1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

7 recalls — 50 complaints

14E007000 Mar 7, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
50 vehicles affected
09E025000 May 11, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
42,540 vehicles affected
09E012000 Apr 7, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
16,270 vehicles affected
07V063000 Feb 20, 2007
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.
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.
1,002,000 vehicles affected
05V154000 Apr 19, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
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.
30,708 vehicles affected
03V155000 Apr 22, 2003
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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).
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.
4,243 vehicles affected
99V022000 Feb 5, 1999
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE MATTING MATERIALS FROM INSIDE THE B-PILLAR ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.
36,258 vehicles affected
VISIBILITY/WIPER Dec 13, 2016
WHITE METAL USED IN FRONT AND READ WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND ALSO REAR HATCH DOOR LATCH FLAKE APART AND CRUMBLE MAKING WIPERS AND LATCH UNUSABLE. REPLACED FRONT WIPER ASSEMBLY JUNE 2012, REAR WIPER DOES NOT WORK, SAME WITH REAR DOOR LATCH. FRONT WIPERS STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY WHILE IN A SUMMER DOWNPOUR CAUSING A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM.
VISIBILITY/WIPER Sep 8, 2015
WINDOW REGULATOR SWITCHES AND INTERIOR LIGHTS STARTED TO MALFUNCTION EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE CAR, STARTING ABOUT 2003. MY PASSENGER WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR ONCE, AND THE SAME HAPPENED FOR MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW TWICE. THE WINDOW SWITCHES ARE FLAKY AND REQUIRE INTENSE CONCENTRATION TO TAP THEM JUST RIGHT TO MAKE THE WINDOW GO IN THE DIRECTION THAT YOU WANT. IF YOU TAP TOO STRONGLY OR TOO LONG, THE WINDOWS REVERSE DIRECTION. THIS IS EXTREMELY DISTRACTING AND DANGEROUS WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO FOCUS ON THE ROAD. DEALERSHIP AND LOCAL MECHANICS REPLACED REGULATOR SWITCHES AND MOTORS SEVERAL TIMES, YEARS AGO. I WAS TIRED OF REPLACING THEM, SO NOW I TRY TO USE THE WINDOWS AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE. I KEEP A FLASHLIGHT PERMANENTLY ON THE PASSENGER SEAT TO COMPENSATE FOR 12 YEARS OF DARKNESS IN THE CABIN. ALARM SYSTEM OCCASIONALLY CHIRPS FOR NO REASON, AS IF DETECTING AN INTRUDER, AND SOMETIMES WILL NOT GENERATE THE BEEP BEEP WHEN I HIT THE ENGAGE BUTTON ON MY KEY FOB. ALARM SOMETIMES GOES OFF WHEN I START THE CAR, AS IF I'M CARJACKING MY OWN CAR. I SUSPECT THE 1999 BATCH OF VOLKSWAGEN CARS HAD SERIOUS GROUNDING OR ELECTRICAL ISSUES. CAR CONTINUES TO RUN FINE (CURRENT MILEAGE IS 392,000) DESPITE THE ELECTRICAL DEMONS, BUT WITH REDUCED SAFETY AND INCREASED DISTRACTIONS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 8, 2015
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FIRE IN 1999 VW GOLF TDI: 2003-01-14, MILEAGE 88290, LIGHTS AND GAUGES ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WERE ACTING FLAKY AND NOT WORKING PROPERLY. SOME LIGHTS WERE DIM AND SOME WERE BURNT OUT. 2003-02-05, I BOUGHT NEW INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. PLAN WAS TO HAVE DEALERSHIP REPLACE FAULTY ONE WITH NEW ONE ON 2003-02-10. A FEW DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT NEW ONE, THE CARS EXISTING ONE SUDDENLY EMITTED SPARKS WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM, AND CAUGHT ON FIRE! THICK, ACRID SMOKE BILLOWED FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD, FORCING ME OUT OF THE CAR. I PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH MY JACKET AND SOME SNOW. 2003-02-10, DEALERSHIP REPLACED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. DURING THE FIRST HEAVY SNOWFALL AFTER THAT, CAR STARTED BUCKING AT LOW RPMS AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS. SPEEDOMETER STARTED FLUCTUATING WILDLY, SHOWING ME GOING ANYWHERE FROM 0 TO 120 MPH. TEMPERATURE GAUGE STARTED FLUCTUATING BETWEEN 0 AND DANGER ZONE, AND TEMPERATURE ALARM SOUNDED WHENEVER THE GAUGE JUMPED INTO THE DANGER ZONE. FUEL GAUGE DROPPED TO EMPTY. ODOMETER FROZE UP. 2003-04-04, MILEAGE 90906, TECHNICIAN AT DEALERSHIP FOUND 300 KILO-OHM RESISTANCE IN WIRING HARNESS GROUNDS. THE FOUR MAIN GROUND WIRE ENDS WERE HORRIBLY CORRODED. AS A RESULT, THERE WAS NO POWER GOING TO THE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR, VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR, OR COOLANT BOTTLE SENSOR. TECHNICIAN LEFT THE EXISTING WIRING HARNESS IN PLACE, SINCE MOST OF THE HARNESS WIRES WERE WORKING FINE. HE DISCONNECTED AND CAPPED THE ENDS OF THE FOUR CORRODED WIRES. HE THEN RAN NEW WIRES TO THE AFFECTED SENSORS (CREATING AN OVERLAY HARNESS), CRIMPED NEW CONNECTORS ON THE ENDS, AND USED HEAT SHRINK ON THE CRIMPS. I HAVEN'T HAD ANY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FIRES SINCE THEN; HOWEVER, I HAVE REPLACED THE ECT SENSOR 7 TIMES DURING THE 15 YEARS I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR, POSSIBLY BECAUSE OF LINGERING GROUNDING ISSUES. CURRENT MILEAGE IS ABOUT 392,000.
Fire
SEAT BELTS Sep 8, 2015
THIS STARTED TO OCCUR ABOUT 2009, ABOUT 6 YEARS AGO. WHEN I PUSHED UP THE REAR SEATS, I DISCOVERED THAT THE CENTER SEAT BELT WAS TIGHT AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. I COULDN'T EVEN PUSH THE REAR SEAT BACK DOWN BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT WAS SO EXTREMELY TIGHT. WITHIN A YEAR OR TWO LATER, ALL OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS LOCKED UP. THE REAR SEATS ARE NOW UNSAFE FOR PASSENGERS.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL Jan 28, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VALVE IN THE FUEL CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VALVE BECOMES CLOGGED WITH THE FUEL. HE HAS RESEARCHED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS FAILURE AND STATED THAT VOLKSWAGEN IS AWARE, BUT DOES NOTHING TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE. ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT HAS BEEN STRANDED IN COLD WEATHER AND FACED NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCES DUE TO THE STALLING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 126,900.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Dec 18, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE VEHICLE HAS A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE O RING DEFECT. THE DEFECT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT, RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RECEIVED THE 44K TREATMENT TO RECTIFY THE FAILURE AND NOW THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND CAUSES THE MOTOR AND OTHER COMPONENTS TO OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LARGE QUANTITY OF SMOKE COMES FROM THE VEHICLE AND HE DOES NOT DRIVE IT DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS. HE IS ALSO UNABLE TO SWITCH GEARS BECAUSE THE CLUTCH IS BURNED OUT. THE RECALL NUMBER, VIN, AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 72,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR Dec 18, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE VEHICLE HAS A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE O RING DEFECT. THE DEFECT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT, RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RECEIVED THE 44K TREATMENT TO RECTIFY THE FAILURE AND NOW THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND CAUSES THE MOTOR AND OTHER COMPONENTS TO OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LARGE QUANTITY OF SMOKE COMES FROM THE VEHICLE AND HE DOES NOT DRIVE IT DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS. HE IS ALSO UNABLE TO SWITCH GEARS BECAUSE THE CLUTCH IS BURNED OUT. THE RECALL NUMBER, VIN, AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 72,000.
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY Dec 18, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE VEHICLE HAS A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE O RING DEFECT. THE DEFECT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT, RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RECEIVED THE 44K TREATMENT TO RECTIFY THE FAILURE AND NOW THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND CAUSES THE MOTOR AND OTHER COMPONENTS TO OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LARGE QUANTITY OF SMOKE COMES FROM THE VEHICLE AND HE DOES NOT DRIVE IT DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS. HE IS ALSO UNABLE TO SWITCH GEARS BECAUSE THE CLUTCH IS BURNED OUT. THE RECALL NUMBER, VIN, AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 72,000.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR Nov 22, 2007
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE. *TR
TIRES Sep 21, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE VEHICLE HAS DOUGLAS & LOMASON (19570R14) TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE PULLED OVER, NOTICED A FLAT TIRE, AND REPLACED IT WITH A SPARE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CASE SEPARATED. THE FAILURE WAS DUPLICATED WITH BOTH FRONT TIRES AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH Dec 19, 2006
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS. *NM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Sep 20, 2005
1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SAFETY RECALL RECEIVED REGARDING THE DEFECT WITH THE FUEL SUPPLY MODULE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID SMELL GAS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER NO LONGER LIVES IN THE UNITED STATES AND WHERE SHE LIVES NOW NO ONE WAS FAMILIAR WITH AMERICAN MADE VEHICLES OR EVEN THE RECALL. *JB
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION Jul 7, 2005
I HAVE A 1999 GOLF 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION THAT HAS A HOLE IN ITS CORE. WHEN SHOPPING AROUND TO GET A USED OR NEW TRANSMISSION(I CALLED OVER 20 DIFFERENT COMPANIES AROUND THE US) I WAS TOLD, BY SEVERAL COMPANIES THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MY TRANSMISSION. SOME SALES PEOPLE DID NOT EVEN NEED THE TRANSMISSION CODE, THEY KNEW AS SOON AS I TOLD THEM I HAD A VW TRANSMISSION FOR A GOLF. MANY TOLD ME THEY HAD SEVERAL THAT HAD HOLES IN THE CASE/CORE.I DID CALL VW TO INFORM THEM OF WHAT I HAD FOUND AND COULD NOT BELIEVE THEY WOULD EVEN CHARGE $750 FOR A CORE CHARGE WHEN IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THERE IS A PTOBLEM WITH THE CORES ON THE MODEL. I KNOW THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, I WOULD THINK MAYBE VW SHOULD LOOK TO SEE IF IT IS A FAULTY DESIGN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Jul 6, 2005
DT: 1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF, FUEL PUMP WAS LEAKING BECAUSE THE SUPPLY FITTING WAS CRACKED. THIS WAS CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, WHICH CAUSED A POOL OF FUEL TO FORM UNDER THE BACK SEAT. ALSO, FUEL WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE GROUND. THE CONSUMER FOUND VARIOUS WEBSITES THAT THERE HAD ALREADY BEEN A RECALL 05V154000 CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. IN ADDITION, THE CONSUMER HAD FOUND THAT THERE WAS A LETTER FROM NHTSA TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, PEA-04-079. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY INDICATED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALL. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, THEY TOLD CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. FUMES WERE CAUSING THE CONSUMER AND PASSENGERS HEADACHES AND DRY EYES. VEHICLE LEAKED FUEL WHEN THE IGNITION WAS IN THE ON POSITION, WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS OPENED AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING. D.PATRICK MOTOPLEX LOCATED ON 200 NORTH GREEN RIVER ROAD EVANSVILLE, IN, 47716, PH. NO. 812-473-6500, WAS THE DEALERSHIP WORKING ON THIS PROBLEM. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Jan 25, 2005
CAR STARTED SMELLING STRONGLY OF GASOLINE ON THE INSIDE AS WELL AS ON THE OUTSIDE. A GASOLINE PUDDLE WAS FORMING UNDER THE CAR WHEN PARKED. CAR COULD NOT BE PARKED INSIDE ANY FURTHER. VW DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP (OLD PART IS NOT AVAILABLE). REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I HAD TO PAY FOR LABOR. *NM
STEERING Dec 27, 2004
RECALL 00V280000, WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED CONSUMER LOST STEERING CONTROL. DEALERSHIP DID NOT REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Nov 1, 2004
FUEL PUMP LEAKED CAUSING AN EXTREMELY STRONG SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. *BF *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Oct 14, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, A BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS INSIDE OF THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Sep 17, 2004
THE FUEL PUMP ON MY 1999 VW GOLF HAS FAILED TWICE. I FEEL THIS IS BOTH A DEFECT AND HIGHLY DANGEROUS. THE FUEL PUMP CRACKED AND DUMPED FUEL OUT ONTO THE PAVEMENT. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS UNUSUAL, BUT WHEN I WAS IN THE SECOND TIME, I MET ANOTHER VW OWNER WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. VW CONTINUES TO DENY ANY RESPONSIBILITY AND REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE MATTER. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE HAPPENED ON 9-10-01 AT 26K MILES, THE SECOND ON 7-7-04 AT 52000 MILES. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN Jul 7, 2004
MY 1999 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF HAS 35,000 MILES ON IT. I HAD MY DEALERSHIP ORDER A PART BACK IN AUGUST OF 2003 WHILE MY EXTENDED WARRANTY STILL COVERED IT THEY NEVER ORDERED IT AND NOW WANT ME TO PAY FOR THIS PART. I HAVE THE DOCUMENT SAYING THEY WOULD ORDER THE PART. PLUS MY CAR HAS HAD DEFECTIVE PROBLEMS SINCE I PURCHASED IT 5 YEARS AGO. MY WINDOW WASHER BOTTLE DOESN'T HOLD FLUID EVEN AFTER THEY TOLD ME IT WAS FIXED.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS Jul 4, 2004
SMELL OF GAS HEAVY INSIDE THE CAR. SMELL EQUALLY AS BAD IF WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN. GRADUAL DECREASE IN THE MILES TO GALLON. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. THEY REPLACED THE FUEL COMPONENT THAT SITS UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE OF BACK SEAT. HAPPENED AGAIN ONE YEAR AND 1 MONTH LATER. CAR THEN OUT OF WARRANTY. TOOK TO PRIVATE MECHANIC. FIXED PROBLEM AGAIN. TOLD BOTH TIMES IT WAS REPAIRED THAT A CIGARETTE ON THE ROAD WAY COULD HAVE CAUSE CAR TO EXPLODE DUE TO GAS SPEWING OUT OF CAR. ON THE COMPONENT THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED (IM NOT SURE OF THE EXACT NAME) THERE WAS A PLASTIC "NIPPLE" THAT COMES OUT OF COMPONENT AND A PLASTIC TUBE IS ATTACHED THERE. ""NIPPLE" HAD CRACKED ALMOST COMPLETELY OFF AND GAS WAS SPEWING OUT EVERY TIME I PRESSED ON THE GAS. CAR WAS DRIVEN NORMAL AND NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENTS. PERHAPS DRY ROTTING OF PLASTIC?*AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH May 10, 2004
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE HOOD ON MY 1999 VW GOLF UNEXPECTEDLY OPENED AND HIT THE WINDSHIELD WITH A DEGREE OF IMPACT THAT DENTED THE HOOD IN SEVERAL PLACES AND THE HOOD WILL NO LONGER CLOSE. I WAS FORCED TO BRAKE IMMEDIATELY BECAUSE I COULD NOT SEE. THE CARS BEHIND ME SWERVED TO PREVENT HITTING ME. THE HOOD APPEARED TO BE SECURELY SHUT PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. I RESEARCHED THE NHTSA RECALL HISTORY AND FOUND THAT IT INDICATES THAT VW ISSUED A RECALL OF 93-96 GOLF, GOLF GTI AND JETTA (98V-160) DUE TO THE BOLTS SECURING THE FRONT HOOD LATCH LOOSENING OVER TIME AND CAUSING DISENGAGEMENT OF HOOD STRIKER FROM LATCH AND POSSIBLE UNEXPECTED OPENING OF HOOD. WONDERING IF SOMETHING SIMILAR MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED TO ME I CALLED VW US AND MADE A COMPLAINT WITH DYLAN DUNBAR ON MAY 10TH 2004 AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE CAR TO A VW DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THEM DIAGNOSE WHAT THE CAUSE OF THE INCIDENT WAS - A MALFUNCTION / DEFECT OR "SOMETHING I NEED TO SPEAK TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY ABOUT". IT SEEMS LIKE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST ON THE PART OF VW TO HAVE VW TO DETERMINE IF THEY OR RESPONSIBLE OR NOT. *LA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT Mar 12, 2004
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
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Nov 12, 2003
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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Oct 8, 2003
DRIVER'S SIDE ENGINE MOUNT BROKEN. *LA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH Jul 11, 2003
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Jun 16, 2003
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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jun 4, 2003
I AM CONCERNED THAT SINCE THIS ENGINE MOUNT FAILED, WHAT ABOUT THE MOUNT ON THE OTHER SIDE? IS THERE A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE? ARE THERE OTHER GOLF OWNERS OUT THERE WHO WILL POTENTIALLY BE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PROBLEM? IT SEEMS UNBELIEVABLE TO ME THAT AN ENGINE MOUNT COULD FAIL ON THIS NEW OF A CAR WITH THIS FEW NUMBER OF MILES. AM I WRONG IN MY ASSUMPTION? *JB ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****760138
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER Mar 23, 2003
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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Feb 3, 2003
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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR Dec 30, 2002
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
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Nov 13, 2002
REAR CENTER SEATBELT MECHANISM FAILURE. SEATBELTS SHOULD NEVER FAIL. DT
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Sep 27, 2002
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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR Sep 24, 2002
THE TWO AREAS WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING ARE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON FOR NO REASON. THEY HAVE ASKED US IF WE CLOSED THE GAS CAP TIGHTLY? WE ALWAYS DO! EACH TIME THEY SAY IT IS SOMETHING ELSE WHICH IS NOW GETTING COSTLY. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THE OVERWHELMING SMELL OF GAS THAT HAS MADE US SICK AND CAUSED HORRIBLE HEADACHES. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT FIXED THIS PROBLEM EITHER AND ASKED IF WE TOP OFF WHEN WE FILL UP. WE DO NOT. WE FEEL THAT THIS CAR IS HAVING MAJOR ELECTRICIAL PROBLEMS AS WE DO HAVE A 2001GOLF AND HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER. SINCERELY, [XXX] & [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Sep 24, 2002
THE TWO AREAS WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING ARE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON FOR NO REASON. THEY HAVE ASKED US IF WE CLOSED THE GAS CAP TIGHTLY? WE ALWAYS DO! EACH TIME THEY SAY IT IS SOMETHING ELSE WHICH IS NOW GETTING COSTLY. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THE OVERWHELMING SMELL OF GAS THAT HAS MADE US SICK AND CAUSED HORRIBLE HEADACHES. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT FIXED THIS PROBLEM EITHER AND ASKED IF WE TOP OFF WHEN WE FILL UP. WE DO NOT. WE FEEL THAT THIS CAR IS HAVING MAJOR ELECTRICIAL PROBLEMS AS WE DO HAVE A 2001GOLF AND HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER. SINCERELY, [XXX] & [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS Aug 12, 2002
WHILE DRIVING ON A LOCAL HIGHWAY, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN ATTEMPTING AN EMERGENCY STOP. SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED THAT HOT EXHAUST GASES WHERE BLOWING ON A BRAKE VALVE WHICH CAUSED THE BRAKES TO FAIL. EXHUAST SYSTEM WAS RUSTED OUT AND THE VALVE IS SITUATED NEAR THE HOLE IN THE SYSTEM.*AK
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Aug 12, 2002
WHEN WINDOW REGULATOR FAILS, THE WINDOW DROPS IN THE DOOR. IF DRIVING IN RAIN OR -20 DEGREES WEATHER, IT BECOMES A SAFETY HAZARD. I'D LIKE TO SEE A RECALL SOON ON THIS.*AK
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Jul 31, 2002
WINDOW REGULATOR HAS BROKEN 4 TIMES, 3 ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE & 1 ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR HAS BROKEN AS WELL ON A 2 YEAR OLD CAR PURCHASED AS NEW! VOLKSWAGEN HAS REFUSED TO PAY OR HELP WITH ANY OF THE COSTS OF SAID PARTS
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER Jul 31, 2002
WINDOW REGULATOR HAS BROKEN 4 TIMES, 3 ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE & 1 ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR HAS BROKEN AS WELL ON A 2 YEAR OLD CAR PURCHASED AS NEW! VOLKSWAGEN HAS REFUSED TO PAY OR HELP WITH ANY OF THE COSTS OF SAID PARTS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Jul 31, 2002
CONSUMERS VEHICLE REEKED OF GASOLINE. THE FUMES WERE SEEPING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE DEALER WAS VERY CONCERNED AND SURPRISED THE VEHICLE MADE IT TO THE SHOP BECAUSE OF HOW EXTENSIVE THE LEAK WAS. THE PART NEEDED TO FIX VEHICLE IS ON A NATIONAL BACKORDER. *JG
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY Jul 17, 2002
THE BATTERY EXPLODED WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 14, 2002
WHILE AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE ENGINE WOULD SHUT OFF (NOT STALL), THE CAUSE WAS THE POWER SUPPLY RELAY FOR THE DIESEL ENGINE. *YH
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION May 14, 2002
THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT ONLY 54,000 MILES AFTER A HISTORY OF PERFECT UP-KEEP. THE DEALERSHIP THAT IS DOING THE WORK SAYS ONE SINGLE VALET PARKING JOB COULD HAVE CAUSED THE DAMAGE AND LOCAL MECHANIC SAYS ALL THE 99?S ARE COMING IN WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER THEMSELVES WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE AND UNINTERESTED IN THE PROBLEM. NOW CONSUMER HAS FACED $ 1,600 TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. *YD
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH Apr 29, 2002
THE DEALER HAS NO IDEA WHY THE BRAKE LIGHT SWTCH KEEPS FAILING. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 26, 2002
WHILE AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE ENGINE WOULD SHUT OFF (NOT STALL), THE CAUSE WAS THE POWER SUPPLY RELAY FOR THE DIESEL ENGINE. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Apr 12, 2002
WHEEL BEARING MAKES A STREAKING NOISE. ALSO, VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING Apr 12, 2002
WHEEL BEARING MAKES A STREAKING NOISE. ALSO, VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH Feb 11, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION Feb 7, 2002
THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT ONLY 54,000 MILES AFTER A HISTORY OF PERFECT UP-KEEP. THE DEALERSHIP THAT IS DOING THE WORK SAYS ONE SINGLE VALET PARKING JOB COULD HAVE CAUSED THE DAMAGE AND LOCAL MECHANIC SAYS ALL THE 99?S ARE COMING IN WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER THEMSELVES WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE AND UNINTERESTED IN THE PROBLEM. NOW CONSUMER HAS FACED $ 1,600 TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. *YD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS Jan 16, 2002
RELAY QUIT WORKING AND LEFT ME STRANDED ON A 10 DEGREE MORNING. *AK