Owners have filed 141 complaints
about the 2002 Volkswagen GTI with NHTSA between 2002 and 2018.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Volkswagen GTI. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 55
10.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
67% 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
3144.9%
Side/Window
1217.4%
RIM
811.6%
Coil Springs
45.8%
Clutch Assembly
45.8%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
45.8%
Switch
34.3%
12V/24V/48V Battery
34.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
33.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
3535.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2222.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1717.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
99.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
66.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
66.1%
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.
Apr 2002peak 29Apr 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 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 2002 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 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 2005012108,501 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles equipped with the comfort seats option may have a seat heater element that can malfunction when the ignition switch is in the "ON" position and the seat heater switch is also "ON". If this happened, the seated occupant may experience excessive heat in this location. The heating mat could damage, or melt a small hole in the seat. If this were to occur, an electrical/melting smell or small amount of smoke would be noticeable. In some cases, the small hole in the seat could damage the seated occupant's clothing. In rare instances, this could lead to a minor or superficial skin injury. Correction: Dealers will modify the driver's seat heater by installing an electrical repair kit and will install a new passenger side seat heater switch.
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.
at 123,830 milesNekoma, KS1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002.5 GTI DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 40MPH WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AND SEAT AIR BAGS WENT OFF. THE ROAD WAS STRAIGHT AND SMOOTH OTHER THAN NORMAL EXPANSION JOINTS. MY WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND HAS BRUISING AND MINOR BURNS ON HER ARM. ONCE THE BAGS WENT OFF THE CAR SHUT OFF BUT I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER IT OFF THE ROAD WAY SAFELY. I HAVE CONTACTED VWOA ABOUT THE INCIDENT AND I HOPE THEY WILL SATISFACTORILY RESOLVE THE ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10457031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesCorning, CA1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. THERE WAS NO CRASH OR IMPACT. THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,000. UPDATED 05/19/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED VOLKSWAGEN STILL HAS THE VEHICLE AFTER 3 MONTHS, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THE PARTS. UPDATED 05/20/08
NHTSA complaint #10221063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesSAN Diego, CA2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING 75-80 MPH, THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE POWER. AS OF DECEMBER 13, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 67,000. UPDATED 3/4/08 *CN THE DEALER DECIDED TO FIX THE VEHICLE AT THEIR EXPENSE.
NHTSA complaint #10211817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesChester, NY1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GTI WHEN SUDDENLY THE SIDE AND CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON AT ALL. I DID NOT HIT A POTHOLE, ROCK, OR ANY OBJECT OF ANY KIND. THE ENGINE THEN SHUT OFF BUT I MANAGED TO SAFELY MOVE MY CAR TO THE RIGHT LANE. AS A RESULT OF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT I SUFFERED MINOR BURNS AND A SORE BACK. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND THEY IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TELLING ME IT WAS NOT THEIR FAULT AND THAT I MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING. THEY ADVISED ME TO BRING THE GTI INTO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP TO CHECK FOR DAMAGE. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE CAR AND FOUND NO DAMAGE. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE AIRBAGS TO HAVE DEPLOYED. HE THEN SENT THAT INFORMATION TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA. TWO DAY LATER THEY CALLED ME TO ASK ME TO ONCE AGAIN BRING THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP SO THAT A REPRESENTATIVE COULD INSPECT THE CAR. I WILL BE BRINGING THE CAR IN TOMORROW. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED OVER 400,000 TIMES. IT DOES NOT SEEM THAT VOLKSWAGEN IS GOING TO PAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM SINCE MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I AM NOW PURSUING A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA. I AM ABSOLUTELY STUNNED THAT VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA CAN GET AWAY WITH NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR MANUFACTURE DEFECTS. I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER VW AGAIN, AND I WILL DO ALL THAT I CAN TO DISCOURAGE ANYBODY I KNOW FROM PURCHASING A VOLKSWAGEN. THESE CLAIMS NEED TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY, AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT BEFORE SERIOUS INJURY, OR EVEN DEATH, OCCURS.
NHTSA complaint #10180748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesWest Dundee, IL1 injured
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
THE CONSUMER WAS COMING OUT OF A TOLL BOOTH AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES. *AK THE A/C WAS INOPERATIVE, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW DROPPED AND WOULD NOT CLOSE, THE COIL WAS A PROBLEM AND THE COOLING FAN HAD BROKEN.
NHTSA complaint #10103117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesWest Dundee, IL1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
THE CONSUMER WAS COMING OUT OF A TOLL BOOTH AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES. *AK THE A/C WAS INOPERATIVE, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW DROPPED AND WOULD NOT CLOSE, THE COIL WAS A PROBLEM AND THE COOLING FAN HAD BROKEN.
NHTSA complaint #10103117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Modesto, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DRIVING MY CAR FOR A WHILE, I START NOTICING THE SMELL OF BURNED RUBBER FROM THE ENGINE AND WHEN IS COOLING DOWN AND I DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS.
NHTSA complaint #11084922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesMadison, WI
AIR BAGS
MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING OUT OF PARKING LOT, TURNING INTO THE MAIN STREET WHEN SUDDENLY WE HEAR A LOUD EXPLOSION AND INSIDE THE CAR WAS COVER IN A CLOUD OF SMOKE AND WHITE POWER. IT TOOK US FEW MIN TO REALIZE WHAT HAPPENED SINCE WE BOTH HAD RINGING EAR FOR A MOMENT. WE FINALLY WE WERE ABLE TO COME BACK AND THINK STRAIGHT AGAIN TO REALIZE THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND SIDE-HEAD CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED, WE INSPECTED THE CAR TO SEE IF WE GOT HIT ANOTHER CAR, NO EXTERNAL DAMAGE INDICATION ANY TYPE OF CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10660044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesOxnard, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY CAR AT HIGH SPEEDS (50MPH - 65MPH) THE GAS PEDAL "DIES" OR LOOSES AUTHORITY AND BECOMES UN-RESPONSIVE. AT TIMES AS THE GAS PEDAL GOES DEAD THE CAR ALSO SHUTS OFF AT 65 MPH CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION NOT ONLY FOR MY SELF BUT CARS AROUND ME. I HAVE TAKE MY CAR TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC BUT CAN NOT FIGURE OUT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. MULTIPLE PARTS AND SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND INSPECTED WITH OUT A SOLUTION. THIS IS MY ONLY CAR THEREFORE I CONTINUE TO DRIVE MY CAR WITH HOPES THAT AN ACCIDENT DOES NOT OCCUR. I HAVE TAKEN THE ALL THE STEPS WITHIN MY CONTROL TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM BUT HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL. I HAVE NOT HEARD A RESPONDS FROM VOLKSWAGEN. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10629801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesOxnard, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY CAR AT HIGH SPEEDS (50MPH - 65MPH) THE GAS PEDAL "DIES" OR LOOSES AUTHORITY AND BECOMES UN-RESPONSIVE. AT TIMES AS THE GAS PEDAL GOES DEAD THE CAR ALSO SHUTS OFF AT 65 MPH CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION NOT ONLY FOR MY SELF BUT CARS AROUND ME. I HAVE TAKE MY CAR TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC BUT CAN NOT FIGURE OUT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. MULTIPLE PARTS AND SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND INSPECTED WITH OUT A SOLUTION. THIS IS MY ONLY CAR THEREFORE I CONTINUE TO DRIVE MY CAR WITH HOPES THAT AN ACCIDENT DOES NOT OCCUR. I HAVE TAKEN THE ALL THE STEPS WITHIN MY CONTROL TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM BUT HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL. I HAVE NOT HEARD A RESPONDS FROM VOLKSWAGEN. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10629801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,010 milesSelkirk, NY
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON. THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT BUCKLE PART (1Y1858471G - "FCN BUCKLE") HAD FAILED. THIS PART ALSO FAILED 7/06 AT 45,900 MILES ALONG WITH THE COMPARABLE PART FOR THE PASSENGER'S SEAT. THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE WHEN THIS PART DOES NOT FUNCTION. IN 8/06 VW MADE A PARTIAL, GOODWILL WARRANTY ADJUSTMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10605867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,830 milesNekoma, KS1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002.5 GTI DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 40MPH WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AND SEAT AIR BAGS WENT OFF. THE ROAD WAS STRAIGHT AND SMOOTH OTHER THAN NORMAL EXPANSION JOINTS. MY WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND HAS BRUISING AND MINOR BURNS ON HER ARM. ONCE THE BAGS WENT OFF THE CAR SHUT OFF BUT I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER IT OFF THE ROAD WAY SAFELY. I HAVE CONTACTED VWOA ABOUT THE INCIDENT AND I HOPE THEY WILL SATISFACTORILY RESOLVE THE ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10457031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesBristol, RI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2002 VW GTI VR6 COIL PACK FAILURE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ALMOST GOT REARENDED BECAUSE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND BUCKED. 3RD COIL PACK TO FAIL ON THIS CAR. THE 2ND TIME FAILURE DAMAGED MY O2 SENSORS WHICH HAD TO REPLACED DUE TO CAR RUNNING RICH, I BELIEVE. COIL PACKS ON VR6'S NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.
NHTSA complaint #10378160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 5 MPH, I HIT A CURB AND THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE. I CALLED VW AND THEY SAID THAT REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED OF THE ACCIDENT IF THE CAR FEELS ANYTHING NEAR THE CRASH SENSORS THE AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO NEED AND ACTUALLY MADE THE SITUATION MORE DANGEROUS AND TROUBLESOME.
NHTSA complaint #10221185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesCorning, CA1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. THERE WAS NO CRASH OR IMPACT. THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,000. UPDATED 05/19/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED VOLKSWAGEN STILL HAS THE VEHICLE AFTER 3 MONTHS, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THE PARTS. UPDATED 05/20/08
NHTSA complaint #10221063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,570 milesJaimaca, NY
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A MEDIUM SIZED POTHOLE, AND THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AND SIDE REAR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR CRASH INVOLVED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,580 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,570.
NHTSA complaint #10218649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesSAN Diego, CA2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING 75-80 MPH, THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE POWER. AS OF DECEMBER 13, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 67,000. UPDATED 3/4/08 *CN THE DEALER DECIDED TO FIX THE VEHICLE AT THEIR EXPENSE.
NHTSA complaint #10211817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesNEW Orleans, LA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FIXED THREE TIMES SINCE NEW. NOW TRANSMISSION DESTROYED AT 33K MILES WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #10187268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesChester, NY1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GTI WHEN SUDDENLY THE SIDE AND CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON AT ALL. I DID NOT HIT A POTHOLE, ROCK, OR ANY OBJECT OF ANY KIND. THE ENGINE THEN SHUT OFF BUT I MANAGED TO SAFELY MOVE MY CAR TO THE RIGHT LANE. AS A RESULT OF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT I SUFFERED MINOR BURNS AND A SORE BACK. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND THEY IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TELLING ME IT WAS NOT THEIR FAULT AND THAT I MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING. THEY ADVISED ME TO BRING THE GTI INTO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP TO CHECK FOR DAMAGE. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE CAR AND FOUND NO DAMAGE. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE AIRBAGS TO HAVE DEPLOYED. HE THEN SENT THAT INFORMATION TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA. TWO DAY LATER THEY CALLED ME TO ASK ME TO ONCE AGAIN BRING THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP SO THAT A REPRESENTATIVE COULD INSPECT THE CAR. I WILL BE BRINGING THE CAR IN TOMORROW. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED OVER 400,000 TIMES. IT DOES NOT SEEM THAT VOLKSWAGEN IS GOING TO PAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM SINCE MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I AM NOW PURSUING A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA. I AM ABSOLUTELY STUNNED THAT VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA CAN GET AWAY WITH NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR MANUFACTURE DEFECTS. I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER VW AGAIN, AND I WILL DO ALL THAT I CAN TO DISCOURAGE ANYBODY I KNOW FROM PURCHASING A VOLKSWAGEN. THESE CLAIMS NEED TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY, AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT BEFORE SERIOUS INJURY, OR EVEN DEATH, OCCURS.
NHTSA complaint #10180748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,700 milesSAN Antonio, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED CAUSING ALL REAR BRAKE LIGHTS TO FAIL. THIS CAUSED EXTREME DANGER AS IT CAN EASILY CAUSE A REAR-END COLLISION. PART SEEMS TO BE RECOGNIZED AS FAILURE-PRONE SINCE OTHER OWNERS ALSO HAVE REPORTED FAILURES. VW JETTA'S WERE RECALLED, GTI'S WERE NOT, EVEN THOUGH CHASSIS AND PART ARE THE SAME. SWITCH WAS REPLACED BY DEALER AT A COST OF APPROX. $110.00
NHTSA complaint #10178748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesDallas, TX
AIR BAGS
AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM VISITING MY PARENTS IN LOUISIANA OVER THE HOLIDAYS. I WAS GETTING ONTO 45/75 GOING NORTH FROM INTERSTATE 30W HERE IN DALLAS, TX. AS I CROSS OVER THE LANES, I HEAR A REALLY LOUD POP. THERE WAS A LARGE FLASH AND THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE. I WAS REALLY SURPRISED, WHICH CAUSED ME TO SWERVE TO MISS ANOTHER CAR. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT WENT WRONG. MY FIRST ASSUMPTIONS WERE THAT EITHER I BLEW A TIRE OR THAT SOMEONE HAD SHOT A FIREARM AT MY VEHICLE. I PULLED OVER DOWNTOWN AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH THE EXTERIOR OF MY VEHICLE (TIRES WERE FINE AND I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING). FOR SOME REASON MY PASSENGER SIDE UPPER FRONT AND REAR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AS DID THE SIDE AIR BAG IN THE SEAT. I HAVE NO IDEA WHY THIS HAPPENED AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE AIRBAGS. I AM VERY HAPPY AND FORTUNATE THAT I DID NOT HAVE A PASSENGER IN MY CAR AT THE TIME AND THAT I DID NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. I AM REPORTING THIS TO VWOA.
NHTSA complaint #10177440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,779 milesCranston, RI
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
"SWITCHES" OR SENSORS IN BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT LATCHES FAILED AT THE SAME TIME REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF BOTH LATCH MECHANISMS. ONE OF THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT LATCH MECHANISMS WAS DEFECTIVE. THESE DEVICES COMMUNICATE WITH THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AS TO WHETHER A SEAT BELT IS IN USE. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE AIR BAG(S) MAY NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY AS THE RESULT OF A FAULTY "SWITCH" OR SENSOR LEADING TO UNINTENDED INJURY OR DEATH (VIS-A-VIS A PROPER DEPLOYMENT) TO THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER..
NHTSA complaint #10168479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hephzibah, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
I OWN A 2002 JETTA VR6 AND MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS GONE OUT. I HAVE READ THE LATEST RECALL NUMBER 06V183000, HOWEVER, VOLKSWAGEN WANTED TO CHARGE ME FOR THE REPAIR STATING MY CAR WAS NOT FOUND TO HAVE ANY RECALLS ON IT. MY BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AND I DID NOT KNOW IT. SOMEONE ALMOST RAN INTO THE BACK OF MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10167867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesScottsdale, AZ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, MULTIPLE FAILURES (4) IN GTI/GOLF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 06V183000 THE ABOVE RECALL SHOULD INCLUDE THE GOLF/GTI SINCE IT IS THE SAME PART THAT FAILS REPEATEDLY.
NHTSA complaint #10165727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,890 milesNEW Hope, PA
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
BOTH DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS (POWER) "FELL" DOWN INTO THE DOOR. INDEPENDENT SERVICE STATION REPAIRED WITH A WINDOW REPAIR KIT.
NHTSA complaint #10165250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesSAN Jose, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON.
NHTSA complaint #10158771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesSAN Jose, CA
WHEELS
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON.
NHTSA complaint #10158771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,830 milesJamesburg, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
LEFT WORK AFTER SUNSET. ON MY WAY HOME MY HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. I THEN NOTICED THAT MY TURN SIGNALS, WIPERS, AND DEFROSTER STOPPED WORKING AS WELL. LUCKILY I AM A MECHANIC SO I WAS ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM AS SOON AS I GOT HOME. THAT WAS AFTER DRIVING 5 MILES WITH NO LIGHTS AT ALL ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE PROBLEM WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. WHEN I TOOK EVERYTHING APART I NOTICED THAT THE WIRE AND CONNECTOR WAS MELTED. I REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH, MELTED WIRE, AND CONNECTOR. I HAVE THE OLD PART AND THE RECEIPT. MY ONLY CONCERN IS THAT MY CAR COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10152195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,830 milesJamesburg, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
LEFT WORK AFTER SUNSET. ON MY WAY HOME MY HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. I THEN NOTICED THAT MY TURN SIGNALS, WIPERS, AND DEFROSTER STOPPED WORKING AS WELL. LUCKILY I AM A MECHANIC SO I WAS ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM AS SOON AS I GOT HOME. THAT WAS AFTER DRIVING 5 MILES WITH NO LIGHTS AT ALL ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE PROBLEM WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. WHEN I TOOK EVERYTHING APART I NOTICED THAT THE WIRE AND CONNECTOR WAS MELTED. I REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH, MELTED WIRE, AND CONNECTOR. I HAVE THE OLD PART AND THE RECEIPT. MY ONLY CONCERN IS THAT MY CAR COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10152195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,750 milesPost Falls, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CAR LOST POWER. I FIGURED IT WAS AN ENGINE COIL, BECAUSE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME BEFORE, LAST TIME IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, #6 COIL. SINCE I WAS 30 MILES AWAY FROM DEALER, I TOOK MY 2002 GTI TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE # 5 IGNITION COIL. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT IF THERE WAS A RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS PART SINCE THIS WAS THE SECOND ONE TO FAIL. DEALER SAID "NO RECALL AND THE CHARGE WOULD BE ABOUT $200.00 SINCE THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. VEHICLE HAS 50,850 MILES AT THIS TIME. SINCE IT WASN'T COVERED, I HAD IT FIXED LOCALLY. GTI HAS THE 24 VALVE VR 6 ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10151492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesBolingbrook, IL
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING DUE TO LINKAGE FAILURE AT 55,000 MILES. LINKAGE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10145644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.