1986 Volkswagen Jetta
US · Compact Cars
The 1986 Volkswagen Jetta is listed in the US market. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (DSL,TRBO) (NO-CAT), 1.6L 4-cylinder (NO-CAT), 1.8L 4-cylinder (FFS)
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Manual, Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline
- Economy
- 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (DSL,TRBO) (NO-CAT), 1.6L 4-cylinder (NO-CAT), 1.8L 4-cylinder (FFS) | |
| Displacement | 1.6 L to 1.8 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Fuel type | Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Manual, Automatic | |
| Gears | 3 to 5 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) to 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 40 mpg (5.9 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
6 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 9, 2026.
06E018000: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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."
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.
Reported March 1, 2006. View on NHTSA
92V050000: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
THE END CAP CONNECTING THE HEAT EXCHANGER'S CORE TO THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM COULD RUPTURE AND ALLOW HOT COOLANT TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: REPLACE THE HEATER CORE WITH AN IMPROVED HEATER CORE.
Reported April 14, 1992. View on NHTSA
87V053000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL PUMP, LOCATED INSIDE FUEL TANK, COULD SEIZE DURING HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BECAUSE OF AN EXTREME FINE MESH FUEL FILTER RESTRICTING THE FUEL FLOW.
Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED FUEL PUMP AND FILTER.
Reported April 14, 1987. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 24, 2026 · US Government public data
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 24, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 24, 2026
Data verified: October 24, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((DSL,TRBO)), 1.6L 4-cylinder, 1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) - 1987 Volkswagen Jetta
Gasoline
1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km)
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Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1986 Volkswagen Jetta have?
Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((DSL,TRBO) (NO-CAT)), 1.6L 4-cylinder ((NO-CAT)), 1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1986 Volkswagen Jetta?
Combined fuel economy is 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1986 Volkswagen Jetta front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 1986 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 9, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.