1999 Volkswagen Golf

Routine

Owners filed 64 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 7 times.

Not among the Volkswagen Golf years to avoid. Which Volkswagen Golf years to avoid →

Most common 1999 Volkswagen Golf problems

15 of the 64 complaints (23%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine8
000
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls5
000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · fuel system5
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine5
000
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · headlights3
000
Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers3
100
Electrical System3
010
Visibility/Wiper · wipers2
000
Unknown or Other2
000
Power Train › Manual Transmission · transmission2
000

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine14E007000
Filed Mar 7, 201450 vehiclesThe Gates Corporation

Defect. The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.

Risk. A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch07V063000
Filed Feb 20, 20071,002,000 vehiclesVolkswagen of America, Inc

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.

Risk. THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump05V154000
Filed Apr 19, 200530,708 vehiclesVolkswagen of America, Inc

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES AND DOUBLE-LAYER FUEL TANKS, TENSION ON THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY NIPPLE TO CRACK WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LEAK.

Risk. LEAKING FUEL, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE FOR TENSION, AND INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY NIPPLE FOR CRACKING. IF NECESSARY THE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Equipment › Other › Labels03V155000
Filed Apr 22, 20034,243 vehiclesVolkswagen of America,inc

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L VR6 ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE PUBLISHED ON THE LABEL FOR TIRES OF THE SIZE 205/50 R15 86H IS 0.1 BAR (1.45 PSI) TOO LOW. IT SHOULD BE 2.5 BAR (36.3 PSI). THE LABEL RECOMMENDS 2.4 BAR (34.8 PSI = 35 PSI).

Risk. UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND DRIVING WITH SUBSTANTIALLY UNDER INFLATED TIRES PUTS THE CONSUMER AT RISK FOR A CRASH.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS, OR A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL IF THE OWNER WISHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.

Structure › Frame and Members99V022000
Filed Feb 5, 199936,258 vehiclesVolkswagen of America,inc

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOUND ABSORBING MAT ATTACHED TO THE INSIDE OF THE B-PILLAR SIDE TRIM PANEL COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. SURFACE AND EDGES OF THE MAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS. IT COULD IGNITE WHEN EXPOSED TO THE EXHAUST GAS OF THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER IGNITER IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE FRONT OR SIDE COLLISION.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE MATTING MATERIALS FROM INSIDE THE B-PILLAR ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.

All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 13, 201671,000 milesVT

WHITE METAL USED IN FRONT AND READ WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND ALSO REAR HATCH DOOR LATCH FLAKE APART AND CRUMBLE MAKING WIPERS AND LATCH UNUSABLE. REPLACED FRONT WIPER ASSEMBLY JUNE 2012, REAR WIPER DOES NOT WORK, SAME WITH REAR DOOR LATCH. FRONT WIPERS STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY WHILE IN A SUMMER DOWNPOUR CAUSING A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM.

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 8, 2015215,000 milesNY

THIS STARTED TO OCCUR ABOUT 2009, ABOUT 6 YEARS AGO. WHEN I PUSHED UP THE REAR SEATS, I DISCOVERED THAT THE CENTER SEAT BELT WAS TIGHT AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. I COULDN'T EVEN PUSH THE REAR SEAT BACK DOWN BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT WAS SO EXTREMELY TIGHT. WITHIN A YEAR OR TWO LATER, ALL OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS LOCKED UP. THE REAR SEATS ARE NOW UNSAFE FOR PASSENGERS.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 8, 201590,000 milesNY

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FIRE IN 1999 VW GOLF TDI: 2003-01-14, MILEAGE 88290, LIGHTS AND GAUGES ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WERE ACTING FLAKY AND NOT WORKING PROPERLY. SOME LIGHTS WERE DIM AND SOME WERE BURNT OUT. 2003-02-05, I BOUGHT NEW INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. PLAN WAS TO HAVE DEALERSHIP REPLACE FAULTY ONE WITH NEW ONE ON 2003-02-10. A FEW DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT NEW ONE, THE CARS EXISTING ONE SUDDENLY EMITTED SPARKS WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM, AND CAUGHT ON FIRE! THICK, ACRID SMOKE BILLOWED FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD, FORCING ME OUT OF THE CAR. I PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH MY JACKET AND SOME SNOW. 2003-02-10, DEALERSHIP REPLACED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. DURING THE FIRST HEAVY SNOWFALL AFTER THAT, CAR STARTED BUCKING AT LOW RPMS AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS. SPEEDOMETER STARTED FLUCTUATING WILDLY, SHOWING ME GOING ANYWHERE FROM 0 TO 120 MPH. TEMPERATURE GAUGE STARTED FLUCTUATING BETWEEN 0 AND DANGER ZONE, AND TEMPERATURE ALARM SOUNDED WHENEVER THE GAUGE JUMPED INTO THE DANGER ZONE. FUEL GAUGE DROPPED TO EMPTY. ODOMETER FROZE UP. 2003-04-04, MILEAGE 90906, TECHNICIAN AT DEALERSHIP FOUND 300 KILO-OHM RESISTANCE IN WIRING HARNESS GROUNDS. THE FOUR MAIN GROUND WIRE ENDS WERE HORRIBLY CORRODED. AS A RESULT, THERE WAS NO POWER GOING TO THE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR, VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR, OR COOLANT BOTTLE SENSOR. TECHNICIAN LEFT THE EXISTING WIRING HARNESS IN PLACE, SINCE MOST OF THE HARNESS WIRES WERE WORKING FINE. HE DISCONNECTED AND CAPPED THE ENDS OF THE FOUR CORRODED WIRES. HE T

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 8, 2015100,000 milesNY

WINDOW REGULATOR SWITCHES AND INTERIOR LIGHTS STARTED TO MALFUNCTION EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE CAR, STARTING ABOUT 2003. MY PASSENGER WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR ONCE, AND THE SAME HAPPENED FOR MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW TWICE. THE WINDOW SWITCHES ARE FLAKY AND REQUIRE INTENSE CONCENTRATION TO TAP THEM JUST RIGHT TO MAKE THE WINDOW GO IN THE DIRECTION THAT YOU WANT. IF YOU TAP TOO STRONGLY OR TOO LONG, THE WINDOWS REVERSE DIRECTION. THIS IS EXTREMELY DISTRACTING AND DANGEROUS WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO FOCUS ON THE ROAD. DEALERSHIP AND LOCAL MECHANICS REPLACED REGULATOR SWITCHES AND MOTORS SEVERAL TIMES, YEARS AGO. I WAS TIRED OF REPLACING THEM, SO NOW I TRY TO USE THE WINDOWS AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE. I KEEP A FLASHLIGHT PERMANENTLY ON THE PASSENGER SEAT TO COMPENSATE FOR 12 YEARS OF DARKNESS IN THE CABIN. ALARM SYSTEM OCCASIONALLY CHIRPS FOR NO REASON, AS IF DETECTING AN INTRUDER, AND SOMETIMES WILL NOT GENERATE THE BEEP BEEP WHEN I HIT THE ENGAGE BUTTON ON MY KEY FOB. ALARM SOMETIMES GOES OFF WHEN I START THE CAR, AS IF I'M CARJACKING MY OWN CAR. I SUSPECT THE 1999 BATCH OF VOLKSWAGEN CARS HAD SERIOUS GROUNDING OR ELECTRICAL ISSUES. CAR CONTINUES TO RUN FINE (CURRENT MILEAGE IS 392,000) DESPITE THE ELECTRICAL DEMONS, BUT WITH REDUCED SAFETY AND INCREASED DISTRACTIONS.

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Jan 28, 2009126,900 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VALVE IN THE FUEL CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VALVE BECOMES CLOGGED WITH THE FUEL. HE HAS RESEARCHED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS FAILURE AND STATED THAT VOLKSWAGEN IS AWARE, BUT DOES NOTHING TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE. ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT HAS BEEN STRANDED IN COLD WEATHER AND FACED NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCES DUE TO THE STALLING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,900.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 18, 200772,000 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE VEHICLE HAS A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE O RING DEFECT. THE DEFECT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT, RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RECEIVED THE 44K TREATMENT TO RECTIFY THE FAILURE AND NOW THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND CAUSES THE MOTOR AND OTHER COMPONENTS TO OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LARGE QUANTITY OF SMOKE COMES FROM THE VEHICLE AND HE DOES NOT DRIVE IT DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS. HE IS ALSO UNABLE TO SWITCH GEARS BECAUSE THE CLUTCH IS BURNED OUT. THE RECALL NUMBER, VIN, AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 72,000.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Nov 22, 200786,000 milesMI

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE. *TR

Tires
Filed Sep 21, 2007124,000 milesID

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE VEHICLE HAS DOUGLAS & LOMASON (19570R14) TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE PULLED OVER, NOTICED A FLAT TIRE, AND REPLACED IT WITH A SPARE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CASE SEPARATED. THE FAILURE WAS DUPLICATED WITH BOTH FRONT TIRES AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Dec 19, 200675,000 milesCA

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS. *NM

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Sep 9, 2005DC

1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SAFETY RECALL RECEIVED REGARDING THE DEFECT WITH THE FUEL SUPPLY MODULE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID SMELL GAS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER NO LONGER LIVES IN THE UNITED STATES AND WHERE SHE LIVES NOW NO ONE WAS FAMILIAR WITH AMERICAN MADE VEHICLES OR EVEN THE RECALL. *JB

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Jul 7, 2005110,000 milesNJ

I HAVE A 1999 GOLF 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION THAT HAS A HOLE IN ITS CORE. WHEN SHOPPING AROUND TO GET A USED OR NEW TRANSMISSION(I CALLED OVER 20 DIFFERENT COMPANIES AROUND THE US) I WAS TOLD, BY SEVERAL COMPANIES THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MY TRANSMISSION. SOME SALES PEOPLE DID NOT EVEN NEED THE TRANSMISSION CODE, THEY KNEW AS SOON AS I TOLD THEM I HAD A VW TRANSMISSION FOR A GOLF. MANY TOLD ME THEY HAD SEVERAL THAT HAD HOLES IN THE CASE/CORE.I DID CALL VW TO INFORM THEM OF WHAT I HAD FOUND AND COULD NOT BELIEVE THEY WOULD EVEN CHARGE $750 FOR A CORE CHARGE WHEN IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THERE IS A PTOBLEM WITH THE CORES ON THE MODEL. I KNOW THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, I WOULD THINK MAYBE VW SHOULD LOOK TO SEE IF IT IS A FAULTY DESIGN

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jul 6, 200563,500 milesIN

DT: 1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF, FUEL PUMP WAS LEAKING BECAUSE THE SUPPLY FITTING WAS CRACKED. THIS WAS CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, WHICH CAUSED A POOL OF FUEL TO FORM UNDER THE BACK SEAT. ALSO, FUEL WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE GROUND. THE CONSUMER FOUND VARIOUS WEBSITES THAT THERE HAD ALREADY BEEN A RECALL 05V154000 CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. IN ADDITION, THE CONSUMER HAD FOUND THAT THERE WAS A LETTER FROM NHTSA TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, PEA-04-079. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY INDICATED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALL. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, THEY TOLD CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. FUMES WERE CAUSING THE CONSUMER AND PASSENGERS HEADACHES AND DRY EYES. VEHICLE LEAKED FUEL WHEN THE IGNITION WAS IN THE ON POSITION, WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS OPENED AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING. D.PATRICK MOTOPLEX LOCATED ON 200 NORTH GREEN RIVER ROAD EVANSVILLE, IN, 47716, PH. NO. 812-473-6500, WAS THE DEALERSHIP WORKING ON THIS PROBLEM. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jan 25, 200526,902 milesGA

CAR STARTED SMELLING STRONGLY OF GASOLINE ON THE INSIDE AS WELL AS ON THE OUTSIDE. A GASOLINE PUDDLE WAS FORMING UNDER THE CAR WHEN PARKED. CAR COULD NOT BE PARKED INSIDE ANY FURTHER. VW DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP (OLD PART IS NOT AVAILABLE). REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I HAD TO PAY FOR LABOR. *NM

Steering
Filed Dec 27, 200416,000 milesCT

RECALL 00V280000, WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED CONSUMER LOST STEERING CONTROL. DEALERSHIP DID NOT REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Oct 15, 2004NC

FUEL PUMP LEAKED CAUSING AN EXTREMELY STRONG SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. *BF *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 14, 2004PA

WHILE DRIVING, A BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS INSIDE OF THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Sep 17, 200452,000 milesAZ

THE FUEL PUMP ON MY 1999 VW GOLF HAS FAILED TWICE. I FEEL THIS IS BOTH A DEFECT AND HIGHLY DANGEROUS. THE FUEL PUMP CRACKED AND DUMPED FUEL OUT ONTO THE PAVEMENT. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS UNUSUAL, BUT WHEN I WAS IN THE SECOND TIME, I MET ANOTHER VW OWNER WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. VW CONTINUES TO DENY ANY RESPONSIBILITY AND REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE MATTER. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE HAPPENED ON 9-10-01 AT 26K MILES, THE SECOND ON 7-7-04 AT 52000 MILES. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan
Filed Jul 7, 2004NJ

MY 1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF HAS 35,000 MILES ON IT. I HAD MY DEALERSHIP ORDER A PART BACK IN AUGUST OF 2003 WHILE MY EXTENDED WARRANTY STILL COVERED IT THEY NEVER ORDERED IT AND NOW WANT ME TO PAY FOR THIS PART. I HAVE THE DOCUMENT SAYING THEY WOULD ORDER THE PART. PLUS MY CAR HAS HAD DEFECTIVE PROBLEMS SINCE I PURCHASED IT 5 YEARS AGO. MY WINDOW WASHER BOTTLE DOESN'T HOLD FLUID EVEN AFTER THEY TOLD ME IT WAS FIXED.*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jul 4, 200442,000 milesFL

SMELL OF GAS HEAVY INSIDE THE CAR. SMELL EQUALLY AS BAD IF WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN. GRADUAL DECREASE IN THE MILES TO GALLON. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. THEY REPLACED THE FUEL COMPONENT THAT SITS UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE OF BACK SEAT. HAPPENED AGAIN ONE YEAR AND 1 MONTH LATER. CAR THEN OUT OF WARRANTY. TOOK TO PRIVATE MECHANIC. FIXED PROBLEM AGAIN. TOLD BOTH TIMES IT WAS REPAIRED THAT A CIGARETTE ON THE ROAD WAY COULD HAVE CAUSE CAR TO EXPLODE DUE TO GAS SPEWING OUT OF CAR. ON THE COMPONENT THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED (IM NOT SURE OF THE EXACT NAME) THERE WAS A PLASTIC "NIPPLE" THAT COMES OUT OF COMPONENT AND A PLASTIC TUBE IS ATTACHED THERE. ""NIPPLE" HAD CRACKED ALMOST COMPLETELY OFF AND GAS WAS SPEWING OUT EVERY TIME I PRESSED ON THE GAS. CAR WAS DRIVEN NORMAL AND NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENTS. PERHAPS DRY ROTTING OF PLASTIC?*AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed May 10, 200423,000 milesNY

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE HOOD ON MY 1999 VW GOLF UNEXPECTEDLY OPENED AND HIT THE WINDSHIELD WITH A DEGREE OF IMPACT THAT DENTED THE HOOD IN SEVERAL PLACES AND THE HOOD WILL NO LONGER CLOSE. I WAS FORCED TO BRAKE IMMEDIATELY BECAUSE I COULD NOT SEE. THE CARS BEHIND ME SWERVED TO PREVENT HITTING ME. THE HOOD APPEARED TO BE SECURELY SHUT PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. I RESEARCHED THE NHTSA RECALL HISTORY AND FOUND THAT IT INDICATES THAT VW ISSUED A RECALL OF 93-96 GOLF, GOLF GTI AND JETTA (98V-160) DUE TO THE BOLTS SECURING THE FRONT HOOD LATCH LOOSENING OVER TIME AND CAUSING DISENGAGEMENT OF HOOD STRIKER FROM LATCH AND POSSIBLE UNEXPECTED OPENING OF HOOD. WONDERING IF SOMETHING SIMILAR MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED TO ME I CALLED VW US AND MADE A COMPLAINT WITH DYLAN DUNBAR ON MAY 10TH 2004 AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE CAR TO A VW DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THEM DIAGNOSE WHAT THE CAUSE OF THE INCIDENT WAS - A MALFUNCTION / DEFECT OR "SOMETHING I NEED TO SPEAK TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY ABOUT". IT SEEMS LIKE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST ON THE PART OF VW TO HAVE VW TO DETERMINE IF THEY OR RESPONSIBLE OR NOT. *LA

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Mar 12, 200472,606 milesWI

I OWN A 1999 VW GOLF GL THAT HAD TO HAVE ITS LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE DANGEROUSLY WORN OUT AND COULD HAVE BROKEN OFF AT ANYTIME. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND INJURY. I HAD MY CAR IN THE GARAGE TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED WHEN THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE MAJOR PROBLEM. TWO OTHER MECHANICS AGREED THAT THESE BALL JOINTS SHOULD HAVE NEVER WORE OUT THIS BADLY OR QUICKLY. THEY STATED THAT THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD TO FIX THIS SERIOUS DEFECT IN A RECALL AND I AGREE. WE CONTACTED VW AND THEY DENIED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINTS. I DISAGREE, AND THINK THAT THEY SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF THIS DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING REPAIR. IF I WOULD HAVE NEVER NEEDED NEW TIRES FOR MY CAR I MIGHT HAVE NOT BEEN WRITING THIS COMPLAINT. SO I HOPE I CAN SAVE SOMEONE ELSE'S INJURY OR LIFE TOO! *JB

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Oct 29, 2003IL

RECALL REPAIR WORK WAS PERFORMED ON VEHICLE, CONSUMER WAS CHARGED $313.63 AND REPAIRS WERE HALF COMPLETED.*MR SINCE IT WAS A RECALL, THE WORK PERFORMED WAS SUPPOSE TO BE FREE OF CHARGE. THE DEALER ONLY PERFORMED HALF THE WORK AND LEFT A BROKEN PART IN THE DOOR WHICH HAD TO BE REMOVED BY TAKING THE DOOR APART AGAIN. THEY REFUSED TO REFUND THE $313.63 AND REPAIR THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WHICH WAS PART OF THE RECALL. THEY ONLY FIXED THE DRIVER DOOR. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE THE MONIES REIMBURSED PLUS AN ADDITION $313.63 FOR HAVE THE REPAIRS COMPLETED AT ANOTHER DEALER. THE CONSUMER ALSO REQUESTED A LIFE-TIME WARRANTY ON THE WORK O'BRIEN ALREADY DID, $50. PER DAY FOR THE TWO DAYS THE CONSUMER HAD NO VEHICLE, MAILING AND COPYING COST. *PH *NLM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 8, 200383,710 milesCA

DRIVER'S SIDE ENGINE MOUNT BROKEN. *LA

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Jul 11, 200328,245 milesCA

THIS CAR HAS HAD A FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH 3 TIMES IN 2 YEARS. THIS LEAVES THE VEHICLE WITH NO BRAKE LIGHTS WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS A SERIOUS DANGER TO ANYONE IN THE VEHICLE AND OTHER VEHICLES AROUND IT AS THERE IS NO WARNING WHEN SLOWING DOWN.HE SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED ALL 3 TIMES BY ROSEVILLE VW ($136.62 EACH TIME). THERE IS A SERVICE NOTE DATED 10/18/2001 WHICH EXPLAINS THAT IF THE BRAKE SWITCH IS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY IT CAN/WILL LEAD TO A FAILURE OF THE SWITCH. ROSEVILLE VW COVERED THE 2ND INSTALLATION, WHICH WAS A MERE 5 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST REPLACEMENT. HOWEVER, THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN/WILL DO TO COVER THE 3RD INSTALLATION SINCE IT OCCURED 17 MONTHS AFTER THE 2ND. VW OF AMERICA REFUSES TO HELP WITH THIS SITUATION.Y CONTENTION IS EITHER (A) THE SWITCH HAS BEEN DESIGNED WITH A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WHICH SHOULD BE COVERED BY VW OF AMERICA, OR (B) ROSEVILLE VW INCORRECTLY INSTALLED THE SWITCHES CAUSING THEM TO FAIL WHICH SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP.*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jun 16, 200331,000 milesAZ

FUEL PUMP BEGAN LEAKING AGAIN JUNE 11, 2003 AT @ 30,000 MILES. FUEL PUMP HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED AFTER SEVERE LEAKAGE DUE TO CRACKED PLASTIC HOUSING SEPTEMBER, 2000 AT @ 19,000 MILES. FUEL PUMPS SHOULD NOT ROUTINELY FAIL IN SUCH HAZARDOUS FASHION EACH 15,000 MILES -- UNDER WARRANTY OR NO. *NLM

Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Mar 23, 200365,000 milesFL

WHEN I LET DOWN THE BACK SEAT ON MY 99 VW GOLF THE SEAT BELT PULLS UP THE SLACK, BUT WHEN I TRY TO PUT THE SEAT BACK UP, IT DOES NOT RELEASE.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 3, 200342,822 milesWA

FOUR YEAR OLD CAR WITH 42,822 MILES. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED A FEW TIME ON ACCELERATING THURSDAY NIGHT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT SOLID FRIDAY MORNING, AND ON MY WAY TO THE DEALER THE ENGINE SIEZED. VW TELLS ME THE ENGINE IS COMPLETELY DEAD.

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Dec 30, 2002MA

THE BODY OF THE DOOR STRUCK THE MAIN BODY OF THE VEHICLE WHEN CLOSED, WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE MAIN BODY OF THE VEHICLE, AND ALSO CAUSED LOUD HINGE NOISES.*JB

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed Nov 6, 2002RI

REAR CENTER SEATBELT MECHANISM FAILURE. SEATBELTS SHOULD NEVER FAIL. DT

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Sep 27, 2002FL

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PLASTIC CONNECTORS WHICH KEEP THE SIDE DOOR WINDOWS IN PLACE ARE BREAKING AND CAUSES THE WINDOWS TO DROP DOWN INSIDE THE DOORS. PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPAIRED FOUR TIMES . FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *MR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Sep 21, 2002PA

THE TWO AREAS WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING ARE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON FOR NO REASON. THEY HAVE ASKED US IF WE CLOSED THE GAS CAP TIGHTLY? WE ALWAYS DO! EACH TIME THEY SAY IT IS SOMETHING ELSE WHICH IS NOW GETTING COSTLY. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THE OVERWHELMING SMELL OF GAS THAT HAS MADE US SICK AND CAUSED HORRIBLE HEADACHES. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT FIXED THIS PROBLEM EITHER AND ASKED IF WE TOP OFF WHEN WE FILL UP. WE DO NOT. WE FEEL THAT THIS CAR IS HAVING MAJOR ELECTRICIAL PROBLEMS AS WE DO HAVE A 2001GOLF AND HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER. SINCERELY, [XXX] & [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Aug 9, 2002AK

WHEN WINDOW REGULATOR FAILS, THE WINDOW DROPS IN THE DOOR. IF DRIVING IN RAIN OR -20 DEGREES WEATHER, IT BECOMES A SAFETY HAZARD. I'D LIKE TO SEE A RECALL SOON ON THIS.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Aug 7, 2002OH

WHILE DRIVING ON A LOCAL HIGHWAY, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN ATTEMPTING AN EMERGENCY STOP. SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED THAT HOT EXHAUST GASES WHERE BLOWING ON A BRAKE VALVE WHICH CAUSED THE BRAKES TO FAIL. EXHUAST SYSTEM WAS RUSTED OUT AND THE VALVE IS SITUATED NEAR THE HOLE IN THE SYSTEM.*AK

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jul 26, 2002FL

WINDOW REGULATOR HAS BROKEN 4 TIMES, 3 ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE & 1 ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR HAS BROKEN AS WELL ON A 2 YEAR OLD CAR PURCHASED AS NEW! VOLKSWAGEN HAS REFUSED TO PAY OR HELP WITH ANY OF THE COSTS OF SAID PARTS

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 12, 2002KY

CONSUMERS VEHICLE REEKED OF GASOLINE. THE FUMES WERE SEEPING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE DEALER WAS VERY CONCERNED AND SURPRISED THE VEHICLE MADE IT TO THE SHOP BECAUSE OF HOW EXTENSIVE THE LEAK WAS. THE PART NEEDED TO FIX VEHICLE IS ON A NATIONAL BACKORDER. *JG

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Jul 11, 2002NC

THE BATTERY EXPLODED WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Apr 25, 2002MA

THE DEALER HAS NO IDEA WHY THE BRAKE LIGHT SWTCH KEEPS FAILING. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Apr 12, 2002CA

WHEEL BEARING MAKES A STREAKING NOISE. ALSO, VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Apr 2, 200242,500 milesTX

I AM CONCERNED THAT SINCE THIS ENGINE MOUNT FAILED, WHAT ABOUT THE MOUNT ON THE OTHER SIDE? IS THERE A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE? ARE THERE OTHER GOLF OWNERS OUT THERE WHO WILL POTENTIALLY BE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PROBLEM? IT SEEMS UNBELIEVABLE TO ME THAT AN ENGINE MOUNT COULD FAIL ON THIS NEW OF A CAR WITH THIS FEW NUMBER OF MILES. AM I WRONG IN MY ASSUMPTION? *JB ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****760138

Electrical System
Filed Mar 7, 2002NY

WHILE AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE ENGINE WOULD SHUT OFF (NOT STALL), THE CAUSE WAS THE POWER SUPPLY RELAY FOR THE DIESEL ENGINE. *YH

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Feb 7, 2002ME

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Jan 27, 2002MA

THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT ONLY 54,000 MILES AFTER A HISTORY OF PERFECT UP-KEEP. THE DEALERSHIP THAT IS DOING THE WORK SAYS ONE SINGLE VALET PARKING JOB COULD HAVE CAUSED THE DAMAGE AND LOCAL MECHANIC SAYS ALL THE 99?S ARE COMING IN WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER THEMSELVES WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE AND UNINTERESTED IN THE PROBLEM. NOW CONSUMER HAS FACED $ 1,600 TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. *YD

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Jan 9, 2002OH

RELAY QUIT WORKING AND LEFT ME STRANDED ON A 10 DEGREE MORNING. *AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Oct 2, 2001MN

ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING WHILE ON FREEWAY, ONLY GOOD LUCK ALLOWED ME TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC. ENGINE RESTARTED 5 MINUTES, I CONTINUE DRIVING, NOW ONLY IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE. ALMOST MADE IT HOME, ENGINE DIES SUDDENLY AGAIN, SAME 5 MINUTE WAIT, ENGINE STARTS AND RUNS JUST FINE. I AM AN ENGINEER SO I TOOK OFF THE KICK PANEL TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE RELAY PANEL: THE NEXT TIME IT SUDDENLY STOPPED, I FELT ALL RELAYS ON THE PANEL, RELAY MARKED 109 WAS HOT TO MY TOUCH; I WOULD ESTIMATE 130 DEGREES F OR MORE. I REPLACED THE RELAY AND I FIND IT HAS BEEN REDESIGNED. THIS IS WHY I CONTACT YOU.*AK

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Sep 27, 2001NY

THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE CENTER REAR SEATBELT RETRACTS AND WILL NOT COME OUT AGAIN. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, A DEALER (NOT THE PURCHASE DEALER) WAS ABLE TO REPAIR IT, BUT IT FAILED AGAIN, AND WAS REPLACED. NOW, A YEAR LATER IT FAILED YET AGAIN. I HAVE THREE CHILDREN, AND CANNOT DRIVE WITH THEM IN THE BACKSEAT (ONE IS 13, SO HE CAN RIDE IN FRONT), BUT IT IS A REAL AND RECURRING PROBLEM - NOW THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND IT IS A SLOW AND EXPENSIVE PROCESS TO HAVE THIS SAME PART REPLACED REPEATEDLY. THERE CLEARLY IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT HERE. THANKS - JACOB HELLER (631-689-8243) [email protected]

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Aug 21, 2001CT

POWER WINDOW REGULATOR IS DEFECTIVE. WINDOW CAN, AT ANY TIME, FALL INTO DOOR FRAME. HAS NOT CONTACTED DEALER.*AK

Electrical System
Filed Aug 8, 2001WA

ELECTRONIC DEFECTS THAT MANUFACTER CANNOT/WILL NOT FIX. CAR WILL STOP AT CRUISE SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING AND DURING ACCELERATION. CAR HAS BEEN TO DEALER5 TIMES SINCE MAY TO DATE. NO FIX AVAILABLE YET. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN MANY ROAD CONDITIONS. *AK

Power Train › Automatic TransmissionCrash
Filed Jul 30, 2001MA

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Apr 7, 2001NY

ENIGNE CUT OUT SEVERAL TIMES THEN DIED. CRANKED OVER, NO RESTART. HAPPENED LATE AT NIGHT, IF IT HAD BEEN RUSH HOUR WOULD HAVE CAUSED ACCIDENT OR NEAR MISS!!*AK

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Feb 13, 2001IL

ENGINE DIED ON HIGHWAY; RESTARTED BUT STALLED 2 MORE TIMES. REPLACED RELAY BASED ON INTERNET INPUT (SEARCH 'RELAY 109' AT WWW.TDICLUB.COM). *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 64, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2015
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202311000Routine
202281000Routine
20217100Routine
20206200Routine
201963600Do not drive
201829600Do not drive
2017117500Routine
201685900Routine
20151311230Routine
201412500Routine
201343510Routine
201248600Routine
2011110630Routine
201070400Routine
20093000Routine
20081000Routine
20072000Routine
200612300Routine
200519400Routine
200428611Fatalities reported
200327670Routine
200274700Routine
2001116920Routine
200088810Routine
1999 — this page64710Routine
199818100Routine
199723010Routine
199636120Routine
199543500Routine
199441540Routine
19937500Routine
19926200Routine
19918300Routine
199010520Routine

Compare every Golf year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 7, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.