crashtest

2003 / Volkswagen

2003 Volkswagen Golf

Safety ratings

2003 Volkswagen Golf 4-DR. w/SAB

Not ratedOverall
Not ratedFrontal crash
Not ratedSide crash
Not ratedSide pole
Not ratedRollover
Frontal, driver: 5★Frontal, passenger: 5★Side, driver: 4★Side, rear passenger: 4★Rollover risk: 0.0%
  • Lane departure warningNo
  • Forward collision warningNo
  • Electronic stability controlOptional

Crash test videos & photos

No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.

Recalls (6)

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDERCampaign 07E023000 · 29/03/2007

    CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

    Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    Fix: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCHCampaign 07V063000 · 20/02/2007

    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.

    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.

    Fix: 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.

  • AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 18V406000 · 13/06/2018

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2003 Volkswagen Passat sedan, Jetta, Jetta wagon, Golf, EuroVan, EuroVan Camper Van and EuroVan Chassis vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

    Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69X3.

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 09E025000 · 11/05/2009

    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.

    Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    Fix: 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.

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 09E012000 · 07/04/2009

    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.

    Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    Fix: 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.

  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINECampaign 14E007000 · 07/03/2014

    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.

    Risk: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

    Fix: 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.

Owner complaints

31
Complaints
0
Crashes reported
7
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths

Most-reported areas

  • AIR BAGS11
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
  • SEATS5
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
  • POWER TRAIN3
  • SUSPENSION3
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
Read individual complaints (31 most recent)

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

  • 12/22/2003· POWER TRAIN

    CLUTCH PEDAL STICKS. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WON'T SHIFT GEARS. *AK

  • 12/21/2008· AIR BAGS

    2003 VW GOLF GL-I BOUGHT NEW & AM THE ONLY DRIVER OF IT. AND JUST OVER 80,000 MILES, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD TO DRIVE IT AROUND FOR OVER A COUPLE OF WEEKS BEFORE ANY OF THE VW DEALERSHIPS WOULD SCHEDULE ME AN APPOINTMENT TO SPEND A COUPLE OF MINUTES TO CONNECT THEIR HAND-HELD DIAGNOSTIC TOOL TO FIND OUT WHAT THE EXACT CAUSE OF TURNING ON THIS LIGHT WAS. (I WENT TO 3 SEPARATE DEALERSHIPS IN 3 DIFFERENT CITIES.) IT TURNED OUT TO BE A DEFECTIVE SEATBELT LATCH SENSOR. EVEN THOUGH THE SEATBELT LIGHT TURNED OFF INDICATING IT WAS LATCHED, THE SAME LATCH ALSO DETERMINES INDEPENDENTLY ON WHETHER OR NOT TO ENABLE THE AIRBAGS. I JUST HAD THIS PART REPLACED TODAY-12/20/08-AT A COST OF OVER $430. I FOUND OUT THAT WHEN THE LATCH "THINKS" THE SEATBELT IS NOT CONNECTED, THAT IT DISABLES ALL OF THE 6 AIRBAGS, MAKING THE CAR THAT I THOUGHT I HAD AT LEAST MOST OF THE AIRBAGS STILL FUNCTIONING, COMPLETELY AIRBAG-LESS. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE, BY VW'S MANUFACTURE DESIGN TO TURN OFF ALL AIRBAGS BASED ON A SEATBELT LATCH, NOT A MALFUNCTIONING AIRBAG. IF THE LATCH IS GIVING VALID FEED BACK TO TURN OFF THE SEATBELT LIGHT, THEN THERE IS NO REASON TO HAVE A SEPARATE CONTACT IN THIS LATCH FOR THE AIRBAGS THAT DISABLES ALL OF THE AIRBAGS. SAFETY PARTS LIKE AIRBAGS SHOULD ALSO BE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE EXTENDED MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY LIKE THE SEATBELTS THEMSELVES & THE EMISSION EQUIPMENT LIKE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WHICH IS AROUND 150000 MILES, ISN'T IT? THIS IS AN EXTREMELY POOR & DANGEROUS DESIGN, TO TURN OFF ALL AIRBAGS EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THEM. BY THE TIME THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON TO WHEN OWNERS CAN GET IT SERVICED, THE OWNERS UNKNOWINGLY ARE DRIVING IN AN UNSAFE VEHICLE THAT HAD ITS WORKING AIRBAGS COMPLETELY TURNED OFF BECAUSE OF A SEATBELT LATCH SWITCH THAT WAS WORKING WELL ENOUGH TO TELL THE SEATBELT LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD TO TURN OFF. THIS ALONE SHOULD BE ENOUGH TO KEEP ALL OF THE WORKING AIRBAGS FUNCTIONING. *TR

  • 12/03/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. THE GLOW PLUG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE WIRING CIRCUIT IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE TECHNICIAN ORDERED THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 118,000. UPDATED 1/6/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE WIRING BUNDLES THAT PASS FROM THE BODY INTO THE REAR HATCH FOR THE CENTER BRAKE LIGHT, WINDSHIELD WIPER AND ELECTRICAL LOCKS. THE WIRES BEND WHENEVER THE HATCH IS OPENED OR CLOSED. THE OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE HATCH, CAUSED THE WIRING TO CRACK AND EVENTUALLY LED TO A SHORT OF A FUSE. UPDATED 01/14/09.*JB

  • 12/03/2004· SEATSFire

    DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER CAUGHT ON FIRE BURNING CONSUMER'S LEG. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK

  • 12/01/2008· SEATSFire

    1) I TURNED ON MY HEATED SEATS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE LAST SPRING. 2) ONCE THE SEAT WAS ON FOR LESS THAN 30 SECONDS I FELT A SHARP PAIN IN MY BUTTOCKS AND FELT THE SEAT. THE SEAT WAS VERY HOT AND I TURNED OFF THE HEATED SEAT. THE HEATED SEAT GOT SO HOT IT MELTED A PIECE IN THE SEAT. THE CAR SMELLED LIKE THERE WAS A FIRE IN IT, LIKE WIRES BURNING. I PULLED OVER TO MAKE SURE THE CAR WASN'T ON FIRE. 3) THE HEATED SEAT HAD BEEN RECALLED BY VW AND WAS FIXED IN 2005. THIS WAS THE "FIXED" PART THAT BURNT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED AND THE RECALL WAS FIXED BEFORE. AFTER TAKING MY CAR TO THE SHOP THEY SAID THAT THE SEAT LITERALLY FLAMED UP AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS IT WASN'T SAFE. THEY STATED THAT I STILL NEEDED TO PAY 25% OF THE LABOR AND PARTS BECAUSE THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED AND THE "FIXED" PART WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. VW PAID FOR 65% AND THE DEALERSHIP PAID 10%. *TR

  • 11/28/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    ON SEPT. 22ND, 2005, OUR 2003 VW EUROVAN BROKE DOWN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE HAD IT TOWED TO OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP, ROGER JOBS VW IN BELLINGHAM, WA. A FEW DAYS LATER, I WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THAT THE CAUSE OF THE BREAKDOWN WAS THAT THE OIL FILTER CAP HAD SPLIT, CAUSING ALL THE OIL TO DRAIN OUT, RUINING THE ENTIRE ENGINE WITHIN MOMENTS. FIVE VW EXPERTS EMPLOYED WITH OR ASSOCIATED WITH ROGER JOBS VW (ANGELA MATTIX THE SERVICE ADVISER, PETER DRAKE THE SERVICE MANAGER, DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE JUAN GARCIA, AND TWO TECHNICIANS, BOB GORSUCH AND PAUL TIEGROB), UNANIMOUSLY AGREE AND ARE UNEQUIVOCALLY CERTAIN, THAT BASED ON THEIR EXPERIENCE AND WISDOM, THE OIL FILTER CAP SPLITTING WAS DUE TO AN OVER TIGHTENING OF THE CAP BY THE SELLING DEALERSHIP (PACIFIC VW), AND, WAS NOT THE RESULT OF, AS CLAIMED BY PACIFIC VW AND SUPPORTED BY VW OF AMERICA, A STONE FLYING UP UNDERNEATH THE CAR, WHICH WOULD CLASSIFY IT AS DAMAGE DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES, THEREBY EXCLUDING IT FROM COVERAGE UNDER THE LIMITED NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY. AS POINTED OUT BY THE FIVE VW EMPLOYEES LISTED ABOVE, THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS STRONGLY PROTECTED AGAINST SUCH OCCURRENCES WITH MULTIPLE LAYERS OF HARD PLASTIC SHIELDS, ALL OF WHICH SHOW NO SIGN WHATSOEVER OF ANY KIND OF ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE. THEY ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE OIL FILTER IN THE CAR WAS A FACTORY VW OIL FILTER. WE BOUGHT THE CAR (ALONG WITH A FULL WARRANTY) DIRECTLY FROM PACIFIC VW IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IN THE SPRING OF 2004. ACCORDING TO THE EXPERT OPINION OF FIVE VW EMPLOYEES, IT''S CLEAR, THAT THE FAILURE OF THE OIL FILTER CAP WAS DUE TO FAULTY SERVICE ON THE PART OF PACIFIC VW, AND WAS NOT DAMAGE DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES. *NM

  • 11/06/2006· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    RECENTLY I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHTS SAYING ON AFTER I TURNED OFF MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF AND THEY CONTINUED TO STAY ON. I FIRST EXPERIENCED THE RIGHT FRONT HEADLIGHT GOING OUT, THEN THE LEFT FRONT LIGHT WENT OUT AND I HAD TO DRIVE HOME WITH THE HIGH BEAMS ON. WE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS BUT THE RIGHT FRONT STILL WOULD NOT WORK. I THEN HAD THE PROBLEM OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS. I HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FOR FEAR OF DRAINING THE BATTERY OR HAVING AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. I HAD THE CAR REPAIRED. I CONTINUE TO HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. I DO NOT KNOW IF THE CAR HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS BECAUSE I BOUGHT THE CAR USED. *JB

  • 11/04/2005· AIR BAGS

    DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH THE DRIVER'S SIDE CURTAIN AND SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH NO COLLISION. THIS HAPPENED WHERE A SIDE STREET MEETS A MAIN STREET. HE WENT TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND WAS SUFFERING FROM FREQUENT HEADACHES AND HEARING LOSS IN LEFT EAR. HE HAS TO SEE A SPECIALIST FOR THE HEARING LOSS. THE REAR PASSENGER'S HAND WAS PINCHED BETWEEN THE WINDOW AND AIRBAG. THIS CAUSED SWELLING IN HIS HAND. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED IT WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. NO CORRECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE AT THIS TIME. *AK

  • 10/26/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHERFire

    The car just started on fire while I was driving and nearly killed me and my boyfriend lucky someone was honking and flagging down and when we tried stopping the car wouldn't brake and we had to jump out when it was still rolling. We were bout to get on the high way lucky someone stopped us be we did so.

  • 10/23/2003· AIR BAGS

    WHILE PROCEEDING FROM A LIGHT AND MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AT ABOUT 25 MPH CONSUMER HIT A BUMP, AND AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.*AK

  • 10/06/2014· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

    DITTO ON THE "NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10252376". MY 2003 BASE MODEL GOLF'S AIRBAGS WERE TURNED OFF (AIRBAG LIGHT ON), AND THE ISSUE WAS ONE OF THE 3 SENSORS IN THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT LATCH STOPPED WORKING. IT'S BEEN MANY YEARS AGO (I BOUGHT IT NEW), AND I DON'T REMEMBER WHAT YEAR THAT WAS, BUT I DID CONTACT VW ON THIS, AND BELIEVE I ALSO SENT AN E-MAIL TO BOTH NHTSA & IIHS ON THIS. THIS IS AN INEXCUSABLE DESIGN (GM IS HAVING A SIMILAR ISSUE WITH ITS IGNITION SWITCH & AIRBAGS BEING TURNED OFF). THE SEATBELT LATCH WAS REPLACED, AND HAS BEEN WORKING FINE FOR YEARS NOW. IT CURRENTLY HAS 167,000+ MILES ON IT. IT DOES HAVE SOME POSITIVES. THE FRONT BRAKES HAVE NEVER BEEN REPLACED, AND DIDN'T HAVE TO REPLACE THE REAR BRAKES UNTIL 90,000. THE CLUTCH HAS NEVER BEEN REPLACED, AND STILL WORKS GOOD (EVEN WITH A TON OF STOP-N-GO TRAFFIC). THERE SHOULD BE A LEGAL REQUIREMENT THAT ALL OF THE AIRBAGS ARE ALWAYS ON, NO MATTER WHAT, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, WHETHER OR NOT THE IGNITION IS ON, THE SEATBELTS ARE LATCH, ETC. ALSO, THERE SHOULD BE A LEGAL REQUIREMENT THAT ALL REAR TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS MUST BE BRIGHT ORANGE, NOT RED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. A BRIGHT ORANGE LIGHT STANDS OUT AS A TURN SIGNAL, WHEREAS A BLINKING RED LIGHT COULD BE THE DRIVER TAPPING ON THE BRAKES. NOT EASY TO TELL WHEN YOU CAN ONLY SEE ONE CORNER OF A VEHICLE. *TR

  • 09/28/2004· SEATSFire

    WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH CONSUMER SMELLED SMOKE. DRIVER'S SEAT OVERHEATED. CONSUMER PARKED THE VEHICLE AND EXITED BEFORE THE SEAT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED, AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED.*AK CONSUMER ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT WHILE TRYING TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO SAFETY. *TC

  • 08/23/2011· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER, WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE, AS WELL AS THE TURN SIGNALS. THE CONTACT PERFORMED REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE HIMSELF AND REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT DETECTED THE IGNITION CONNECTOR HOUSING HAD OVERHEATED WHICH CAUSED THE PLASTIC TO MELT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. UPDATED 09/27/11*LJ UPDATED 2/23/12 *CN

  • 08/09/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

    VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH 2003 GLX. *MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANICS SUGGESTED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS AN INCIDENT WHERE THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE VEHICLE STARTED SPUTTERING AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTING SHIRTING ERRATICALLY. AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE STILL DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD ERRATICALLY MIS-SHIFT AND OR BUCK. (MODEL/GLX) *SC

  • 08/05/2009· AIR BAGS

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 22,400.

  • 07/28/2003· SUSPENSION

    WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE WILL VEER OFF TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. *AK

  • 07/21/2009· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    ENGINE OVERHEATED DUE TO WATER PUMP FAILURE, REQUIRING WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT. PLASTIC IMPELLER DEGRADED AND FAILED. USE OF PLASTIC FOR IMPELLER IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE WATER PUMP OTHERWISE MADE OF ALUMINUM, AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED BY VW UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

  • 06/07/2003· AIR BAGS

    I HIT A MEDIUM SIZE POTHOLE IN THE ROAD AND MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS INFLATED. DEALER SAYS THE MODULE SAYS THE CAR WAS IN DANGER OF TIPPING OVER AND THERE WAS NO MALFUNCTION. MY REAR TIRE WAS DAMAGED AS THERE IS A BUBBLE IN THE SIDEWALL BUT THERE WAS NO UNDERCARRIAGE DAMAGE AND THERE WAS NO IMPACT. *JB

  • 05/22/2015· AIR BAGS

    MY SON WAS PARKING HIS CAR AT A STATE PARK AND DRIVING LESS THAN 2 MILES A HOUR WHEN THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. SEVERAL PEOPLE HEARD THE LOUD SOUND AND RAN OVER TO SEE IF ANYONE WAS HURT. HIS GIRLFRIEND'S ARM BECAME RED, WITH A RASH AND SWOLLEN. THE SEAT AND HEADLINER ARE NOW DAMAGED, AND IT WOULD COST MORE TO REPLACE THE AIRBAGS, SEAT AND HEADLINER THAN THE CAR IS WORTH. THE INSURANCE CO WILL NOT COVER THE COST BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. NOW, HE WILL NEED TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 107 REPORTED COMPLAINTS REGARDING AIRBAGS FOR 2001-2003 VW GOLF AND JETTA. IF MY SON HAD BEEN DRIVING ON A MAIN ROAD OR HIGHWAY, THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT, IF THAT HASN'T ALREADY OCCURRED.

  • 05/22/2015· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire

    I HAD THE HATCH OPEN ON MY GOLF AND STARTED TO SMELL AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. I SEEN SMOKE COMING FROM THE CARGO LIGHT AND WHEN I OPENED THE TAILLIGHT ACCESS PANEL THERE WAS A SMALL FIRE THAT I IMMEDIATLEY PUT OUT. THANKFULLY I CAUGHT IT IN TIME AND DIDN'T CLOSE THE HATCH AND WALK AWAY. IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. I HAVE PICTURES I CAN SEND UPON REQUEST.

  • 04/29/2004· SUSPENSION

    CONSUMER NOTICED THAT PASSENGER'S REAR TIRE WAS BENT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE REAR AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *LA

  • 03/18/2003· AIR BAGS

    WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE CONSUMER SWERVED TO AVOID ANOTHER CAR. AS A RESULT THE DRIVER VEERED OF THE ROAD INTO AN EMBANKMENT YET THE DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NLM

  • 02/12/2007· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    VEHICLES CAR ALARM CONTINUES TO GO OFF ONCE THE ALARM HAS BEEN SET. TRIED TO DEACTIVATE THE HORN, ALARM SYSTEM, AND LEAVE THE VEHICLE UNLOCKED, BUT IT CONTINUES TO GO OFF FOR NO REASON. *JB

  • 02/11/2006· SEATS

    I HAVE A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WAGON WITH LEATHER, HEATED SEATS. I JUST NOTICED A HOLE IN THE SEAT THAT IS CLEARLY BURNT THROUGH FROM UNDERNEATH. I CALLED MY VW SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS PART. *JB I AM UNABLE TO TELL WHAT LED TO THE FAILURE OF THIS PART ASIDE FROM USING THE SEAT HEATERS ON COLD MORNINGS. THE HOLE BURNED IN THE SEAT IS ROUGHLY THE SIZE OF A QUARTER. FORTUNATELY, I WAS NOT BURNED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I BELIEVE THIS POSES A TREMENDOUS SAFETY RISK. VOLKSWAGEN HAS DONE NOTHING TO CORRECT THIS AS OF YET. *JB

  • 02/09/2014· SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,WHEELS

    DRIVING LATE AT NIGHT, HIT POTHOLE THAT BADLY DENTED RIGHT FRONT RIM, CAUSED PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY, FILLING CAR WITH SMOKE AND CUTTING OFF IGNITION. CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA TO ADVISE THEM OF INCIDENT. WILL CONTACT INSURANCE, LOCAL VW DEALER AND COLLISION SHOP FOR ANALYSIS THIS WEEK. *TR

  • 02/08/2017· AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE HAS FAILED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WITHOUT IT, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE AIRBAGS WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY, IF AT ALL, IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO EVEN HELP WITH THE OVER $1,000.00 REPAIR COST. (THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR DIAGNOSTICS.)

  • 02/07/2005· AIR BAGS

    CONSUMER STATED WHEN TOUCHING THE CURB WITH THE TIRES DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY.*AK PE04081.*PO...AK

  • 01/30/2005· SEATSFire

    DRIVERS SEAT HEATER SHORTED OUT, BURNING A HOE IN SEAT AND DRIVERS TROUSERS.*AK

  • 01/24/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    ENGINE FROZE 1 MILE AFTER THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. NO SMELLS, WARNING LIGHTS, NOISES BEFORE THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER THEN I DROVE TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION. CHECKED THE OIL, AND IT WAS DRY. PUT IN A QUART OF OIL AND DROVE IT TO SEE IF LIGHT WOULD GO OFF - IT LOCKED A COUPLE BLOCKS AFTER THAT. WHY DIDN'T THE OIL LIGHT COME ON SOONER? THE OIL LEVEL WAS VERY LOW , ENOUGH TO MAKE THE ENGINE FREEZE. WHY DIDN'T THE OIL LIGHT COME ON SOONER? *AK

  • 01/24/2003· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

    COILPACK FAILURES ARE A SAFETY ISSUE. IS VOLKSWAGON WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO DIE UNTIL THEY RECALL THIS? WHILE YOUR AT IT, FIX MY WINDOWS THAT ARE GOING TO BREAK SOON TOO.

  • 01/11/2008· FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

    MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF TDI WAS TAKEN TO APLLEWAY VOLKSWAGEN IN SPOKANE, WASHINGTON FOR A 40K SERVICE AND A CHECK FOR LOSS OF POWER. THE LOSS OF POWER WAS TRACED TO A PLUGGED INTAKE SYSTEM, CAUSED BY THE EGR VALVE SENDING EXHAUST BACK THOUGH THE INTAKE. THE CAR'S WARRANTY WAS STILL VALID AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY. *TR