1985 Volkswagen Jetta
Only 13 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 13 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 |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 13 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 19 |
| 1989 | 28 |
| 1990 | 22 |
| 1991 | 31 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 17 |
| 1994 | 117 |
| 1995 | 220 |
| 1996 | 31 |
| 1997 | 54 |
| 1998 | 192 |
| 1999 | 349 |
| 2000 | 439 |
| 2001 | 668 |
| 2002 | 702 |
| 2003 | 455 |
| 2004 | 231 |
| 2005 | 248 |
| 2006 | 580 |
| 2007 | 201 |
| 2008 | 188 |
| 2009 | 888 |
| 2010 | 852 |
| 2011 | 606 |
| 2012 | 499 |
| 2013 | 515 |
| 2014 | 386 |
| 2015 | 193 |
| 2016 | 160 |
| 2017 | 158 |
| 2018 | 30 |
| 2019 | 537 |
| 2020 | 51 |
| 2021 | 65 |
| 2022 | 41 |
| 2023 | 41 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 13 total reports mention: power train.
1 of 13 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 13 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 13 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 13 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE CLIP LOCATED ABOVE THE EXHAUST PIPE WHERE IT ENTERS THE PRE-MUFFLER MAY MELT FROM EXCESSIVE HEAT CAUSED BY ENGINE IDLING.
Remedy: THE DEALER HAS INITIATED A TWO STEP CORRECTIVE PROCEDURE: THE FIRST STEP CONSISTS OF IMMEDIATE REMOVAL OF THE PLASTIC CLIP ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. STEP TWO INVOLVES REPLACEMENT OF THE PLASTIC CLIP W
Campaign 84V144000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL PUMP, LOCATED INSIDE FUEL TANK, COULD SEIZE DURING HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BECAUSE OF AN EXTREME FINE MESH FUEL FILTER RESTRICTING THE FUEL FLOW.
Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED FUEL PUMP AND FILTER.
Campaign 87V053000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE MOUNT FAILURE
HEATER CORE FAILURE
HEATER CORE FAILURE
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
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
1985 Volkswagen Jetta — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 84V144000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V053000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V050000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E018000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1985 Volkswagen Jetta 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 1985 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most-reported component is power train:clutch assembly:pedal/hand lever(motorcycle), accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Volkswagen Jetta have?
4 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.