Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
20–25K
625–50K
650–75K
475–100K
4100–150K
1150K+
23 reports with mileage · 41 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
3 crash reports1 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
64 reports
72,606 miles · Mar 12, 2004
Suspension
I OWN A 1999 VW GOLF GL THAT HAD TO HAVE ITS LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE DANGEROUSLY WORN OUT AND COULD HAVE BROKEN OFF AT ANYTIME. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND INJURY. I HAD MY CAR IN THE GARAGE TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED WHEN THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE MAJOR PROBLEM. TWO OTHER MECHANICS AGREED T…
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I OWN A 1999 VW GOLF GL THAT HAD TO HAVE ITS LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE DANGEROUSLY WORN OUT AND COULD HAVE BROKEN OFF AT ANYTIME. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND INJURY. I HAD MY CAR IN THE GARAGE TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED WHEN THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE MAJOR PROBLEM. TWO OTHER MECHANICS AGREED THAT THESE BALL JOINTS SHOULD HAVE NEVER WORE OUT THIS BADLY OR QUICKLY. THEY STATED THAT THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD TO FIX THIS SERIOUS DEFECT IN A RECALL AND I AGREE. WE CONTACTED VW AND THEY DENIED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINTS. I DISAGREE, AND THINK THAT THEY SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF THIS DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING REPAIR. IF I WOULD HAVE NEVER NEEDED NEW TIRES FOR MY CAR I MIGHT HAVE NOT BEEN WRITING THIS COMPLAINT. SO I HOPE I CAN SAVE SOMEONE ELSE'S INJURY OR LIFE TOO! *JB
NHTSA ODI #10062061
Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2003
Visibility
RECALL REPAIR WORK WAS PERFORMED ON VEHICLE, CONSUMER WAS CHARGED $313.63 AND REPAIRS WERE HALF COMPLETED.*MR SINCE IT WAS A RECALL, THE WORK PERFORMED WAS SUPPOSE TO BE FREE OF CHARGE. THE DEALER ONLY PERFORMED HALF THE WORK AND LEFT A BROKEN PART IN THE DOOR WHICH HAD TO BE REMOVED BY TAKING THE DOOR APART AG…
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RECALL REPAIR WORK WAS PERFORMED ON VEHICLE, CONSUMER WAS CHARGED $313.63 AND REPAIRS WERE HALF COMPLETED.*MR SINCE IT WAS A RECALL, THE WORK PERFORMED WAS SUPPOSE TO BE FREE OF CHARGE. THE DEALER ONLY PERFORMED HALF THE WORK AND LEFT A BROKEN PART IN THE DOOR WHICH HAD TO BE REMOVED BY TAKING THE DOOR APART AGAIN. THEY REFUSED TO REFUND THE $313.63 AND REPAIR THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WHICH WAS PART OF THE RECALL. THEY ONLY FIXED THE DRIVER DOOR. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE THE MONIES REIMBURSED PLUS AN ADDITION $313.63 FOR HAVE THE REPAIRS COMPLETED AT ANOTHER DEALER. THE CONSUMER ALSO REQUESTED A LIFE-TIME WARRANTY ON THE WORK O'BRIEN ALREADY DID, $50. PER DAY FOR THE TWO DAYS THE CONSUMER HAD NO VEHICLE, MAILING AND COPYING COST. *PH *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10046266
83,710 miles · Oct 8, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
DRIVER'S SIDE ENGINE MOUNT BROKEN. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10041470
28,245 miles · Jul 11, 2003
Exterior Lighting
THIS CAR HAS HAD A FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH 3 TIMES IN 2 YEARS. THIS LEAVES THE VEHICLE WITH NO BRAKE LIGHTS WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS A SERIOUS DANGER TO ANYONE IN THE VEHICLE AND OTHER VEHICLES AROUND IT AS THERE IS NO WARNING WHEN SLOWING DOWN.HE SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED ALL 3 TIMES BY ROS…
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THIS CAR HAS HAD A FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH 3 TIMES IN 2 YEARS. THIS LEAVES THE VEHICLE WITH NO BRAKE LIGHTS WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS A SERIOUS DANGER TO ANYONE IN THE VEHICLE AND OTHER VEHICLES AROUND IT AS THERE IS NO WARNING WHEN SLOWING DOWN.HE SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED ALL 3 TIMES BY ROSEVILLE VW ($136.62 EACH TIME). THERE IS A SERVICE NOTE DATED 10/18/2001 WHICH EXPLAINS THAT IF THE BRAKE SWITCH IS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY IT CAN/WILL LEAD TO A FAILURE OF THE SWITCH. ROSEVILLE VW COVERED THE 2ND INSTALLATION, WHICH WAS A MERE 5 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST REPLACEMENT. HOWEVER, THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN/WILL DO TO COVER THE 3RD INSTALLATION SINCE IT OCCURED 17 MONTHS AFTER THE 2ND. VW OF AMERICA REFUSES TO HELP WITH THIS SITUATION.Y CONTENTION IS EITHER (A) THE SWITCH HAS BEEN DESIGNED WITH A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WHICH SHOULD BE COVERED BY VW OF AMERICA, OR (B) ROSEVILLE VW INCORRECTLY INSTALLED THE SWITCHES CAUSING THEM TO FAIL WHICH SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10025911
31,000 miles · Jun 16, 2003
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL PUMP BEGAN LEAKING AGAIN JUNE 11, 2003 AT @ 30,000 MILES. FUEL PUMP HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED AFTER SEVERE LEAKAGE DUE TO CRACKED PLASTIC HOUSING SEPTEMBER, 2000 AT @ 19,000 MILES. FUEL PUMPS SHOULD NOT ROUTINELY FAIL IN SUCH HAZARDOUS FASHION EACH 15,000 MILES -- UNDER WARRANTY OR NO. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10023172
65,000 miles · Mar 23, 2003
Seat Belts
WHEN I LET DOWN THE BACK SEAT ON MY 99 VW GOLF THE SEAT BELT PULLS UP THE SLACK, BUT WHEN I TRY TO PUT THE SEAT BACK UP, IT DOES NOT RELEASE.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10010911
42,822 miles · Feb 3, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
FOUR YEAR OLD CAR WITH 42,822 MILES. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED A FEW TIME ON ACCELERATING THURSDAY NIGHT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT SOLID FRIDAY MORNING, AND ON MY WAY TO THE DEALER THE ENGINE SIEZED. VW TELLS ME THE ENGINE IS COMPLETELY DEAD.
NHTSA ODI #10005228
Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2002
Structure
THE BODY OF THE DOOR STRUCK THE MAIN BODY OF THE VEHICLE WHEN CLOSED, WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE MAIN BODY OF THE VEHICLE, AND ALSO CAUSED LOUD HINGE NOISES.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10001656
Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2002
Seat Belts
REAR CENTER SEATBELT MECHANISM FAILURE. SEATBELTS SHOULD NEVER FAIL. DT
NHTSA ODI #769380
Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2002
Visibility
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PLASTIC CONNECTORS WHICH KEEP THE SIDE DOOR WINDOWS IN PLACE ARE BREAKING AND CAUSES THE WINDOWS TO DROP DOWN INSIDE THE DOORS. PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPAIRED FOUR TIMES . FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *MR
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES AND DOUBLE-LAYER FUEL TANKS, TENSION ON THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY NIPPLE TO CRACK WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LEAK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: LEAKING FUEL, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE FOR TENSION, AND INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY NIPPLE FOR CRACKING. IF NECESSARY THE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L VR6 ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE PUBLISHED ON THE LABEL FOR TIRES OF THE SIZE 205/50 R15 86H IS 0.1 BAR (1.45 PSI) TOO LOW. IT SHOULD BE 2.5 BAR (36.3 PSI). THE LABEL RECOMMENDS 2.4 BAR (34.8 PSI = 35 PSI).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND DRIVING WITH SUBSTANTIALLY UNDER INFLATED TIRES PUTS THE CONSUMER AT RISK FOR A CRASH.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS, OR A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL IF THE OWNER WISHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOUND ABSORBING MAT ATTACHED TO THE INSIDE OF THE B-PILLAR SIDE TRIM PANEL COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. SURFACE AND EDGES OF THE MAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS. IT COULD IGNITE WHEN EXPOSED TO THE EXHAUST GAS OF THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER IGNITER IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE FRONT OR SIDE COLLISION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE MATTING MATERIALS FROM INSIDE THE B-PILLAR ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
PE04079 · Fuel Pump Leaks
Opened Nov 29, 2004 · Closed Apr 19, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON NOVEMBER 29, 2004, BASED ON FIVE CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP.BY LETTER OF APRIL 14, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA (VOLKSWAGEN) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 35,000 GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN WOLFSBURG GERMANY FOR THE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET.THE RECALLED VEHICLES ARE IN MODEL YEARS 1999 AND 2000 AND ARE EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES.VOLKSWAGEN HAS IDENTIFIED A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE FROM THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (PUMP) TO THE FUEL FILTER MAY COME UNDER TENSION. IN THIS CONDITION THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY NIPPLE CAN CRACK, RESULTING IN A GASOLINE LEAK.VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR TENSION ON THE FUEL LINE AND CRACKS IN THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY NIPPLE.IF TENSION IS FOUND IN THE LINE, IT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED LINE.IF THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY NIPPLE IS CRACKED, THE LINE AND THE PUMP WILL BE REPLACED.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 05V154 FOR DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON NOVEMBER 29, 2004, BASED ON FIVE CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP.BY LETTER OF APRIL 14, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA (VOLKSWAGEN) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 35,000 GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN WOLFSBURG GERMANY FOR THE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET.THE RECALLED VEHICLES ARE IN MODEL YEARS 1999 AND 2000 AND ARE EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES.VOLKSWAGEN HAS IDENTIFIED A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE FROM THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (PUMP) TO THE FUEL FILTER MAY COME UNDER TENSION. IN THIS CONDITION THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY NIPPLE CAN CRACK, RESULTING IN A GASOLINE LEAK.VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR TENSION ON THE FUEL LINE AND CRACKS IN THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY NIPPLE.IF TENSION IS FOUND IN THE LINE, IT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED LINE.IF THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY NIPPLE IS CRACKED, THE LINE AND THE PUMP WILL BE REPLACED.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 05V154 FOR DETAILS.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON NOVEMBER 29, 2004, BASED ON FIVE CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP.BY LETTER OF APRIL 14, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA (VOLKSWAGEN) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 35,000 GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN WOLFSBURG GERMANY FOR THE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET.THE RECALLED VEHICLES ARE IN MODEL YEARS 1999 AND 2000 AND ARE EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES.VOLKSWAGEN HAS IDENTIFIED A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE FROM THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (PUMP) TO THE FUEL FILTER MAY COME UNDER TENSION. IN THIS CONDITION THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY NIPPLE CAN CRACK, RESULTING IN A GASOLINE LEAK.VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR TENSION ON THE FUEL LINE AND CRACKS IN THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY NIPPLE.IF TENSION IS FOUND IN THE LINE, IT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED LINE.IF THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY NIPPLE IS CRACKED, THE LINE AND THE PUMP WILL BE REPLACED.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 05V154 FOR DETAILS.
1999 Volkswagen Golf Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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