2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

152

Owner Complaints

5 Crashes 3 Fires

9

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

11

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

The 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF has received a total of 152 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 9 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 11 technical service bulletins have been issued by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (16 complaints), Air Bagssidewindow (10 complaints), and Electrical System (8 complaints).

Recalls for the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

NHTSA has recorded 9 recalls for the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF, potentially affecting up to 1,876,156 vehicles.

Recall 14E007000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

| 50 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 housing. These service replacement parts were sold...

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

Defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

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Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

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Recall 07V063000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

| 1,002,000 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 07E023000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

| 13,128 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 04V584000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH

| 410,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 02V244000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

| 332,950 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.

Consequence: THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL BE FOUR...

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Recall 02V031000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

| 55,000 vehicles affected

Defect: ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).

Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD...

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Recall 00V280000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM

| 4,218 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF TWO BRACKETS USED TO BOLT THE FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE TO THE BODY STRUCTURE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN WELDED SUFFICIENTLY.

Consequence: THE CONTROL ARM COULD GRADUALLY LOOSEN AND ULTIMATELY SEPARATE FROM ITS BRACKET IN NORMAL DRIVING WHICH COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO BE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL. AS THE BRACKET LOOSENS, LOUD METALLIC KNOCKING SOUNDS IN FROM THE VEHICLE WILL BE HEARD.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRACKET AND IF THE WELDING IS INSUFFICIENT, WILL REPLACE THE CONTROL ARM.

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Owner Complaints for the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

152 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Air Bags
Complaints: 16 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 10 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical System
Complaints: 8 2 Fires 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 8
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 8
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 7
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 6
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 5
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 4
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 3
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 3
Visibility
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lightsswitch
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 2
Seats
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 2
Structurebody
Complaints: 2
Child Seathandle Infant
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginediesel
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 1
Steering
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearaxlenon Powered Axle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11413225 | AIR BAGS | | 109,223 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED VOLKSWAGEN OF FORT MYERS (14060 S TAMIAMI TRAIL, FORT MYERS, FL 33912, (844) 283-1823) AND WAS INFORMED THAT DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,223.
#11376943 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | 190,000 miles
THE DOOR LATCHES ON ALL FOUR DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS OFTEN MALFUNCTION. MOST THE TIME YOU HAVE TO PRESS ON THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE UNTIL YOU HEAR A SOFT CLICK BEFORE THE THE DOOR HANDLE WILL WORK. OTHERWISE IT IS AS IF IT WERE LOCKED WHEN IT IS UNLOCKED. ALSO MY CAR WILL LOCK ITSELF IF I UNLOCK IT WITH THE KEY FOB AND GET IN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WITHOUT STARTING IMMEDIATELY. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO RECOGNISE I'VE ENTERED THE VEHICLE.
#10990734 | STEERING | | 93,000 miles
POWER STEERING FAILURE WHEN STARTING CAR WITH WARNING LIGHT . NOT IN MOTION.
#10724343 | AIR BAGS | | 319,820 miles
PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG AND PASSENGER SEAT SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AFTER RUNNING OVER A CURB, ~1' HIGH.
#10722890 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 174,000 miles
HELLO, I NOTICED A RECALL DONE ON THESE VW VEHICLES. (HTTP://HDHTEX.COM/INDEX.PHP/VOLKSWAGEN-BRAKE-LIGHT-AND-TURN-SIGNAL-RECALLS-AFFECT-MORE-THAN-1000000-VEHICLES/) THE RECALL IS DUE TO THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND BLINKER LIGHTS NOT WORKING TOGETHER. IF I AM SIGNALING LEFT AND I PUT MY BRAKES ON, THE SIGNAL SWITCHES SIDES AND THE LIGHTS START BLINKING. THIS HAPPENS WITH BOTH DIRECTIONS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFTEY ISSUE AND ITS NOT DUE TO ANY AFTERMARKET TINKERING. I CALLED VOLKSWAGON TO HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THEY DECLINED ANY ASSISTANCE TO ME. IT MAKES SENSE FOR THEM TO FIX THIS IF IT WAS A RECALL AT ONE POINT. THANK YOU

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Safety Rating for the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has issued 11 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

Edition112 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

VW Elsa Newsletter

V571405 2038887 — STRUCTURE:BODY

Technical Bulletin (Corrosion on the Fold of the Front Inner Door): This document informs of the method to repair Corrosion under the door fold in the area of the extra seal and the Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) foil. This document discusses the "Fault Codes" necessary to diagnosis, and potential remedy...

2038887 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

TT641402 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

To 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....

TT 87-09-03 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

Tech Tips (Coolant fan control module J293 pinout): 1.8L and 2.0L (Except Engine Code BBW), Fan Module J293 Pinout Chart which informs of the terminal types, the inputs, and outputs, the signal purpose, and the signal type

ERC-WA-00 — ENGINE

VOLKSWAGEN: DUE TO A POSSIBLE FAILURE OF THE OXYGEN SENSOR IN UPPER PART OF EXHAUST SYSTEM, VEHICLE MAY EXCEED FEDERAL AND/OR CALIFORNIA EMISSION STANDARDS OR INCREASED FUEL CONSUMPTION. MODEL 1999-2001 GOLF, JETTA, NEW BEETLE. *PE

TT280109 — EQUIPMENT

Be aware that there are 2 suppliers for the TDI glow plugs-Bosch and Beru. When replacing the glow plugs make sure that you do not mix stock. The vehicle must have all the same supplier or DTC P0380 (Glow Plug Monitoring) may set.

Edition31 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

VW Elsa Newsletter

0201 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

REAR BRAKE PADS THAT APPEAR TO BE WORN PREMATURELY. *TT

010103 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

A CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1297 OR P1557 ARE STORED IN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE MEMORY. MAY BE CAUSED BY INTAKE HOSES LEAKING DUE TO CLAMPS INCORRECTLY TORQUED OR IMPROPERLY PLACED, WORN / TORN INTAKE HOSES ETC. *TT

Showing 10 of 11 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF.

Investigation PE04073 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:FLASHER UNIT Closed

Opened:

TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE

Other Model Years of the VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

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Other VOLKSWAGEN Models

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