Engine
1.8L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 121 of 124 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 87 of 124 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
48 complaint records
"IGNITION COIL FAILURE ON MY 2002 VW GTI 337. COIL ON CYLINDER #3 FAILED, CAUSE ROUGH IDLE AND SIGNIFIGENT LOSS OF ENGINE POWER...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Air bags
23 complaint records
"THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT INSTANCE. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA CLAIMED THIS WAS NOT THEIR ISSUE, AND CONSUMER SHOULD TAKE IT UP WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Wheels
22 complaint records
"WHEELS ARE CORRODING AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WILL NOT ADDRESS THIS ISSUE IN ANY WAY. WHEELS ARE CORRODING ON APPROX. 300 2002 GTI 337 EDITION VEHICLES.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse wheels parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE04081 opened Dec 2004 | closed Apr 2005 | Air Bags | 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... |
| PE04073 opened Oct 2004 | closed Dec 2004 | Exterior Lighting | TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE - led to recall 04V584000 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... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07V063000 | Exterior Lighting | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. | Normally free |
| 04V584000 | Exterior Lighting | 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... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006122 2006-05-24 | Lights And Instruments | 244,526 | On certain Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta wagon, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Passat and Passat wagon, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. |
| 2005012 2005-01-19 | Seats And Restraints | 108,501 | Certain vehicles equipped with the comfort seats option may have a seat heater element that can malfunction when the ignition switch is in the "ON" position and the seat heater switch is also "ON". |
| 2004436 2004-12-13 | Electrical | 80,752 | On certain 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... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| V171901201285565 Aug 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards | |
| V171901201285562 May 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments. | |
| V171901201285560 Apr 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments. | |
| V941901201152119 Dec 2022 | Equipment | Update model year applicability to include 2023. | |
| V271901201189422 Dec 2022 | Electrical System | Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| A002155201173212 Dec 2021 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains general instructions for software updates. | |
| V171901201285534 May 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments) | |
| V871806201994714 May 2020 | Equipment | Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A | |
| V941901201152115 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Updated to include additional models and model year applicability. | |
| V011812_2014603 Jul 2019 | Electrical System | Update vehicle metadata to include pull ahead models. Also includes R32 2002-2007 and 2002-2006 Jetta Wagon. | |
| V871812-2005566 Jun 2019 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Update vehicle metadata. | |
| SM 33-2019 Mar 2019 | Equipment | The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| TT 91 19 01 Mar 2019 | Equipment | Alternative method for radio code retrieval. | |
| V171901-2012855 Mar 2019 | Engine | Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards | |
| Gasoline Engine Feb 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Gasoline Engine Misfire Diagnosis document | |
| V271901-2011894 Feb 2019 | Electrical System | Battery Testing and Charging instruction. Updated to include model year 2019 applicability. | |
| V941901-2011521 Feb 2019 | Exterior Lighting | Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability. | |
| V871812-2005566 Nov 2018 | Equipment | Update vehicle metadata. | |
| A971861 2013504- Jun 2018 | Electrical System | This information bulletin contains instructions for checking the pins/terminals for contacts and nano contacts. | |
| TT001703 Nov 2017 | Electrical System | Tip for Scan tool concerns that may occur duing a test plan | |
| TT 200901 Aug 2017 | Equipment | Update to existing tip for fuel quality checking. | |
| SM 44-2017 EN Jun 2017 | Equipment | This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward. | |
| VHW-17-11 Jun 2017 | Equipment | VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide | |
| Quick Reference Mar 2017 | Electrical System | Quick Reference of vehicle concerns. Includes a list of Software versions and the technical bulletin numbers that referred to the concerns Updated | |
| 1-2017 Update Feb 2017 | Equipment | This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests. | |
| V691601 2010479 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Update model year applicability to include 2017. | |
| TT 00-16-02 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Reminder for dealers to reference the repair manual and replace all necessary fasteners (bolts, nuts) that cannot be re-used | |
| V871622 2019947 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Update to model year applicability. | |
| V011615 2014815 Oct 2016 | Engine | Update to include additional model year applicability. | |
| V871620 2005566 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Update model and model year applicability. | |
| TT 97-12-02 Sep 2016 | Equipment | Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. Update model year applicability. | |
| TT001601 Sep 2016 | Equipment | Contacting the parts helpline | |
| Ref. - Reflash U May 2016 | Electrical System | Quick Reference Update Guide of the vehicles expected upgraded software level. The latest corresponding technical bulletins that address the issues, and concerns that have been had with the vehicles. | |
| Edition173 Feb 2016 | Equipment | Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults | |
| Update 02122016 Feb 2016 | Electrical System | Quick Reference of vehicle concerns. Includes a list of Software versions and the technical bulletin numbers that referred to the concerns Updated | |
| UpdateGuide Feb 2016 | Equipment | Quick reference update guide. | |
| V011602 2014815 Feb 2016 | Fuel System | Technical tips on what to do if improper gasoline has been added to the vehicle. | |
| TB011602 Feb 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Gasoline quality. | |
| Airbag Jan 2016 | Air Bags | Airbag Issues. | |
| Elsa 6-29-15 Jun 2015 | Equipment | This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions. | |
| Elsa 6-22-15 Jun 2015 | Equipment | This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and... | |
| V011503 2014815 Jan 2015 | Fuel System | Discusses the issues associated with using contaiminated gasoline. There are recommendations to use top tier gasoline retailers | |
| Edition115 Dec 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VW Elsa Newsletter | |
| 271402 Dec 2014 | Equipment | Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000 Charger | |
| TT001403 Nov 2014 | Equipment | When 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. | |
| 871409 Sep 2014 | Visibility | Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only) | |
| TT971402 Sep 2014 | Electrical System | The DLC is intended for use with diagnostic scan tools and by emissions testing stations. However, aftermarket devices (i.e., drive data recorders) that connect to the DLC have now become available. | |
| TB171404 Sep 2014 | Engine | Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00 | |
| Quick Reference Aug 2014 | Electrical System | Quick Reference Update Guide: This document informs of the corresponding software/hardware and disc availability to the customer concerns about a vehicle | |
| TT 20-09-06 Aug 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Tech Tips (TDI Engine - N75 Solenoid Valve Diagnosis): This document informs with graphical aid the testing of the N75 Solenoid Valve in the event of a turbocharger fault code such as P0299 or P0234. | |
| Guide Aug 2014 | Equipment | Quick Reference Update Guide | |
| TB171403 Aug 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Oil Consumption Measurement | |
| TT321401 Jul 2014 | Power Train | Incorrect torque converter or flywheel/flexplate installation can result in transmission damage. When installing an engine, flywheel or transmission, please follow the installation procedures outlined in ELSA. | |
| TT501401 Jun 2014 | Wheels | The 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. | |
| 941403 Jun 2014 | Exterior Lighting | Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation | |
| Edition86 May 2014 | Exterior Lighting | VW Elsa Newsletter | |
| TT240801 May 2014 | Fuel System | Fault code P1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then returned to idle. | |
| Reference - Refl Apr 2014 | Electrical System | Quick Reference Update Guide: This document informs of the corresponding software/hardware and disc availability to the customer concerns about a vehicle | |
| 871402 Apr 2014 | Visibility | HVAC, Unpleasant Odor | |
| TB001404 Apr 2014 | Equipment | Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials |
Showing 60 of 105 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Check for a TPMS light and look at each wheel rim.Bent or corroded rims and sensors that will not clear are this vehicle's wheel complaints.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Volkswagen Gti →