Problem Reports
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1990 Volkswagen GTI Problems
High Mileage Automatic Transmissions May Have Shifting Problems
Shifting issues due to internal problems in high mileage automatic transmissions can be difficult to resolve without transmission replacement.
Reverse Gear Failures and/or Noise From Manual Transmission
Reverse gear failures and noise in the manual transmission models are common.
Difficult to Diagnose Electrical Issues Are Typically Due to Ground Issues
Electrical issues that are difficult to diagnose—and sometimes intermittent—are typically due to ground wiring issues. The most troublesome ground locations are under the battery or at the engine.
Coolant and Oil Leaks
The water pump and/or other cooling system may develop a coolant leak. Oil leaking from the valve cover gasket is also common.
Wrong Anti-Freeze/Coolant May Cause Heater Core Leaks
Heater core leaks are common in this model, more so if the wrong anti-freeze/coolant is used in the cooling system.
Ignition wires may break down and cause misfires
Ignition wire breakdown is common, resulting in misfires.