MotorDeets

1992 Volkswagen Jetta: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1992 Volkswagen Jetta: 2 recalls, 30 owner complaints and up to 33 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
30owner complaints
4mention a crash
33best combined mpg
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Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls 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.

Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #92V131000 · 1992 · 12,650 vehicles

What's wrong: The venturi tube located in the throttle valve housing can become loose and fall against the throttle plate.

Why it matters: The venturi tube can partially block the throttle plateand prevent it from returning to its full idle position, resulting in unwantedengine speed when the vehicle is placed in a forward or reverse gear.

The fix: Replace the press-fit venturi tube with a thread type tube.

2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls 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.

Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles

What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.

Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.

The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Speed control / throttle8
Engine & cooling6
Electrical6
Visibility (wipers, glass)3
Seat belts2
Suspension2
Fuel system2
Brakes (hydraulic)1

What owners describe

The 1992 Volkswagen Jetta has 30 owner complaints, ranking #33 of 37 Jetta model years for complaints (well below the 274 average). Complaints peaked in 1996 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 119,646 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (31 complaints, 5 recalls), 1993 (17 complaints, 4 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.6 L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive313633Diesel
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 1992 Volkswagen Jetta.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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

Most $25–$78, one-time
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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
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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
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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 1992 Volkswagen Jetta manual

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FAQ

Does the 1992 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1992 Volkswagen Jetta, plus 2 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 1992 Volkswagen Jetta problems?

Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (8), engine & cooling (6), electrical (6).

What gas mileage does the 1992 Volkswagen Jetta get?

EPA ratings run up to 33 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1992 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Jetta years

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