MYRModel Year Report

1991 Volkswagen Jetta

▲ Better than typical
1991 Volkswagen Jetta
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:05.962Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
32
Recalls
7

Campaigns on file for 1991

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Visibility

22% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 13 complaints 1986: 14 complaints 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 19 complaints 1989: 28 complaints 1990: 22 complaints 1991: 32 complaints 1991 32 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 17 complaints 1994: 120 complaints 1995: 220 complaints 1996: 173 complaints 1996 1997: 141 complaints 1998: 192 complaints 1999: 349 complaints 2000: 439 complaints 2001: 668 complaints 2002: 702 complaints 2002 2003: 456 complaints 2004: 231 complaints 2005: 248 complaints 2006: 580 complaints 2007: 201 complaints 2008: 188 complaints 2008 2009: 889 complaints 2010: 852 complaints 2011: 607 complaints 2012: 500 complaints 2013: 518 complaints 2014: 387 complaints 2014 2015: 194 complaints 2016: 161 complaints 2017: 160 complaints 2018: 32 complaints 2019: 552 complaints 2020: 54 complaints 2020 2021: 71 complaints 2022: 43 complaints 2023: 43 complaints 2024: 46 complaints 2025: 31 complaints 2026: 6 complaints 2026
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 13 complaints 1986: 14 complaints 1987: 18 complaints 1987 1988: 19 complaints 1989: 28 complaints 1990: 22 complaints 1991: 32 complaints 1991 32 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 17 complaints 1994: 120 complaints 1995: 220 complaints 1996: 173 complaints 1996 1997: 141 complaints 1998: 192 complaints 1999: 349 complaints 1999 2000: 439 complaints 2001: 668 complaints 2002: 702 complaints 2002 2003: 456 complaints 2004: 231 complaints 2005: 248 complaints 2005 2006: 580 complaints 2007: 201 complaints 2008: 188 complaints 2008 2009: 889 complaints 2010: 852 complaints 2011: 607 complaints 2011 2012: 500 complaints 2013: 518 complaints 2014: 387 complaints 2014 2015: 194 complaints 2016: 161 complaints 2017: 160 complaints 2017 2018: 32 complaints 2019: 552 complaints 2020: 54 complaints 2020 2021: 71 complaints 2022: 43 complaints 2023: 43 complaints 2023 2024: 46 complaints 2025: 31 complaints 2026: 6 complaints 2026
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 13 complaints 1986: 14 complaints 1986 1987: 18 complaints 1988: 19 complaints 1988 1989: 28 complaints 1990: 22 complaints 1991: 32 complaints 1991 32 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 17 complaints 1994: 120 complaints 1994 1995: 220 complaints 1996: 173 complaints 1996 1997: 141 complaints 1998: 192 complaints 1998 1999: 349 complaints 2000: 439 complaints 2000 2001: 668 complaints 2002: 702 complaints 2002 2003: 456 complaints 2004: 231 complaints 2004 2005: 248 complaints 2006: 580 complaints 2006 2007: 201 complaints 2008: 188 complaints 2008 2009: 889 complaints 2010: 852 complaints 2010 2011: 607 complaints 2012: 500 complaints 2012 2013: 518 complaints 2014: 387 complaints 2014 2015: 194 complaints 2016: 161 complaints 2016 2017: 160 complaints 2018: 32 complaints 2018 2019: 552 complaints 2020: 54 complaints 2020 2021: 71 complaints 2022: 43 complaints 2022 2023: 43 complaints 2024: 46 complaints 2024 2025: 31 complaints 2026: 6 complaints 2026

1991: 32 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19820
19830
19841
198513
198614
198718
198819
198928
199022
199132
199230
199317
1994120
1995220
1996173
1997141
1998192
1999349
2000439
2001668
2002702
2003456
2004231
2005248
2006580
2007201
2008188
2009889
2010852
2011607
2012500
2013518
2014387
2015194
2016161
2017160
201832
2019552
202054
202171
202243
202343
202446
202531
20266

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Visibility

22% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing heater core and defroster/defogger/hvac system.

Show complaint excerpts

The heater core failed, which caused the vehicle to have no heat.*jb and antifreeze fumes are seeping into vehicle making it difficult to drive vehicle for any period of time.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-10

Vehicle speed control

19% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cables.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1991 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal independently disconnected. The contact was able to reconnect the pedal.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-05-23

Sudden acceleration, causing loss of control. (Other vehicle on 479567)

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-04-13

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing cooling system and gasoline.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The heater core connection lines in my Jetta failed, and my sister was burned mildly when the hot coolant leaked down onto her feet, above the gas pedal.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-10-14

Coolant escaped into passenger compartment without warning and burned driver's foot and leg.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-04-12

Electrical system

13% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and switch.

Structure

9% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing door.

Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle lacked a protective shield for the steering components which caused them to become wet during rainy weather and as a result the steering became impaired. The dealer has been notified.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-12

Front bumper designed with fasteners only at two points, causing bumper to fall off.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-11-29

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1990-10-12Service brakes, hydraulic90V173000 Front brake hoses of insufficient length were installed in some vehicles. These short hoses could stretch and develop cracks.

    Remedy: Replace both brake hoses.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1991-04-22Vehicle speed control91V064000 The lock nut of the cruise control rod for the operating servo may not have been properly torqued during manufacture.

    Remedy: Check and assure proper lock nut torque on the cruise control rod.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1992-05-22Fuel system, gasoline92V058000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1992-12-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-03-03 Detachment of bumper cover
  5. I
    1993-03-03Engineering analysisClosed 1993-09-17 Detachment of bumper cover
  6. R
    1993-06-11Vehicle speed control92V131000 The venturi tube located in the throttle valve housing can become loose and fall against the throttle plate.

    Remedy: Replace the press-fit venturi tube with a thread type tube.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    1993-09-24Service brakes, hydraulic93V129000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a preheating tube support bracket to ensure proper positioning relative to the right front metal brake line.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. I
    1994-09-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-12-30 Rear wheel separation
  9. R
    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1991 Volkswagen Jetta — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Visibility: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 90V173000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 91V064000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 92V058000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 92V131000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 93V129000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 06E018000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Volkswagen Jetta have?
7 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.