1997 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

0 recalls, 12 complaints - 48 TSBs

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

12 total complaints 2 fires

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY2
TIRES:TREAD/BELT2
WHEELS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 21, 2005
Incident date: May 10, 2002
NO PROBLEMS UNTIL MAY 2002. CAR STALLED, RAN ROUGH, FELT LIKE IT WAS GETTING NO GAS, THEN WOULD SURGE, THEN STALL. VW IN CHARLESTON, SC, HAS HAD CAR DOZEN PLUS TIMES, AND NEVER FOUND PROBLEM. MECHANIC CHECKED FUEL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, CODES PRESENTED, WENT THROUGH TECHNICAL MANUALS. ALSO M... Read more
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS Sep 29, 2003
Incident date: May 1, 1999
SIDE MOLDINGS CAME OUT REPEATEDLY. THE WARRANTY WAS ONLY 2 YEAR. ONE CAME OUT WITHIN TWO YEAR AND INITIALLY COVERED BY THE WARRANTY BUT WHEN IT CAME OUT AGAIN THEY SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED ANYMORE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY Jun 11, 2003
Incident date: Jun 11, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL CAUSING A RIP AND TEAR UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE'S GAS TANK. *AK
TIRES:TREAD/BELT Jun 11, 2003
Incident date: Jun 11, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL CAUSING A RIP AND TEAR UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE'S GAS TANK. *AK
TIRES:TREAD/BELT Jun 11, 2003
Incident date: Jun 11, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON THE HIGHWAY REAR PASSENGER TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 7, 2003
Incident date: Apr 7, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Sep 26, 2000
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE THE IGNITION IN A PANIC SITUATION BECAUSE OF ALL THE INTERLOCKS. THE ACCESS TO THE SWITCH IS ALSO BLOCKED BY THE AIR BAG. THIS STUPID ARANGEMENT ALMOST CAUSED ME AN ACCIDENT WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY Sep 26, 2000
Incident date: Jan 5, 1999
ICE FORMED IN THE GAS FILLER CAP 3 TIMES AND CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. EACH TIME IT COSTS 70 DOLLARS TO HAVE THE DEALER TURN IT OFF.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM Jun 23, 2000
Incident date: Oct 6, 1999
VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, THIS DRIVETRAIN HAS HAD KNOWN FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEMS
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 23, 2000
Incident date: Oct 6, 1999
VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, THIS DRIVETRAIN HAS HAD KNOWN FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEMS
Fire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM Jun 19, 1998
VEHICLE'S AIR INTAKE BOX HAS FILLED WITH WATER 3 TIMES WITHIN 1 YEAR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL OR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON.
WHEELS Nov 19, 1997
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AROUND A CORNER FRONT WHEEL HIT HIT CURB AT 10 MPH, CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO WHEEL AND VEHICLE. OWNER QUESTIONS THE SAFETY OF VEHICLE.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

48 manufacturer communications from 35 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL10
350000 EQUIPMENT5
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING4
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
103300 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)2
060000 ENGINE (PWS)2
105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE2
V171901201285565 Aug 21, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
V171901201285562 May 30, 2023
061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V171901201285560 Apr 24, 2023
061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V171901201285534 May 11, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V941901201152115 Apr 21, 2020
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
SM 33-2019 Mar 27, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
TT 91 19 01 Mar 22, 2019
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
TT 91 19 01 Mar 22, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
V171901-2012855 Mar 12, 2019
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
V941901-2011521 Feb 18, 2019
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
TT 200901 Aug 18, 2017
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Update to existing tip for fuel quality checking.
SM 44-2017 EN Jun 28, 2017
350000 EQUIPMENT
This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
VHW-17-11 Jun 22, 2017
350000 EQUIPMENT
VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
1-2017 Update Feb 1, 2017
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests.
V691601 2010479 Oct 31, 2016
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Update model year applicability to include 2017.
TT 97-12-02 Sep 23, 2016
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. Update model year applicability.
Airbag Jan 22, 2016
140000 AIR BAGS
Airbag Issues.
Elsa 6-29-15 Jun 29, 2015
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions.
Elsa 6-22-15 Jun 22, 2015
350000 EQUIPMENT
This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech
Elsa 6-22-15 Jun 22, 2015
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech
TB171404 Sep 2, 2014
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
941403 Jun 4, 2014
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
TB001404 Apr 10, 2014
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
941402 Mar 6, 2014
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
PDI - GOLF GTI T Feb 11, 2014
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Golf/GTI Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections:
TB001403 Jan 27, 2014
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
TB001403 Jan 27, 2014
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
TT641402 Jan 24, 2014
138220 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ign
TT641402 Jan 24, 2014
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ign
TT641402 Jan 24, 2014
116100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ign
TT641402 Jan 24, 2014
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ign
PDI - GOLF GTI T Jul 17, 2013
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Golf Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections: A checklist to insure a customer receives a wonderful delivery of a vehicle that looks, feels, and meets the expectations of a new vehicle that he/she has purch
PDI - GOLF GTI T Jun 13, 2013
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Golf Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections: A checklist to insure a customer receives a wonderful delivery of a vehicle that looks, feels, and meets the expectations of a new vehicle that he/she has purcha
941401 Feb 14, 2011
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
2015831 Aug 28, 2008
161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
VOLKSWAGEN: EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD, REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES. HEAT SHIELDS ARE TO BE INSPECTED AFTER COMPLETION O ANY TYPE OF REPAIR TO THE UNDERBODY (EXHAUST SYSTEM TRANSMISSION, ETC.), AND IF DAMAGED, REPLACED. *PE
2015831 Aug 28, 2008
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
VOLKSWAGEN: EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD, REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES. HEAT SHIELDS ARE TO BE INSPECTED AFTER COMPLETION O ANY TYPE OF REPAIR TO THE UNDERBODY (EXHAUST SYSTEM TRANSMISSION, ETC.), AND IF DAMAGED, REPLACED. *PE
0101 Jun 12, 2001
220000 SEATS
SUBJECT REGARDING LATCH SYSTEM LOWER ANCHORS AND TETHERS FOR CHILDREN, INSTALLING / RETROFITTING. *TT
60 9704 Nov 14, 1997
134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
SUBJECT PERTAINING TO POWER SUNROOF CONVENIENCE CLOSE FEATURE, FUNCTION CHANGE. *AK
9705309704A May 30, 1997
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CONDITIONS WITH TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND IS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT IN/OUT OF REVERSE. *YC
9705309704A May 30, 1997
105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
CONDITIONS WITH TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND IS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT IN/OUT OF REVERSE. *YC
34 9703 Apr 11, 1997
103400 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR/SHIFTER FEELS LIKE IT HAS A DOUBLE DETENT WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR, AND WILL NOT MAINTAIN SHIFT ADJUSTMENT. *AK
34 9703 Apr 11, 1997
103300 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR/SHIFTER FEELS LIKE IT HAS A DOUBLE DETENT WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR, AND WILL NOT MAINTAIN SHIFT ADJUSTMENT. *AK
9704109702F Apr 10, 1997
103300 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
DIFFICULTIES WITH SHIFT LEVER AND TRANSMISSION IS HARD TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE GEAR. *YC
9704109702F Apr 10, 1997
105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
DIFFICULTIES WITH SHIFT LEVER AND TRANSMISSION IS HARD TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE GEAR. *YC
9704039704F Apr 3, 1997
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SERVICE MANUAL ON ELECTRIC WINDOW REGULATOR MOTORS. *YC
9704039704F Apr 3, 1997
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
SERVICE MANUAL ON ELECTRIC WINDOW REGULATOR MOTORS. *YC
9703129702F Mar 12, 1997
355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH NEW AIRBAG WARNING LABELS. *YC
27 9701 Jan 10, 1997
111100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
BATTERY CABLE CLAMP WILL NOT TIGHTEN ON BATTERY POST. *AK

VOLKSWAGEN GTI - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the VOLKSWAGEN GTI across all model years (1985, 2025).

83 Total Recalls
1,949 Total Complaints
0 Investigations
67 Reported Crashes
26 Reported Fires
7 Reported Deaths

VOLKSWAGEN GTI - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2025 1 0 View
2024 2 40 View
2023 5 11 View
2022 6 56 View
2021 1 8 View
2020 3 10 View
2019 4 288 View
2018 3 21 View
2017 2 57 View
2016 4 84 View
2015 6 123 View
2014 1 18 View
2013 2 42 View
2012 2 52 View
2011 2 65 View
2010 1 68 View
2009 2 295 View
2008 1 76 View
2007 1 102 View
2006 2 57 View
2005 1 12 View
2004 1 13 View
2003 1 72 View
2002 2 141 View
2001 2 97 View
2000 3 58 View
1999 2 11 View
1998 0 12 View
1997 (current) 0 12
1996 1 11 View
1995 2 28 View
1994 2 0 View
1993 2 0 View
1992 1 0 View
1991 1 1 View
1990 2 0 View
1989 1 0 View
1988 1 0 View
1987 2 2 View
1986 3 2 View
1985 2 3 View

Other VOLKSWAGEN Models

Model Recalls Complaints
JETTA 249 14,075 View
GOLF 190 2,084 View
PASSAT 185 10,492 View
BEETLE 157 3,629 View
ID.4 115 1,606 View
ATLAS 101 2,700 View
TIGUAN 78 3,173 View
ATLAS CROSS SPORT 73 701 View