Skip to content
AutoSpec Index
Menu

1987 Volkswagen Jetta

US · Compact Cars

The 1987 Volkswagen Jetta is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.

Engine
1.8L 4-cylinder (FFS)
Transmission
Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Economy
22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) combined
Generic outline for this body type. An illustration, not a photograph.
Specifications at a Glance

Key Figures

Units:
Engine / Powertrain
1.8L 4-cylinder (FFS)
Combined Economy
22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) combined
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
Automatic, Manual
Market: US·Switch units to convert the figures shown.
Compare 1987 Volkswagen Jetta ↗

Engine

Engine
SpecificationValueSource
Engine1.8L 4-cylinder (FFS)
Displacement1.8 L
Cylinders4
Fuel typeGasoline

Transmission and drivetrain

Transmission and drivetrain
SpecificationValueSource
TransmissionVaries by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Gears3 to 5
DrivetrainFWD

Fuel economy and range

Fuel economy and range
SpecificationValueSource
Combined22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)
City21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km)
Highway24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km)

Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.

Trims and configurations

5 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 8, 2026.

  • 06E018000: 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."

    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.

    Reported March 1, 2006. View on NHTSA

  • 92V050000: 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.

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

    Reported April 14, 1992. View on NHTSA

  • 89V221000: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    Remedy: CURVE OR REPLACE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE.

    Reported December 8, 1989. View on NHTSA

  • 87V053000: 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.

    Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED FUEL PUMP AND FILTER.

    Reported April 14, 1987. View on NHTSA

Data sources

  • EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 23, 2026 · US Government public data
  • NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 23, 2026 · US Government public data

Source checked: October 23, 2026

Data verified: October 23, 2026

Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.

Related vehicles

  • 1986 Volkswagen Jetta

    Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline

    Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((DSL,TRBO) (NO-CAT)), 1.6L 4-cylinder ((NO-CAT)), 1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
    35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km)

  • 1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
    25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km)

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the 1987 Volkswagen Jetta have?

1.8L 4-cylinder ((FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.

What is the fuel economy of the 1987 Volkswagen Jetta?

Combined fuel economy is 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.

Is the 1987 Volkswagen Jetta front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?

Drivetrain: FWD.

Are there recalls for the 1987 Volkswagen Jetta?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 8, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.