1990 Volkswagen Jetta
WVWZZZ1GZLW231640
Vehicle record for the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta (VIN WVWZZZ1GZLW231640). Gray, sedan, gasoline. Registered in Khmelnytskyi. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN WVWZZZ1GZLW231640
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
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 are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1990 Volkswagen Jetta data →
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1990 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 1990 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.
Safety recall campaigns 7
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009SERVICE 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:DISC:CALIPER
OMISSION OF AIR DUCTS INTENDED TO GUIDE FLOW OF COOLING AIR TO LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS COULD ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO EXCEED ALLOWABLE OPERATING TEMPERATURE UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Remedy: INSTALL MISSING LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT AIR DUCTS.
NHTSA Campaign #90V142000 · 06/08/1990STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
POWER STEERING PUMP BRACKET IS SUBJECT TO BREAKAGE DUE TO EXCESSIVE TENSION CAUSED BY A LACK OF CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE PUMP MOUNTING BRACKET AND SEALING FLANGE EDGE OF THE OIL PAN.
Remedy: REPLACE POWER STEERING PUMP BRACKET.
NHTSA Campaign #90V007000 · 22/01/1990Note: 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 8 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 free.
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 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 1 involved a crash 🔥 1 involved a fire 🚑 1 reported injury
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
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 26
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta.
VISIBILITY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HIS WINDOWS STEAMED UP AND HE SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, NEARLY CRASHING INTO A WALL. HE DISCOVERED COOLANT ON THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HE HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICL…
NHTSA ODI #10197423ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
AUTO RECALL DATE: 19920414 VEHICLE COMPONENT: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:HEATER CORE ESTIMATED VEHICLES AFFECTED: 650000 1990 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA DEFECT SUMMARY: 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. DEFECT CONSEQU…
NHTSA ODI #10184109ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE MY SON WAS OPERATING HIS 1990 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION IN THE DASHBOARD AREA WHICH RESULTED IN HOT COOLANT POURING AND SPRAYING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. AFTER CONTACTING A LOCAL SERVICE STATION I LEARNED THIS DEFECT WAS ACTUALLY RECALL 92V050000. THE DEALER WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED CLAIMED THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL BASED O…
NHTSA ODI #10117936VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE GAS PEDAL FALLS TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO EXPERIENCE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. OWNER HAS TO STOMP ON BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. OWNER WILL CONTACT MANUFACTURER. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10108553ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
VEHICLE LEAKED HOT ANTIFREEZE INSIDE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES. VEHICLE WAS TOWED, AND MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THERE WOULD BE A CHARGE TO CONSUMER TO HAVE THEM ANALYZE THE VEHICLE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10089887TIRES
I PURCHASED 4 TOYO ULTRA 800 TIRES IN OCTOBER 1998. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THREE OF THE TIRES DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION. I DRIVE APPX 5,000 MILES OR LESS PER YEAR. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10018713ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #754529SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
STOPPED FOR ICE CREAM AFTER ABOUT 60 MILE DRIVE. DID NOT LEAVE VEHICLE. STARTED CAR AND WHEN I WENT FROM PARK TO REVERSE, THE RPM'S SOARED (I HAD NOT TAKEN MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE) CAUSING THE CAR TO ACCELERATE IN REVERSE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE TO ATTEMPT TO STOP IT & THE BRAKES DID NOTHING. SO I PUT CAR INTO PARK & STILL CON…
Crash · NHTSA ODI #750365+ 18 more complaints on record.
