RoadVitals

1991 Volkswagen Golf

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
8
Latest Mar 31, 2002
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Mar 1, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 8 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1991 Volkswagen Golf, most frequently naming the electrical, visibility and body & structure categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 14 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical330.0%
  • Visibility330.0%
  • Body & structure110.0%
  • Driver assistance110.0%
  • Engine110.0%
  • Fuel system110.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
06E018000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Mar 1, 2006
266 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: BRAKE HOSE RUPTURE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
FOREIGN PARTS DISTRIBUTORS, INC.Manufacturer number 171.611.701BView on NHTSA.gov
93V129000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Aug 2, 1993
76,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: DIMINISHED BRAKING CAN RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPINGDISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PREHEATING TUBE SUPPORT BRACKET TO ENSURE PROPER POSITIONING RELATIVE TO THE RIGHT FRONT METAL BRAKE LINE.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INCView on NHTSA.gov
92V058000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Apr 14, 1992
358,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE IF THE FUEL COMES IN CONTACT WITH A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
The remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA93008ClosedEngineering Analysis

DETACHMENT OF BUMPER COVER

Opened Mar 3, 1993
Closed Sep 17, 1993

There is no summary currently available

STRUCTURE
PE92089ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

DETACHMENT OF BUMPER COVER

Opened Dec 17, 1992
Closed Mar 3, 1993

There is no summary currently available

STRUCTURE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Driver assistance
Filed Mar 31, 2002

WHILE DRIVING IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER THE ACCELERATOR STUCK OPEN. ( IN RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I FOUND VOLKSWAGEN RECALLED CARS IN CANADA FOR THIS PROBLEM. RECALL TR (CANADA ONLY). ) THIS HAPPENED THIS WINTER -- BELOW 10*F . IT IS AN EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN TRAFFIC. I HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND TURN THE CAR OFF -- PUSHING THE CLUTCH IN CAUSED HIGH REV'S. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IDLE WHEN IT WAS BELOW 20*F PUSHING THE CLUTCH IN AT A STOP LIGH WOULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO QUIT. REPLACING THE IDLE STABILIZER VALVE HELPED THIS ISSUE -- AFTER THE ISV I REMOVED FROM THE CAR SAT INSIDE FOR SEVERAL DAYS I PICKED IT UP TO MOVE IT AND A CLEAR LIQUID RAN OUT WHICH LOOKED A LOT LIKE WATER. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR SEVERAL YEARS BUT THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR I HAVE DRIVEN IT DURING THE WINTER AND THIS YEAR I HAVE MOVED 240 MILES FURTHER NORTH WHERE THE WEATHER IS COLDER. *AK

NHTSA ID
760044
Incident
Feb 14, 2002
Visibility
Filed Sep 3, 2000
1 injury reported

TOP SECTION OF HEATER CORE CRACKED OPEN WHILE ENGINE AT IDLE SPEED ALLOWING VERY HOT COOLANT TO ENTER THE COCKPIT DRIVER AND PASS. SIDE AT THE FOOT LEVEL. AFTER EMAILING OTHER VW OWNERS GOLF, JETTA, GTI, PASSAT THEY HAVE REPORTED SAME PROBLEMS DUE TO FACT THAT VWOA USES THE SAME PART ON THESE CARS. ALSO FOUND A SAFETY RECALL W/ WWW.ALLDATA.COM WITH TSB # CMPGSD ISSUED MAY 1992 RE: HEATER CORE.

NHTSA ID
730004
Incident
Aug 31, 2000
Fuel system
Filed Feb 8, 2000

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL CAMPAIGN SK IN NOVEMBER 1999 DATED AUGUST 1993, HOWEVER NOT ABLE TO RECEIVE REPAIR DUE TO LACK OF KITS AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. (92V-058) *MJS

NHTSA ID
550775
Incident
Nov 1, 1999
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Apr 26, 1999

WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL SWITCH FELL OFF DUE TO WEAK MATERIAL. MJS

NHTSA ID
545204
Incident
Feb 9, 1999
Visibility
Filed Aug 31, 1998

HEATER CORE FAILED POURING HOT COOLANT INTO PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR AND STEAM POURING THROUGH VENTS.

NHTSA ID
540436
Incident
Aug 28, 1998
Body & structure
Filed May 12, 1998

WHILE PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY THE FRONT BUMPER FELL OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. THE BUMPER IS BEING HELD ON BY BUNGEE CORDS AT THIS TIME. *AK

NHTSA ID
823213
Incident
Apr 14, 1998
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 4, 1995

ALTERNATOR/AIR CONDITIONER BELTS REPLACED. *AW

NHTSA ID
485761
Incident
May 17, 1995
Electrical
Filed May 12, 1995
Crash reported1 injury reported

DRIVING VEHICLE AT SPEED 40 MPH, HAD COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER, IMPACT 3:00 POSITION. TT

NHTSA ID
965252
Incident
May 6, 1995

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SM 33-2019

EQUIPMENT

The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.

SM 44-2017 EN

EQUIPMENT

This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.

VHW-17-11

EQUIPMENT

VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide

1-2017 Update

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests.

V691601 2010479

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Update model year applicability to include 2017.

Airbag

AIR BAGS

Airbag Issues.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volkswagen Golf by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024000—
2023110027.5
2022810030.0
2021710—
2020621—
2019626354.6
2018296160.8
20171155156.5
2016859152.6
201513012160.9
2014115356.2
2013435358.0
2012486564.9
20111106558.9
2010694455.0
2009301—
2008100—
2007200—
2006123045.3
2005194044.6
2004286051.9
2003276266.2
2002737361.4
20011169359.0
2000888357.2
1999647152.9
1998181032.4
1997230034.5
1996361151.0
1995435257.7
1994415052.3
1993750—
1992620—
1991Viewing832—
1990105365.7
1989174159.0
1988961—
1987442—
1986135362.9
1985106164.9

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.