1989 Volkswagen Jetta
WVWZZZ1GZKW643343
Vehicle record for the 1989 Volkswagen Jetta (VIN WVWZZZ1GZKW643343). Red, sedan, gasoline / lpg. Registered in Rivne. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.
No photo of this model yet1989 Volkswagen Jetta · Red on the registration record
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 5 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN WVWZZZ1GZKW643343, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 5 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page cost nothing.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1989 Volkswagen Jetta data →
📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1989 Volkswagen Jetta.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1989 Volkswagen Jetta costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1989 Volkswagen Jetta — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
HEATER CORE FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #EA91054 · Visibility · opened Dec 1991 · closed Jun 1992An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 1
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.
SUBJECT REGARDING LATCH SYSTEM LOWER ANCHORS AND TETHERS FOR CHILDREN, INSTALLING / RETROFITTING. *TT
Bulletin 0101 · Seats · Jun 2001Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the JETTA. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 5
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Engine
NOTE: GASOLINE POWERED FUEL INJECTED VEHICLES. DURING WINTER PERIODS OF LOW TEMPERATURE WITH HIGH HUMIDITY, THE AIR PRE-HEATING SYSTEM MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO PREVENT THROTTLE ICING DURING LONG DISTANCE DRIVING DUE TO PRE-HEATER VACUUM SWITCH CONTAMINATION. THIS COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. CORRECTION: A…
Transport Canada #1997038 · Feb 1997Fuel System
FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR AT THE FUEL HOSE TO FUEL RAIL CONNECTION. ESCAPING FUEL COULD COME INTO CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND POSSIBLY CAUSE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. CORRECTION: FUEL HOSE WHICH ATTACHES TO THE FUEL RAIL WILL BE REPLACED AND NEW SPRING TYPE HOSE CLAMPS WILL BE INSTALLED.
Transport Canada #1993132 · Sep 1993Structure
CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT MAY PREVENT THE HOOD LATCH AND THE SAFETY CATCH FROM WORKING PROPERLY. THIS COULD RESULT IN HOOD FLY-UP WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION RESULTING IN OBSCURED DRIVER VISION AND A POSSIBLE CRASH. CORRECTION: OWNERS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE ADVISED BY MAIL REGARDING THE NECESSITY FOR PERIODIC LUBRICATION OF THE ENGINE HOOD LATCH MECHANISM. DEALERS WIL…
Transport Canada #1992149 · Nov 1992Heater And Defroster
IF THE ENGINE OVERHEATS, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE WALL OF THE END CAP CONNECTING THE HEAT EXCHANGER'S CORE TO THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM COULD RUPTURE AND ALLOW HOT COOLANT TO ESCAPE. SHOULD THIS HAPPEN, SOME OF THE COOLANT COULD CONTACT THE DRIVER'S FEET, CAUSING INJURY AND STEAM UP THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE, IMPAIRING VISIBILITY. CORRECTION: HEAT EXCHANGER WILL BE REPLACED.
Transport Canada #1992057 · May 1992Brakes
A CONTOUR DEVIATION IN THE BRAKE LINE COULD CAUSE THE BRAKE LINE TO CHAFE AGAINST A PREHEATING TUBE. PROLONGED CHAFING COULD LEAD TO BRAKE LINE LEAKAGE AND A POSSIBLE PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE WHICH COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND BRAKE LINES WILL BE RE-CONTOURED OR REPLACED IF NECESSARY. V…
Transport Canada #1989167 · Dec 1989Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car/small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen since 1979. Positioned to fill a sedan niche slightly above the Golf hatchback, it has been marketed over seven generations, variously as the Atlantic, Vento, Bora, City Jetta, Jetta City, GLI, Jetta, Clasico, and Sagitar.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 RUPTURE COULD OCCUR WHICH FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES."
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 305-885-8646 EXT. 11.
NHTSA Campaign #06E018000 · manufacturer #171.611.701B · 01/03/2006SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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 LINE, CAUSING BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE AND DIMINISHED BRAKING IN ONE BRAKE CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PREHEATING TUBE SUPPORT BRACKET TO ENSURE PROPER POSITIONING RELATIVE TO THE RIGHT FRONT METAL BRAKE LINE.
NHTSA Campaign #93V129000 · 02/08/1993VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
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.
NHTSA Campaign #92V050000 · 14/04/1992FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
NHTSA Campaign #92V058000 · 14/04/1992SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Remedy: CURVE OR REPLACE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE.
NHTSA Campaign #89V221000 · 08/12/1989Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1989 Volkswagen Jetta, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 1 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire
🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 30
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1989 Volkswagen Jetta.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1989 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. CONSUMER WANTS DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DISCONNECTED. CUSTOMER STATES THAT SHE WOULD LIKE THE DRIVERS AIRBAG DISCONNECTED BECAUSE OF SEEING SEVERE INJURIES RESULTING WITH THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10201568ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I OWN A 1989 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, VIN WVW PA01G4KW724572. I HAD A LEAK OF MY HEATER CORE (PER A NON-VW MECHANIC). THE NHTSA WEBSITE REPORTS THAT THERE WAS A RECALL OF 1989 JET'S FOR THEIR HEATER CORE. I CONTACTED WES GREENWAY'S ALEXANDRIA VOLKSWAGEN TO HAVE THE WORK DONE. I DID SO THROUGH AN ONLINE ARRANGEMENT WITH THE COMPANY, IN WHICH I DESCRIBED THE PROB…
NHTSA ODI #10045297VISIBILITY
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE RECALL (92V-050000) ON THE HEATER CORE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *NLM THE HEATER CORE PLASTIC NECK CRACKED AND ALLOWED THE HOT COOLANT TO POUR ONTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VOLKSWAGEN STATED THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED, …
NHTSA ODI #10017420STRUCTURE
DOOR HANDLES FELL OFF. CAN'T OPEN DOORS FROM OUTSIDE. DEALER CONTACTED.*AK CONSUMER HAS TO USE ROPE TO TIE THE DOORS SHUT SO HIS CHILDREN WILL BE SECURE. DEALER TOLD CONSUMER TO LUBRICATE HANDLES PER OWNERS MANUAL. THE OWNERS MANUAL DOES NOT STATE WHEN OR WHERE TO LUBRICATE THE HANDLES. DISCUSSIONS WITH OTHER VOLKSWAGEN CONSUMERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS OUT…
NHTSA ODI #8006347VISIBILITY
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #720282SEAT BELTS
THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT HAVE WAIST BELTS; SHOULDER BELTS ONLY, WHICH I UNDERSTAND MAY BE AGAINST REGULATIONS. THE MANAUFACTURER DISAGREES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #718598VISIBILITY
NHTSA RECALL# 92 V 050-000 RECEIVED. APPOINTMENT MADE AND LATER ON WAS INFORMED THAT PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. CONSUMER CONTACTED PARTS SERVICE DESK AND REQUESTED THE PART. WAS INFORMED THAT PART WAS AVAILABLE AND READY FOR PICK UP. SEEKING NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #852918SEAT BELTS
I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL- LAP BELTS WERE TO BE INSTALLED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #714356+ 22 more complaints on record.
