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1981 Volkswagen Jetta recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1981 Volkswagen Jetta. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Volkswagen been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. Recall repairs are free.

1981 Volkswagen Jetta recalls, newest first

March 1, 2006NHTSA 06E018000266 vehicles potentially affected

Service brakes, hydraulic

  • Aftermarket equipment: applies only if this part was installed
Summary
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

November 9, 1983NHTSA 83V117000930,000 vehicles potentially affected

Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system

Summary
The fuel pump may stop functioning without warning. This can occur because an electrical connector in the fuse panel may overheat and interrupt the electrical circuit.
Remedy
Dealer will inspect the fuse box and its connectors for corrosion, and correct where necessary. A bypass adapter to the fuel pump electrical circuit will be installed.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

November 28, 1980NHTSA 80V15500025 vehicles potentially affected

Suspension › Front

Summary
The lockwasher for the two bolts holding the left and right axle strut to the axle bearing housing, as well as the bolt holding the wishbone to the crossmember, may have been improperly manufactured. Some of these washers are too brittle. This may lead to breakage due to excess carbon deposits.
Remedy
The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lock washers at no charge.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

October 23, 1980NHTSA 80V1400003,200 vehicles potentially affected

Equipment › Other › Labels

Summary
Tire labels written in french were inadvertently affixed to vehicles in U.S.. This fails to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, " tire selection and rims".
Remedy
The dealer will correct the involved vehicles prior to their first retail sale by installing the correct labels.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

No owner complaints about the 1981 Volkswagen Jetta were found in NHTSA’s complaint data.

Other Volkswagen Jetta years

Other 1981 Volkswagen models

Questions

Does the 1981 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: service brakes, hydraulic, fuel system, gasoline, suspension, equipment. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1981 Volkswagen Jetta recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Volkswagen dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1981 Volkswagen Jetta?
0 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.