2005 Volkswagen Golf
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2005 Volkswagen Golf. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2005 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.
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 high pressure diesel pumps were produced with an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape from the pump.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the diesel pump. the recall began on february 8, 2005. owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Owner complaints
19 complaints1 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
Brake Booster Vacuum Line Fell off making me run a red light I could not stop the car in time. After getting the car stopped about 100 feet past the light I found that the Brake Booster Vacuum Line fell off its made of hard plastic that has become brittle it cracked at both ends. There was no…
Brake Booster Vacuum Line Fell off making me run a red light I could not stop the car in time. After getting the car stopped about 100 feet past the light I found that the Brake Booster Vacuum Line fell off its made of hard plastic that has become brittle it cracked at both ends. There was no warning lights even after it fell off. The part number of the hose is 130-612-041 I just wanted to let someone know before people start getting hurt...
- Seat belts
I got in the car this morning to head to work, I reached back to pull the seat belt forward and around my lap. Next thing I knew the belt was fully extended and would not retract at all. I had no tension left in the seat belt and it hung over me completely extended. Now I am driving with this completely loose seat belt around me, and no protection if I am in an accident.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
When driving the car it was running fine and then all of a sudden died on me and would restart then died again before I could move it out of the way. Now when I start it, it dies immediately.
- Air bags
I move my passenger seat back and for no reason the airbag came on, it would not reset.
- Air bags
Takata recall - I was in accident on 5/24/16 and the front of my car was all damaged but the airbag did not inflate causing me to hit the steering wheel
- Fuel system, gasoline
When exiting the freeway, the fuel lift pump died and the car stalled on the exit ramp at 55 mph. I lost control of power brakes and power steering but was able to coast off the ramp to the stop light at the end of the ramp. *tr
- Air bags
Multiple airbag failures 01218 - side airbag igniter; passenger side (N200) 001 - upper limit exceeded - intermittent - mil on 01217 - side airbag igniter; driver side (N199) 001 - upper limit exceeded - intermittent - mil on the dtc's seem to be generated during cold weather periods…
Multiple airbag failures 01218 - side airbag igniter; passenger side (N200) 001 - upper limit exceeded - intermittent - mil on 01217 - side airbag igniter; driver side (N199) 001 - upper limit exceeded - intermittent - mil on the dtc's seem to be generated during cold weather periods when the seats are moved. this happens at least 1 - 2 times per year. Vehicle has never been moving when these codes were generated. dealer has completed the tsb for the drivers side airbag wiring, but the problem IS still occurring. passenger seat does not have a tsb for the airbag wiring. dealer requires that the code be cleared at the dealership for $100 per incident. problematic airbags are disabled until the fault code IS cleared from the system. both codes have appeared multiple times, at least 4, on this same vehicle and this problem IS also found on multiple VW models. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting › Turn signal
The turn signal clicker continues clicking after the signal has been de-activated. this defect leads to people not using the signal as they do not want to risk listening to the annoying clicking that sometimes goes on for hours. *tr
- Fuel system, diesel · Fuel system, diesel › Storage › Tank assembly
The vehicle IS maintained according to manufacturer guidelines and by certified mechanics at volkswagen dealer service center. less than a week after the last maintenance, fuel tank exploded while driving. Bottom of the car IS damaged right under rear passenger seats. based on initial report…
The vehicle IS maintained according to manufacturer guidelines and by certified mechanics at volkswagen dealer service center. less than a week after the last maintenance, fuel tank exploded while driving. Bottom of the car IS damaged right under rear passenger seats. based on initial report from dealer service department, due to internal pressure build-up there was no fire (the car IS diesel). updated 06/23/10.*jb *tr
- Exterior lighting · Interior lighting
Volkswagen 2005 golf: both front exterior lights, day time and night time went out. The fuse was good and the light bulbs were out. Apparently, the wiring had a malfunction which also caused the interior light on the climate controls to go off. The fuse was good as well. Another malfunction from…
Volkswagen 2005 golf: both front exterior lights, day time and night time went out. The fuse was good and the light bulbs were out. Apparently, the wiring had a malfunction which also caused the interior light on the climate controls to go off. The fuse was good as well. Another malfunction from thevw company. lastly, driver side front window went down while driving to work 25 mph. I did not touch the window nor tried to open or close it, it went done completely and it IS inside the door...it won't go up nor down. It IS not broken either. It IS very dangerous to drive with no window in the winter. Snow, hail. Rain can happen while the window went down while driving. It's very unpleasant to have wind and cold of 3 degrees below zero hit your face and go in the car to the other passengers. The hail, rain or snow can that can get in the car can cause further damage inside the car. *Tr
- Suspension › Front
Car was driven on a highway, approx 60 mph when a clunk was heard from the front suspension and sound of metal falling on the road. Car immediately started shaking and pulling strongly to the right. When the vehicle was raised up and examined it was found that the right front suspension spring has…
Car was driven on a highway, approx 60 mph when a clunk was heard from the front suspension and sound of metal falling on the road. Car immediately started shaking and pulling strongly to the right. When the vehicle was raised up and examined it was found that the right front suspension spring has broken and couple of coils have fallen off. Car in question IS 2005 VW golf, 55000 miles. VW of america was contacted and they have denied any help claiming vehicle IS out of warranty. IS not this a safety issue? *Tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
My vehicle has 55,000 miles and the dual mass flywheel IS failing and IS covered under warranty but other vehicles out of warranty may not be covered. if this were to completely fail the clutch could lock up at any time. And cause an accident. *Tr
- Air bags
The airbag light has turned on for the second time, redering the airbags useless. I have had the airbags replaced once within the last year and a half because of the same issue. I was never in an accident and I never hit anything to cause the sensor to trigger. This seems to be a faulty part that…
The airbag light has turned on for the second time, redering the airbags useless. I have had the airbags replaced once within the last year and a half because of the same issue. I was never in an accident and I never hit anything to cause the sensor to trigger. This seems to be a faulty part that has problems with reliability now and the bags do not deploy when they are needed. the first time this happened, the car was still under warranty. the car IS now 3 months or 4,000 miles out of warranty. I am to get into an accident the bags will not deploy now. I have done nothing outside the realm of normal driving. when the parts were replaced the first time, the dealership kept the old parts. I have not taken this one in yet as I cannot afford to pay for the cost of this very expensive repair at this time. *Tr
- Air bags
2005 VW golf GLS. 77,661 miles. Warranty only covers 50,000. Could not afford $3,300 for extended warranty. No repairs until now. Passenger seat infrequently used. "check engine" light came on. A few minutes later "check engine" light went out and the "airbag indicator" light came on. Dealership…
2005 VW golf GLS. 77,661 miles. Warranty only covers 50,000. Could not afford $3,300 for extended warranty. No repairs until now. Passenger seat infrequently used. "check engine" light came on. A few minutes later "check engine" light went out and the "airbag indicator" light came on. Dealership charged me $99.50 for diagnostic test. Result:wiring chassis to passenger side had very high resistance reading and replacement was required for the chassis and airbag (650.00). Needed car inspection this month. Dealership stated that the error may be untrue. They erased the error and stated that if the indicator did not reappear, then there was not a problem. If it did, then the repair was mandatory to pass state inspection and provide acceptable safety for passenger. driving home from dealership light did not appear so I had state inspection. Passed state inspection. Called dealership and VW and asked for reimbursement since this was a faulty error. Dealership and VW customer care would not refund the diagnostic cost or acknowledge that there may be an issue with the airbag system. Now I am wondering if the error IS legitimate and also if my airbag system has an error. if I am in an accident, will I have a problem with my airbags deploying properly or at all? *tr
- Air bags · Electrical system · Structure
Sunroof drains clog causing backup of water to settle on floors ruining carpet, causing mold. Water gets into door frames causing buckling of doors during winter months. Water damage also caused an electrical wiring short which caused an airbag failure as well as ruined two batteries. I have not…
Sunroof drains clog causing backup of water to settle on floors ruining carpet, causing mold. Water gets into door frames causing buckling of doors during winter months. Water damage also caused an electrical wiring short which caused an airbag failure as well as ruined two batteries. I have not used or opened the sunroof since for fear of more problems. I was informed that the cost to replace the carpeting again would be charged to me if the car had another water problem again due to the clogged drains. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Other fuel types › Turbo/supercharger
Turbocharger on 2005 VW golf failed twice (5000 mi and 95000 mi). first blade failed (covered by warranty), second shaft broke in half ($1,800 out of pocket). I bought car because it was supposed to be relaaible and supposed reputation of the diesel engine. I don't think two failures of $1,800item in 2.5 yrs IS acceptable.
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system
Dt*: the contact stated the fuel gauge indicator on the dashboard broke and was repaired by the dealership. The malfunction indicator lamp illuminated twice. The dealership reset the lamp the first time; however the vehicle has not been taken in for service this time. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Other fuel types › Turbo/supercharger · Fuel system, other
Dt: consumer owned a 2005 volkswagen golf with turbo diesel injection. She bought vehicle with 75 miles on it. While driving on and passing a big truck which was merging into consumer's vehicle lane she tried to accelerate but vehicle lost power and fell back. truck veered into the lane and…
Dt: consumer owned a 2005 volkswagen golf with turbo diesel injection. She bought vehicle with 75 miles on it. While driving on and passing a big truck which was merging into consumer's vehicle lane she tried to accelerate but vehicle lost power and fell back. truck veered into the lane and consumers vehicle was forced into the median until truck noticed consumer's vehicle, got over, and let her back in the lane. The engine light came on, consumer called dealer the next morning and dealer came and picked up vehicle. dealer notified consumer that vehicle was fixed. Consumer picked up vehicle. When she got into vehicle and turned key on she saw that engine light was still on. When getting back on highway consumer tried to accelerate and vehicle had no power. When consumer arrived at husband's job to pick him up she received a message from the dealer telling her that the turbo was out, and vehicle was not drivable . Turbo part would be in on friday. She returned vehicle to dealer, and they gave her a loaner vehicle. dealer replaced turbo. Since then the vehicle had been back to the dealer 4 times for different fuel related problems.*ak
- Power train › Clutch assembly
Vehicle IS exhibiting signs of premature clutch failure. dual mass flywheel (dmf) clutch will need replacement within one month.
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
- 10253177Satellite Radio Overview
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252220All Vehicles with Bluetooth Phone Kit Installed ? Streaming Audio from Phone to Radio
- 10243065VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243064VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243015VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243002VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242402VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242400VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242381VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242358VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242353VW 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
- 10241345Electric Coolant Fans Continue to Run after Ignition is Switched OFF
- 10241344Electric Coolant Fans Continue to Run after Ignition is OFF
- 10241342Electric Coolant Fans Continue to Run after Ignition is OFF
- 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
- 10241285Engine, Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 10241282Engine, Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
Every Volkswagen Golf model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.