Owners have filed 97 complaints
about the 2001 Volkswagen GTI with NHTSA between 2001 and 2025.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 73
Against the median year of the Volkswagen GTI. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 90
17.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 52
30% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
Ignition
1232.4%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
924.3%
Side/Window
513.5%
Fuel Pump
38.1%
Seat Heater/Cooler
25.4%
Sensor/Control Module
25.4%
Clutch Assembly
25.4%
Switch
25.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
11.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
11.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
68.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2739.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1420.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1014.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
913.0%
150,000+ miles
11.4%
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.
Feb 2001peak 6Nov 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 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.
PE04081Opened 16 Dec 2004Closed 1 Apr 2005AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
INADVERTENT SIDE-AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE-THORAX AND SIDE-HEAD CURTAIN AIRBAGS TO PROTECT THE FRONT AND REAR OUTBOARD OCCUPANTS IN A SIDE-IMPACT CRASH.THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 499 REPORTS (482 OWNERS REPORTS AND 17 WARRANTY CLAIMS).THE CRASH SENSING SYSTEM?S ALGORITHM MAY RECOGNIZE CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS (WHEEL, TIRE AND UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS) AS DEPLOYABLE EVENTS.THE 97 ALLEGED INJURIES WERE MINOR IN NATURE AND CONSIST OF ABRASIONS, BRUISES, EAR RINGING AND HEADACHES.THERE WAS NO ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL CRASH AS A RESULT OF SIDE-AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.ODI ALSO OBTAINED COUNTS...
PE04073Opened 19 Oct 2004Closed 16 Dec 2004EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH
TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON OCTOBER 19, 2004, BASED ON NINE REPORTS ON 2000 THROUGH 2001 JETTA AND GTI VEHICLES ALLEGING THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND OR HAZARD FLASHERS FAIL TO BLINK, OR FLASH.SOME OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD BLINK ONLY A FEW TIMES AND THEN STOP.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT HAVING THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH REPLACED REPAIRED THEIR VEHICLES.BY LETTER OF DECEMBER 13, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 350,000 MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2002 JETTA, GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZAR...
Recalls on the 2001 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.
United States — NHTSA
07V063000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2006122244,526 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta wagon, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Passat and Passat wagon, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked. Correction: Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch with a newly revised version. This action includes vehicles previously affected by Transport Canada recall 03-184 and 04-075. The switch installed during this prior repair may not function properly. Note: parts available December 2006.
Recall 200443680,752 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain 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. The subject vehicles utilize a 27-watt turn signal bulb, instead of the 21-watt bulb used in other VW vehicles, which results in substantially higher current draw through the hazard switch relay. This may result in intermittent or inoperative turn signal and hazard flasher function. Correction: Dealers will replace the hazard switch relay.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Grants Pass, OR1 injured
AIR BAGS
Today is 11/05/2025 incident happened yesterday evening 11/04/2025 The driver airbag in the steering wheel auto deployed when I started the car I went to step out from my car while it was warming up and barley turning the steering wheel the airbag exploded with my arm still on the wheel hitting and fracturing my ulna bone n causing a burn that was so instant n hot it burnt through my skin causing more damage to my nerves and tissue im having the car inspecting and is available upon request I took pictures and documented everything immediately there still in no warning lamp on and never has been on displaying it needs to be inspected.. but after it deployed the dash light still remains off so I don’t know if it even deactivated the system like it should’ve done with a airbag deploying this just happened yesterday so nothing has been inspected yet this is my first report it makes safety issues cause it deployed out of nowhere when car was parked I just turned the key over it could’ve deployed when I was driving causing a serious accident or death and it broke my ulna bone that alone is serious more I can’t go back to work pry my bills raise my 5yr old until this fracture heals.. this not only if a serious safety our it’s a serious situation off what do I even do now car showered not warning signs of anything and still don’t even display that it’s srs bag deployed
NHTSA complaint #11697811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesNiles, OHFire
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATED FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED THROUGH THE PASSENGERS JACKET. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NO LONGER UTILIZING THE HEATED SEAT FUNCTION AND THE FAILURE HAD NOT RECURRED SINCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000. REMAILED 05/12/11
NHTSA complaint #10372718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesNewport, NH1 injured
SEATS
IN MY 2001 GTI GLX VR6 THE DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEAT, HEATS UP SO MUCH THAT IT BURNS MY LEGS, ACTUAL RED BURN MARKS! EVEN IF TURNED DOWN TO THE LOWEST SETTING THE SEAT WILL BURN ME. I KNOW IN MY FRIENDS 2002 JETTA THEY HAD THEIR HEATER IN THE SEAT REPLACED BY VW FOR THE SAME ISSUE FREE OF CHARGE. I HAVE BEEN TO VW AND THEY SAY IT'S NOT COVERED. I WANT TO USE THE HEATED SEAT BUT NEVER TRUST IT TO NOT BURN ME.
NHTSA complaint #10318608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,048 milesGarden Grove, CACrash1 injured
SUSPENSION
REVISED/UPDATE: ORIGINAL COMPLAINT 10222650 3-29-08. AS PER TIRE FORENSICS SPECIALIST RIGHT REAR TIRE HAS 2 NAIL PUNCTURES LIKELY PICKED UP ON THE FREEWAY, UNFORESEEN. HE SAID THAT DUE TO PUNCTURES,SLOW TO FAST PRESSURE CHANGES, THE TIRE HEATED UP, INNER SIDEWALL DE-VULCANIZED. SO MY TIRE FLATTENED, CAR LOST CONTROL, FISHTAILED ACROSS FWY, I COLLIDED WITH BIG RIG AND EVENTUALLY CAME TO STOP ON SHOULDER. DO TIRE MANUFACTURES TEST FOR THESE POSSIBILITIES FOR TIRES THEY MARKET? IF NOT, WHY NOT? IT IS ALMOST INEVITABLE FOR ANY NUMBER OF CAR TIRES TO PICK UP UNFORESEEN OBJECTS THAT COULD PUNCTURE THEM. IS THIS A DESIGN FLAW OR EQUIPMENT MATERIAL ISSUE IN AS MUCH AS THE INNER SIDE WALL AND OUTER SIDE WALL OF THIS PARTICULAR MODEL OF TIRES IS VERY DIFFERENT IN THEIR COMPONENT STRUCTURE?? PLEASE RESPOND.
NHTSA complaint #10224342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,047 milesGarden Grove, CACrash1 injured
TIRES
CAR ACCIDENT POSSIBLY CREATED/CAUSED BY FULL/COMPLETE INNER SIDE WALL SEPARATION OF TIRE FROM ITSELF.
NHTSA complaint #10222650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,268 milesSanta Maria, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ON THE MORNING OF 27 APRIL 2007, I STARTED MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 1.8T. THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING VERY ROUGH AND DID NOT SOUND NORMAL. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS COLD. AT THIS POINT IT BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND DROVE DOWN THE ROAD. APPROXIMATELY A MILE OR TWO DOWN THE ROAD I CAME TO A STOP SIGN AND AFTER STOPPING AND THEN PROCEEDING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION MY VEHICLE SEEMED LIKE IT HAD LITTLE OR NO POWER TO THE ENGINE. AT THIS POINT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING SO I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT OFF MY ENGINE. I THEN OPENED MY HOOD AND SMOKE POURED OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AT THIS POINT I CHECKED MY OIL TO SEE IT IT SMELT BURNT WHICH IT DID NOT. I THEN CHECKED MY COOLANT LEVEL AND IT WAS FULL AND WASN'T EVEN WARM. I THEN HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC AND HE DIAGNOSED MY VEHICLE AND TOLD ME THAT 1 OF THE 4 COILS IN MY ENGINE HAD STOPPED WORKING AND HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THAT'S WHAT HAD CAUSED THE SMOKE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. HE ALSO SAID THE ALL FOUR NEED TO BE REPLACED OR THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. AT THIS POINT ALL FOUR COILS WERE REPLACED AND THE OLD ONES WERE GIVEN TO ME TO KEEP AS PROOF THAT THE PARTS WERE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10188759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Grants Pass, OR1 injured
AIR BAGS
Today is 11/05/2025 incident happened yesterday evening 11/04/2025 The driver airbag in the steering wheel auto deployed when I started the car I went to step out from my car while it was warming up and barley turning the steering wheel the airbag exploded with my arm still on the wheel hitting and fracturing my ulna bone n causing a burn that was so instant n hot it burnt through my skin causing more damage to my nerves and tissue im having the car inspecting and is available upon request I took pictures and documented everything immediately there still in no warning lamp on and never has been on displaying it needs to be inspected.. but after it deployed the dash light still remains off so I don’t know if it even deactivated the system like it should’ve done with a airbag deploying this just happened yesterday so nothing has been inspected yet this is my first report it makes safety issues cause it deployed out of nowhere when car was parked I just turned the key over it could’ve deployed when I was driving causing a serious accident or death and it broke my ulna bone that alone is serious more I can’t go back to work pry my bills raise my 5yr old until this fracture heals.. this not only if a serious safety our it’s a serious situation off what do I even do now car showered not warning signs of anything and still don’t even display that it’s srs bag deployed
NHTSA complaint #11697811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesANN Arbor, MI
AIR BAGS
THE CAR, A 2001 VW GTI 1.8T, WAS BEING DRIVEN AT LOW (RESIDENTIAL STREET -- 25 MPH OR LESS) SPEEDS AND MADE A RIGHT TURN. THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL PROBABLY GRAZED THE CURB, OR POSSIBLY HIT A POTHOLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE CAR LOST POWER, POSSIBLY DUE TO THE ENGINE STALLING (IT'S A MANUAL) THOUGH THAT'S NOT CERTAIN. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED THE CAR AND THEY CONFIRM THERE IS NO DAMAGE OTHER THAN THE (SUBSTANTIAL!) DAMAGE OF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NOBODY IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND TRAFFIC WAS MINIMAL SO NO ONE WAS INJURED. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH A CURB OR POTHOLE HIT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ENOUGH TO CAUSE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. THE CAR HAS VERY LOW MILEAGE, LESS THAN 60,000, AND HAS BEEN WELL-MAINTAINED.
NHTSA complaint #11097899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesPortsmouth, NH
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH WHEN HE ABRUPTLY TURNED THE WHEEL TO AVOID A CRASH. THE CONTACT DROVER OVER A POTHOLE AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED FOR THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE TO BE A MANUFACTURE RING DEFECT. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
NHTSA complaint #10400673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 176,000 milesRidgefield, NJ
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
2001 VW GTI PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INADVERTANTLY DEPLOYED. SIDE SEAT AIRBAG AND HEADLINER DEPLOYED. DASHBOARD AIRBAG DID NOT. NO ACCIDENT OCCURED. DEPLOYMENT WAS WHEN CAR WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, STRAIGHT ROAD, NO BUMPS, NO TURNS, NO POTHOLES, NO DEBRIS ON ROAD, NO IMPACT WITH ANYTHING. NO IDEA WHY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #10379661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesNiles, OHFire
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATED FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED THROUGH THE PASSENGERS JACKET. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NO LONGER UTILIZING THE HEATED SEAT FUNCTION AND THE FAILURE HAD NOT RECURRED SINCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000. REMAILED 05/12/11
NHTSA complaint #10372718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesNashville, TN
TIRES
HAVE POTENZA G 019 GRID TIRES MADE BY BRIDGESTONE,,,AS THEY WEAR THEY KEEP GETTING LOUDER AN LOUDER,,,I HAVE DONE EVERY THING BY HERE TIRE BOOK,,,AND STILL THEY ARE LOUD,,,READ SOME OF THE REVIEWS ON TIRE RACK.COM ITS CRAZY.
NHTSA complaint #10339164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesNewport, NH1 injured
SEATS
IN MY 2001 GTI GLX VR6 THE DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEAT, HEATS UP SO MUCH THAT IT BURNS MY LEGS, ACTUAL RED BURN MARKS! EVEN IF TURNED DOWN TO THE LOWEST SETTING THE SEAT WILL BURN ME. I KNOW IN MY FRIENDS 2002 JETTA THEY HAD THEIR HEATER IN THE SEAT REPLACED BY VW FOR THE SAME ISSUE FREE OF CHARGE. I HAVE BEEN TO VW AND THEY SAY IT'S NOT COVERED. I WANT TO USE THE HEATED SEAT BUT NEVER TRUST IT TO NOT BURN ME.
NHTSA complaint #10318608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesNewport, NH
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
THE COIL PACK FAILS, I HAVE REPLACED IT TWICE AND NO MATTER WHAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON IN NO TIME AT ALL AND IT'S COIL PACK FAILURE, WHICH ALSO TRIGGERS OTHER SENSORS LIKE THE COOLANT SENSOR WHICH I HAVE REPLACED AS WELL. I THINK THE LONGEST TIME MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS OFF WAS 3 WEEKS! THIS CAR COSTS A FORTUNE TO FIX AND IT'S NEVER FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10318605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesNewport, NH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE COIL PACK FAILS, I HAVE REPLACED IT TWICE AND NO MATTER WHAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON IN NO TIME AT ALL AND IT'S COIL PACK FAILURE, WHICH ALSO TRIGGERS OTHER SENSORS LIKE THE COOLANT SENSOR WHICH I HAVE REPLACED AS WELL. I THINK THE LONGEST TIME MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS OFF WAS 3 WEEKS! THIS CAR COSTS A FORTUNE TO FIX AND IT'S NEVER FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10318605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
AIR BAGS
I HAVE A 2001 VW GTI AND MY SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS WRONGFULLY DEPLOYED. I RECEIVED MINOR DAMAGE TO MY REAR RIM FROM A STREET CURB THAT CAUSED MY AIRBAGS TO WRONGFULLY DEPLOY. I WAS NOT IN A COLLISION, NOR IN SERIOUS DANGER, ALTHOUGH WHEN MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED I WAS FRIGHTENED AND VEERED TO MY LEFT LANE. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS IN THAT LANE, BUT I COULD HAVE RECEIVED MAJOR INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #10278503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
EQUIPMENT
I HAVE A 2001 VW GTI AND MY SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS WRONGFULLY DEPLOYED. I RECEIVED MINOR DAMAGE TO MY REAR RIM FROM A STREET CURB THAT CAUSED MY AIRBAGS TO WRONGFULLY DEPLOY. I WAS NOT IN A COLLISION, NOR IN SERIOUS DANGER, ALTHOUGH WHEN MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED I WAS FRIGHTENED AND VEERED TO MY LEFT LANE. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS IN THAT LANE, BUT I COULD HAVE RECEIVED MAJOR INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #10278503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newington, CT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
I BOUGHT A PAIR OF AFTERMARKET HEADLIGHTS FROM A MEMBER ON EBAY FOR MY 2001 VW GTI. I BOUGHT THESE HEADLIGHTS FROM A SELLER . I HAVE RECENTLY DISCOVERED THAT THESE HEADLIGHTS ARE DEFECTIVE AND FOGLIGHT (WHICH IS INCORPORATED INTO THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING) IS TURNED ON IT WILL CAUSE THE INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT TO MELT BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I DO BELIEVE THESE ARE UNSAFE AND COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO AN ELECTRICAL FIRE; HOWEVER, AFTER SEVERAL EMAILS. HE HAS NOT RESPONDED TO ME. I'VE GONE AND DONE MY RESEARCH AND OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME KIND OF PROBLEMS WITH THESE LIGHTS. THEY ARE MANUFACTURED BY DEPO FOR FK AUTOMOTIVE, AND I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF THIS SELLER IS AND AUTHORIZED DEALER OF THESE HEADLIGHTS. I JUST DON'T KNOW WHERE ELSE I CAN GO. PLEASE HELP ME OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10251152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesTujunga, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
2001 VW GTI BOUGHT USED. AT 79,000 MILES HAD 80K SERVICE DONE AT DEALERSHIP WHICH INCLUDED CHECKING TIMING BELT. AT 82,000 TIMING BELT BROKE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO ENGINE. NEEDED TO REPLACE ENGINE COST ME $5300 IN WHICH VW WOULD NOT PAY FOR AS WARRANTY ONLY COVERS ORIGINAL OWNER. VW CLAIMS BELT IS SUPPOSED TO LAST 105,000 MILES. AFTER RESEARCHING ON INTERNET, NUMEROUS CLAIMS FOR ALL 1.8T ENGINES REGARDING THE TIMING BELT GOING WELL BEFORE 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #10227693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,048 milesGarden Grove, CACrash1 injured
SUSPENSION
REVISED/UPDATE: ORIGINAL COMPLAINT 10222650 3-29-08. AS PER TIRE FORENSICS SPECIALIST RIGHT REAR TIRE HAS 2 NAIL PUNCTURES LIKELY PICKED UP ON THE FREEWAY, UNFORESEEN. HE SAID THAT DUE TO PUNCTURES,SLOW TO FAST PRESSURE CHANGES, THE TIRE HEATED UP, INNER SIDEWALL DE-VULCANIZED. SO MY TIRE FLATTENED, CAR LOST CONTROL, FISHTAILED ACROSS FWY, I COLLIDED WITH BIG RIG AND EVENTUALLY CAME TO STOP ON SHOULDER. DO TIRE MANUFACTURES TEST FOR THESE POSSIBILITIES FOR TIRES THEY MARKET? IF NOT, WHY NOT? IT IS ALMOST INEVITABLE FOR ANY NUMBER OF CAR TIRES TO PICK UP UNFORESEEN OBJECTS THAT COULD PUNCTURE THEM. IS THIS A DESIGN FLAW OR EQUIPMENT MATERIAL ISSUE IN AS MUCH AS THE INNER SIDE WALL AND OUTER SIDE WALL OF THIS PARTICULAR MODEL OF TIRES IS VERY DIFFERENT IN THEIR COMPONENT STRUCTURE?? PLEASE RESPOND.
NHTSA complaint #10224342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,047 milesGarden Grove, CACrash1 injured
TIRES
CAR ACCIDENT POSSIBLY CREATED/CAUSED BY FULL/COMPLETE INNER SIDE WALL SEPARATION OF TIRE FROM ITSELF.
NHTSA complaint #10222650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,800 milesOgden, UT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS AND ASR SYSTEMS HAVE FAILED - EACH HAS ITS OWN DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT, WHICH IS ON. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSIS: FAULTY ABS CONTROLLER/PUMP MODULE, $1,025 TO REPAIR. VW HAS AN ABS RECALL, #02V031000, WHICH COVERS 2000-2002 NEW BEETLE, GOLF/GTI, JETTA. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED.
NHTSA complaint #10221090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,800 milesOgden, UT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
ABS AND ASR SYSTEMS HAVE FAILED - EACH HAS ITS OWN DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT, WHICH IS ON. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSIS: FAULTY ABS CONTROLLER/PUMP MODULE, $1,025 TO REPAIR. VW HAS AN ABS RECALL, #02V031000, WHICH COVERS 2000-2002 NEW BEETLE, GOLF/GTI, JETTA. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED.
NHTSA complaint #10221090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,500 milesMadison, AL
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
THE HEATED LEATHER SEATS IN MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI VR6 "OVERHEAT" AND BURNT THE SEAT MATERIAL. I OFTEN TURNED OFF THE HEATERS AS I FELT THEY WERE GETTING TOO HOT. THE HEATERS RUINED THE SEAT MATERIAL WHICH I HAD TO REPLACE.
NHTSA complaint #10212730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,600 milesGarland, TX
AIR BAGS
I WAS TRAVELING DOWN A HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH. SUDDENLY WITHOUT IMPACT BOTH THE DRIVERS SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG AND DRIVERS SEAT SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, FOR NO REASON. WHAT MADE IT EVEN MORE SCARY IS THAT IT TURNED OFF MY CAR WHILE COASTING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, ALSO DISORIENTED ME. WAS ABLE TO BARELY TURN THE CAR TO AN OFF RAMP WITH OUT A WRECK RESULTING. NOTHING HAS BEEN REPLACED AT THIS TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10197718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesJackson Heights, NY
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #10194014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesJackson Heights, FL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #10194017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,268 milesSanta Maria, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ON THE MORNING OF 27 APRIL 2007, I STARTED MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 1.8T. THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING VERY ROUGH AND DID NOT SOUND NORMAL. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS COLD. AT THIS POINT IT BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND DROVE DOWN THE ROAD. APPROXIMATELY A MILE OR TWO DOWN THE ROAD I CAME TO A STOP SIGN AND AFTER STOPPING AND THEN PROCEEDING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION MY VEHICLE SEEMED LIKE IT HAD LITTLE OR NO POWER TO THE ENGINE. AT THIS POINT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING SO I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT OFF MY ENGINE. I THEN OPENED MY HOOD AND SMOKE POURED OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AT THIS POINT I CHECKED MY OIL TO SEE IT IT SMELT BURNT WHICH IT DID NOT. I THEN CHECKED MY COOLANT LEVEL AND IT WAS FULL AND WASN'T EVEN WARM. I THEN HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC AND HE DIAGNOSED MY VEHICLE AND TOLD ME THAT 1 OF THE 4 COILS IN MY ENGINE HAD STOPPED WORKING AND HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THAT'S WHAT HAD CAUSED THE SMOKE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. HE ALSO SAID THE ALL FOUR NEED TO BE REPLACED OR THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. AT THIS POINT ALL FOUR COILS WERE REPLACED AND THE OLD ONES WERE GIVEN TO ME TO KEEP AS PROOF THAT THE PARTS WERE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10188759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
I EXPERIENCED A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE WHICH RESULTED IN MY CAR NOT MEETING SAFETY STANDARDS.
NHTSA complaint #10161784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesGreer, SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
I'M THE OWNER OF A GOLF GTI 2 DOORS FROM 2001, WITH 49000 MILES, BOUGHT IN 2004 AT THE VW DEALER IN GREENVILLE. I'VE BEEN ABOUT 15 TIMES TO THE DEALER FOR DIFFERENT PROBLEMS THAT WERE ALL MINOR. AND 10 MONTHS AGO, I LEFT THE CAR AT THE GARAGE FOR 3 DAYS ASKING THEM TO MAKE A FULL REVISION OF THAT CAR BECAUSE I WAS UPSET BY ALL THESE PROBLEMS. YESTERDAY, I WAS DRIVING WHEN SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT ANY PREVIOUS SIGNS, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY HARD, I LOST BRAKING, THE ASR (TRACTION CONTROL) SIGNAL WENT ON, AND I COULDN'T STOP THE CAR. HOPEFULLY FOR ME, I WAS ONLY AT 40 MPH, I PUT THE GEAR SHIFT IN NEUTRAL (BECAUSE THE CAR WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE), AND I PULLED THE HAND BRAKE. I WAS ABLE TO STOP ON A PARKING ON THE SIDE WITHOUT HITTING ANYBODY OR ANY CAR. I WAS VERY LUCKY NOT TO HAVE PANICKED. IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND I WROTE TO VW USA TO EXPLAIN MY MAJOR CONCERN.
NHTSA complaint #10160440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,064 milesBrookfield, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
SINCE CAR WAS BOUGHT IN 2001 MIL LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON IN RAINING CONDITIONS. VW SAID IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND REPLACED IN AT NO CHARGE IN MARCH OF 2003. SINCE REPLACEMENT LIGHT STILL COMES ON, AND IS NOW PERMANENTLY ON. WHEN CAR IS WET YOU CAN SEE SPARKS COMING FROM THE IGNITION COIL. THERE ARE NOTICEABLE CRACKS IN THE COIL HOUSING. *******EPA REFERENCE INFORMATION(IHTTP://WWW.EPA.GOV/OTAQ/CERT/RECALL/420B04018.PDF) *******EPA STATES THE FOLLOWING: CYLINDER IGNITION COIL FAILURE. CAUSING THE ENGINE TO MISFIRE AND ILLUMINATE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL). TWO SEPARATE FAILURE MODES MAY EXIST WITHIN THE DEFECTIVE IGNITION COILS TESTED, (1)COIL HOUSING DAMAGE CAUSED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS AT THE APPLICABLE VW OR AUDI FACTORY, (2)COIL DESIGN SHORTCOMINGS BY THE SUPPLIER. *****************NOTE: THE 2002 GOLF GTI VR6 (ENGINE CLASS 2VWXV02.8224) AND THE 2001 EURO VAN VR6 (ENGINE CLASS 1VWXV02.8225)USE THE SAME IGNITION COILS AS MY CAR, THE 2001 GOLF GTI VR6 (ENGINE CLASS 1VWXV02.8224). PLEASE HELP TO INCLUDE MY CALL THE 2001 GOLF GTI (VR6). MY CAR IS NOW AND HAS BEEN GOING THROUGH ALL KINDS OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES, EXCESS FUEL CONSUMPTION, EMISSIONS FAULTS, LOSS OF POWER ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING, EXCESS OIL COMSUMPTION ETC.
NHTSA complaint #10155392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.