MotorDeets

1991 Volkswagen Golf: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1991 Volkswagen Golf: 2 recalls, 8 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
8owner complaints
1mention a crash
25best combined mpg
1991 Volkswagen Golf
Photo: Rutger van der Maar · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #92V058000 · 1992 · 358,000 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the engine compartment can cause an underhood fire if the fuel comes in contact with a source of ignition.

The fix: Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #93V129000 · 1993 · 76,000 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: Diminished braking can result in increased stoppingdistances and a possible accident.

The fix: Dealers will install a preheating tube support bracket to ensure proper positioning relative to the right front metal brake line.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #06E018000 · 2006 · 266 vehicles

What's wrong: 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."

Why it matters: Brake hose rupture could result in loss of braking ability, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

The fix: Foreign parts distributors will notify owners and replace the brake hoses with compliant brake hoses. The recall began on March 30, 2006.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical3
Visibility (wipers, glass)3
Engine & cooling1
Body & structure1
Fuel system1
Speed control / throttle1

What owners describe

The 1991 Volkswagen Golf has 8 owner complaints, ranking #27 of 34 Golf model years for complaints (well below the 42 average). Complaints peaked in 1998 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old. Neighboring years: 1990 (10 complaints, 4 recalls), 1992 (6 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.8 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive222925Regular
1.8 L 4-cylAutomatic 3-spdFront-Wheel Drive212623Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1991 Volkswagen Golf.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1991 Volkswagen Golf manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1991 Volkswagen Golf manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1991 Volkswagen Golf manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1991 Volkswagen Golf manual

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FAQ

Does the 1991 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1991 Volkswagen Golf, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1991 Volkswagen Golf problems?

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (3), visibility (wipers, glass) (3), engine & cooling (1).

What gas mileage does the 1991 Volkswagen Golf get?

EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1991 Volkswagen Golf repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Golf years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023