2001 Volkswagen Golf Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Volkswagen Golf, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags3222.2%
- Engine2316.0%
- Brakes1812.5%
- Electrical1510.4%
- Visibility139.0%
- Driver assistance74.9%
- Transmission74.9%
- Exterior lighting64.2%
- Interior & seats64.2%
- Seat belts53.5%
- Fuel system32.1%
- Suspension32.1%
- Body & structure21.4%
- Other / unspecified21.4%
- Steering10.7%
- Powertrain (other)10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED VOLKSWAGEN OF FORT MYERS (14060 S TAMIAMI TRAIL, FORT MYERS, FL 33912, (844) 283-1823) AND WAS INFORMED THAT DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,223.
PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG AND PASSENGER SEAT SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AFTER RUNNING OVER A CURB, ~1' HIGH.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
VW DEALER PERFORMED 2ND REQUIRED TIMING BELT/WATER PUMP CHANGE AT 154626 MILES, 5400 EARLIER THAN REQUIRED, AT APPROX 183600 MILES, 30K MILES LATER WATER PUMP FAILED UPON REMOVAL OF WATER PUMP FOUND PLASTIC IMPELLER SLIPPING / NOT ATTACHED TO METAL DRIVE SHAFT. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILED WATER PUMP, THE ENGINE OVER HEATED. DUE TO DEFECT HISTORY DID NOT INSTALL NEW VW MANUFACTURED WATER PUMP, PLASTIC/COMPOSITE IMPELLER,. REQUIRED AN AFTERMARKET OEM BUILT WATER PUMP, WITH METAL IMPELLER ASSEMBLY TO BE INSTALLED ON VEHICLE. THE REMOVED DAMAGE WATER PUMP IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *TR
EXPERIENCE TWO EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILURES ON TWO DIFFERENT 01 TDI VW GOLFS. EXPERIENCED SEPARATION THE OF THE EXHAUST PIPE/DOWN PIPE ASSY AT THE WELD OF THE CAT EXIT. ONE CAR WITH 179800 MILES AND THE OTHER WITH 73000 MILES. AS A RESULT A STRONG EXHAUST SMELL WAS NOTICED IN THE CABIN DURING CITY DRIVING. BOTH CARS EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM WITHIN THE SAME WEEK. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
2001 VW GOLF WITH 192285 MI EXPERIENCED LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER TO SYSTEMS THAT ARE MOUNTED ON THE REAR HATCH BACK DOOR, (THIRD BRAKE LIGHT, REAR DEFROSTERS, AND WIPER). UPON INSPECTION OF THE WIRING HARNESS FOUND THE WIRING CHAFFED AND OR BROKEN AT POINT WHERE THE HARNESS PASSES THROUGH THE HARNESS SHIELD. (WHERE THE HARNESS PASSES FROM THE CAR BODY TO THE LIFT GATE) *TR
I HAVE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE THAT REQUIRESD ME TO BRING THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. I HAVE NOT CONFIDENCE THAT THE DEALERS IN MY AREA WILL PERFORM THE REPAIR WITHOUT DAMAGING THE CAR IN OTHER NON COVERED AREAS. THEREFORE, I WILL NOT BRING THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. SAFETY RECALL N4 VOLKSWAGEN. *AK
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
HELLO, I NOTICED A RECALL DONE ON THESE VW VEHICLES. (HTTP://HDHTEX.COM/INDEX.PHP/VOLKSWAGEN-BRAKE-LIGHT-AND-TURN-SIGNAL-RECALLS-AFFECT-MORE-THAN-1000000-VEHICLES/) THE RECALL IS DUE TO THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND BLINKER LIGHTS NOT WORKING TOGETHER. IF I AM SIGNALING LEFT AND I PUT MY BRAKES ON, THE SIGNAL SWITCHES SIDES AND THE LIGHTS START BLINKING. THIS HAPPENS WITH BOTH DIRECTIONS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFTEY ISSUE AND ITS NOT DUE TO ANY AFTERMARKET TINKERING. I CALLED VOLKSWAGON TO HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THEY DECLINED ANY ASSISTANCE TO ME. IT MAKES SENSE FOR THEM TO FIX THIS IF IT WAS A RECALL AT ONE POINT. THANK YOU
A PLASTIC BURNING SMELL IN CABIN WAS NOTED AT HIGHWAY SPEED. UPON EXITING THE HIGHWAY, SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE HVAC CONTROL PANEL. RECIRCULATION FAN WAS SWITCHED FROM HIGH SPEED SETTING TO OFF. THE SMOKE CONTINUED TO INTENSIFY, UNTIL ALL DC POWER WAS REMOVED FROM THE CAR. MAINTENANCE FOUND THE HVAC CONTROLLER, ROTATORY FAN SPEED SWITCH TO HAVE MELTED IN THE OFF POSITION DUE TO THE HEAT OF THE ELECTRICAL ARCHING IN SIDE THE SWITCH. DAMAGED LIMITED TO THE HVAC CONTROL PANEL P/N 1J0 820 045F MANUFACTURED BY VALEO. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
A PLASTIC BURNING SMELL IN CABIN WAS NOTED AT HIGHWAY SPEED. UPON EXITING THE HIGHWAY, SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE HVAC CONTROL PANEL. RECIRCULATION FAN WAS SWITCHED FROM HIGH SPEED SETTING TO OFF. THE SMOKE CONTINUED TO INTENSIFY, UNTIL ALL DC POWER WAS REMOVED FROM THE CAR. MAINTENANCE FOUND THE HVAC CONTROLLER, ROTATORY FAN SPEED SWITCH TO HAVE MELTED IN THE OFF POSITION DUE TO THE HEAT OF THE ELECTRICAL ARCHING IN SIDE THE SWITCH. DAMAGED LIMITED TO THE HVAC CONTROL PANEL P/N 1J0 820 045F MANUFACTURED BY VALEO. *TR
2001 VW GOLF WITH 192285 MI EXPERIENCED LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER TO SYSTEMS THAT ARE MOUNTED ON THE REAR HATCH BACK DOOR, (THIRD BRAKE LIGHT, REAR DEFROSTERS, AND WIPER). UPON INSPECTION OF THE WIRING HARNESS FOUND THE WIRING CHAFFED AND OR BROKEN AT POINT WHERE THE HARNESS PASSES THROUGH THE HARNESS SHIELD. (WHERE THE HARNESS PASSES FROM THE CAR BODY TO THE LIFT GATE) *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED WHILE CAR URGED/STALLED/SURGED/STALLED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO MECHANIC, CODED CATEGORY NON PERFORMANCE. CAT REPLACED WITH O2 SENSORS AT $900. LIGHT/ SURGED/STALLED AND RETURNED TO MECHANIC IMMEDIATELY. HE REPLACED GENUINE VOLKSWAGEN PLUGS, WIRES, AND IGNITION COIL. NO CRACKS WERE FOUND, BUT REPLACED ANYWAY AT $300. LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE, T AND REMAINED LIT WITHIN 40 MILES OF RESET, CODES CATEGORY, BANK 1. RAN ROUGH AND SMELLED OF RAW GAS ONCE LIGHT WENT ON. RECALL DID NOT COVER THIS MODEL ALTHOUGH THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL. ONLY 2.0 AEG MOTORS COVERED NOT 2.0 AZG TO 120000. QUIRKY OPERATION WILL RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. SELF LIMITING USE OF VEHICLE UNTIL PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED- O2 SENSORS AT $187 EACH X 2 IN EXHAUST WERE NEXT. *AK
VW GOLF 2001 UNABLE TO SHIFT FROM PARK OR NEUTRAL WITH IGNITION "ON". POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. FORTUNATELY THIS TIME CAR WAS NOT IN A DANGEROUS LOCATION. THIS IS THE SECOND FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (AND AUTOMATIC SHIFT LOCK SWITCH) IN THIS CAR WITH ONLY 30588 MILES. REPLACED AT DEALER. I HAVE THE FAILED SWITCH AND (AS AN ENGINEER) CAN SEE MANY FLAWS IN THE DESIGN, LEADING TO ARCS AND CONTACT STICKING OR NON-OPERATION. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWS THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM, SOME OVER 6 TIMES. APPLICABLE OVER A RANGE OF VW MODELS AND YEARS. CANADA HAD A RECALL FOR SOME VW MODELS. VW SHOULD REPLACE THE SWITCHES WITH A BETTER DESIGN UNDER A LIFETIME WARRANTY AS A DANGEROUS DEFECT. MY WIFE OR ONE OF THE MANY OTHERS COULD HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET OFF A TRAIN TRACK WHEN THE THING LOCKED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
MULTIPLE ISSUES REGARDING VEHICLE RELIABILITY: REPLACEMENT (TWICE) OF OIL TRANSMISSION LINES, REPAIR TO TURBO SYSTEM, AND NOW REPLACEMENT OF DIESEL "GLOW PLUGS", CABLING AND FAILURE OF STARTER MOTOR. *NM
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I BUMPED THE SHIFTER WHILE REACHING FOR MY SODA. THE SHIFTER WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND WOULD NOT COME OUT UNTIL I FORCED IT BACK INTO DRIVE. I PULLED OVER INTO A GAS STATION. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TRIED TO SHIFT BACK INTO DRIVE, BUT THE SHIFTER WOULDN'T BUDGE. I FINALLY GOT IT TO GO INTO PARK AFTER A TOW TRUCK DRIVER SUGGESTED THAT I TURN THE IGNITION TO DIFFERENT POSITIONS WHILE PUMPING THE BREAK AND PULLING ON THE SHIFTER. IT FINALLY RELEASED AND I DROVE IMMEDIATELY TO THE NEAREST VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP. THE MALFUNCTION WAS IN THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH SO I HAD TO GET IT REPLACED. I WAS CHARGED $40 FOR THE PART ITSELF AND $230 FOR THE WORK. I FEEL THAT SINCE THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 1998-2002 VW BEETLE AND THE 1999-2001 VW JETTA THAT THERE SHOULD BE ONE ON THE 2001 VW GOLF AS WELL. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
HELLO, I NOTICED A RECALL DONE ON THESE VW VEHICLES. (HTTP://HDHTEX.COM/INDEX.PHP/VOLKSWAGEN-BRAKE-LIGHT-AND-TURN-SIGNAL-RECALLS-AFFECT-MORE-THAN-1000000-VEHICLES/) THE RECALL IS DUE TO THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND BLINKER LIGHTS NOT WORKING TOGETHER. IF I AM SIGNALING LEFT AND I PUT MY BRAKES ON, THE SIGNAL SWITCHES SIDES AND THE LIGHTS START BLINKING. THIS HAPPENS WITH BOTH DIRECTIONS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFTEY ISSUE AND ITS NOT DUE TO ANY AFTERMARKET TINKERING. I CALLED VOLKSWAGON TO HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THEY DECLINED ANY ASSISTANCE TO ME. IT MAKES SENSE FOR THEM TO FIX THIS IF IT WAS A RECALL AT ONE POINT. THANK YOU
WHILE I HAVE NO INCIDENT TO REPORT, I WOULD LIKE TO PREVENT FUTURE INCIDENTS. MY CAR, LIKE LOTS OF OLDER VEHICLES, SUFFERS FROM UV CLOUDING OF THE HEADLIGHT LENSES, WHICH DIMINISHES THEIR EFFECTIVENESS IN ILLUMINATING THE ROADWAY AT NIGHT. SURELY THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. EQUALLY SURELY, THE MANUFACTURERS ARE AWARE OF IT. SO WHY IS THIS DEFICIENCY OF DESIGN OR MANUFACTURE NOT THE SUBJECT OF RECALLS? *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
2001 VW GOLF TDI, 9 YEARS OLD WITH 173,000 MILES. DRIVER SEAT MOUNT (WELDED TO SLIDER) BROKE AND NOW THE SEAT TILT TOWARD THE REAR ON IT'S REAR PIVOT POINT. THIS METAL BRACKET IS ABOUT 1/8" THICK. THIS IS VERY SERIOUS AND CAN BE DANGEROUS IF IT OCCURS WHILE DRIVING. I SPOKE WITH VW CUSTOMER CARE AND THE REPLY IS; CAR IS BEYOND WARRANTY AND THEREFORE CAN'T HELP WITH REPAIR COST, TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY WILL DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND REPAIR AT MY COST. *TR
2. DRIVER'S SEAT LOCK MECHANISM (FORWARD & AFT MOTION) FAILED TO ENGAGE 1. DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE SEAT FORWARD TO USE THE CAR FOR AN ERRAND, AND THE SEAT WOULD NOT LOCK IN PLACE. ANY PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL RESULTED IN THE SEAT MOVING BACK, PUTTING THE FOOT CONTROLS OUT OF REACH. DRIVER IS 5' 3" TALL. 3. LOCAL DEALER LOOKED AT THE CAR, DETERMINED THAT "DUST AND DEBRIS" JAMMED THE UNDER-SEAT MECHANISM. TECH CLEANED AND LUBED THE PISTON MECHANISM, RESULTING IN A TEMPORARY FIX. "IF IT EVER FAILS AGAIN," THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID, "WE MIGHT HAVE TO REPLACE THE PART." IT SHOULD NEVER HAVE FAILED AT ALL! THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE 100% FAIL-SAFE. THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACE SUCH DEFECTIVE UNITS FOR FREE. INSTEAD, THE DEALER SAID THE PART IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND THUS CHARGED $90+TAX TO REPAIR A SAFETY DEFECT. OUTRAGEOUS! THE PROBLEM REALLY STEMMED FROM THE ORIGINAL LUBRICANT GELLING IN THE "PISTON IN BARREL" MECHANISM, PREVENTING THE PISTON FROM ENGAGING THE CENTRAL SEAT LOCK RAIL. THE CONSUMER HAS NO EASY WAY TO UN-JAM THE COMPLEX MECHANISM. IF THIS HAD JAMMED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION, ON A HIGHWAY, THE DRIVER WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL AND LIKELY BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. LUCKILY NOT IN THIS CASE. THE DESIGN IS DEFECTIVE WHEN IT RESULTS IN EVEN ONE FAILURE. NO OTHER MANUFACTURER USES SUCH A COMPLEX, VULNERABLE SEAT LOCK MECHANISM THAT IS PRONE TO FAILURE. THEY ALL USE A SIMPLE SYSTEM OF LEVERS, METAL RODS AND SPRINGS TO ACCOMPLISH A RELIABLE SEAT LOCK. PLEASE ASK VW TO RECALL CARS WITH SUCH PISTON IN SLEEVE SYSTEMS TO INSURE 100% RELIABILITY...BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*-THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRBAG SENSOR. ONCE SHE TURNED ON THE IGNITION AND PUT ON THE SEAT BELT THE DASHBOARD AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT STAYED ON. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND THAT HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS OF THE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS WHAT INDICATED IF THE AIRBAG SENSOR BECAME ACTIVATED OR NOT. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD MAKE BETTER PARTS FOR THEIR VEHICLES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE, AND WAS GIVEN CASE# 70098165. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000. *AK UPDATED 04/11/07. *JB
REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT LATCH BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF WAS MANUFACTURED ON 12/2000. THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY LINE NIPPLE CRACKED AND HAD BEEN LEAKING GAS UNDER THE REAR SEAT. IT WAS TAKEN TO CAMELBACK VOLKSWAGEN IN PHOENIX ARIZONA WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AS A NEW. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ACKNOWLEDGED THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT THEY REPLACE A LOT OF THE FUEL PUMPS DUE TO NIPPLE CRACKS BUT VOLKSWAGEN DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THIS AS A RECALL OR SAFETY ISSUE DESPITE A RECALL NOTICE FOR GOLFS MANUFACTURED THE SAME YEAR WITH THE SAME SAFETY ISSUE AS MY VEHICLE. THE FUEL LINE TENSION CAUSED THE NIPPLE TO CRACK OFF. VOLKSWAGEN REFUSED TO REPAIR THIS AS A DEFECT. THE OLD PART IS AVAILABLE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LIFTED UP THE REAR SEAT AND UNCOVERED THE ACCESS COVER TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. HE NOTICED FUEL SPILLAGE ON THE FUEL TANK DUE TO A LEAK IN THE FUEL LINE. THE CONTACT CLEANED UP THE SPILL WITH A RAG. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE FUEL SPILLED ONTO THE GROUND. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 150,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2001 VW GOLF HAS HYDRAULIC BUSHINGS IN THE REAR AXLE AND ONE OF THEM LEAKED FLUID. UNFORTUNATELY, THE BUSHINGS ARE INTEGRAL TO THE AXLE AND CANT BE REPLACED WITHOUT REPLACING THE ENTIRE AXLE. AS A MATTER OF FACT, VW HAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON IT (C 42-99-01). I REQUESTED FROM THE DEALER THAT VW PAY FOR REPLACING THE REAR AXLE BUT VW FEELS IT IS NOT A SAFETY RELATED ISSUE. BASED ON MY LIMITED KNOWLEDGE OF HYDRAULIC BUSHINGS, I WOULD EXPECT SOME PLAY IN THE REAR AXLE WHICH WOULD AFFECT THE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF MY VEHICLE AND THUS ITS SAFETY. YOUR COMMENTS WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
AT THE 30,000 MILE DEALER SERVICING, DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL BEARING WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE CREATING A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DOOR LATCHES ON ALL FOUR DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS OFTEN MALFUNCTION. MOST THE TIME YOU HAVE TO PRESS ON THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE UNTIL YOU HEAR A SOFT CLICK BEFORE THE THE DOOR HANDLE WILL WORK. OTHERWISE IT IS AS IF IT WERE LOCKED WHEN IT IS UNLOCKED. ALSO MY CAR WILL LOCK ITSELF IF I UNLOCK IT WITH THE KEY FOB AND GET IN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WITHOUT STARTING IMMEDIATELY. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO RECOGNISE I'VE ENTERED THE VEHICLE.
CONSUMER STATES THE REAR BRAKES WERE NOISY.*YH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
HELLO, I NOTICED A RECALL DONE ON THESE VW VEHICLES. (HTTP://HDHTEX.COM/INDEX.PHP/VOLKSWAGEN-BRAKE-LIGHT-AND-TURN-SIGNAL-RECALLS-AFFECT-MORE-THAN-1000000-VEHICLES/) THE RECALL IS DUE TO THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND BLINKER LIGHTS NOT WORKING TOGETHER. IF I AM SIGNALING LEFT AND I PUT MY BRAKES ON, THE SIGNAL SWITCHES SIDES AND THE LIGHTS START BLINKING. THIS HAPPENS WITH BOTH DIRECTIONS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFTEY ISSUE AND ITS NOT DUE TO ANY AFTERMARKET TINKERING. I CALLED VOLKSWAGON TO HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THEY DECLINED ANY ASSISTANCE TO ME. IT MAKES SENSE FOR THEM TO FIX THIS IF IT WAS A RECALL AT ONE POINT. THANK YOU
I OWN A 2001 VW GOLF. SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS FAILED ONCE PER YEAR. THUS, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THIS FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FOUR TIMES IN FOUR YEARS. THE FAULTY SWITCH HAS CAUSED MY EPC LIGHT TO COME ON WHILE I AM DRIVING, AND TO STALL THE VEHICLE AND PREVENT IT FROM SHIFTING GEARS. VW ISSUED A RECALL FOR FAULTY BRAKE SWITCHES IN THE 1999-2002 JETTA AND 1998-2002 BEETLES, SO I DON'T KNOW WHY A COMPARABLE FIX HAS NOT BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO 2000-2002 GOLF OWNERS. THIS PROBLEM IS RAMPANT. A SEARCH OF ANY VW CHAT BOARD WILL REVEAL NUMEROUS OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. VW SHOULD RECALL THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES ON THE OLDER GOLFS AS IT HAS DONE WITH OTHER MODELS, OR IT MAY POSE A SAFETY HAZARD TO THE MANY GOLF OWNERS OUT THERE (WHO ARE NOT LIKELY TO PURCHASE ANY TYPE OF VW AGAIN). THERE ARE NO SIGNS TO INDICATE THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WILL FAIL BEFORE IT FAILS. EACH TIME IT FAILS, THE CAR MUST BE BROUGHT TO A DEALER OR SERVICE SHOP FOR SWITCH REPLACEMENT. I HAVE RECORDS OF MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENTS OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS I HAVE OWNED MY GOLF, AND CAN SEND YOU COPIES IF YOU NEED THEM. THANK YOU. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
POWER STEERING FAILURE WHEN STARTING CAR WITH WARNING LIGHT . NOT IN MOTION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING COULD HEAR A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM TRANSMISSION, LIKE GRINDING WHEN SHIFTING GEAR. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID THAT PROBLEM WAS CONSTANT VELOCITY SHAFT.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .