Volkswagen Golf, Jetta Recall R/1995/089: Possibility Of Coolant Leakage Into Passenger Compartment, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 25 Jan 1996
- Launched
- 86,500
- vehicles in the UK
- R/1995/089
- DVSA reference
Volkswagen recalled Golf, Jetta vehicles built between 1 August 1989 and 31 August 1991. Operation of the vehicle for prolonged periods with the cooling system at very high temperatures can result in cooling system damage which in rare instances may cause rupturing on the heat exchanger. The recall notice describes the fix as: the fitment of a bypass valve to the heat exchanger inlet and a non-return valve to the system. At the same time the heat exchanger box will be lined with absorbent foam. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Operation of the vehicle for prolonged periods with the cooling system at very high temperatures can result in cooling system damage which in rare instances may cause rupturing on the heat exchanger. In consequence high temperature coolant.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POSSIBILITY OF COOLANT LEAKAGE INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT Defect: Operation of the vehicle for prolonged periods with the cooling system at very high temperatures can result in cooling system damage which in rare instances may cause rupturing on the heat exchanger. In consequence high temperature coolant Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a bypass valve to the heat exchanger inlet and a non-return valve to the system. At the same time the heat exchanger box will be lined with absorbent foam.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in cooling system damage which in rare instances may cause rupturing on the heat exchanger.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: the fitment of a bypass valve to the heat exchanger inlet and a non-return valve to the system. At the same time the heat exchanger box will be lined with absorbent foam.
Are You Affected?
Golf, Jetta built between 1 August 1989 and 31 August 1991 may be included. Volkswagen estimates 86,500 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Volkswagen, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Volkswagen.
- Book with any franchised Volkswagen dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/1995/089. See how to get a Volkswagen recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
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| GolfFront belt webbing | Low | R/2025/257 | |
| GolfFront belt webbing | Low | R/2025/256 | |
| GolfAnalysis vehicle modification | Low | R/2024/266 | |
| Arteon, Golf, PassatOn certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment | Urgent | R/2024/014 |
This is one of 220 Volkswagen recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volkswagen recall launched before it was R/1995/008 on 6 Sep 1995, for failure of headlamps. The one launched after it was R/1996/008 on 12 Feb 1996, for insecurity of fan blade. You can also see every Volkswagen recall and all recalls launched in 1996.
Source: DVSA recall R/1995/089, launched 25 January 1996. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.