1991 Volkswagen Golf
Only 8 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 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 41 |
| 1995 | 43 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 18 |
| 1999 | 64 |
| 2000 | 88 |
| 2001 | 116 |
| 2002 | 73 |
| 2003 | 26 |
| 2004 | 28 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 69 |
| 2011 | 110 |
| 2012 | 48 |
| 2013 | 43 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 129 |
| 2016 | 85 |
| 2017 | 115 |
| 2018 | 29 |
| 2019 | 62 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 8 total reports mention: visibility.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TOP SECTION OF HEATER CORE CRACKED OPEN WHILE ENGINE AT IDLE SPEED ALLOWING VERY HOT COOLANT TO ENTER THE COCKPIT DRIVER AND PASS. SIDE AT THE FOOT LEVEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000918
TOP SECTION OF HEATER CORE CRACKED OPEN WHILE ENGINE AT IDLE SPEED ALLOWING VERY HOT COOLANT TO ENTER THE COCKPIT DRIVER AND PASS. SIDE AT THE FOOT LEVEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000911
1 of 8 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 92V058000 — check if this car was fixed
DETACHMENT OF BUMPER COVER
DETACHMENT OF BUMPER COVER
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 L
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PREHEATING TUBE SUPPORT BRACKET TO ENSURE PROPER POSITIONING RELATIVE TO THE RIGHT FRONT METAL BRAKE LINE.
Campaign 93V129000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 305-885-864
Campaign 06E018000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 Volkswagen Golf — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 92V058000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V129000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E018000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 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 1991 Volkswagen Golf?
The most-reported component is visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Volkswagen Golf have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.