1987 Volkswagen GTI
Only 2 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 2 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 | 2 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 18 |
| 1996 | 9 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 45 |
| 2001 | 74 |
| 2002 | 124 |
| 2003 | 53 |
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 8 |
| 2006 | 43 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 67 |
| 2009 | 167 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2011 | 54 |
| 2012 | 40 |
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 97 |
| 2016 | 66 |
| 2017 | 50 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2019 | 178 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
THE TIME BELT BROKE AND ENGINE STOP( 16 VALVE). TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950130
1 of 2 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
A RECALL HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR MY SON'S AUTOMOBILE. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND WHEN I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER THEY WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY IF THE DEFECT HAD BEEN ADDRESSED IN A PRIOR REPAIR FOR A PRIOR OWNER. THE RECALL NUMBER IS "92V050000" .
NHTSA ODI report, 20050306
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL LUG NUTS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY TORQUED.
Remedy: INSPECT AND RE-TORQUE LEFT FRONT WHEEL LUG NUTS.
Campaign 87V063000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 92V050000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Volkswagen GTI — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V063000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V050000 (visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1987 Volkswagen GTI 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 1987 Volkswagen GTI?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Volkswagen GTI have?
2 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.