Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1983 Jetta.
The 1983 Volkswagen Jetta is specified with a 4.7-quart oil capacity and viscosity ratings of 2W-40, 20W-50, or 15W-40 API CF, mechanical details that define its lubrication requirements. This model year falls outside the vehicle’s documented complaint history, which covers 1990 through 2026 and registers a peak of 903 complaints for the 2009 model year against a low of three for 2026. Positioned prior to this statistical tracking window, it sits before the recorded reliability trajectory that characterizes later production runs.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 167.7 in |
| Overall width | 63.4 in |
| Overall height | 55.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 94.5 in |
| Curb weight | 2028 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 54.7 / 53.1 in |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Jetta of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | GLI Sedan 1.8L I-4 | 10.50 sec | 17.60 sec | 90 hp | FWD |
| 1980 | Coupe 1.6L I-4 | 11.80 sec | 18.10 sec | 76 hp | FWD |
| 1980 | Sedan 1.6L I-4 | 12.10 sec | 18.40 sec | 76 hp | FWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 4.7 qt of 2W-40 / 20W-50 / 15W-40 API CF engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Engine Coolant | ETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| Engine Oil | API · 2W-40 · 20W-50 · 15W-40 · 15W-50 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 4.7 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
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… 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…
UNDER ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, OUTER RUBBER LAYER OF BRAKE HOSES MAY BECOME BRITTLE AND DEVELOP CRACKS. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: CRACKS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID RESULTING IN AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE… Remedy: REPLACE BRAKE HOSES AS NECESSARY.
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
4.7 qt of 68 degrees F TO 104 degrees F 40 API CF OR GREATER, 32 degrees F TO 86 degrees F: 30 API CF OR GREATER, 14 degrees F TO 86 degrees F: 2W-40 OR 20W-50 API CF OR GREATER, 5 degrees F TO 86 degrees F 15W-40 OR 15W-50 API CF OR GREATER, -4 degrees F T, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.