Owners have filed 28 complaints
about the 1995 Volkswagen GTI with NHTSA between 1996 and 2005.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 18 of 29 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 — 21
Against the median year of the Volkswagen GTI. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 74
14.3% 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.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1995 Volkswagen GTI
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Body & Structure
517.9%
Equipment & Accessories
414.3%
Engine & Cooling
414.3%
Median failure at 140,000 miles
Electrical System
310.7%
Doors, Latches & Locks
27.1%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
27.1%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
27.1%
Brakes
27.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Other & Unspecified
13.6%
Seats
13.6%
Fuel & Propulsion
13.6%
Lights
13.6%
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.
Jun 1996peak 7Jul 2005
NHTSA investigations into the 1995 Volkswagen GTI
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
ODI HAS RECEIVED THREE REPORTS, INCLUDING THE PETITIONERS, REGARDING ALLEGED HOOD LATCH FAILURES.ALL OF THE ODI REPORTS INDICATE THE HOOD FLEW UP WHILE DRIVING.FOLLOWING A TELEPHONE INQUIRY, VOLKSWAGEN PROVIDED ODI WITH SOME LIMITED INFORMATION REGARDING SIX ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF HOOD FLY-UP FOR MODEL YEARS 1995 AND 1996.THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.DEFECT DESCRIPTION:IT IS POSSIBLE THAT ON SOME OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES 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 DES...
DP98006Opened 11 Jun 1998Closed 1 Jul 1998STRUCTURE
HOOD FLY-UP
Recalls on the 1995 Volkswagen GTI
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.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 140,000 milesKempner, TX2 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
STEAM COMINIG FROM DASHBOARD. EVENTUALLY, THE HEATER CORE EXPLODED CAUSING BURNS TO MY WIFES LEG. TALKED TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, AND SEVERAL FRIENDS WHO OWN THE SAME VW. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO! THE HEATER CORES WERE ALREADY RECALLED ON MK2 GOLFS, AND CORRADOS! WHEN THE HEATER CORE FAILS THE CAR FILLS WITH STEAM AND YOU HAVE NO DRIVING VISIBILITY! STILL TRYING TO TALK TO VW OF AMERICA, ITS TYPICALLY COVERED, HOWEVER, A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED YET.
NHTSA complaint #10128302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesKempner, TX2 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
STEAM COMINIG FROM DASHBOARD. EVENTUALLY, THE HEATER CORE EXPLODED CAUSING BURNS TO MY WIFES LEG. TALKED TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, AND SEVERAL FRIENDS WHO OWN THE SAME VW. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO! THE HEATER CORES WERE ALREADY RECALLED ON MK2 GOLFS, AND CORRADOS! WHEN THE HEATER CORE FAILS THE CAR FILLS WITH STEAM AND YOU HAVE NO DRIVING VISIBILITY! STILL TRYING TO TALK TO VW OF AMERICA, ITS TYPICALLY COVERED, HOWEVER, A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED YET.
NHTSA complaint #10128302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
DOOR HINGES DO NOT HOLD DOOR OPEN, CAUSING DOORS TO CLOSE ON DRIVER OR PASSENGERS, CAUSING INJURY.
NHTSA complaint #508564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #508202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 140,000 milesKempner, TX2 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
STEAM COMINIG FROM DASHBOARD. EVENTUALLY, THE HEATER CORE EXPLODED CAUSING BURNS TO MY WIFES LEG. TALKED TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, AND SEVERAL FRIENDS WHO OWN THE SAME VW. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO! THE HEATER CORES WERE ALREADY RECALLED ON MK2 GOLFS, AND CORRADOS! WHEN THE HEATER CORE FAILS THE CAR FILLS WITH STEAM AND YOU HAVE NO DRIVING VISIBILITY! STILL TRYING TO TALK TO VW OF AMERICA, ITS TYPICALLY COVERED, HOWEVER, A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED YET.
NHTSA complaint #10128302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesKempner, TX2 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
STEAM COMINIG FROM DASHBOARD. EVENTUALLY, THE HEATER CORE EXPLODED CAUSING BURNS TO MY WIFES LEG. TALKED TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, AND SEVERAL FRIENDS WHO OWN THE SAME VW. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO! THE HEATER CORES WERE ALREADY RECALLED ON MK2 GOLFS, AND CORRADOS! WHEN THE HEATER CORE FAILS THE CAR FILLS WITH STEAM AND YOU HAVE NO DRIVING VISIBILITY! STILL TRYING TO TALK TO VW OF AMERICA, ITS TYPICALLY COVERED, HOWEVER, A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED YET.
NHTSA complaint #10128302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,634 milesTerre Haute, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
1995 VW GOLF HEATERCORE BLEW. WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIWAY FOR NO REASON THE CORE BLEW. COULD HAVE CRASHED THE CAR OR INJURED HERSELF WHEN THE COOLANT SPILLED OUT THE CORE.
NHTSA complaint #10126655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
#1 - 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF, WITHOUT RETAINING ANY FAULT CODE OR INFORMATION REGARDING THE PROBLEM. PREVIOUS OWNER HAD SAME PROBLEM; PROBABLY HAPPENING MOST OF VEHICLE'S LIFE. #2 - CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK AT ALL, AND DIDN'T WORK FOR PREVIOUS OWNER EITHER FOR MANY YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10028831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
#1 - 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF, WITHOUT RETAINING ANY FAULT CODE OR INFORMATION REGARDING THE PROBLEM. PREVIOUS OWNER HAD SAME PROBLEM; PROBABLY HAPPENING MOST OF VEHICLE'S LIFE. #2 - CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK AT ALL, AND DIDN'T WORK FOR PREVIOUS OWNER EITHER FOR MANY YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10028831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
CRUISE CONTROL WORKED INTERMITTENTLY AND FAILED FAILED COMPLETELY. POWER WINDOWS OFTEN GOT STUCK AT THE DOWN POSITION AND FINALLY NO LONGER WORK AT ALL. YOUR FORM ENTERS INFORMATION ABOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL IN THE IMPROPER LOCATION, THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #762000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CRUISE CONTROL WORKED INTERMITTENTLY AND FAILED FAILED COMPLETELY. POWER WINDOWS OFTEN GOT STUCK AT THE DOWN POSITION AND FINALLY NO LONGER WORK AT ALL. YOUR FORM ENTERS INFORMATION ABOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL IN THE IMPROPER LOCATION, THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #762000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kenmore, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DURING OPERATION OF VEHICLE ENGINE WILL LOSE POWER AND HEADLIGHTS WILL FAIL AT NIGHT. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.
NHTSA complaint #6900611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kenmore, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
DURING OPERATION OF VEHICLE ENGINE WILL LOSE POWER AND HEADLIGHTS WILL FAIL AT NIGHT. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.
NHTSA complaint #6900611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eugene, OR
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY WHICH CONNECTS TO THE AIR SYSTEM CONTINUES TO BREAK, I'VE REPLACED THIS THREE TIMES, EVEN WITH THEIR BEEFED UP REPLACEMENT PART.
NHTSA complaint #753763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Freeland, WA
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
BOLTS TO THE HOOD LATCH CAME OFF CAUSING HOOD TO SMASH WINDSHIELD RESULTING IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #536470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
HEATER CORE FAILED CAUSING ENGINE COOLANT TO LEAK INSIDE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF VEHICLE, ANTIFREEZE ODOR APPARENT DURING WARM UP OF VEHICLE. NLM
NHTSA complaint #548734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ALTERNATOR AND ALTERNATOR HARNESS FAILURE. NO WARNING PRIOR TO INCIDENT. CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING ON ROAD. UNSURE WHEN PROBLEM FIRST STARTED. DEFINITELY KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG 2 MONTHS PRIOR BUT DEALER UNABLE TO FIND. DURING THE LAST 1.5 YEARS PRIOR HAD UNRESOLVED ENGINE CHECK LIGHT FOR WHICH DEALER COULD NOT FIND A CAUSE.
NHTSA complaint #714802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
ALTERNATOR AND ALTERNATOR HARNESS FAILURE. NO WARNING PRIOR TO INCIDENT. CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING ON ROAD. UNSURE WHEN PROBLEM FIRST STARTED. DEFINITELY KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG 2 MONTHS PRIOR BUT DEALER UNABLE TO FIND. DURING THE LAST 1.5 YEARS PRIOR HAD UNRESOLVED ENGINE CHECK LIGHT FOR WHICH DEALER COULD NOT FIND A CAUSE.
NHTSA complaint #714802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
ABS FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #513610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Freeland, WA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
MISSING BOLTS FROM HOOD LATCH CAUSED ACCIDENT WHEN HOOD SMASHED AGAINST WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #536256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE HOOD LATCH BROKE OFF, CAUSE THE HOOD TO FLY OPEN WHILE DRIVING, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #822304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.