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2001 Volkswagen Golf

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

69 reports with mileage · 47 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.

  • Air Bags. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports2 fire reports6 injury reports

What owners actually said

116 reports
51,232 miles · Jul 5, 2006
EquipmentExterior Lighting

I OWN A 2001 VW GOLF. SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS FAILED ONCE PER YEAR. THUS, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THIS FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FOUR TIMES IN FOUR YEARS. THE FAULTY SWITCH HAS CAUSED MY EPC LIGHT TO COME ON WHILE I AM DRIVING, AND TO STALL THE VEHICLE AND PREVENT IT FROM SHIFTING GEARS. VW ISSUED A …

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I OWN A 2001 VW GOLF. SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS FAILED ONCE PER YEAR. THUS, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THIS FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FOUR TIMES IN FOUR YEARS. THE FAULTY SWITCH HAS CAUSED MY EPC LIGHT TO COME ON WHILE I AM DRIVING, AND TO STALL THE VEHICLE AND PREVENT IT FROM SHIFTING GEARS. VW ISSUED A RECALL FOR FAULTY BRAKE SWITCHES IN THE 1999-2002 JETTA AND 1998-2002 BEETLES, SO I DON'T KNOW WHY A COMPARABLE FIX HAS NOT BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO 2000-2002 GOLF OWNERS. THIS PROBLEM IS RAMPANT. A SEARCH OF ANY VW CHAT BOARD WILL REVEAL NUMEROUS OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. VW SHOULD RECALL THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES ON THE OLDER GOLFS AS IT HAS DONE WITH OTHER MODELS, OR IT MAY POSE A SAFETY HAZARD TO THE MANY GOLF OWNERS OUT THERE (WHO ARE NOT LIKELY TO PURCHASE ANY TYPE OF VW AGAIN). THERE ARE NO SIGNS TO INDICATE THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WILL FAIL BEFORE IT FAILS. EACH TIME IT FAILS, THE CAR MUST BE BROUGHT TO A DEALER OR SERVICE SHOP FOR SWITCH REPLACEMENT. I HAVE RECORDS OF MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENTS OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS I HAVE OWNED MY GOLF, AND CAN SEND YOU COPIES IF YOU NEED THEM. THANK YOU. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10161528

70,896 miles · Mar 13, 2006
Electrical System

I JUST FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR VW GOLF FOR IGNITION COIL. I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THAT LAST YEAR AND I TOOK IT TO A DEALER BUT INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE COILS THEY REPLACED MY BATTERY AND STARTER... EXACTLY A YEAR AFTER THAT THE SAME THING HAPPEN (THIS JANUARY). I HAD TO GET MY CAR TOWED AND TOOK IT TO A GARAGE CAUSE IT …

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I JUST FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR VW GOLF FOR IGNITION COIL. I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THAT LAST YEAR AND I TOOK IT TO A DEALER BUT INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE COILS THEY REPLACED MY BATTERY AND STARTER... EXACTLY A YEAR AFTER THAT THE SAME THING HAPPEN (THIS JANUARY). I HAD TO GET MY CAR TOWED AND TOOK IT TO A GARAGE CAUSE IT WAS CLOSE TO MY HOUSE. MY IGNITION COILS HAD TO BE REPLACED. SO I WAS WONDERING IF THERE IS A WAY I CAN BE REIMBURSED FOR WHAT I PAID, AT LEAST FOR THE PARTS. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY DIDN'T REPLACE THE COILS AT THE DEALERSHIP CAUSE EXACTLY THE SAME THING HAPPENED, EXACTLY YEAR AFTER. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO? THANK YOU JANA. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10152627

99,500 miles · Feb 25, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

COMPLETE FAILURE OF ENGINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10151215

63,400 miles · Feb 2, 2006
Air Bags

MY 2001 VW GOLF REPEATEDLY HAS WARNING LIGHTS POPPING UP IN ERROR. THIS WEEK MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON, EVEN THOUGH THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS HAVE NEVER NEEDED TO BE DEPLOYED. RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE SHOWS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND ANNOYANCE AMONG VW USERS. THE ONLY REMEDY …

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MY 2001 VW GOLF REPEATEDLY HAS WARNING LIGHTS POPPING UP IN ERROR. THIS WEEK MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON, EVEN THOUGH THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS HAVE NEVER NEEDED TO BE DEPLOYED. RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE SHOWS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND ANNOYANCE AMONG VW USERS. THE ONLY REMEDY OFFERED BY TWO DEALERSHIPS I WENT TO IS TO REPLACE THE AIRBAGS AT A COST OF MORE THAN $750/$900 PER (THERE ARE 4 OF THEM). THE REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS ONLY HAVE A 6,000 MILE WARRANTY, WHICH MEANS I COULD CONCEIVABLY HAVE TO PAY $3000 EVERY 5-6 MONTHS TO HAVE NEW AIRBAGS INSTALLED, EVEN THOUGH THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH THEM AND THE REAL PROBLEM IS THAT THE WARNING LIGHT KEEPS GOING OFF IN ERROR. HELP! *JB

NHTSA ODI #10149329

40,000 miles · Dec 20, 2005
Power Train

DT: THE CONTACT STATES VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT A PRIVATE MECHANIC. REPAIRS WILL BE MADE AT CONTACT'S EXPEN…

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DT: THE CONTACT STATES VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT A PRIVATE MECHANIC. REPAIRS WILL BE MADE AT CONTACT'S EXPENSE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10145760

110,800 miles · Dec 16, 2005
Air Bags

2001 VW GOLF TDI. MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND CONTINUES TO REMAIN ON. I HAVE HEARD OF SOMEONE ELSE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME MODEL CAR. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10145433

63,000 miles · Sep 29, 2005
Air BagsInjury

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. THE SPEED WAS ABOUT 45 MPH. CONTACT DID NOT LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS NOT ON PRIOR TO THE DEPLOYMENT, BUT IT WAS ON NOW. THERE WAS SOMEONE SITTING IN THE PASSE…

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DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. THE SPEED WAS ABOUT 45 MPH. CONTACT DID NOT LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS NOT ON PRIOR TO THE DEPLOYMENT, BUT IT WAS ON NOW. THERE WAS SOMEONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND WAS WEARING THE SEAT BELT. CURRENTLY, THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. IT WAS STILL THE SAME WAY AS IF SOMEONE WERE SITTING IN THE SEAT. ONE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES, HAD BURN MARKS ON HER ARMS. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS THIS INCIDENT ON FILE. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT SINCE CONTACT DROVE VEHICLE AWAY FROM THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT, IT WOULD BE CONSIDERED A DO IT YOURSELF PART, AND SHE HAD NOT GOTTEN A CHANCE TO DO SO YET. *AK *NM

NHTSA ODI #10126125

140,000 miles · Sep 27, 2005
Exterior Lighting

DT: THE CALLER SAID BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS FAULTY. HE HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE CALLER SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE SAME BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THE JETTA, BUT NOT ON THE GOLF.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10137818

79,000 miles · Sep 22, 2005
Exterior Lighting

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE 2001 VOLKSWAGEN WAS HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH. THE BRAKES WERE NOT COMING ON WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED. THERE WAS A LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD THAT RED GLOWING PLUG WARNING. THIS INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN, AND THERE WAS NO RECA…

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DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE 2001 VOLKSWAGEN WAS HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH. THE BRAKES WERE NOT COMING ON WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED. THERE WAS A LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD THAT RED GLOWING PLUG WARNING. THIS INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN, AND THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. THEREFORE, THEY COULD NOT HELP THE CONSUMER WITH THE PROBLEM. THIS STARTED ON 9-22-2005. THE CONSUMER HAD NO BRAKE LIGHT OR CRUISE CONTROL. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS CONTACTED , AND THEY STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10137291

Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2005
Visibility

WINDOW REGULATOR MADE OF PLASTIC CLIP IS KNOWN TO BREAK AND VW EXTENDED WARRANTY TO 7 YEARS. HOWEVER, THEY ONLY SPECIFIED FOR AUTOMATIC WINDOW, WHEN BOTH USES SAME PLASTIC REGULATOR CLIP THAT IS DEFECTIVE ON BOTH AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL. WHEN I CONTACTED VW DEALER HQ, THEY BOTH DENIED ON WARRANTY. HQ STATED THAT BECAUSE THEY HAVE N…

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WINDOW REGULATOR MADE OF PLASTIC CLIP IS KNOWN TO BREAK AND VW EXTENDED WARRANTY TO 7 YEARS. HOWEVER, THEY ONLY SPECIFIED FOR AUTOMATIC WINDOW, WHEN BOTH USES SAME PLASTIC REGULATOR CLIP THAT IS DEFECTIVE ON BOTH AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL. WHEN I CONTACTED VW DEALER HQ, THEY BOTH DENIED ON WARRANTY. HQ STATED THAT BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED ENOUGH COMPLAINTS, THEY WILL NOT COVER MANUAL WINDOW REGULATOR, EVEN THOUGH THEY USE SAME DEFECTIVE PLASTIC CLIP. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10136012

Official recalls

5

07V063000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Feb 20, 2007

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.

04V584000 · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

Dec 16, 2004

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER FUNCTION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

02V244000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual

Sep 12, 2002

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL BE FOUR DECALS TOGETHER WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND A TEMPLATE FOR ATTACHING THE DECALS TO THE LOWER SEAT BACKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 15, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.

02V031000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

Jan 31, 2002

ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2002. 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 VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

00V280000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm

Sep 20, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF TWO BRACKETS USED TO BOLT THE FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE TO THE BODY STRUCTURE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN WELDED SUFFICIENTLY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE CONTROL ARM COULD GRADUALLY LOOSEN AND ULTIMATELY SEPARATE FROM ITS BRACKET IN NORMAL DRIVING WHICH COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO BE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL. AS THE BRACKET LOOSENS, LOUD METALLIC KNOCKING SOUNDS IN FROM THE VEHICLE WILL BE HEARD.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRACKET AND IF THE WELDING IS INSUFFICIENT, WILL REPLACE THE CONTROL ARM.

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

3

DP05004 · Engine Stalling

Opened Aug 11, 2005 · Closed Dec 8, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition:module

BY LETTER RECEIVED ON JUNE 24, 2005, MR. RONALD M. STRICKLAND OF RALEIGH, NC, SUBMITTED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE IGNITION COIL PLUGS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, GOLF AND PASSAT SEDANS.THE PETITIONER ALLEGES THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE STALLING EVENTS AS A RESULT OF ONE OR MORE IGNITION COIL PLUGS MALFUNCTIONING ON HIS 2002 VW JETTA SEDAN.AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE STALLING, THE PETITIONER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORTS WHEN HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE.AFTER A FEW MINUTES PARKED ON THE SHOULDER HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE OPERATED AT REDUCED POWER.VW ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (CSC) ON JANUARY 31, 2003 TO INSTRUCT THEIR DEALERSHIPS TO INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ANY MALFUNCTIONING IGNITION COIL PACKS AND TO REPLACE THEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER.CONSUMERS WERE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERSHIPS VIA OWNER LETTERS MAILED OUT ON JUNE 6, 2003.WHILE VW INITIALLY INSTRUCTED THE DEALERSHIPS TO ONLY REPLACE THE MALFUNCTIONING IGNITION COIL PACKS, A REVISED CSC WAS ISSUED TO DEALERSHIPS IN DECEMBER 2003 AND JANUARY 2004, INSTRUCTING DEALERSHIPS TO REPLACE ALL IGNITION COIL PACKS REGARDLESS OF THEIR PERFORMANCE.A REMINDER TO THE DEALERSHIPS WAS SENT BY VW ON APRIL OF 2004.ALTHOUGH THE CONCERNS OF THE PETITIONER COULD THEORETICALLY CREATE A SAFETY PROBLEM, THE RISK IS VERY SMALL, DUE TO THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING ON EITHER 3, 5, OR 7 CYLINDERS.THERE ARE NO REPORTED CRASHES OR INJURIES DUE TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.ONCE DRIVERS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM (LOSS OF POWER DUE TO ONE OF THE IGNITION COIL PACKS MALFUNCTIONING), DRIVERS ARE ABLE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY AND COMPENSATORY MEASURES AND STILL MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLES.IN ADDITION, FOUR FIRES WERE REPORTED TO ODI.THESE WERE IGNITION COIL BURNOUTS WITH NO ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND WERE LOCALIZED ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. DURING THE LAST 24 MONTHS THE NUMBER OF STALL AND DRIVABILITY COMPLAINTS REPORTED TO ODI HAS GREATLY DIMINISHED FROM A PEAK OF 195 IN JANUARY OF 2003 TO ONLY 3 IN AUGUST OF 2005.THIS COINCIDES WITH THE CSC RELEASED BY VW.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

PE04081 · Inadvertent SIDE-AIRBAG Deployment

Opened Dec 16, 2004 · Closed Apr 1, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window

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 OF ALLEGED INADVERTENT SIDE-AIRBAG DEPLOYMENTS FROM PEER MANUFACTURERS.THE DATA SHOWS THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT UNIQUE IN BEING SUBJECT TO SUCH ALLEGATIONS.THE COMPLAINT RATE FOR NON-SUBJECT INDIVIDUAL MODEL VEHICLES VARIES WIDELY.THE RATE FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS COMPARABLE TO THREE PEER MODELS, EACH WITH COMPACT CHASSIS/WHEELBASES.ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED ANY COMPONENT FAILURE OR MANUFACTURING TREND THAT MAY RELATE TO A COMPONENT OR MANUFACTURING ISSUE.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

PE04073 · Turn Signal/hazard Flasher Failure

Opened Oct 19, 2004 · Closed Dec 16, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit

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 HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM.VW REPORTS 216 OWNER REPORTS, 4 FIELD REPORTS AND 4960 WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THIS POPULATION OF VEHICLES. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V584 FOR DETAILS.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

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 HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM.VW REPORTS 216 OWNER REPORTS, 4 FIELD REPORTS AND 4960 WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THIS POPULATION OF VEHICLES. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V584 FOR DETAILS.

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights

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 HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM.VW REPORTS 216 OWNER REPORTS, 4 FIELD REPORTS AND 4960 WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THIS POPULATION OF VEHICLES. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V584 FOR DETAILS.

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit

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 HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM.VW REPORTS 216 OWNER REPORTS, 4 FIELD REPORTS AND 4960 WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THIS POPULATION OF VEHICLES. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V584 FOR DETAILS.

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

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 HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM.VW REPORTS 216 OWNER REPORTS, 4 FIELD REPORTS AND 4960 WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THIS POPULATION OF VEHICLES. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V584 FOR DETAILS.