← Back to Search

1985 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 3AT

All Volkswagen Jetta trims (1985–1992) → All Volkswagen Jetta generations →
1985 Volkswagen Jetta – front Unverified
Photo: Volkswagen Jetta II TX phase 1 Face avant by Olifer7, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the Jetta II (1985–1992); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: Volkswagen Jetta II TX phase 1 Face avant by Olifer7, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: Volkswagen Jetta CL by Bene Riobó, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: Volkswagen Jetta GL by Bene Riobó, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: VW Jetta II Beach by KarleHorn, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: 1986 Volkswagen Jetta TX - 1595cc 1.6 (75PS) Petrol - Tornado Red - 05-2024, Rear by Harvey Bold, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1985 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 3AT is a 1.8-liter inline-4 with a 3-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $10,315 MSRP and is rated at 23 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (23 mpg combined).

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$10,315 ($31,156 *)
Engine
Engine Type1.8L I4
Displacement1.8 L
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission3-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City21 MPG
Highway25 MPG
Combined23 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1985 Volkswagen JETTA. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Mar 1, 2006 · 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."

Consequence: BRAKE HOSE RUPTURE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

NHTSA campaign 06E018000

Apr 14, 1992 · 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.

Consequence: THE COOLANT ESCAPING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT COULDCONTACT THE DRIVER'S FEET AND INJURE THE DRIVER. ALSO, STEAM FROM THE HEATEDLIQUID WILL CLOUD ON THE WINDOW SURFACES AND IMPAIR THE DRIVER'S VISION ANDCOULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy: REPLACE THE HEATER CORE WITH AN IMPROVED HEATER CORE.

NHTSA campaign 92V050000

Apr 14, 1987 · 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.

Consequence: FUEL SUPPLY TO ENGINE WOULD BE PARTIALLY INTERRUPTED,RESULTING IN STALLING.

Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED FUEL PUMP AND FILTER.

NHTSA campaign 87V053000

Nov 14, 1984 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

THE CLIP LOCATED ABOVE THE EXHAUST PIPE WHERE IT ENTERS THE PRE-MUFFLER MAY MELT FROM EXCESSIVE HEAT CAUSED BY ENGINE IDLING.

Remedy: THE DEALER HAS INITIATED A TWO STEP CORRECTIVE PROCEDURE: THE FIRST STEP CONSISTS OF IMMEDIATE REMOVAL OF THE PLASTIC CLIP ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. STEP TWO INVOLVES REPLACEMENT OF THE PLASTIC CLIP WITH A METAL ONE WHEN PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.

NHTSA campaign 84V144000

13 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1985 Volkswagen JETTA

Owner Complaints

13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1985 Volkswagen JETTA (1 mention a crash, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Hydraulic3
Power Train3
Service Brakes3
Seat Belts2
Electrical System1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jun 24, 2002 · Power Train
“YOU CANNOT TELL IF THE CAR IS IN FIRST GEAR OR REVERSE. THIS IS EXTREEMLY DANGEROUS.*AK”
Jan 9, 2002 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“CONSUMER PUT ONE AND HALF QUARTS OF OIL INSIDE OF ENGINE, AND FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER, VEHICLE STARTED MAKING KNOCKING NOISE. HE HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS HOUSE AND CHANGED THE OIL . *AK”
Jun 9, 2000 · Power Train
“I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS JUST MY CLUTCH CABLE NEEDING REPLACED BUT IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE PEDALS WELD POINT. THE ODOMETER HAS NEVER WORKED SINCE I'VE OWNED THE CAR BUT NO ONE CAN TELL WHY IT DOESN'T…”
Aug 18, 1998 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
“BRAKE LINE RUSTED THROUGH AND SPRUNG A LEAK, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID, CAUSING TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. THE DEALER ANS MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. AK”
Mar 31, 1998 · Electrical System
“ALTERNATOR/STARTER FAILED.”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1985 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

← Back to Search