1996 Volkswagen Golf

Recalls

1 recall names the 1996 Volkswagen Golf. Newest first.

• Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch

  Jul 16, 1998NHTSA 98V160000238,000 vehicles

  Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the bolts securing the front hood latch can loosen over time. the latch would move causing disengagement of the hood striker from the latch.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  Unexpected opening of the hood could occur obstructing the driver's view of the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  Dealers will inspect the hood latch and securing bolts and replace them if necessary.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Latches/locks/linkages2
2. Electrical system1
3. Visibility1

Latest complaints

• Jul 7, 2010IN110,000 miFire
  Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
  Tl*the contact owns a 1996 volkswagen golf. The contact was driving approximately between 65 and 70 mph in rainy weather conditions with the windshield wipers engaged when suddenly, the windshield wipers stopped working and smoke began emitting from the steering column. The contact pulled over to…

  Tl*the contact owns a 1996 volkswagen golf. The contact was driving approximately between 65 and 70 mph in rainy weather conditions with the windshield wipers engaged when suddenly, the windshield wipers stopped working and smoke began emitting from the steering column. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The engine was turned off. Within a few minutes, the smoke subsided and the contact was able to continue driving normally. the vehicle was repaired by replacing the ignition and the windshield wiper switch. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

• Jul 20, 2006MO165,000 mi
  Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch

  Dt*: the contact stated that recall # 98v160000, which refers to the hood latch, applied to the vehicle. however, the service dealer refused to perform the recall. after speaking with the service manager, the contact called the manufacturer, who referred the contact back to the service dealer.

• Sep 16, 2004MO96,000 mi
  Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch

  While driving 55 mph the vehicle's hood flew up without warning. As a result the windshield glass was shattered. please provide additional information.

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Hood latch failure

  PE98037Opened Jul 1, 1998Closed Jul 20, 1998Recall 98V160000
  Odi has received three reports, including the petitioners, regarding alleged hood latch failures.all of the odi reports indicate the hood flew up while driving.following a telephone inquiry, volkswagen provided odi with some limited information regarding six additional reports of hood fly-up for model years 1995 and…

  Odi has received three reports, including the petitioners, regarding alleged hood latch failures.all of the odi reports indicate the hood flew up while driving.following a telephone inquiry, volkswagen provided odi with some limited information regarding six additional reports of hood fly-up for model years 1995 and 1996.this investigation was opened to further study this issue.defect description:it IS possible that on some of the affected vehicles the bolts securing the front hood latch may lose their specified fastening torque over time.should this happen, the latch could move out of its design position and cause disengagement of the hood striker from the latch.in some vehicles the latch may not have been properly aligned during production.repeated opening and closing of the hood with an improperly aligned latch could result in damage to the latch.either condition could result in unexpected opening of the hood and could obstruct a portion of the driver's view of the road while driving, and result in an accident.remedy: volkswagen of america, inc. Will initiate a voluntary safety recall instructing its authorized dealers to check the hood latch and securing bolts and replace them if necessary.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
• 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
• 10239789To 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 ignition and visually locate the damage. Proceed with checking any other lines as necessary. Once the damaged line is identified, repair utilizing the Repair kit by Permatex ITEM 09117.
• 10239592Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
• 10239591Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
• 10239590Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
• 10213836Airbag Issues.
• 10174476Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
• 10159010The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
• 10158533Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
• 10157383VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
• 10155644This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
• 10128105This 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.
• 10128104This 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 tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions.
• 10128055This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests.
• 10127969Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. Update model year applicability.
• 10126785Update model year applicability to include 2017.
• 10125850Golf 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 purchased
• 10125765Golf 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 purchased
• 10124348Technical Bulletin (Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials): This doucment contains a list of components and applications developed to repair concerns of squeaks, rattles, noise and trim fit conditions.
• 10124287Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): Exterior light assemblies (headlights, taillights, fog lights, turn signals) are vented and may collect moisture on their inner surfaces, depending on humidity and other climatic changes. This document discusses necessary to diagnosis, and potential remedy of the issue.
• 10122956Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): 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 ignition and visually locate the damage.
• 10122255Golf/GTI Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections:
• 10122240Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): 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. This document informs of how to diagnose the issue and tips on servicing the issue
• 10121257Technical Bulletin: Condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light lenses issue is discussed in this document
• 10120169Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): This document informs of the Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. The document also informs how to service the issue.
• 10026848Volkswagen: 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.
• 10001091Installing new style switch for the throttle position sensor.
• 621613Subject regarding latch system lower anchors and tethers for children, installing / retrofitting.
• 601876Information on maintenance intervals.
• 53644Conditions regarding exterior door locks cannot be locked or unlocked with key when ambient temperature IS below freezing.
• 53643Procedure for obtaining door lock key code if a new key must be cut.
• 53633Chart identifies which transmission control modules (tmc) are available for various states.
• 53616Toothed belt runs towards outside, wears out/ jumps off, and cracks.
• 53608Subject on the automatic transmission control module can additionally recognize two diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) not currently shown in the repair manual.
• 53606Difficulties with shift lever and transmission IS hard to shift into reverse gear.
• 53605Transmission pops out of gear/shifter feels like it has a double detent when shifting into gear, and will not maintain shift adjustment.
• 53603Engine intermittently will not start, possibledtc's stored in tcm dtc memory

Every Volkswagen Golf model year

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