FaultScore

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.

Not graded

Too few complaints, or too short a model run, to compare fairly.

How this is worked out

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.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1986 Volkswagen Golf

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Fuel & Propulsion 7 35.0%

0 crashes, 2 fires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 4 20.0%
Body & Structure 3 15.0%
Electrical System 2 10.0%
Transmission & Drivetrain 2 10.0%
Seat Belts 1 5.0%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 5.0%

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.

Apr 1995 peak 4 May 2002

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.

EA91054 Opened 9 Dec 1991 Closed 12 Jun 1992 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

HEATER CORE FAILURE

EA89006 Opened 30 Nov 1988 Closed 31 Oct 1989 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

WINDSHIELD WIPERS

===

PE88049 Opened 27 Apr 1988 Closed 29 Nov 1988 VISIBILITY

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.

Recall 1992149 300,000 units in Canada

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.

Recall 1992057 145,236 units in Canada

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.

Recall 1987044 42,570 units in Canada

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.

Recall 1987020 25,706 units in Canada

Emissions

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. - INOPERATIVE EGR VALVE -

Recall 1986022 15,716 units in Canada

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.

Wheaton, MD 1 injured

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.

Saukville, WI Fire

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

ELECTRONIC FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED, RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #979576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saukville, WI Fire

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.

LOS Angeles, CA

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.

LOS Angeles, CA

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.

Davis, CA

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.

Davis, CA

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.

Largo, MD

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.

Largo, MD

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.

SAN Mateo, CA

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.

Provincetown, MA

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.

SAN Mateo, CA

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.

SAN Mateo, CA

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.

Mount Plea, SC

POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION LEAKED AT HOLE, COMPLETELY DESTROYING TRANSMISSION. MJS

NHTSA complaint #549772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mount Plea, SC

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.

Davis, CA

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.

Wheaton, MD 1 injured

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.

Butler, PA

STRUCTURE

WATER ENTERING VEHICLE CAUSING VEHICLE'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR TO FAIL.

NHTSA complaint #531747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Butler, PA

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.

UNK, 00

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

DOOR HANDLE DEFECTIVE.

NHTSA complaint #516291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saukville, WI Fire

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

ELECTRONIC FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED, RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #979576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saukville, WI Fire

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

ELECTRONIC FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED, RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #979576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Derry, NH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. (ORIGINAL DOCUMENT ON 482158). *SKD

NHTSA complaint #479567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.