2001 Volkswagen Golf

Routine

Owners filed 116 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 9 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
65,300 milesMedian miles at failure

69 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2001 Volkswagen Golf problems

32 of the 116 complaints (28%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags16
101
Air Bags › Side/Window · airbags9
101
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls7
000
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · headlights6
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine6
000
Electrical System6
011
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission5
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine4
000
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module · airbags4
000
Visibility3
010

9 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder07E023000
Filed Mar 29, 200713,128 vehiclesCardone Industries, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Risk. LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

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.

Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights › Switch04V584000
Filed Dec 16, 2004410,000 vehiclesVolkswagen of America, Inc

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HAZARD SWITCH AND FLASHER SYSTEM FUNCTION MAY DEGRADE OVER TIME BECAUSE OF DISTORTION AND MATERIAL TRANSFER OF THE CONTACTS OF CERTAIN HAZARD SWITCH RELAYS WHICH OCCURS DUE TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOAD FROM HIGHER WATTAGE TURN SIGNAL BULBS.

Risk. THIS MAY RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER FUNCTION.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual02V244000
Filed Sep 12, 2002332,950 vehiclesVolkswagen of America,inc

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.

Risk. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL BE FOUR DECALS TOGETHER WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND A TEMPLATE FOR ATTACHING THE DECALS TO THE LOWER SEAT BACKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 15, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip02V031000
Filed Jan 31, 200255,000 vehiclesVolkswagen of America,inc

Defect. ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).

Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2002. 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 VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Arm00V280000
Filed Sep 20, 20004,218 vehiclesVolkswagen of America,inc

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF TWO BRACKETS USED TO BOLT THE FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE TO THE BODY STRUCTURE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN WELDED SUFFICIENTLY.

Risk. THE CONTROL ARM COULD GRADUALLY LOOSEN AND ULTIMATELY SEPARATE FROM ITS BRACKET IN NORMAL DRIVING WHICH COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO BE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL. AS THE BRACKET LOOSENS, LOUD METALLIC KNOCKING SOUNDS IN FROM THE VEHICLE WILL BE HEARD.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRACKET AND IF THE WELDING IS INSUFFICIENT, WILL REPLACE THE CONTROL ARM.

All 9 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Apr 21, 2021109,223 milesFL

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 29, 2020190,000 milesIN

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.

Steering
Filed May 20, 201793,000 milesNY

POWER STEERING FAILURE WHEN STARTING CAR WITH WARNING LIGHT . NOT IN MOTION.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 9, 2015319,820 milesAZ

PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG AND PASSENGER SEAT SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AFTER RUNNING OVER A CURB, ~1' HIGH.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 2, 2015174,000 milesAK

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

Air Bags
Filed Aug 31, 2014146,000 milesIL

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON CONTINUOUSLY INDICATING A MALFUNCTION. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed May 21, 201264,000 milesIL

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

Seats
Filed Nov 17, 2010173,000 milesCT

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

VisibilityFire
Filed Sep 20, 2010195,050 milesMI

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

Electrical System
Filed Jul 23, 2010192,285 milesMI

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

Seats
Filed May 5, 201073,000 milesCA

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. PL

Visibility
Filed Jan 19, 201072,000 milesCA

I HAVE A 2001 VW GOLF GLS. ONE DAY MY CAR'S TRUCK DOOR CAN NOT BE LOCKED, I TOOK IT TO VW DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. INITIALLY I THOUGH IT WAS JUST SOME WIRING PROBLEM, BUT AFTER THE CERTIFIED VW TECHNICIAN CHECKED EVERY POSSIBLE THINGS THAT CAUSED THE TRUCK LOCK MALFUNCTION, IT WAS SO CALLED "COMFORT CONTROL MODULE" NOT SENDING SIGNAL AND ELECTRICITY TO THE TRUCK LOCK. NO BIG DEAL, IT'S JUST A TRUCK LOCK, NO NEED TO WORRY, SO I REFUSED THE $900 ESTIMATED REPAIR AMOUNT FOR A NEW COMFORT CONTROL MODULE (CCM) REPLACEMENT. THE VW TECHNICIAN FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS OK NOT TO REPLACE IT IF IT IS JUST THE TRUCK LOCK MALFUNCTION, BUT IF ANYTHING THAT IS ACTING FUNNY SUCH AS WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT MOVING, DOORS LOCK BY ITSELF, POWER WINDOWS CAN NOT ROLL DOWN, OR DASHBOARD LIGHT GOING ON AND OFF BY ITSELF, THEN IT IS IMPORTANT TO REPLACE IT. NO MAJOR PROBLEM FOR A YEAR, THEN SUDDENLY DRIVING IN THE RAIN AT NIGHT, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTION, THEY WILL NOT MOVE AT ALL. I CAN BARELY SEE WHAT WAS IN FRONT OF ME IN HIGH SPEED ON FREEWAY IN THE RAIN. I TRIED TO OPEN THE WINDOWS SO I CAN SEE BETTER SO THAT I CAN PULL OVER SAFELY. I TRIED TO LOWER THE WINDOWS , BUT THE WINDOWS DIDN'T COME DOWN. I SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED OVER BY GUESSING, LUCKILY NO CAR WAS BEHIND ME OR NEXT TO ME. I GOT OUT AND CHECKED IF THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG OR WHAT OBSTRUCTING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. I FOUND NOTHING, IT JUST SIMPLY STOP WORKING ALONG WITH MY POWER WINDOWS. I WENT TO THE DEALER AFTER THE RAIN A

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 31, 2009183,600 milesMI

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

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Oct 14, 200973,000 milesMI

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

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 15, 200990,421 milesAZ

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

Air Bags
Filed Oct 27, 200890,000 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE EXPERIENCED LOW POWER, ROUGH IDLING, AND HESITATION. THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATORS REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURES WERE RELATED TO THE COIL PACK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES WITH NO RESOLUTIONS. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY IS INOPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Sep 5, 2008112,000 milesTX

VW 2001 GOLF TDI SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED WHILE DRIVING. AUTO WAS A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO FIRE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 26, 200888,001 milesCA

THE DEALERSHIP SOLD ME A VEHICLE WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT IT HAS PROBLEMS WITH OIL LEAKS AND OIL CONSUMPTION (AS WELL AS OTHER PROBLEMS) EXPERIENCED WITH THE PREVIOUS OWNER. I RETURNED THE VEHICLE FOR SERVICING 4 DAYS AFTER PURCHASED AND HAVE MADE 8 REPAIR ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WILL BE RETURNED, FOR THE SECOND TIME, TO THE DEALERSHIP AND RESOLD TO ANOTHER UNSUSPECTING PERSON UNLESS IT IS PROPERLY NOTED TO AUTOCHECK AND CARFAX THAT IT IS A LEMON AND HAS BEEN BOUGHT BACK TWICE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Dec 10, 2007119,100 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS, INCLUDING THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAGS, DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60-65 MPH AT THE TIME OF FAILURE. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NORMAL AND THERE WAS NO SUDDEN IMPACT OR CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,100 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,350. UPDATED 03-05-08 *BF

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 16, 2007120,000 milesCA

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 15, 200773,000 milesIL

THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WENT ON, I HAD TWO HOSES REPLACED, AND WAS TOLD NOTHING ELSE WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. HOWEVER, A DAY LATER, THE LIGHT WENT BACK ON. I WAS TOLD THE AIR FILTER NEEDED CLEANING AND ALL WAS WELL. A DAY AFTER THAT, THE LIGHT WENT ON AGAIN, AND THE CAR WAS HAVING PROBLEMS AT IGNITION, IT WAS STALLING AND JUST TURNED OFF. THIS TIME I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED AN IGNITION COIL. THAT WAS FIXED. AS I WAS DRIVING HOME, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AGAIN! THE NEXT MORNING BEFORE THE DEALER OPENED, I TRIED TURNING ON THE CAR, AND NOW HAD A SECOND LIGHT THE EPC (ELECTRONIC CONTROL PANEL). THE CAR TURNED ON, BUT GEARS AND THE WHOLE SYSTEM WAS DOWN, AND I COULDN'T EVEN SWITCH GEARS. THAT WAS HARD TO GET IT ON A TOW TRUCK TO DRIVE IT BACK TO THE DEALER. THAT WAS REPLACED, AND AT THAT POINT I WAS TOLD OF A RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED FOR THE CAR, SO IT STAYED AT THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE RECALL. A RECALL I WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT, BY MAIL OR OTHERWISE, ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOT MOVED IN 2 YEARS, AND PRIOR TO THAT I LIVED WITH MY PARENTS. ANYTHING SENT TO ME TO EITHER ADDRESS, DOES GET TO ME. AFTER THE RECALL WAS FIXED, THE ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AGAIN. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP FOR OVER 2 WEEKS AND THEY CAN'T FIGURE OUT WAS IS WRONG WITH IT. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Jun 15, 2007170,000 milesCA

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

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed May 9, 2007104,000 milesNY

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

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Mar 20, 200784,200 milesCA

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

Electrical System › Starter Assembly
Filed Nov 19, 200679,900 milesFL

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

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 25, 2006VA

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

Air Bags › Side/Window1 injured
Filed Oct 16, 2006FL

WHILE DRIVING HOME ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED LEAVING BRUISING AND SCRAPES ON PASSENGER. NO OTHER VEHICLE OR OBSTRUCTION IN WAY. *NM

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Oct 4, 200680,687 milesMD

SECOND TIME THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG HAS MALFUNCTIONED -- WARNING LIGHT COMES ON THAT AIRBAG IS NOT PROPERLY FUNCTIONING. NOVEMBER 2005 AND SEPTEMBER 2006. DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THEN AS NOW. VW ORDERED REPAIRS AND REPLACED BAG AND HARNESS IN NOVEMBER 2005. ALL AIRBAGS WILL NOT FUNCTION IF A PROBLEM WITH HARNESS. THIS WILL BE THE SECOND HARNESS, IGNITER, ETC TO BE INSTALLED. PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE UPON REPAIR THIS TIME ( A QUITE COSTLY VENTURE). VW WILL NOT ADMIT A SERIOUS PROBLEM, BUT NON-VW REPAIR CENTERS KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM. *NM

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Sep 21, 200665,300 milesMN

GOT TRANSMISSION WORK DONE ON 9/19/06. PICK CAR UP THAT EVENING AND DROVE HOME ON CITY STREETS. ON 9/20/06 GOT ON FREEWAY TO GO TO WORK AND ACCELERATED TO 55 MPH AT WHICH TIME THE HOOD SNAPPED BACK AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THE SERVICE WORK WAS DONE. SAID THE PROBLEM WITH THE HOOD WAS DUE TO A FAULTY/FAILED HOOD LATCH. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE HOOD AND INSTALLED A NEW HOOD LATCH. *NM

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Aug 3, 2006FL

I OWN A 2001 VW GOLF. LAST YEAR I HAD REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR (FAILURE) AT GUNTHER VW DEALERSHIP (IN COCONUT CREEK, FL), THE DATE IS 07/21/2005. I HAVE PAID FOR THE SERVICE AND PARTS. I WANT TO MENTION THAT IN SPITE OF THE FACT I HAVE PAID FOR A NEW PART THEY INSTALLED A RE-MANUFACTURED ONE. THIS YEAR IN JULY THE ALTERNATOR SEEMED TO GIVE ME PROBLEMS ONCE AGAIN. IT HAPPENED ON JULY 17 2006. THE NEXT DAY 7/18/2006 I CALLED GUNTHER VW TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. I WAS ASKED WHAT IS THE PROBLEM AND I TOLD THEM IS THE ALTERNATOR (I HAVE THE EXPERTISE, HOLDING A BS AND MS IN ENGINEERING WITH AN AUTOMOTIVE MAJOR). THEY COULD NOT SCHEDULE THIS APPOINTMENT EARLIER THAN JULY 29, 2006. ON THAT DATE (7/29/06) I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CONFIRMED IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR, BUT THEY COULD NOT REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY (1 YEAR FROM 7/21/06) BECAUSE THEY CLAIMED THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND SUGGESTED TO CALL VW - THE MANUFACTURER. THEY DENIED THE WARRANTY. THE FACT IS THAT SPECIFIC PART (THE ALTERNATOR FAILED PRIOR THAT DATE AND I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP PRIOR THE EXPIRATION DATE, BUT BECAUSE OF THE SCHEDULING AVAILABILITY THEY TOLD ME TO BRING THE CAR AFTER ALMOST 2 WEEKS). I EXPLAINED THIS ISSUE TO VW, BUT THEY DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS THE SAME POSITION (BECAUSE THEY BACK UP THE MANUFACTURER). I CONSIDER THAT THIS TREATMENT IS ABSOLUTELY NO FAIR, AND I FEEL ROBBED (PAID OVER $700 FOR THAT SERVICE + RE-MANUFACTURED PART, THINKING IS VW DO

Equipment
Filed Jul 5, 200651,232 milesCA

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

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Mar 13, 200670,896 milesRI

I JUST FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR VW GOLF FOR IGNITION COIL. I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THAT LAST YEAR AND I TOOK IT TO A DEALER BUT INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE COILS THEY REPLACED MY BATTERY AND STARTER... EXACTLY A YEAR AFTER THAT THE SAME THING HAPPEN (THIS JANUARY). I HAD TO GET MY CAR TOWED AND TOOK IT TO A GARAGE CAUSE IT WAS CLOSE TO MY HOUSE. MY IGNITION COILS HAD TO BE REPLACED. SO I WAS WONDERING IF THERE IS A WAY I CAN BE REIMBURSED FOR WHAT I PAID, AT LEAST FOR THE PARTS. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY DIDN'T REPLACE THE COILS AT THE DEALERSHIP CAUSE EXACTLY THE SAME THING HAPPENED, EXACTLY YEAR AFTER. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO? THANK YOU JANA. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 25, 200699,500 milesOH

COMPLETE FAILURE OF ENGINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *NM

Air Bags
Filed Feb 2, 200663,400 milesVA

MY 2001 VW GOLF REPEATEDLY HAS WARNING LIGHTS POPPING UP IN ERROR. THIS WEEK MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON, EVEN THOUGH THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS HAVE NEVER NEEDED TO BE DEPLOYED. RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE SHOWS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND ANNOYANCE AMONG VW USERS. THE ONLY REMEDY OFFERED BY TWO DEALERSHIPS I WENT TO IS TO REPLACE THE AIRBAGS AT A COST OF MORE THAN $750/$900 PER (THERE ARE 4 OF THEM). THE REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS ONLY HAVE A 6,000 MILE WARRANTY, WHICH MEANS I COULD CONCEIVABLY HAVE TO PAY $3000 EVERY 5-6 MONTHS TO HAVE NEW AIRBAGS INSTALLED, EVEN THOUGH THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH THEM AND THE REAL PROBLEM IS THAT THE WARNING LIGHT KEEPS GOING OFF IN ERROR. HELP! *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 20, 200540,000 milesCA

DT: THE CONTACT STATES VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT A PRIVATE MECHANIC. REPAIRS WILL BE MADE AT CONTACT'S EXPENSE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. *AK

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Dec 16, 2005110,800 milesWV

2001 VW GOLF TDI. MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND CONTINUES TO REMAIN ON. I HAVE HEARD OF SOMEONE ELSE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME MODEL CAR. *JB

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Sep 29, 200563,000 milesPA

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. THE SPEED WAS ABOUT 45 MPH. CONTACT DID NOT LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS NOT ON PRIOR TO THE DEPLOYMENT, BUT IT WAS ON NOW. THERE WAS SOMEONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND WAS WEARING THE SEAT BELT. CURRENTLY, THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. IT WAS STILL THE SAME WAY AS IF SOMEONE WERE SITTING IN THE SEAT. ONE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES, HAD BURN MARKS ON HER ARMS. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS THIS INCIDENT ON FILE. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT SINCE CONTACT DROVE VEHICLE AWAY FROM THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT, IT WOULD BE CONSIDERED A DO IT YOURSELF PART, AND SHE HAD NOT GOTTEN A CHANCE TO DO SO YET. *AK *NM

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Sep 27, 2005140,000 milesCO

DT: THE CALLER SAID BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS FAULTY. HE HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE CALLER SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE SAME BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THE JETTA, BUT NOT ON THE GOLF.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Sep 22, 200579,000 milesOH

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE 2001 VOLKSWAGEN WAS HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH. THE BRAKES WERE NOT COMING ON WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED. THERE WAS A LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD THAT RED GLOWING PLUG WARNING. THIS INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN, AND THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. THEREFORE, THEY COULD NOT HELP THE CONSUMER WITH THE PROBLEM. THIS STARTED ON 9-22-2005. THE CONSUMER HAD NO BRAKE LIGHT OR CRUISE CONTROL. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS CONTACTED , AND THEY STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE.*AK

Visibility
Filed Sep 9, 2005CA

WINDOW REGULATOR MADE OF PLASTIC CLIP IS KNOWN TO BREAK AND VW EXTENDED WARRANTY TO 7 YEARS. HOWEVER, THEY ONLY SPECIFIED FOR AUTOMATIC WINDOW, WHEN BOTH USES SAME PLASTIC REGULATOR CLIP THAT IS DEFECTIVE ON BOTH AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL. WHEN I CONTACTED VW DEALER HQ, THEY BOTH DENIED ON WARRANTY. HQ STATED THAT BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED ENOUGH COMPLAINTS, THEY WILL NOT COVER MANUAL WINDOW REGULATOR, EVEN THOUGH THEY USE SAME DEFECTIVE PLASTIC CLIP. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Aug 26, 2005IL

I HAVE A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF TDI. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS FAILED CAUSING NO BRAKE LIGHTS TO BE LIT WHILE BRAKING. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHERE THE CAR COULD EASILY BE REAR-ENDED. THE ODD THING IS THAT VW HAS RECALLED THEIR OTHER MODELS BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT, BUT NOT THE GOLF. MY GOLF EVEN USES THE IDENTICAL PART TO THE ONE THAT WAS RECALLED. IF OTHER MODELS ARE RECALLED BECAUSE OF THIS PART DEFECT, WHY WASN'T THE GOLF RECALLED?*JB

Air Bags
Filed Aug 19, 2005NY

I BOUGHT A USED 2001 VW GOLF IN APRIL. THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A VW DEALER AND PAID $85 FOR THEM TO TELL ME THAT THE AIRBAG HAD HIGH RESISTANCE AND MIGHT NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. THEY SAID THE HARNASS OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG NEED TO BE REPLACED AND IT WOULD COST ME $700. THIS IS NOT A WEARABLE PART OF THE CAR, AND IS A DESGIN FAULT THAT MAY ENDAGER THE LIFE OF THE DRIVER. I AM WONDERING WHY I SHOULD PAY FOR THIS. SHOULDN'T IT BE THE RESPONBSIBILITY OF VW TO ENSURE THAT NON-WEARABLE PARTS REMAIN WORKING FOR QUITE A LONG TIME? ESPECIALLY IF IT IS SAFETY RELATED?

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Jul 15, 200551,811 milesCA

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. CALLER HAS BEEN TO DEALER THREE TIMES, AND SOON AFTER THEY REPAIRED IT, IT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER REIMBURSED THE CONSUMER FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM. *AK *JB

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jul 8, 2005MN

I PURCHASED THIS CAR BACK IN THE FALL OF 2001. IT WAS A "DEMO" CAR AND ONLY HAD 7000 MILES ON IT. THE NEXT SUMMER MY BACK DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WOULD NO LONGER WORK. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THIS WINDOW TO NOT WORK. IT WAS NOT DAMAGED BY ANYONE. MY WARRANTY HAD RUN OUT SO I DIDN'T BOTHER TO CALL THE DEALER. I'M NOW LEARNING THAT VOLKSWAGEN IS AND HAVE BEEN HAVING SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THEIR WINDOWS. THE DEALER DOESN'T WANT TO FIX IT FOR FREE AND I CALLED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE HOT-LINE FOR VOLKSWAGEN AND THEY DON'T WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE EITHER. THEY BOTH ADMITTED TO ME THAT YES THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDOWS ON MANY OF THEIR VEHICLES.....UPDATED 07/23/15 *BF

Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-powered Axle Assembly
Filed Jun 3, 200548,500 milesRI

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads
Filed May 20, 200518,895 milesNY

DT: BRAKE PADS IN THE REAR WORE OUT. HAD CHANGED BRAKE PADS AT LEAST 3 TIMES IN 4 YEARS. DEALER SAID THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR. SEAMS ON THE DISCS WORE OFF. SINCE OCTOBER UNTIL NOW THE INSIDE OF THE DISCS WORE OUT AT LEAST 1/8 OF INCH.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed May 16, 200530,588 milesCA

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.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 26, 200525,000 milesCA

2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH GLOVE COMPARTMENT LOCK, DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW, IGNITION COILS, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL.*MR THE GLOVE BOX LOCK AND DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS NOT REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE DUE TO THE AGE AND MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE. *NM

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Apr 7, 2005CT

NICE DAY, HAD WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN. WAS ABOUT TO GET ONTO THE HIGHWAY SO I HIT THE WINDOW UP SWITCH AND THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW SLAMMED INTO THE DOOR. OBVIOUSLY CAME OFF TRACK, TAKING TO THE DEALER TODAY TO SEE IF WINDOW SMASHED AS WELL.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights › Switch
Filed Mar 30, 2005CA

NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V584000; VOLKSWAGEN ISSUED A HAZARD SWITCH RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN, BUT HAS THE HAZARD SWITCH LIGHTS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 116, 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
2001 — this page116920Routine
200088810Routine
199964710Routine
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.