1987 Volkswagen Jetta
Only 18 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 18 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 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 18 total reports mention: visibility.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
HEATER CORE BURST, CAUSING INJURY. *TW
NHTSA ODI report, 19950608
2 of 18 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
1 of 18 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 18 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 18 total reports mentions: suspension.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH, LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE, WHEEL CAME OFF, TIE ROD SNAPPED IN HALF, VEHICLE ROLLED 3 OR 4 TIMES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010108
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
No summary on file.
Remedy: CURVE OR REPLACE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE.
Campaign 89V221000 — check if this car was fixed
HEATER CORE FAILURE
HEATER CORE FAILURE
DEFECTIVE HEATER CORES
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
1987 Volkswagen Jetta — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V053000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V221000 (service brakes, hydraulic) 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 1987 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 1987 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most-reported component is visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 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.