Owners have filed 72 complaints
about the 2003 Volkswagen GTI with NHTSA between 2003 and 2023.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 54
Against the median year of the Volkswagen GTI. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
31.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 92
54% 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.
Clutch Assembly
927.3%
Frontal
721.2%
Side/Window
618.2%
Ignition
39.1%
Sensor/Control Module
26.1%
Cooling System
26.1%
Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle)
26.1%
Manual Transmission
26.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
23.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
711.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1423.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1728.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1423.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
46.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
11.7%
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.
Jan 2003peak 8Dec 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 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...
Recalls on the 2003 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.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Troy, MICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID OVER ICE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE DAMAGES WERE REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND APPROACHING A RAMP, THE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND THE HEADLINER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10749239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesNewfield, NJFire1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
NOTICED A SMELL AS I WAS DRIVING. GLANCE OUT WINDOW & NOTICED MY BACK LIGHT WAS ON FIRE. PULLED OVER , AND TRIED TO EXTINGUISH IT WITH A SHIRT. ALMOST HAD IT OUT, BUT COULDN'T QUITE EXTINGUISH IT. WITHIN 10 MINUTES THE CAR WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I HAD TO STAND THERE AND WATCH MY CAR BURN. IT TOOK TWO FIRE TRUCKS TO EXTINGUISH IT AND I ENDED UP WITH BURNT HANDS( FROM MELTING RUBBER STICKING TO MY SKIN) , TRYING TO SMOTHER IT. HOW COULD SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN FROM A BACK LIGHT? I HAVE HAD THE CAR LESS THAN 1 YEAR. IT WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION, WITH ONLY ABOUT 45,000 MILES ON IT. I AM OUT A CAR, WITH NO RECOURSE! I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL BACK IN APRIL 2007, PRIOR TO MY OWNING THIS VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH , THEIR RECALL MAKES NO MENTION OF THE CAR BURSTING IN FLAMES! THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO! I AM LUCKY THAT I SAW THE FIRE WHEN I DID, OR I COULD HAVE BEEN HURT EVEN WORSE THAN I WAS. I AM A CARPENTER AND NEED MY CAR TO GET TO MY JOBS. I AM OUT A CAR, LOST A DAY OF WORK, AND NOW AM WORKING WITH BANDAGED HANDS, AND THE WORST THING IS...I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN AND GOT SYMPATHY, AND AN OFFER TO PAY MY MEDICAL BILL, BUT I AM STILL OUT A CAR! ARE THEY KIDDING? THIS IS A SERIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM! WHAT IF I HAD MY GRANDCHILD IN THE BACK SEAT OF THAT CAR? ONCE THE HEADLINER CAUGHT FLAMES, IT WAS ALL OVER. FLAMES WERE 20 FEET IN THE AIR!
NHTSA complaint #10227003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,600 milesForest Grove, OR1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
WAS DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT DOWN INTERSTATE 5 IN WASHINGTON, ADHERING TO THE SPEED LIMIT. WHEN MY PASSENGER CURTAIN AIRBAG AND SIDE SEAT AIR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT IS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. MY FRIEND SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS BRUISED UP RATHER NEATLY.
NHTSA complaint #10175984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,950 milesIndio, CACrash1 killed
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 5 MPH AND STRUCK A POT HOLE AND SIDE DOOR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. ALSO, SIDE WINDOW MALFUNCTIONED, AND SEAT RECLINER BROKE.
NHTSA complaint #10111254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,950 milesIndio, CACrash1 killed
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 5 MPH AND STRUCK A POT HOLE AND SIDE DOOR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. ALSO, SIDE WINDOW MALFUNCTIONED, AND SEAT RECLINER BROKE.
NHTSA complaint #10111254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,950 milesIndio, CACrash1 killed
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 5 MPH AND STRUCK A POT HOLE AND SIDE DOOR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. ALSO, SIDE WINDOW MALFUNCTIONED, AND SEAT RECLINER BROKE.
NHTSA complaint #10111254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Blue Grass, IA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When my car gets down to 1/4 tank it cuts out and dies I’ve replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter. I believe this is a serious possibly deadly issue. Please take action on making our vehicle safe to be on the road with a recall! I’ve talked to countless owners of the same vehicle I own and they are having the same issue. With no luck of fixing it on our own I’ve been in countless situations when I shouldn’t be stalling in middle of intersections, and on the highway doing 65-70 it’s not safe at all. Take note it only does it at a quarter tank and below anywhere on the fuel gauge about a quarter it doesn’t do it
NHTSA complaint #11560569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keene, NH
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I HAVE A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI AND IT HAS A ELECTRICAL ISSUE MY LIGHTS FLICKER BY THEMSELVES AND MY HAZARDS COME ON BY THEMSELVES AS WELL AND I WANT TO PUT IN A NEW RADIO BUT WITH MY ELECTRICAL ISSUES GOING I CAN'T DO THAT AND WHEN I PUT MY HEAT ON IT MESSES WITH MY HEAD LIGHTS THEY TURN OFF IDK WHAT IS GOING ON BUT I CAN'T FIX IT AND I WAS ON A TOWN STREET WHEN THIS HAPPENED SO YEAH I NEED THIS FIXED
NHTSA complaint #11372496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, MICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID OVER ICE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE DAMAGES WERE REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND APPROACHING A RAMP, THE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND THE HEADLINER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10749239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesMansfield, TX
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. VW VOTEX WEB PAGE (FOR VW ENTHUIASTS) LISTS THAT IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH A SEAT BELT SENSOR THAT TRIGGERS AND AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. I HAVE HAD IT RESET THREE TIMES AT 60.00 A SESSION...FOR A KNOWN PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING SOME TIME WITH THE LIGHT ON. I HAVE SOME CONCERN THAT THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE WRITTEN VW ABOUT IT AND WAS GIVEN A LAME EXCUSE AND THEN IGNORED.
NHTSA complaint #10717435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,800 milesSunrise, FL
SEAT BELTS
2003 VW GTI AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT, COLLISION, BUMP OR CRASH AND STAYED ON ALL THE TIME, THIS CONDITION MAKES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM INOPERATIVE AT THE TIME OF A REAL COLLISION, I BELONG TO A VW CLUB ( VWVOERTWX.COM) AND THIS SEEMS TO BE VERY POPULAR ISSUE AMONG VW GTI TWO DOOR, TECHNICALLY THIS HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT VW SHOULD BE OBLIGATED TO CORRECT.
NHTSA complaint #10546813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,800 milesSunrise, FL
AIR BAGS
2003 VW GTI AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT, COLLISION, BUMP OR CRASH AND STAYED ON ALL THE TIME, THIS CONDITION MAKES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM INOPERATIVE AT THE TIME OF A REAL COLLISION, I BELONG TO A VW CLUB ( VWVOERTWX.COM) AND THIS SEEMS TO BE VERY POPULAR ISSUE AMONG VW GTI TWO DOOR, TECHNICALLY THIS HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT VW SHOULD BE OBLIGATED TO CORRECT.
NHTSA complaint #10546813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,800 milesSunrise, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2003 VW GTI AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT, COLLISION, BUMP OR CRASH AND STAYED ON ALL THE TIME, THIS CONDITION MAKES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM INOPERATIVE AT THE TIME OF A REAL COLLISION, I BELONG TO A VW CLUB ( VWVOERTWX.COM) AND THIS SEEMS TO BE VERY POPULAR ISSUE AMONG VW GTI TWO DOOR, TECHNICALLY THIS HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT VW SHOULD BE OBLIGATED TO CORRECT.
NHTSA complaint #10546813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesArlington Heights, IL
POWER TRAIN
HARD DOWNSHIFTS FROM 4TH GEAR TO 2ND GEAR TO 1ST GEAR CAUSE VEHICLE TO SLOW ABRUPTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN APPROACHING A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, TRANSMISSION SHIFTS UNEXPECTEDLY FROM FOURTH TO SECOND GEAR AND THEN TO FIRST GEAR WITH NO WARNING TO VEHICLE BEHIND (NOT BREAKING HEAVILY) CAUSING NEAR COLLISIONS. FIVE SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH TIPTRONIC FEATURE CAUSES SUDDEN DECELERATION ENDANGERING OCCUPANTS WITH POSSIBLE COLLISION WITH TRAILING VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10508201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesBowdoianhan, ME
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROADWAY WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE HE WAS ADVISED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO FAILED IGNITION COIL PACKS. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
NHTSA complaint #10325865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,600 milesSAN Francisco, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
COMPLAINANT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 1.8T. DRIVING HOME THREE DAYS AGO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND CAR STARTS TO STAGGER AND PUTTER. WEIRD CLICKING NOISE. PARKED CAR IMMEDIATELY, RAN DIAG GOT CODE P0103 WHICH INDICATES CYLINDER MISFIRE. CHECKED INTERNET AND CAME UP WITH MANY MANY OTHER COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PROBLEM AND STATING THAT IT IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF VW. CALLED MECHANIC, HE CONFIRMED. CAR DELIVERED TO MECHANIC WHO RECONFIRMED. PAID $500 FOR REPAIR. IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, WHY DOES VW NOT RECALL?
NHTSA complaint #10266849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,174 milesCypress, CA
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
DRIVING TO SCHOOL AND WAS ABOUT TO PULL INTO THE SCHOOL WHEN I WAS CUT OFF, SWERVED OUT OF THE WAY AND WENT ON TO THE CURB AT AN ANGLE TO WHERE IT ONLY HIT THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. I QUICKLY CAME DOWN AND MY SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WAS GOING ABOUT 30 BUT SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 10 MPH RIGHT BEFORE IMPACT. I HAVE HIT POTHOLES HARDER AND NOTHING HAPPENS. SEEMS LIKE A CLEAR MALFUNCTION MY FRIEND WAS HIT BY THE AIRBAG, BUT SUFFERED NO SERIOUS INJURIES. THE ONLY EXTERIOR DAMAGE WAS THAT I GOT A LEAK IN MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE AND HAD TO GET IT REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10258295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesWilmington, DE
STRUCTURE
MY 2003 VW GTI LEAKS AND HAS NOW DEVELOPED SERIOUS MOLD THAT WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET RID OF ON OUR OWN BECAUSE THE CAR KEEPS TAKING ON WATER EVERY TIME IT RAINS. I REFUSE TO PAY THOUSANDS FOR A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW AND I CAN'T ALWAYS PARK IT UNDER COVER. APPARENTLY THESE LEAKS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. I HAVE A SERIOUS MOLD ALLERGY AND CAN NOT DRIVE THE CAR FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10250541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,451 milesBaltimore, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
#1 IGNITION COIL FAILED. CAR REPAIRED BY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, AND WITHIN 50 MILES, THE #3 COIL FAILED. REPLACED ALL IGNITION COILS AT 77K MILES. SEEMS PREMATURE FOR A 5 YEAR CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10245315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesGaithersburg, MD
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS A HIGH RESISTANCE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE THAT CAUSES THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT IS A WARRANTY ITEM AND THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #10241802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,218 milesColumbus, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR 40,000 MILE SERVICE. AT THAT TIME, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN OIL PAN LEAK. THE OIL PAN WAS ALUMINUM AND THE OIL PAN DRAIN BOLT WAS MADE OF STEEL, WHICH HAS BECOME STRIPPED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. THE STRIPPED BOLT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE OIL LEAK. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE OIL PAN AT HER EXPENSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40,218.
NHTSA complaint #10240631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesLiberty Township, OH
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE I WAS DRIVING 70MPH DOWN I 75 N IN OHIO. I DID NOT HIT, CLIP OR GRAZE ANOTHER VEHICLE. CLEAR MALFUNCTION, HAVE PICTURES TO PROVE IT. LUCKILY IT WAS 5:30AM MONDAY AUGUST 4TH, 2008 AND THERE WERE FEW CARS ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10237083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AND BEEPED. PULLED OVER WITHIN FIVE MINUTES AT NEXT EXIT, HAD CAR TOWED TO SHOP, TOLD IT WAS LIKELY THE OIL PICKUP THAT WAS CLOGGED. CALLED DEALERSHIP TOLD THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10236855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesNewfield, NJFire1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
NOTICED A SMELL AS I WAS DRIVING. GLANCE OUT WINDOW & NOTICED MY BACK LIGHT WAS ON FIRE. PULLED OVER , AND TRIED TO EXTINGUISH IT WITH A SHIRT. ALMOST HAD IT OUT, BUT COULDN'T QUITE EXTINGUISH IT. WITHIN 10 MINUTES THE CAR WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I HAD TO STAND THERE AND WATCH MY CAR BURN. IT TOOK TWO FIRE TRUCKS TO EXTINGUISH IT AND I ENDED UP WITH BURNT HANDS( FROM MELTING RUBBER STICKING TO MY SKIN) , TRYING TO SMOTHER IT. HOW COULD SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN FROM A BACK LIGHT? I HAVE HAD THE CAR LESS THAN 1 YEAR. IT WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION, WITH ONLY ABOUT 45,000 MILES ON IT. I AM OUT A CAR, WITH NO RECOURSE! I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL BACK IN APRIL 2007, PRIOR TO MY OWNING THIS VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH , THEIR RECALL MAKES NO MENTION OF THE CAR BURSTING IN FLAMES! THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO! I AM LUCKY THAT I SAW THE FIRE WHEN I DID, OR I COULD HAVE BEEN HURT EVEN WORSE THAN I WAS. I AM A CARPENTER AND NEED MY CAR TO GET TO MY JOBS. I AM OUT A CAR, LOST A DAY OF WORK, AND NOW AM WORKING WITH BANDAGED HANDS, AND THE WORST THING IS...I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN AND GOT SYMPATHY, AND AN OFFER TO PAY MY MEDICAL BILL, BUT I AM STILL OUT A CAR! ARE THEY KIDDING? THIS IS A SERIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM! WHAT IF I HAD MY GRANDCHILD IN THE BACK SEAT OF THAT CAR? ONCE THE HEADLINER CAUGHT FLAMES, IT WAS ALL OVER. FLAMES WERE 20 FEET IN THE AIR!
NHTSA complaint #10227003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesAuburn, NY
VISIBILITY
2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. DURING A RAIN STORM, MY WIPERS STOPPED WORKING AND WERE STUCK MID WAY. THE NEXT DAY I DISCOVERED THE NUT SLIPPED OFF THE BOLT CONNECTING THE WIPER ASSEMBLY TO THE WIPER MOTOR CAUSING THE WIPERS TO STOP WORKING WHILE THE MOTOR STILL WORKS.
NHTSA complaint #10227085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesSanta Clara, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
(1) CAR OVERHEATED AUGUST 2007 (2) ORIGINALLY ASSUMED THERMOSTAT WAS THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER BOTH RADIATOR FANS WERE DETERMINED FAULTY (DID NOT OPERATE IN LOW SPEEDS) AND REPLACED (PARTS COVERED BY CORPORATE, LABOR BY CONSUMER). PROBLEM DETERMINED RESOLVED. NEXT MONTH (SEPTEMBER 2007), CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON, BUT CAR NOT OVERHEATING. SERVICE TECHNICAL SAYS THERMOSTAT SHUT OPEN AND ECT TEMP SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE ($546). ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM COULD OVERHEAT IN HOT WEATHER. WILL DETERMINE OUTCOME WITH VW CORPORATE AND/OR SERVICE CENTER.
NHTSA complaint #10218893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesSanta FE, NM
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
ROUTINE USAGE FROM ADJACENT SEAT MECHANISM CAUSED WIRE TO FAIL INSIDE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT HARNESS, CAUSING AIR BAG LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR 2-DOOR GOLFS AND GTIS. WAS TOLD THAT AIR BAGS WILL NOT INFLATE IN A CRASH UNTIL THE SEAT BELT HARNESS WAS REPLACED. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR SUCH A SAFETY RELATED PROBLEM DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW OF THE AUTOMOBILE.
NHTSA complaint #10207433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesMcclave, CO
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE BECAUSE THE RESISTANCE IN THE IGNITER WAS TOO HIGH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 68,000. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ UPDATED
NHTSA complaint #10207349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,750 milesEscondido, CA
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
ENTIRE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA complaint #10202995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,900 milesHermosa Beach, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
(1) CAR ENGINE OVERHEATED WITH AIR CONDITIONING UNIT ON WITH 35K MILES (4 YEAR OLD CAR). (2) DEALER REPAIR SERVICE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED BOTH AUXILARY FANS (290" AND 345") FAILED TO SPIN AT LOW SPEEDS AND OPERATE ONLY AT HIGH SPEEDS CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT WHEN CAR IS BETWEEN 0 TO 30 MPH. DEALER DIRECTED CONSUMER PARTS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY (4 YEARS, 50,000 MILES) AND CONSIDERED ELECTRICAL PARTS AND TO REPAIR AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE ($918). CORPORATE OFFICE EVENTUALLY COVERED PART AND CONSUMER COVERED LABOR EXPENSES. SEVERAL OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAVE OCCURED WITH THE CAR INCLUDING BULB REPLACEMENTS ON A/C CONSOLE, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND BATTERY FAILURE AFTER 4 YEARS POINTING TO POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL DESIGN OR INTEGRATION FLAW. (3) FANS WERE REPLACED AND PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED.
NHTSA complaint #10197565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,900 milesHermosa Beach, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
(1) CAR ENGINE OVERHEATED WITH AIR CONDITIONING UNIT ON WITH 35K MILES (4 YEAR OLD CAR). (2) DEALER REPAIR SERVICE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED BOTH AUXILARY FANS (290" AND 345") FAILED TO SPIN AT LOW SPEEDS AND OPERATE ONLY AT HIGH SPEEDS CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT WHEN CAR IS BETWEEN 0 TO 30 MPH. DEALER DIRECTED CONSUMER PARTS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY (4 YEARS, 50,000 MILES) AND CONSIDERED ELECTRICAL PARTS AND TO REPAIR AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE ($918). CORPORATE OFFICE EVENTUALLY COVERED PART AND CONSUMER COVERED LABOR EXPENSES. SEVERAL OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAVE OCCURED WITH THE CAR INCLUDING BULB REPLACEMENTS ON A/C CONSOLE, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND BATTERY FAILURE AFTER 4 YEARS POINTING TO POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL DESIGN OR INTEGRATION FLAW. (3) FANS WERE REPLACED AND PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED.
NHTSA complaint #10197565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.