2002 Volkswagen Golf
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2002 Volkswagen Golf. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 2002 Volkswagen Golf. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
On some passenger vehicles, short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
74 complaints2 involved a crash10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires › Sidewall
The tire sidewall blew out. We were driving at 65 mph on an interstate highway in an urban area and had to change the tire in the triangular space between the highway lanes and an exit - very dangerous. These were sold as 60,000 mile tires, and this tire had 20,200 miles on it. It was maintained…
The tire sidewall blew out. We were driving at 65 mph on an interstate highway in an urban area and had to change the tire in the triangular space between the highway lanes and an exit - very dangerous. These were sold as 60,000 mile tires, and this tire had 20,200 miles on it. It was maintained at proper pressure. Conditions were clear, dry, summer weather in Albuquerque, NM. The problem has not yet been confirmed by the service center, but we will be taking the damaged tire there because it is still under warranty. Tire size: 195 / 65 R 15
- Structure › Body
Certain conditions cause the electrics door locks to not function. When this happens, it is not possible to exit the car from the inside as the door handles are not operative creating a trapped situation potentially leading to injury or death if the case of a fire.
- Air bags
While driving at about 45 miles per hour, the side curtain and seat bolster airbags deployed on their own. There was no impact to the vehicle that preceded this incident. The airbags simply deployed by themselves. this seems to be a recurring problem with this generation of volkswagens: http://www.carcomplaints.com/volkswagen/golf/2002/seat_belts_air_bags/air_bags-side_window.shtml
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen golf with a tdi engine. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The contact had to pop the clutch and kill the ignition, but the engine continue to operate until the vehicle ran out of fuel. The contacts mechanic inspected the vehicle and…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen golf with a tdi engine. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The contact had to pop the clutch and kill the ignition, but the engine continue to operate until the vehicle ran out of fuel. The contacts mechanic inspected the vehicle and stated that the turbo charger seals were not leaking. the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 53,000. *Tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns 2002 volkswagen golf. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start in rainy weather. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the ignition coil would need to be replaced. The contact located a voluntary manufacturers recall for the failure but was advised by…
TL* the contact owns 2002 volkswagen golf. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start in rainy weather. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the ignition coil would need to be replaced. The contact located a voluntary manufacturers recall for the failure but was advised by the manufacturer that the vehicle was not included in the voluntary recall. The failure mileage and current mileages were 150,000.
- Air bags › Side/window
On saturday aug 7TH I was driving my 2002 VW golf on the highway when the passenger side airbag deployed. the road was smooth with no bumps or potholes, nothing hit the car, it was totally spontaneous. luckily there were no passengers in the car. I have contacted my local VW service shop and will take the car in so they can identify the cause of the deployment. *Tr
- Air bags › Side/window
Passenger side curtain airbag deployed while traveling down the highway. No collision, consequences ringing in ears. Volkswagen made repair at no cost to me $3212.00. *Tr
- Seat belts
Air bag light came on. When taken in for fix it was found to be a faulty switch in the driver side seat belt buckle. it was just recently replaced and so far no further problems. *Tr
- Structure · Visibility
While driving my wife was driving our 2002 VW golf the driver side window dropped. turns out all over the internet there are complaints of the tabs holding the windows breaking. in fact when I was at the dealer I fellow overheard me and said he had the exact same problem on his 2001 VW GTI. VW…
While driving my wife was driving our 2002 VW golf the driver side window dropped. turns out all over the internet there are complaints of the tabs holding the windows breaking. in fact when I was at the dealer I fellow overheard me and said he had the exact same problem on his 2001 VW GTI. VW had a tsb and extended the warranty by a few years on this but IS should have been a recall. a window dropping IS a huge safety factor for a number of reasons. The window IS a protection device to shield you in an accident or from debris at 65mph and for your own personal safety if on the wrong side of town. I called the VW dealer to see if they would fix this problem they said yes they would fix it for free yet upon arriving I was told I was one month out of the extended warranty. the dropping of this window caused my wife to have to pull over on a busy expressway because she could not see in the rain with it blowing in her window. once a gain a faulty window holding mechanism IS a safety issue and should be a recall item. *tr
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen golf. while driving 70 mph on the freeway, the passenger side air bag spontaneously deployed. there were no injuries, but the contact was concerned about the sudden explosion. he stated that the deployment occurred while he was using his cellular phone. the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen golf. while driving 70 mph on the freeway, the passenger side air bag spontaneously deployed. there were no injuries, but the contact was concerned about the sudden explosion. he stated that the deployment occurred while he was using his cellular phone. the vehicle has not been taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not notified. the vin was unavailable. the current and failure mileages were approximately 70,000.
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
There was a brake switch short that caused the car to be stuck in park. So it had to be dragged out and was sent to volkswagen service. *Tr
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
The driver's side window regulator recently failed on my 2002 VW golf. this part secures the window to the power window mechanism, and keeps the window up. the failure occurred while I was leaving a toll booth. I pressed the button to raise the window, heard a crack, and then the entire window…
The driver's side window regulator recently failed on my 2002 VW golf. this part secures the window to the power window mechanism, and keeps the window up. the failure occurred while I was leaving a toll booth. I pressed the button to raise the window, heard a crack, and then the entire window violently crashed down into the interior of the door, and attempts to raise the window failed. I was lucky that I was only driving about 20 mph at the time, but unfortunately I had to drive home five hours with the windows down. it was a very unpleasant experience. when I returned home, upon bringing the car in to the dealership, I learned that it was the window regulator that had failed. I also learned that this part has failed numerous times on golfs of this model year (and other years), and that an extended warranty of 7 years was placed on the part. I strongly believe that a recall should have been placed on this part instead of simply a warranty extension. I have heard numerous anecdotes of people having this same problem. the window crashes violently, and had I been driving fast or in traffic, this could have caused an accident very easily. what's more, one cannot protect the car from theft or water damage when the window won't close. according to VW, a sturdier replacement part was designed around 2002, and my car IS now being fixed with this part. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Highway on ramp engine revved uncontrollably until failure new engine needed. *Tr
- Air bags · Seat belts
Air bag light IS on in vehicle because of a poor electrical connection in the driver's side seat belt clasp, which was already replaced once while vehicle was still under factory warranty, about 2YRS and 30K miles ago. The locking mechanism of the seat belt clasp itself still works, however, while…
Air bag light IS on in vehicle because of a poor electrical connection in the driver's side seat belt clasp, which was already replaced once while vehicle was still under factory warranty, about 2YRS and 30K miles ago. The locking mechanism of the seat belt clasp itself still works, however, while the air bag light IS on because of the failed electrical connection in the clasp, air bags will not deploy, which risks my and my passengers' life and safety. to replace the part, I incurred a $75 diagnostic fee from a local mechanic and purchased a new part for $161, which I will install myself to save another $75 installation fee. Total economic loss to me was $236, but could have been $311 if I didn't have the tools and time to do it myself. The old seat belt clasp will be available for inspection. *Tr
- Electrical system
My 2002 VW golf has a defect in the immobilizer that dealers can not diagnose or repair. once the key IS turned off, the car sometimes will not restart. it has been towed to the dealer on multiple occasions - but after a variable time interval the car starts again. since it starts - three…
My 2002 VW golf has a defect in the immobilizer that dealers can not diagnose or repair. once the key IS turned off, the car sometimes will not restart. it has been towed to the dealer on multiple occasions - but after a variable time interval the car starts again. since it starts - three dealers have been unable to diagnose why it fails to recognize the key. I am furious that the immobilizer circuit can not be repaired or inactivated. I live in the country and am afraid to turn the car off in a remote location for fear it will not restart - and leave me stranded 20 miles from nowhere. it could strand my wife and invalid daughter. the car could not be moved in an emergency, like clearing the way for emergency vehicles, or getting off the side of the road if I pull over and stop. volkswagen IS unresponsive to the problem - I have spoken to USA headquarters who has not responded. the car IS not safe to take on the road because it can unpredictably fail to drive. this has happened 8 times in the past 12 months, and has been to service department 3 times with no cure. *tr
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
I have a 2002 golf tdi with manual windows. The window regulator clips broke and the window dropped into the door. This IS a known issue with vw's that a service bulletin, (0603), IS out on, but only for power windows. The part that os defective IS common to both types but since my windows are…
I have a 2002 golf tdi with manual windows. The window regulator clips broke and the window dropped into the door. This IS a known issue with vw's that a service bulletin, (0603), IS out on, but only for power windows. The part that os defective IS common to both types but since my windows are manual I have to pay $191.00 for the part. If VW IS replacing one type free of charge they should be replacing both. The part IS defective - manual or power windows... *tr
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Electrical system › Ignition · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor · Exterior lighting › Headlights · Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
2002 volkswagen golf has had numerous problems. the most recent problem IS that the coil spring broke while the consumer was driving causing damage to the strut. Now the consumer has to pay to get the vehicle fixed. *kb the consumer stated the problems started after the warranty ended. The…
2002 volkswagen golf has had numerous problems. the most recent problem IS that the coil spring broke while the consumer was driving causing damage to the strut. Now the consumer has to pay to get the vehicle fixed. *kb the consumer stated the problems started after the warranty ended. The battery died. 5 days later, the mil appeared and the vehicle was misfiring. In march of 2007 the engine light illuminated due to a faulty coil. in april of 2007 the battery light illuminated due to a failed alternator. *Jb the right headlight was inoperative, the catalytic converter was replaced. Updated 12/12/07
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
2002 VW golf with cruise control problem customer states that the car accelerated into fifth gear when she took her foot off the brake**cc the consumer determined that stepping on the brake did not disengage the cruise control. The consumer stated the following day, when he backed his vehicle up…
2002 VW golf with cruise control problem customer states that the car accelerated into fifth gear when she took her foot off the brake**cc the consumer determined that stepping on the brake did not disengage the cruise control. The consumer stated the following day, when he backed his vehicle up to the garage door, he noticed the brake light/ stop light did not illuminated when he stepped on the brake. The consumer believed the failure was the root cause for the cruise control's failure to disengage. the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and upon inspection it was determined that the replacement brake light switch that had been installed previously under recall was defective. *jb
- Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Vehicle slowed dramatically at highway speed down to 35 mph, I had to use the emergency blinkers to get to the slow lane, a very dangerous situation on a congested highway. clutch and flywheel replaced, and the same failure happened again with oem parts only 3 weeks later. *ak
- Seat belts · Structure
TL* - the contact stated that there was damage to the ceiling on the front drivers side and the rear left passenger side. Also, the driver's side seat belt did work anymore. *Ak
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Brake lights on my 2002 volkswagen golf all failed to operate. VW dealer (classic volkswagen in escondido, ca) determined the problem was a defective brake light switch. VW dealer replaced the brake light switch. *jb
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
TL* - the contact's vehicle would not go into gear. The contact had the car towed to the dealer, and they told him that he had a faulty brake switch which kept the car in park. The dealer told him that their was a recall o for this problem, but this vehicle was not included due to vin. *ak updated 02/16/07.*jb
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
There IS a faulty brake switch which causes the car to be locked in park. it had to be towed to a dealer for repairs. other models of the 2002 golf have a recall for the same problem.
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
Roll pin that retains differential spider gear pin backed out causing larger pin to contact inside of case. The failure included a large hole in transmission/ differential case, gear and bearing damage. *nm
- Air bags
The passenger side air bags in my '02 VW golf deployed for no reason when I went from a stop to a start, barely going over 5 mph. *nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine stalling
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…
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.
- Inadvertent side-airbag deployment
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…
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.
- Turn signal/hazard flasher failure
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…
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.
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.
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10252204Air Conditioning Does not Operate
- 10243059VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243052VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243048VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243015VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243002VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242397VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242390VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242386VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242353VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242340VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241709Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241708Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241707Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241706Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241705Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241704Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241340Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10241339Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241335Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241333Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241311Gasoline Quality
- 10241310Software Version Management
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10241177Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10240605P0102, P1128, P1296 - WA front oxygen sensor faults
- 102405971999-2002 Jetta, Golf and GTI with VR6 Engine Update ECM Software for Catalytic Converter Monitoring System.
- 10239831Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000 Charger
- 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.
Every Volkswagen Golf model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.