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1987 Volkswagen GTI 1.8 5MT

All Volkswagen GTI 19E trims (1985–1993) → All Volkswagen GTI generations →
1987 Volkswagen GTI – front Unverified
Photo: 1987 Volkswagen Golf GTi 1.8 Front by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the Mk2 (19E, 1985–1993); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: 1987 Volkswagen Golf GTi 1.8 Front by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: 1991 Volkswagen Golf GTi by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: Volkswagen Golf MkII GTI in Swansea by Robrob42, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: 1987 Volkswagen Golf GTi 1.8 Rear by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: 1992 Volkswagen Golf GTI 8V (US) - Red, interior by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1987 Volkswagen GTI 1.8 5MT is a 1.8-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $10,645 MSRP and is rated at 25 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (25 mpg combined).

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$10,645 ($30,454 *)
Engine
Engine Type1.8L Inline-4
Displacement1.8 L
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City23 MPG
Highway28 MPG
Combined25 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

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1987 Volkswagen GTI. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

May 8, 1987 · WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL LUG NUTS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY TORQUED.

Consequence: AN IMPROPERLY TORQUED WHEEL MAY LOOSEN OVER A PERIOD OFTIME AND COULD EVENTUALLY SEPARATE, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: INSPECT AND RE-TORQUE LEFT FRONT WHEEL LUG NUTS.

NHTSA campaign 87V063000

2 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1987 Volkswagen GTI

Owner Complaints

2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1987 Volkswagen GTI. See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine And Engine Cooling2
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Mar 6, 2005 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“A RECALL HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR MY SON'S AUTOMOBILE. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND WHEN I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER THEY WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY IF THE DEFECT HAD BEEN ADDRESSED IN A PRIOR REPAIR FOR A…”
Jan 30, 1995 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“THE TIME BELT BROKE AND ENGINE STOP( 16 VALVE). TT”

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 1987 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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