1997 Volkswagen GTI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › GTI › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Volkswagen GTI. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
10 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
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…
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 many electrical parts, i.e., distributor, fuel pump, mass air flow sensor, ecg, etc., were replaced. car has been totally unreliable since that point. you never know when it's going to die out. happened to us on I-95; 18-wheeler had to swerve to prevent accident. car now sitting in driveway. from what I can find on the internet, many people have had this same problem. *nm
- Structure › Frame and members
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.
- Tires › Tread/belt
While traveling about 55mph on the highway rear passenger tire tread separated from the wheel. dealer IS aware of the problem.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly · Tires › Tread/belt
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
- Electrical system
While driving the electrical system failed without warning. The dealer was notified. *nlm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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.
- Electrical system › Ignition
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.
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Vehicle had previous electrical problems, this drivetrain has had known fuel system problems
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
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
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.
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.
- 10241340Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10241177Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 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
- 10237427Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10235138Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10213836Airbag Issues.
- 10193577Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
- 10174476Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
- 10159016Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
- 10159014Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 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
- 10125661Update to existing tip for fuel quality checking.
- 10122255Golf/GTI Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections:
- 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.
- 621613Subject regarding latch system lower anchors and tethers for children, installing / retrofitting.
- 54060Subject pertaining to power sunroof convenience close feature, function change.
- 53647Battery cable clamp will not tighten on battery post.
- 53618Vehicles equipped with new airbag warning labels.
- 53617Service manual on electric window regulator motors.
- 53615Conditions with transmission not shifting into reverse and IS difficult to shift in/out of reverse.
- 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.
Every Volkswagen GTI model year
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