
I
1993-03-03Engineering analysisClosed 1993-09-17 Detachment of bumper cover
-
R
1993-09-24Service brakes, hydraulic93V129000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will install a preheating tube support bracket to ensure proper positioning relative to the right front metal brake line.
-
R
2006-03-30Service brakes, hydraulic06E018000 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…
Remedy: Foreign parts distributors will notify owners and replace the brake hoses with compliant brake hoses. The recall began on March 30, 2006. Owners may contact foreign parts distributors at…
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Volkswagen Golf — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V142000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 92V058000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 92V050000 · Visibility
- Recall 93V129000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 06E018000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1990 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1990 Volkswagen Golf?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 Volkswagen Golf have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.