2002 Volkswagen Golf Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

3 safety recalls on file

The 2002 Volkswagen Golf has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 10 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (25 reports).

3Recalls
74Owner complaints
2Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Golf?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2002 Volkswagen Golf recalls

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch

Recall 07V063Feb 20, 20071,002,000 vehicles affected

Exterior Lighting:Hazard Flashing Warning Lights:Switch

Recall 04V584Dec 16, 2004410,000 vehicles affected

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

Recall 02V031Jan 31, 200255,000 vehicles affected

Most common 2002 Volkswagen Golf problems

Problem areas named in the 74 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Air Bags25
Electrical System15
Engine And Engine Cooling13
Exterior Lighting12
Visibility7
Power Train4
Steering3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Structure3
Seat Belts3

What owners report

2026-08-25, Tires
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
2025-06-17, Structure
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.
2017-06-23, 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
2013-07-23, 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 STATED THAT THE TURBO CHARGER SEALS WERE NOT LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 53,000. *TR
2011-03-14, 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 THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE VOLUNTARY RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000.

2002 Volkswagen Golf questions

Does the 2002 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2002 Volkswagen Golf: Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch; Exterior Lighting:Hazard Flashing Warning Lights:Switch; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Volkswagen Golf?

Based on 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (25), Electrical System (15), Engine And Engine Cooling (13).

How do I check if a recall on my 2002 Volkswagen Golf has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Volkswagen Golf years

Other 2002 Volkswagen models