2002 Volkswagen GTI Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2002 Volkswagen GTI recalls

Most common 2002 Volkswagen GTI problems

Problem areas named in the 124 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	48
Air Bags	23
Wheels	22
Power Train	10
Visibility	8
Engine And Engine Cooling	7
Unknown Or Other	4
Suspension	4
Exterior Lighting	4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	4

What owners report

2018-04-13, 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.

2014-11-21, 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 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

2014-08-31, Fuel/Propulsion System
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

2014-06-25, 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

2012-05-01, 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 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

2002 Volkswagen GTI questions

Does the 2002 Volkswagen GTI have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2002 Volkswagen GTI: Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch; Exterior Lighting:Hazard Flashing Warning Lights:Switch. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

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

Based on 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (48), Air Bags (23), Wheels (22).

How do I check if a recall on my 2002 Volkswagen GTI 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.