Model year guide

1987 Volkswagen Jetta

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1987 Volkswagen Jetta is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 340 on record.

1987 Volkswagen Jetta at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints19
Combined22–26 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1987 Volkswagen Jetta recalls 4

Service Brakes, Hydraulic NHTSA Campaign #06E018000 · manufacturer #171.611.701B · 01/03/2006

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."

Fix: 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.

Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core NHTSA Campaign #92V050000 · 14/04/1992

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.

Fix: REPLACE THE HEATER CORE WITH AN IMPROVED HEATER CORE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #89V221000 · 08/12/1989

Fix: CURVE OR REPLACE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #87V053000 · 14/04/1987

FUEL PUMP, LOCATED INSIDE FUEL TANK, COULD SEIZE DURING HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BECAUSE OF AN EXTREME FINE MESH FUEL FILTER RESTRICTING THE FUEL FLOW.

Fix: INSTALL A MODIFIED FUEL PUMP AND FILTER.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1987 Volkswagen Jetta common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

1987 Volkswagen Jetta MPG & running costs

Combined22–26 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,825
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 3-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume87 cu ft
Cargo volume17 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$2,125 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1987 Volkswagen Jetta costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,125
Fuel only$14,125
Per mile$0.19

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.

1987 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles on record

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Other Volkswagen Jetta model years

2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981

1987 Volkswagen Jetta — frequently asked questions

Does the 1987 Volkswagen Jetta have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 1987 Volkswagen Jetta. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1987 Volkswagen Jetta?

Across all 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are visibility, engine and engine cooling, fuel system.

What gas mileage does the 1987 Volkswagen Jetta get?

The 1987 Volkswagen Jetta has U.S. EPA estimates of 22–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.