Owners have filed 57 complaints
about the 1994 Volkswagen Golf with NHTSA between 1995 and 2003.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 25 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 38
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Golf. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 82
15.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 1994 compares with every other Volkswagen Golf
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift
619.4%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
516.1%
Latch
516.1%
Ignition
516.1%
Retractor
412.9%
Electrical Heating Element
26.5%
Latch
26.5%
Wiring
26.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 1995peak 6Sep 2003
Recalls on the 1994 Volkswagen Golf
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
98V195000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE LINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE CORNER OF THE FUEL TANK. THE LINE COULD BE DAMAGED BY CHAFING AGAINST THE FUEL TANK.
Risk: REPEATED CHAFING COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A LEAKING BRAKE LINE CAUSING DIMINISHED BRAKING IN ONE BRAKE CIRCUIT INCREASING THE VEHICLE'S STOPPING DISTANCE.
98V160000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BOLTS SECURING THE FRONT HOOD LATCH CAN LOOSEN OVER TIME. THE LATCH WOULD MOVE CAUSING DISENGAGEMENT OF THE HOOD STRIKER FROM THE LATCH.
Risk: UNEXPECTED OPENING OF THE HOOD COULD OCCUR OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
95V178000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
IMPROPER MATERIAL WAS USED IN MANUFACTURING THE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR SHAFT CAUSING THE SHAFT TO WEAR AND BECOME NOISY.
Risk: A WORN AND NOISY FAN MOTOR SHAFT CAN SEIZE RENDERINGTHE FAN MOTOR INOPERATIVE, EVENTUALLY CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND STALL. A STALLED VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC CAN INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
95E034000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLES, A TIE WRAP IS USED TO GUIDE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SOME TIE WRAPS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH A LARGE LOOP OPENING IMPROPERLY GUIDING THE CABLE WHICH COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO ITS FULL IDLE POSITION.
Risk: THE ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THEPOTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE COLLISION.
THE JACKS SUPPLIED WITH THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MACHINED SPINDLE, SO THAT A SHARP RIDGE ON THE EDGE OF SPINDLE'S THREAD WOULD HAVE REMAINED.
Risk: THIS RIDGE CAN DAMAGE THE INSIDE THREAD OF THE JACK'S SCISSOR SHOE WHEN THE JACK IS USED TO LIFT THE VEHICLE. THE JACK COULD COLLAPSE WITH THE POSSIBILITY THAT A PERSON STANDING CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE COULD BE INJURED.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199819249,864 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the rear brake line on the passenger side could be routed too close to the corner of the fuel tank. An improperly routed brake line could be damaged by chafing against the fuel tank during extreme axle movement. Such chafing could result in a leaking brake line causing a partial brake system failure and increased stopping distances. Correction: Dealers will check the routing of the right rear brake line and replace any damaged brake line.
Recall 199815864,460 units in Canada
Structure
THE BOLTS SECURING THE FRONT HOOD LATCH MAY LOSE THEIR SPECIFIED FASTENING TORQUE OVER TIME. SHOULD THIS HAPPEN, THE LATCH COULD MOVE OUT OF ITS DESIGN POSITION AND CAUSE DISENGAGEMENT OF THE HOOD STRIKER FROM THE LATCH. IN SOME VEHICLES THE LATCH MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ALIGNED DURING PRODUCTION. REPEATED OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE HOOD WITH AN IMPROPERLY ALIGNED LATCH COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE LATCH. EITHER CONDITION COULD RESULT IN HOOD FLY UP AND OBSTRUCTION OF THE DRIVER'S VISION. CORRECTION: HOOD LATCHES AND SECURING BOLTS WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY.
Recall 199522119,932 units in Canada
Engine
NOTE: INCLUDES PASSAT, GOLF AND JETTA TURBO DIESEL. ON 1993-94 MODELS, THE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR SHAFT COULD SEIZE AND RENDER THE FAN MOTOR INOPERATIVE. 1994-95 MODELS COULD EXPERIENCE A CONDITION WHEREBY THE LOCK NUT SECURING THE RADIATOR FAN BLADE HUB TO THE MOTOR COULD LOSE ITS REQUIRED TORQUE. A LOOSE LOCK NUT COULD CAUSE THE FAN HUB TO LOOSEN FROM THE SHAFT AND CAUSE THE BELT PULLEY TO RUN "OFF-CENTER". THIS IN TURN COULD CAUSE THE FAN BELT TO DISCONNECT OR BREAK. EITHER OF THE ABOVE CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN ENGINE OVERHEATING AND STALLING. A VEHICLE STALLING IN TRAFFIC COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WITH EITHER HAVE THE COMPLETE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY REPLACED OR A NEW FAN BLADE WITH A NEW LOCK NUT INSTALLED.
Recall 199504835,589 units in Canada
Other
A SHARP RIDGE ON THE JACK SPINDLE COULD DAMAGE THE INSIDE THREAD OF THE SCISSOR SHOE WHEN THE JACK IS USED TO LIFT THE VEHICLE. IF THE DAMAGE TO THE THREAD OF THE SCISSOR SHOE IS SERIOUS ENOUGH, THE JACK COULD COLLAPSE WITH THE POSSIBILITY THAT A PERSON STANDING TOO CLOSE THE VEHICLE COULD BE INJURED. CORRECTION: JACKS WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 72,000 milesColonia, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SECONDS AFTER PULLING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, SMOKE STARTED COMING INTO THE CABIN FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR VENT. THE VEHICLE IGNITED INTO FLAMES. *AK THE SMOKE HAD COME FROM THE DRIVER SIDE VENTS. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10038328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocky Point, NYFire
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AT A RELATIVELY SLOW SPEED (THANK GOD) WHEN THE BRAKES FELT FUNNY. PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT, AND LOTS OF SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF IT. WHEN WE JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR, WE SAW FLAMES SHOOTING OUT THROUGH THE HUBCAPS. THE POLICE CAME RIGHT AWAY AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. SUBSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A VW DEALER (WHO DID A COMPLETE CHECK UP ON THIS VEHICLE IN SEPT. 1999). THEY SAID THE CALIPER FROZE AND CAUSED THE FIRE. THEY ALSO SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAS NEVER BEEN USED SINCE I'VE HAD THIS CAR (AUG. 1999). THIS MORNING THE DEALER CALLED AND SAID HE WAS REPLACING THE CALIPER ON THE OTHER SIDE, TOO, FOR SAFETY REASONS!!!
NHTSA complaint #722588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocky Point, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AT A RELATIVELY SLOW SPEED (THANK GOD) WHEN THE BRAKES FELT FUNNY. PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT, AND LOTS OF SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF IT. WHEN WE JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR, WE SAW FLAMES SHOOTING OUT THROUGH THE HUBCAPS. THE POLICE CAME RIGHT AWAY AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. SUBSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A VW DEALER (WHO DID A COMPLETE CHECK UP ON THIS VEHICLE IN SEPT. 1999). THEY SAID THE CALIPER FROZE AND CAUSED THE FIRE. THEY ALSO SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAS NEVER BEEN USED SINCE I'VE HAD THIS CAR (AUG. 1999). THIS MORNING THE DEALER CALLED AND SAID HE WAS REPLACING THE CALIPER ON THE OTHER SIDE, TOO, FOR SAFETY REASONS!!!
NHTSA complaint #722588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocky Point, NYFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AT A RELATIVELY SLOW SPEED (THANK GOD) WHEN THE BRAKES FELT FUNNY. PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT, AND LOTS OF SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF IT. WHEN WE JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR, WE SAW FLAMES SHOOTING OUT THROUGH THE HUBCAPS. THE POLICE CAME RIGHT AWAY AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. SUBSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A VW DEALER (WHO DID A COMPLETE CHECK UP ON THIS VEHICLE IN SEPT. 1999). THEY SAID THE CALIPER FROZE AND CAUSED THE FIRE. THEY ALSO SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAS NEVER BEEN USED SINCE I'VE HAD THIS CAR (AUG. 1999). THIS MORNING THE DEALER CALLED AND SAID HE WAS REPLACING THE CALIPER ON THE OTHER SIDE, TOO, FOR SAFETY REASONS!!!
NHTSA complaint #722588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburg, PAFire
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
ELECTRICAL HEATER: DEFROSTER:DEFOGGER CONTROL SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #838981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburg, PAFire
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
ELECTRICAL DEFROSTER: DEFOGGER CONTROL SWITCH CAUGHT ON FIRE . MANUFATURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #838982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 72,000 milesColonia, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SECONDS AFTER PULLING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, SMOKE STARTED COMING INTO THE CABIN FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR VENT. THE VEHICLE IGNITED INTO FLAMES. *AK THE SMOKE HAD COME FROM THE DRIVER SIDE VENTS. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10038328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
THE CAR STALLS OUT OF NO WHERE WHILE I'M DRIVING. I RECENTLY CHANGED THE FUEL FILTER W/ THE TUNE-UP BUT IT STILL DOES THAT. CAN IT POSSIBLY BE THE FUEL FILTER? I HEARD ABOUT THE FAULTY FUEL PUMP. HOW ABOUT IT? DOES 1994 GOLF HAVE ONE? PLEASE, LET ME KNOW. THANK YOU!
NHTSA complaint #765247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THE CAR STALLS OUT OF NO WHERE WHILE I'M DRIVING. I RECENTLY CHANGED THE FUEL FILTER W/ THE TUNE-UP BUT IT STILL DOES THAT. CAN IT POSSIBLY BE THE FUEL FILTER? I HEARD ABOUT THE FAULTY FUEL PUMP. HOW ABOUT IT? DOES 1994 GOLF HAVE ONE? PLEASE, LET ME KNOW. THANK YOU!
NHTSA complaint #765247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sparks, MD
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
REAR SEATBELTS WILL NOT PULL OUT OF RETRACTOR. DEALER HAS REPLACED RETRACTORS THREE TIMES. CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT SEATBELTS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BACK SEAT HAVE BEEN (FAULTY) REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES IN 1995 WHEN CAR WAS BRAND NEW. (RECORD FROM DEALER HAVE BEEN ARCHIVED) CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY AN VW REP THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM IN THE 1995 VW GOLF'S, AND FEELS SHE SHOULN'T HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #8015585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kearny, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CONSUMER STATES THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WOULD INTERMITTENTLY COME ON AND OFF AND THE FACTORY INSTALLED ALARM SYSTEM WOULD NOT ACTIVATE, DEALER STATED THAT THE HARNESS AND THE WIRES FROM THE DASHBOARD TO THE FUSEBOX ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE TAIL-LIGHTS WERE COMPLETELY MELTED AND THE CAR NEEDED TO BE RE-WIRED.
NHTSA complaint #564235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kearny, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CONSUMER STATES THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WOULD INTERMITTENTLY COME ON AND OFF AND THE FACTORY INSTALLED ALARM SYSTEM WOULD NOT ACTIVATE, DEALER STATED THAT THE HARNESS AND THE WIRES FROM THE DASHBOARD TO THE FUSEBOX ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE TAIL-LIGHTS WERE COMPLETELY MELTED AND THE CAR NEEDED TO BE RE-WIRED.
NHTSA complaint #564235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY A TOWING SERVICE WITH EMERCENCY BRAKES ACTIVATED. TOW COMPANY CLAIMS VEHICLE WAS TOWED WITH REAR WHEELS LIFTED ON WHEEL DOLLY. WHAT TYPE OF SAFETY VIOLATION WOULD THIS BE CONSIDERED IF IF MY DAUGHTER WERE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE. WOULD THEIR BE ENOUGH HEAT TO TO WARP AND DESROY REAR ROTORS AND DESTROY BRAKE PADSWITH EMERGENCY BRAKE ACTIVATED. TOW COMPANY DENIES ANY WRONG DOING OR CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. WAS THIS A DANGEROUS SITUATION?
NHTSA complaint #740258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY A TOWING SERVICE WITH EMERCENCY BRAKES ACTIVATED. TOW COMPANY CLAIMS VEHICLE WAS TOWED WITH REAR WHEELS LIFTED ON WHEEL DOLLY. WHAT TYPE OF SAFETY VIOLATION WOULD THIS BE CONSIDERED IF IF MY DAUGHTER WERE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE. WOULD THEIR BE ENOUGH HEAT TO TO WARP AND DESROY REAR ROTORS AND DESTROY BRAKE PADSWITH EMERGENCY BRAKE ACTIVATED. TOW COMPANY DENIES ANY WRONG DOING OR CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. WAS THIS A DANGEROUS SITUATION?
NHTSA complaint #740258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY A TOWING SERVICE WITH EMERCENCY BRAKES ACTIVATED. TOW COMPANY CLAIMS VEHICLE WAS TOWED WITH REAR WHEELS LIFTED ON WHEEL DOLLY. WHAT TYPE OF SAFETY VIOLATION WOULD THIS BE CONSIDERED IF IF MY DAUGHTER WERE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE. WOULD THEIR BE ENOUGH HEAT TO TO WARP AND DESROY REAR ROTORS AND DESTROY BRAKE PADSWITH EMERGENCY BRAKE ACTIVATED. TOW COMPANY DENIES ANY WRONG DOING OR CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. WAS THIS A DANGEROUS SITUATION?
NHTSA complaint #740258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Orlean, LA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK CYLINDER SNAPPED WHEN TRYING TO UNLOCK VEHICLE IN A DARK PARKING LOT, ALL LOCKING AND UNLOCKING MUST BE DONE ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE, THE BROKEN LOCK CYLINDER IS EASILY REMOVED AND MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A BRAKE IN WHEN UNATTENDED. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #785105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilsonville, OR
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STOPPED SUDDENLY TO AVOID A DEER, AND DRIVER'S SEATBACK BROKE, CAUSING DRIVER TO FALL BACKWARD. DRIVER HIT STEERING COLUMN, BUT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES, THE SEAT BROKE ON THE LEFT SIDE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #877894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elizabethtown, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AND LOSE POWER, THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE POWER RELAY SWITCH AND THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #782502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cambridge, MA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE VEHICLE "BUCKS" UPON ACCELERATION ESPECIALLY DURING RAIN. NLM
NHTSA complaint #784622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocky Point, NYFire
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AT A RELATIVELY SLOW SPEED (THANK GOD) WHEN THE BRAKES FELT FUNNY. PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT, AND LOTS OF SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF IT. WHEN WE JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR, WE SAW FLAMES SHOOTING OUT THROUGH THE HUBCAPS. THE POLICE CAME RIGHT AWAY AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. SUBSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A VW DEALER (WHO DID A COMPLETE CHECK UP ON THIS VEHICLE IN SEPT. 1999). THEY SAID THE CALIPER FROZE AND CAUSED THE FIRE. THEY ALSO SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAS NEVER BEEN USED SINCE I'VE HAD THIS CAR (AUG. 1999). THIS MORNING THE DEALER CALLED AND SAID HE WAS REPLACING THE CALIPER ON THE OTHER SIDE, TOO, FOR SAFETY REASONS!!!
NHTSA complaint #722588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocky Point, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AT A RELATIVELY SLOW SPEED (THANK GOD) WHEN THE BRAKES FELT FUNNY. PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT, AND LOTS OF SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF IT. WHEN WE JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR, WE SAW FLAMES SHOOTING OUT THROUGH THE HUBCAPS. THE POLICE CAME RIGHT AWAY AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. SUBSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A VW DEALER (WHO DID A COMPLETE CHECK UP ON THIS VEHICLE IN SEPT. 1999). THEY SAID THE CALIPER FROZE AND CAUSED THE FIRE. THEY ALSO SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAS NEVER BEEN USED SINCE I'VE HAD THIS CAR (AUG. 1999). THIS MORNING THE DEALER CALLED AND SAID HE WAS REPLACING THE CALIPER ON THE OTHER SIDE, TOO, FOR SAFETY REASONS!!!
NHTSA complaint #722588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocky Point, NYFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AT A RELATIVELY SLOW SPEED (THANK GOD) WHEN THE BRAKES FELT FUNNY. PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT, AND LOTS OF SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF IT. WHEN WE JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR, WE SAW FLAMES SHOOTING OUT THROUGH THE HUBCAPS. THE POLICE CAME RIGHT AWAY AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. SUBSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A VW DEALER (WHO DID A COMPLETE CHECK UP ON THIS VEHICLE IN SEPT. 1999). THEY SAID THE CALIPER FROZE AND CAUSED THE FIRE. THEY ALSO SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAS NEVER BEEN USED SINCE I'VE HAD THIS CAR (AUG. 1999). THIS MORNING THE DEALER CALLED AND SAID HE WAS REPLACING THE CALIPER ON THE OTHER SIDE, TOO, FOR SAFETY REASONS!!!
NHTSA complaint #722588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburg, PAFire
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
ELECTRICAL HEATER: DEFROSTER:DEFOGGER CONTROL SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #838981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburg, PAFire
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
ELECTRICAL DEFROSTER: DEFOGGER CONTROL SWITCH CAUGHT ON FIRE . MANUFATURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #838982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WON'T RETRACT. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE INTO REPAIR SHOP FOR THE SECOND TIME. ON MARCH 18, 1999, CONSUMER WILL BE BRINGING VEHICLE BACK INTO REPAIR SHOP ONCE AGAIN FOR SEAT BELT FAILURE. THUS FAR, DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #835928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Readfield, ME
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
BEGINNING ON DATE ABOVE, IGNITION FAILED SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING COMPLETE LACK OF POWER. PULL-OFF TO ROADSIDE WAS UNEVENTFUL. EVERY DAY SUBSEQUENTLY IGNITION HAS FAILED WITH SIMILAR UNPREDICTABILITY, SOMETIMES ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS AT HIGH SPEED. RESTART SO FAR HAS BEEN NORMAL. IGNITION SWITCH APPEARS TO OPERATE NORMALLY, BUT OCCASIONALLY BREAKS CONTACT WITHOUT ACTION OF THE DRIVER CAUSING UNPREDICTABLE AND UNEXPECTED SHUTDOWN OF IGNITION. THIS FAILURE COULD BE THE CAUSE OF SERIOUS INJURY OR FATALITY IF IT OCCURRED IN HEAVY AND OR FAST TRAFFIC WHERE TIME AND SPACE FOR RECOVERY ARE INSUFFICIENT. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THIS DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #700088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ringoes, NJ
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO RECALL LETTERS. ONE LETTER WAS CONCERNING THE REAR BRAKE LINE, THE SECOND LETTER WAS CONCERNING THE HOOD LATCH. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, THE DEALER MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR INSPECTION, BUT CANCELED BECAUSE THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO FIX THE DEFECT. THESE DEFECTS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH RECALL NUMBERS 98V195000 AND 98V1960000. *AK *NLM
NHTSA complaint #829608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ringoes, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO RECALL LETTERS. ONE LETTER WAS CONCERNING THE REAR BRAKE LINE, THE SECOND LETTER WAS CONCERNING THE HOOD LATCH. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, THE DEALER MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR INSPECTION, BUT CANCELED BECAUSE THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO FIX THE DEFECT. THESE DEFECTS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH RECALL NUMBERS 98V195000 AND 98V1960000. *AK *NLM
NHTSA complaint #829608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SEAT BELTS FAIL INTERMITTENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #544296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Grove, NY
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
WHEN PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR IS OPENED, THE SEATBELT IS PULLED OUT AND DOES NOT RETRACT. IT HAS TO BE MANUALLY PUT BACK INTO PLACE. THE BELT ALSO GETS CAUGHT IN DOOR. DEALER HAS TRIED TO FIX SEAT BELT, AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.
NHTSA complaint #833222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pompario Beach, FL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
HOOD LATCH CAN LOOSEN ANYTIME, CAUSING THE LATCH TO MOVE. IT MIGHT DISENGAGE THE HOOD STRIKER FROM THE LATCH.
NHTSA complaint #832907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.