Volkswagen · 1985

1985 Volkswagen Golf/GTI

Official EPA fuel economy and NHTSA recall record, best combined figure 35 MPG.

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Fuel economy (EPA)

Engine	Transmission	Fuel	City	Highway	Combined	CO2 g/mi
1.6L 4-cyl	Manual 5-spd	Diesel	31	41	35	291
1.8L 4-cyl	Automatic 3-spd	Regular	21	25	23	386
1.8L 4-cyl	Manual 5-spd	Regular	23	29	25	355
1.8L 4-cyl	Manual 5-spd	Regular	23	31	26	342

Safety recalls (NHTSA)

6 campaigns on record for this model year. Recall repairs are free at dealers; check your exact vehicle by VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Campaign 84V137000

A DEFECT HAS BEEN FOUND IN THE ASSEMBLY OF SOME MASTER BRAKE CYLINDERS. DURING ASSEMBLY, INTERNAL PARTS OF THE MASTER CYLINDER (PISTON CUPS) MAY HAVE BEEN INTERCHANGED.

Campaign 85V031000

FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTORS MAY NOT PROPERLY LOCK DURING SUDDEN HEAVY BRAKE APPLICATION OR IMPACT DUE TO THE INTERFERENCE OF TWO POSITIONING TABS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETAIN THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SUBJECTING THEM TO

Campaign 86V029000

MORE FUEL THAN PERMITTED BY FMVSS 301 MAY ESCAPE FROM THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY UNDER THE TEST CONDITIONS DESCRIBED IN THE STANDARD. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE CAR IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, THE FUEL SPILLAGE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Campaign 87V053000

FUEL PUMP, LOCATED INSIDE FUEL TANK, COULD SEIZE DURING HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BECAUSE OF AN EXTREME FINE MESH FUEL FILTER RESTRICTING THE FUEL FLOW.

Campaign 92V050000

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.

Campaign 06E018000

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."

Owner complaints (NHTSA)

15 complaints filed by owners for this model year (0 involving a crash, 2 a fire). Complaints are owner reports, not confirmed defects - browse them in full on nhtsa.gov.

Visibility 5 Power Train 3 Vehicle Speed Control 2

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fuel economy of a 1985 Volkswagen Golf/GTI?

EPA figures for the 1985 Volkswagen Golf/GTI reach 35 MPG combined depending on configuration; the table on this page lists every tested engine and transmission combination.

Are there recalls on the 1985 Volkswagen Golf/GTI?

NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns for the 1985 Volkswagen Golf/GTI. Check your specific vehicle by VIN on the official NHTSA site, recalls are fixed free of charge by dealers.

What are common problems with the 1985 Volkswagen Golf/GTI?

Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA for the 1985 Volkswagen Golf/GTI, most often about: Visibility, Power Train, Vehicle Speed Control. Complaint counts reflect what owners report, not confirmed defects.

Sources: EPA fueleconomy.gov, the NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings databases (all US public data), refreshed monthly. Recall texts are quoted from the official record. Details on About & Data Sources.