1990 Volkswagen Jetta
US · Compact Cars
The 1990 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 Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.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 (NO-CAT), 1.8L 4-cylinder (FFS), 2.0L 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 34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder (NO-CAT), 1.8L 4-cylinder (FFS), 2.0L 4-cylinder (FFS) | |
| Displacement | 1.6 L to 2.0 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 | |
| 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 34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) to 39 mpg (6.0 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
4 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 7, 2026.
09E012000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Reported April 7, 2009. View on NHTSA
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
93V129000: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PREHEATING TUBE SUPPORT BRACKET TO ENSURE PROPER POSITIONING RELATIVE TO THE RIGHT FRONT METAL BRAKE LINE.
Reported August 2, 1993. View on NHTSA
92V058000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE ATTACHED TO THE FUEL RAIL AND INSTALL A NEW SPRING TYPE SELF-TIGHTENING CLAMP.
Reported April 14, 1992. 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
90V142000: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
OMISSION OF AIR DUCTS INTENDED TO GUIDE FLOW OF COOLING AIR TO LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS COULD ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO EXCEED ALLOWABLE OPERATING TEMPERATURE UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Remedy: INSTALL MISSING LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT AIR DUCTS.
Reported August 6, 1990. View on NHTSA
90V007000: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
POWER STEERING PUMP BRACKET IS SUBJECT TO BREAKAGE DUE TO EXCESSIVE TENSION CAUSED BY A LACK OF CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE PUMP MOUNTING BRACKET AND SEALING FLANGE EDGE OF THE OIL PAN.
Remedy: REPLACE POWER STEERING PUMP BRACKET.
Reported January 22, 1990. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 21, 2026
Data verified: October 21, 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
- 1989 Volkswagen Jetta
Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder ((NO-CAT)), 1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) - 1991 Volkswagen Jetta
Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder ((NO-CAT)), 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((DSL,TRBO)), 1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km)
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Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta have?
Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder ((NO-CAT)), 1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta?
Combined fuel economy is 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 1990 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 7, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.