2002 Volkswagen GTI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Volkswagen › GTI › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Volkswagen GTI. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2002 Volkswagen GTI. Newest first.
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.
Owner complaints
124 complaints2 involved a crash10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
Driving my car for a while, I start noticing the smell of burned rubber from the engine and when IS cooling down and I do not know what the problem IS.
- Air bags
My wife and I were driving out of parking lot, turning into the main street when suddenly we hear a loud explosion and inside the car was cover in a cloud of smoke and white power. it took us few min to realize what happened since we both had ringing ear for a moment. We finally we were able to…
My wife and I were driving out of parking lot, turning into the main street when suddenly we hear a loud explosion and inside the car was cover in a cloud of smoke and white power. it took us few min to realize what happened since we both had ringing ear for a moment. We finally we were able to come back and think straight again to realize that the front passenger and side-head curtain airbag deployed, we inspected the car to see if we got hit another car, no external damage indication any type of crash. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
My car at high speeds (50mph - 65mph) the gas pedal "dies" or looses authority and becomes un-responsive. At times as the gas pedal goes dead the car also shuts off at 65 mph causing a dangerous situation not only for my self but cars around me. I have take my car to my local mechanic but can not…
My car at high speeds (50mph - 65mph) the gas pedal "dies" or looses authority and becomes un-responsive. At times as the gas pedal goes dead the car also shuts off at 65 mph causing a dangerous situation not only for my self but cars around me. I have take my car to my local mechanic but can not figure out the cause of the problem. Multiple parts and sensors have been replaced and inspected with out a solution. This IS my only car therefore I continue to drive my car with hopes that an accident does not occur. I have taken the all the steps within my control to solve this problem but have not been successful. I have not heard a responds from volkswagen. thank you *tr
- Air bags
The airbag warning indicator light in the instrument cluster illuminated and stayed on. the driver's seatbelt buckle part (1y1858471g - "fcn buckle") had failed. this part also failed 7/06 at 45,900 miles along with the comparable part for the passenger's seat. the airbag system IS inoperative when this part does not function. In 8/06 VW made a partial, goodwill warranty adjustment. *Tr
- Air bags
I was driving my 2002.5 GTI down the road at about 40mph when the passenger side curtain and seat air bags went off. the road was straight and smooth other than normal expansion joints. my wife was in the passenger seat and has bruising and minor burns on her arm. once the bags went off the car…
I was driving my 2002.5 GTI down the road at about 40mph when the passenger side curtain and seat air bags went off. the road was straight and smooth other than normal expansion joints. my wife was in the passenger seat and has bruising and minor burns on her arm. once the bags went off the car shut off but I was able to maneuver it off the road way safely. I have contacted vwoa about the incident and I hope they will satisfactorily resolve the issue. *js
- Electrical system
2002 VW GTI VR6 coil pack failure while driving on the highway almost got rearended because car slowed down and bucked. 3RD coil pack to fail on this car. The 2ND time failure damaged my O2 sensors which had to replaced due to car running rich, I believe. Coil packs on VR6'S need to be addressed. *tr
- Air bags
While driving in a parking lot at a speed of about 5 mph, I hit a curb and the driver side curtain airbags deployed. there was a loud bang and the car filled with smoke. I called VW and they said that regardless of the speed of the accident if the car feels anything near the crash sensors the airbags will deploy even though there was no need and actually made the situation more dangerous and troublesome. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen GTI. while driving 55 mph, the passenger side air bag suddenly deployed. the contact was injured. there was no crash or impact. the vehicle IS parked at the contact's residence and has not been inspected by a mechanic. the failure and current mileages were…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen GTI. while driving 55 mph, the passenger side air bag suddenly deployed. the contact was injured. there was no crash or impact. the vehicle IS parked at the contact's residence and has not been inspected by a mechanic. the failure and current mileages were 70,000. updated 05/19/08 *bf the consumer stated volkswagen still has the vehicle after 3 months, they have not been able to get the parts. Updated 05/20/08
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen GTI. while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact drove over a medium sized pothole, and the driver side curtain and side rear air bags deployed. there were no injuries or crash involved. the current mileage was 58,580 and failure mileage was 58,570.
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen GTI. while driving 75-80 mph, the side air bags deployed without warning and the vehicle lost complete power. as of december 13, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 67,000. updated 3/4/08 *cn the dealer decided to fix the vehicle at their expense.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Check engine light fixed three times since new. now transmission destroyed at 33K miles without warning.*ak
- Air bags › Side/window
I was driving on the highway in my 2002 volkswagen GTI when suddenly the side and curtain airbags deployed for no reason at all. I did not hit a pothole, rock, or any object of any kind. The engine then shut off but I managed to safely move my car to the right lane. As a result of the airbag…
I was driving on the highway in my 2002 volkswagen GTI when suddenly the side and curtain airbags deployed for no reason at all. I did not hit a pothole, rock, or any object of any kind. The engine then shut off but I managed to safely move my car to the right lane. As a result of the airbag deployment I suffered minor burns and a sore back. I called volkswagen of america and they immediately began telling me it was not their fault and that I must have hit something. They advised me to bring the GTI into the nearest dealership to check for damage. The dealership inspected the car and found no damage. The technician told me there was no reason for the airbags to have deployed. He then sent that information to volkswagen of america. Two day later they called me to ask me to once again bring the car into the dealership so that a representative could inspect the car. I will be bringing the car in tomorrow. I have researched this problem on the internet and found that this IS a problem that has been reported over 400,000 times. It does not seem that volkswagen IS going to pay to fix the problem since my car IS no longer under warranty. I am now pursuing a class action suit against volkswagen of america. I am absolutely stunned that volkswagen of america can get away with not taking responsibility for their manufacture defects. I will never own another VW again, and I will do all that I can to discourage anybody I know from purchasing a volkswagen. These claims need to be taken seriously, and something needs to be done about it before serious injury, or even death, occurs. *Jb
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Rear brake light switch failed causing all rear brake lights to fail. this caused extreme danger as it can easily cause a rear-end collision. part seems to be recognized as failure-prone since other owners also have reported failures. VW jetta's were recalled, gti's were not, even though chassis and part are the same. switch was replaced by dealer at a cost of approx. $110.00 *jb
- Air bags
As I was driving home from visiting my parents in louisiana over the holidays. I was getting onto 45/75 going north from interstate 30W here in dallas, tx. As I cross over the lanes, I hear a really loud pop. There was a large flash and the car filled with smoke. I was really surprised, which…
As I was driving home from visiting my parents in louisiana over the holidays. I was getting onto 45/75 going north from interstate 30W here in dallas, tx. As I cross over the lanes, I hear a really loud pop. There was a large flash and the car filled with smoke. I was really surprised, which caused me to swerve to miss another car. I had no idea what went wrong. My first assumptions were that either I blew a tire or that someone had shot a firearm at my vehicle. I pulled over downtown and inspected the vehicle. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the exterior of my vehicle (tires were fine and I did not hit anything). For some reason my passenger side upper front and rear air bags deployed as did the side air bag in the seat. I have no idea why this happened and have never had any issues with the airbags. I am very happy and fortunate that I did not have a passenger in my car at the time and that I did not get into an accident. I am reporting this to vwoa. *nm
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
"Switches" or sensors in both front seat belt latches failed at the same time requiring the replacement of both latch mechanisms. one of the replacement seat belt latch mechanisms was defective. These devices communicate with the air bag system as to whether a seat belt IS in use. in the event of…
"Switches" or sensors in both front seat belt latches failed at the same time requiring the replacement of both latch mechanisms. one of the replacement seat belt latch mechanisms was defective. These devices communicate with the air bag system as to whether a seat belt IS in use. in the event of an accident, the air bag(s) may not deploy properly as the result of a faulty "switch" or sensor leading to unintended injury or death (vis-a-vis a proper deployment) to the driver and/or passenger.. *nm
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
I own a 2002 jetta VR6 and my brake light switch has gone out. I have read the latest recall number 06v183000, however, volkswagen wanted to charge me for the repair stating my car was not found to have any recalls on it. My brake lights went out while driving and I did not know it. Someone almost ran into the back of my car. *nm
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Defective brake light switch, multiple failures (4) in gti/golf nhtsa campaign ID number : 06v183000 the above recall should include the golf/gti since it IS the same part that fails repeatedly. *nm
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Both driver side and passenger side windows (power) "fell" down into the door. independent service station repaired with a window repair kit. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Wheels
I was driving on the freeway, when the brakes locked up and the ABS light came on. *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Electrical system › Wiring
Left work after sunset. On my way home my headlights stopped working. I then noticed that my turn signals, wipers, and defroster stopped working as well. Luckily I am a mechanic so I was able to find the problem as soon as I got home. That was after driving 5 miles with no lights at all on the…
Left work after sunset. On my way home my headlights stopped working. I then noticed that my turn signals, wipers, and defroster stopped working as well. Luckily I am a mechanic so I was able to find the problem as soon as I got home. That was after driving 5 miles with no lights at all on the exterior of the car. The problem was the ignition switch. When I took everything apart I noticed that the wire and connector was melted. I replaced the ignition switch, melted wire, and connector. I have the old part and the receipt. My only concern IS that my car could have caught fire. *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition
Check engine light came on, car lost power. I figured it was an engine coil, because this has happened to me before, last time it was covered under warranty, #6 coil. Since I was 30 miles away from dealer, I took my 2002 GTI to a local mechanic, who diagnosed the problem as the # 5 ignition coil. I…
Check engine light came on, car lost power. I figured it was an engine coil, because this has happened to me before, last time it was covered under warranty, #6 coil. Since I was 30 miles away from dealer, I took my 2002 GTI to a local mechanic, who diagnosed the problem as the # 5 ignition coil. I called the dealership to find out if there was a recall or extended warranty on this part since this was the second one to fail. Dealer said "no recall and the charge would be about $200.00 since the vehicle IS no longer under warranty. Vehicle has 50,850 miles at this time. Since it wasn't covered, I had it fixed locally. GTI has the 24 valve vr 6 engine.*jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
Windshield wipers stop working due to linkage failure at 55,000 miles. linkage needs to be replaced. *jb
- Power train › Manual transmission
I have a 2002 volkswagen GTI with approximately 42000 and discovered my manual transmission was slipping in every gear. after bringing my car to lindsay volkswagen in sterling, va, I was informed that the problem was bad clutch and that the repair would not be covered under my warranty. after…
I have a 2002 volkswagen GTI with approximately 42000 and discovered my manual transmission was slipping in every gear. after bringing my car to lindsay volkswagen in sterling, va, I was informed that the problem was bad clutch and that the repair would not be covered under my warranty. after some research online, I have discovered several identical situations of other owners of 2002 volks GTI 1.8T manual and the company's refusal to cover it under warranty or investigate why a clutch needs to be replaced at under 45,000 miles. accordingly, I can attest that I operate my vehicle in a safe and legal manner and in accordance with what a reasonable person would consider competence and care. *nm
- Power train › Clutch assembly
Early clutch failure. the clutch in my VW 2002 GTI failed at 23000 miles. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Fuel return line developed a pinhole leak approximately 3 inches past the exit of the protective channel on the undercarriage. *nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241749Quick Reference Update Guide
- 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
- 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.
- 10239592Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239591Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239590Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239541Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)
- 10239534HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239533HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239532HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239403If key blade is found to stick or bind when opening or closing, check position of roll pin that secures key blade to mechanism. If roll pin is sticking out on either side (as shown below), do not replace key. Instead, use appropriate sized punch and hammer to drive in the roll pin so that it is flush with edge of mechanism.
- 10239270Volkswagen Warranty Policies and Procedures ? April 2014
- 10239262In SAGA, the time units for the Volkswagen DoubleCheck labor operation were reduced in error from 50 time units to 30 time units during the system update posted on July 4th.
- 10239202Quick Reference Update Guide
- 10238972The use of tire dressing gives your tires that shiny finish that completes the image of a clean (new) vehicle. There are many different tire dressing products available. When choosing a product please pay close attention to its contents. Always use a water based product.
- 10238960To clear static ECM fault P1250 ?Fuel Level Too Low?, add fuel to vehicle and complete a road test of at least 10 miles. Simply adding fuel without completing a road test may not allow fault to clear.
- 10238959To clear static ECM fault P1250 ?Fuel Level Too Low?, add fuel to vehicle and complete a road test of at least 10 miles. Simply adding fuel without completing a road test may not allow fault to clear.
- 10238935When performing SVM updates, the scan tool should be hardwired to the vehicle and the Bluetooth physically turned off. A hard wired internet connection is also recommended.
- 10238932If a needed service part is on back order, upgrade the daily order to a red order and check the ?Car Down? box to escalate the order. If parts assistance is needed, please call 800-767-6552 to speak with a VWGoA Parts Specialist.
Every Volkswagen GTI model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.