2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

98

Owner Complaints

5 Crashes

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

6

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

The 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF has received a total of 98 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 6 technical service bulletins have been issued by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bagssidewindow (16 complaints), Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch (8 complaints), and Air Bags (6 complaints).

Recalls for the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF, potentially affecting up to 1,538,988 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 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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Owner Complaints for the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

98 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 16 3 Injuries
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 8 1 Injury
Air Bags
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 6
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 6
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 3
Seat Belts
Complaints: 3
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 2
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 2
Structure
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontaldriver Sideinflator Module
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Engine
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
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentrecreational Vehicletrailerlpg Systemslines And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lightsunit
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Dieselstoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1
Power Train
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assemblypedalhand Levermotorcycle
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11667457 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | N/A miles
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.
#11000923 | AIR BAGS | | 225,000 miles
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
#10526396 | ENGINE | | 53,000 miles
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
#10390105 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 150,000 miles
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.
#10348119 | AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW | | 160,000 miles
ON SATURDAY AUG 7TH I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 VW GOLF ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE ROAD WAS SMOOTH WITH NO BUMPS OR POTHOLES, NOTHING HIT THE CAR, IT WAS TOTALLY SPONTANEOUS. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED MY LOCAL VW SERVICE SHOP AND WILL TAKE THE CAR IN SO THEY CAN IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE DEPLOYMENT. *TR

View all Air Bagssidewindow complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has issued 6 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

Edition112 — SERVICE BRAKES

VW Elsa Newsletter

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

Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections

0603 — VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

DOOR WINDOWS, MAY SEPERATE FROM WINDOW REGULATOR CLAMPS. *KB

0420 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *TT

0412 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT (MIL) ON, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) STORED IN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) MEMORY. *MJ

0401 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

NEW STYLE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REQUIRES CARE DURING INSTALLATION TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO SWITCH. *TT

NHTSA Investigations for the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

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Other VOLKSWAGEN Models

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