HEATER CORE FAILURE
FaultScore report
1986 Volkswagen Golf problems
Owners have filed 20 complaints about the 1986 Volkswagen Golf with NHTSA between 1995 and 2002. The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
The numbers
20
Complaints
0
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
How 1986 compares with every other Volkswagen Golf
Click any bar to open that year's report.
What breaks on a 1986 Volkswagen Golf
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
0 crashes, 2 fires
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
NHTSA investigations into the 1986 Volkswagen Golf
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
===
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
Recalls on the 1986 Volkswagen Golf
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Structure
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 WILL BE ADVISED TO LUBRICATE THE ENGINE HOOD MECHANISM WHENEVER AN AFFECTED VEHICLE IS BEING SERVICED.
Heater 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.
Fuel System
The fuel pump located inside the fuel tank could seize during high ambient temperatures because of an extreme fine mesh fuel filter restricting the fuel flow. This could cause the vehicle to stall posing a threat to traffic safety. Correction: A modified fuel pump and filter will be installed.
Emissions
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. - INOPERATIVE EGR VALVE -
Other
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 301 - FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
HEATER CORE BROKE, CAUSING LEAKAGE ONTO CONSUMER/INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #531204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ELECTRONIC FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED, RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #979576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ELECTRONIC FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED, RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #979576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 2/8/02, AND HAVE HAD THE CAR CONTINUOUSLY IN THE REPAIR SHOP SINCE THAT PURCHASE. THE FIRST PROBLEM, THE CAR STOPPED WHILE EXECUTING A RIGHT TURN, OCCURRED TWO DAYS AFTER PURCHASE. SINCE THAT WAS A SUNDAY, I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO WAIT UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO CONTACT THE DEALER THAT FOLLOWING MONDAY. WHEN I DID TALK WITH THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THAT SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR "AS IS" THEY HAD NO RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED, OR TO DETERMINE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. SINCE THAT OCCURRENCE, I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS, HAVE HAD IT TOWED TWICE, AND HAD IT IN THE REPAIR SHOP ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS. I HAVE KEPT MOST OF THE RECEIPTS FOR THE REPAIRS MADE, ALTHOUGH I DO ADMIT TO HAVING MISPLACED A FEW. I'VE HAD TO PURCHASE AND EXCHANGE THREE STARTERS, HAVE THE FUEL INJECTORS REPAIRED, HAVE A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS, PURCHASE NEW SPARK PLUG WIRES, THERMOSTAT AND A NEW IGNITION SWITCH. ALL OF THESE ITEMS WERE REPAIRED/REPLACED BY A REPAIR SHOP WHICH CHARGED LABOR FEES TOTALLING MORE THAN $600.00.
NHTSA complaint #761547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 2/8/02, AND HAVE HAD THE CAR CONTINUOUSLY IN THE REPAIR SHOP SINCE THAT PURCHASE. THE FIRST PROBLEM, THE CAR STOPPED WHILE EXECUTING A RIGHT TURN, OCCURRED TWO DAYS AFTER PURCHASE. SINCE THAT WAS A SUNDAY, I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO WAIT UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO CONTACT THE DEALER THAT FOLLOWING MONDAY. WHEN I DID TALK WITH THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THAT SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR "AS IS" THEY HAD NO RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED, OR TO DETERMINE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. SINCE THAT OCCURRENCE, I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS, HAVE HAD IT TOWED TWICE, AND HAD IT IN THE REPAIR SHOP ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS. I HAVE KEPT MOST OF THE RECEIPTS FOR THE REPAIRS MADE, ALTHOUGH I DO ADMIT TO HAVING MISPLACED A FEW. I'VE HAD TO PURCHASE AND EXCHANGE THREE STARTERS, HAVE THE FUEL INJECTORS REPAIRED, HAVE A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS, PURCHASE NEW SPARK PLUG WIRES, THERMOSTAT AND A NEW IGNITION SWITCH. ALL OF THESE ITEMS WERE REPAIRED/REPLACED BY A REPAIR SHOP WHICH CHARGED LABOR FEES TOTALLING MORE THAN $600.00.
NHTSA complaint #761547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING IN BUMPER TO BUMPER FAST MOVING TRAFFIC ON INTERSTATE 80 ON SUNDAY, NO SAFETY DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #750038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING IN BUMPER TO BUMPER FAST MOVING TRAFFIC ON INTERSTATE 80 ON SUNDAY, NO SAFETY DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #750038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
WHILE SITTING WITH VEHICLE RUNNING FUEL PUMP OPERATED ERRATICALLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC AND THEY REPLACED FUEL FILTER. CONSUMER STATED IF SITTING TOO LONG AT A LIGHT VEHICLE WILL STALL AND SHUT OFF.
NHTSA complaint #890465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
WHILE SITTING WITH VEHICLE RUNNING FUEL PUMP OPERATED ERRATICALLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC AND THEY REPLACED FUEL FILTER. CONSUMER STATED IF SITTING TOO LONG AT A LIGHT VEHICLE WILL STALL AND SHUT OFF.
NHTSA complaint #890465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
RECALL COMPONENTS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN FUEL PUMP 87V053, FUEL TANK 86V149, FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY 86V029 AND HEATER CORE 92V050. NLM
NHTSA complaint #553773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
THIS CAR FAILED STATE INSPECTION DUE TO THE CONDITION OF ALL FOUR DOORS. THE TWO BACK DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. ALL FOUR DOORS ARE STICKY AND DIFFICULT TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. ALL BUT ONE DOOR LOCK KNOB HAS LOST (BROKEN OFF) THE PLASTIC KNOB. OTHER VW GOLF OWNERS (USED AND NEW CARS) HAVE COMPLAINED TO ME ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. CAN YOU TELL ME IF THERE WAS EVER A PARTS RECALL AND / OR HOW I MIGHT CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER FOR MORE INFORMATION? THANK YOU!
NHTSA complaint #729511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
RECALL COMPONENTS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN FUEL PUMP 87V053, FUEL TANK 86V149, FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY 86V029 AND HEATER CORE 92V050. NLM
NHTSA complaint #553773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
RECALL COMPONENTS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN FUEL PUMP 87V053, FUEL TANK 86V149, FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY 86V029 AND HEATER CORE 92V050. NLM
NHTSA complaint #553773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION LEAKED AT HOLE, COMPLETELY DESTROYING TRANSMISSION. MJS
NHTSA complaint #549772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE'S CLUTCH DISC EXPERIENCED PREMATURE FAILURE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, DISC FELL APART SEVERAL TIMES. MJS
NHTSA complaint #549772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
GAS TANK LEAKS AS IT NEARS THE 10 GALLON POINT AND IT APPEARS TO COME FROM ON TOP OF THE TANK ASSEMBLY NEAR THE POINT WHERE THE FILLER TUBE AND TANK WERE MOLDED TOGETHER DEALER SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #706515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
HEATER CORE BROKE, CAUSING LEAKAGE ONTO CONSUMER/INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #531204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
WATER ENTERING VEHICLE CAUSING VEHICLE'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR TO FAIL.
NHTSA complaint #531747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
WATER ENTERS SEAT BELT RETRACTOR HOUSING AREA. IN WINTER, WATER WOULD FREEZE & SEAT BELTS DO NOT RELEASE. ALSO FAILS TO RETRACT BACKWARDS. HAVE NOT TAKEN TO DEALER YET.
NHTSA complaint #821683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
DOOR HANDLE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #516291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ELECTRONIC FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED, RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #979576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ELECTRONIC FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED, RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #979576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. (ORIGINAL DOCUMENT ON 482158). *SKD
NHTSA complaint #479567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.