1981 Volkswagen Jetta
Only 0 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 0 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1981
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1981: 0 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 13 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 19 |
| 1989 | 28 |
| 1990 | 22 |
| 1991 | 32 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 17 |
| 1994 | 120 |
| 1995 | 220 |
| 1996 | 173 |
| 1997 | 141 |
| 1998 | 192 |
| 1999 | 349 |
| 2000 | 439 |
| 2001 | 668 |
| 2002 | 702 |
| 2003 | 456 |
| 2004 | 231 |
| 2005 | 248 |
| 2006 | 580 |
| 2007 | 201 |
| 2008 | 188 |
| 2009 | 889 |
| 2010 | 852 |
| 2011 | 607 |
| 2012 | 500 |
| 2013 | 518 |
| 2014 | 387 |
| 2015 | 194 |
| 2016 | 161 |
| 2017 | 160 |
| 2018 | 32 |
| 2019 | 552 |
| 2020 | 54 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2022 | 43 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 46 |
| 2025 | 31 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Known problem areas
No complaint components on file for this model year.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1980-11-07Equipment80V140000 Tire labels written in french were inadvertently affixed to vehicles in U.S.. This fails to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, " Tire selection and rims".
Remedy: The dealer will correct the involved vehicles prior to their first retail sale by installing the correct labels.
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1980-11-24Suspension80V155000 The lockwasher for the two bolts holding the left and right axle strut to the axle bearing housing, as well as the bolt holding the wishbone to the crossmember, may have been improperly manufactured.
Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lock washers at no charge.
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1984-01-18Fuel system, gasoline83V117000 The fuel pump may stop functioning without warning. This can occur because an electrical connector in the fuse panel may overheat and interrupt the electrical circuit.
Remedy: Dealer will inspect the fuse box and its connectors for corrosion, and correct where necessary. A bypass adapter to the fuel pump electrical circuit will be installed.
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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
1981 Volkswagen Jetta — pre-purchase inspection
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 80V140000 · Equipment
- Recall 80V155000 · Suspension
- Recall 83V117000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 06E018000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1981 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- How many recalls does the 1981 Volkswagen Jetta have?
- 4 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.