2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

AIR BAGS

16 complaints

Today is 11/05/2025 incident happened yesterday evening 11/04/2025 The driver airbag in the steering wheel auto deployed when I started the car I went to step out from my car while it was warming up and barley turning the steering wheel the airbag exploded with my arm still on the wheel hitting and fracturing my ulna bone n causing a burn that was so instant n hot it burnt through my skin causing more damage to my nerves and tissue im having the car inspecting and is available upon request I took pictures and documented everything immediately there still in no warning lamp on and never has been on displaying it needs to be inspected.. but after it deployed the dash light still remains off so I don’t know if it even deactivated the system like it should’ve done with a airbag deploying this just happened yesterday so nothing has been inspected yet this is my first report it makes safety issues cause it deployed out of nowhere when car was parked I just turned the key over it could’ve deployed when I was driving causing a serious accident or death and it broke my ulna bone that alone is serious more I can’t go back to work pry my bills raise my 5yr old until this fracture heals.. this not only if a serious safety our it’s a serious situation off what do I even do now car showered not warning signs of anything and still don’t even display that it’s srs bag deployed

Nov 06, 2025

Injuries: 1

THE CAR, A 2001 VW GTI 1.8T, WAS BEING DRIVEN AT LOW (RESIDENTIAL STREET -- 25 MPH OR LESS) SPEEDS AND MADE A RIGHT TURN. THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL PROBABLY GRAZED THE CURB, OR POSSIBLY HIT A POTHOLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE CAR LOST POWER, POSSIBLY DUE TO THE ENGINE STALLING (IT'S A MANUAL) THOUGH THAT'S NOT CERTAIN. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED THE CAR AND THEY CONFIRM THERE IS NO DAMAGE OTHER THAN THE (SUBSTANTIAL!) DAMAGE OF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NOBODY IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND TRAFFIC WAS MINIMAL SO NO ONE WAS INJURED. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH A CURB OR POTHOLE HIT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ENOUGH TO CAUSE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. THE CAR HAS VERY LOW MILEAGE, LESS THAN 60,000, AND HAS BEEN WELL-MAINTAINED.

May 25, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH WHEN HE ABRUPTLY TURNED THE WHEEL TO AVOID A CRASH. THE CONTACT DROVER OVER A POTHOLE AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED FOR THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE TO BE A MANUFACTURE RING DEFECT. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

May 12, 2011

2001 VW GTI PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INADVERTANTLY DEPLOYED. SIDE SEAT AIRBAG AND HEADLINER DEPLOYED. DASHBOARD AIRBAG DID NOT. NO ACCIDENT OCCURED. DEPLOYMENT WAS WHEN CAR WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, STRAIGHT ROAD, NO BUMPS, NO TURNS, NO POTHOLES, NO DEBRIS ON ROAD, NO IMPACT WITH ANYTHING. NO IDEA WHY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *TR

Jan 31, 2011

I WAS TRAVELING DOWN A HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH. SUDDENLY WITHOUT IMPACT BOTH THE DRIVERS SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG AND DRIVERS SEAT SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, FOR NO REASON. WHAT MADE IT EVEN MORE SCARY IS THAT IT TURNED OFF MY CAR WHILE COASTING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, ALSO DISORIENTED ME. WAS ABLE TO BARELY TURN THE CAR TO AN OFF RAMP WITH OUT A WRECK RESULTING. NOTHING HAS BEEN REPLACED AT THIS TIME. *JB

Jul 28, 2007

+ 11 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

14 complaints

ON THE MORNING OF 27 APRIL 2007, I STARTED MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 1.8T. THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING VERY ROUGH AND DID NOT SOUND NORMAL. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS COLD. AT THIS POINT IT BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND DROVE DOWN THE ROAD. APPROXIMATELY A MILE OR TWO DOWN THE ROAD I CAME TO A STOP SIGN AND AFTER STOPPING AND THEN PROCEEDING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION MY VEHICLE SEEMED LIKE IT HAD LITTLE OR NO POWER TO THE ENGINE. AT THIS POINT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING SO I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT OFF MY ENGINE. I THEN OPENED MY HOOD AND SMOKE POURED OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AT THIS POINT I CHECKED MY OIL TO SEE IT IT SMELT BURNT WHICH IT DID NOT. I THEN CHECKED MY COOLANT LEVEL AND IT WAS FULL AND WASN'T EVEN WARM. I THEN HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC AND HE DIAGNOSED MY VEHICLE AND TOLD ME THAT 1 OF THE 4 COILS IN MY ENGINE HAD STOPPED WORKING AND HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THAT'S WHAT HAD CAUSED THE SMOKE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. HE ALSO SAID THE ALL FOUR NEED TO BE REPLACED OR THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. AT THIS POINT ALL FOUR COILS WERE REPLACED AND THE OLD ONES WERE GIVEN TO ME TO KEEP AS PROOF THAT THE PARTS WERE DEFECTIVE. *JB

Apr 24, 2007

Fire: 1

ON OCTOBER 4, 2005 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ACTIVATED ON MY 2001 VW GTI, UPON BRINGING IT TO MY REPAIR SHOP - THEY NOTIFIED ME THAT MY IGNITION COIL WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT, THIS REPAIR COST ME NEARLY $1,000. UPON LEARNING THAT THE IGNITION COIL ON 2001 VW'S WAS DEFECTIVE AND READING A PRESS RELEASE FROM VW THAT STATED IN PART ALL 2001 VW CARS INCLUDING GTI'S EQUIPPED WITH 2.8 LITER VR6 WOULD BE REPLACED AT NO COST" AND ALL CUSTOMERS WILL BE NOTIFIED THAT THIS PART DOESN'T MEET OUR HIGH STANDARDS AND WILL BE REPLACED, I CONTACTED VW AND REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR MY REPAIR. THEY NOTIFIED ME THAT, CONTRARY TO THE INFO CONTAINED IN THEIR PRESS RELEASE, MY CAR WASN'T ELIGIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR. IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS THE PART REFERENCED IN SERVICE BULLETIN 0401 AND 0402, 10007016 AND 10007205 ON THIS WEBSITE. IT APPEARS THAT VW ISN'T LIVING UP TO THEIR COMMITMENT, THEY NEITHER NOTIFIED ME INITIALLY OR AGREED TO REIMBURSEMENT OR OTHER REMEDY WHEN I CONTACTED THEM TODAY.*JB

Oct 05, 2005

IGNITION SWITCH HAS FAILED THREE TIMES. FAILURE OF IGNITION SWITCH PREVENTS NORMAL FUNCTIONING OF MANY ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. THIS PROBLEM IS A FIRE HAZARD. OVERHEATING OF THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY MELTS PLASTIC HOUSING AND DAMAGES INSULATION AND CONDUCTOR OF WIRES CONNECTED TO THE SWITCH. PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS WHEN DRIVING LIGHTS (I.E. HEADLAMP SWITCH PULLED OUT) ARE ON. NO PROBLEM OCCURS WITH DRIVING LIGHTS OFF. PROBLEM MAY BE CAUSED BY INADEQUATE SWITCH DESIGN. DEALER SOLUTION WAS TO REPLACE ENTIRE DASH WIRING HARNESS, WHICH WAS UNACCEPTABLE DUE TO COST. OWNER REPAIRED DAMAGED WIRE WITH VOLKSWAGEN REPAIR KIT AND REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH, AND NO LONGER USES DRIVING LIGHTS. PHOTOS OF FAILED SWITCH AVAILABLE.

Jun 14, 2005

Fire: 1

FIVE OF THE 6 ENGINE CYLINDERS WERE MISFIRING SO THE VEHICLE FAILED THE STATE EMISSION TEST. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE IGNITION COILS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEY DIDN'T INDICATE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE COILS. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THERE A RECALL ON THIS PART ON THIS MODEL BUT THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER DID NOT FALL WITHIN THE RECALL.(NOT FOUND IN ARTEMIS). *JB

Oct 19, 2004

IGNITION COIL FAILED ON MY 2001 VW GTI VR6. THIS FAILURE ALSO TRIGGED OXYGEN SENSOR, COOLANT SENSOR, MAF SENSOR AND ECU TO FAIL. AS MENTIONED ABOVE ENGINE MISFIRES, A FLASHING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, REDUCED POWER AND BUCKING ARE ALL SYMPTOMS OF A FAILED IGNITION COIL.*AK

Sep 07, 2004

+ 9 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY

9 complaints

TWO MONTHS AGO MY PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW BROKE - IT WAS THE REGULATOR (COST ME $400 +), THAT GOT FIXED AND TWO WEEKS AGO MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW BROKE, I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO GET FIXED UNTIL I CHECKED ON RECALLS BUT I DID NOT LOCATE ANY. I AM SURE IT IS THE REGULATOR AND WILL PROBABLE COST ANOTHER $400. HAVE ANY OTHERS SUBMITTED THIS ISSUE. *JB

Oct 21, 2005

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE'S HEATER CORE FAILED. AS A RESULT VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO STALLING, THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE STARTED LOOSING POWER. THERE'S A RECALL FOR THE HEATER CORE 92V05000 BUT VIN # IS OUTSIDE THE REMEDY SCOPE, BECAUSE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF HEATER CORE WAS USED, PER THE MANUFACTURER. *PH

Dec 04, 2003

WHILE DRIVING 2001 VOLKSWANGEN GTI RIGHT SIDE PASSENGER WINDOW SUDDENLY DROPPED INTO INSIDE DOOR PANEL WITHOUT NOTICE. THIS ALMOST CAUSED LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.*AK

Nov 09, 2003

WHILE DRIVING 2001 VOLKSWANGEN GTI RIGHT SIDE PASSENGER'S WINDOW DROPPED INTO INSIDE DOOR PANEL WITHOUT NOTICE. THIS ALMOST CAUSED LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.*AK

Nov 08, 2003

WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING ELECTRIC TWO FRONT WINDOWS WILL FALL INTO WINDOW SEAL, AND WILL BE HARD TO GET BACK UP. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

Aug 29, 2002

+ 4 more complaints for this component

SEATS

4 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATED FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED THROUGH THE PASSENGERS JACKET. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NO LONGER UTILIZING THE HEATED SEAT FUNCTION AND THE FAILURE HAD NOT RECURRED SINCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000. REMAILED 05/12/11*LJ

Dec 28, 2010

Fire: 1

IN MY 2001 GTI GLX VR6 THE DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEAT, HEATS UP SO MUCH THAT IT BURNS MY LEGS, ACTUAL RED BURN MARKS! EVEN IF TURNED DOWN TO THE LOWEST SETTING THE SEAT WILL BURN ME. I KNOW IN MY FRIENDS 2002 JETTA THEY HAD THEIR HEATER IN THE SEAT REPLACED BY VW FOR THE SAME ISSUE FREE OF CHARGE. I HAVE BEEN TO VW AND THEY SAY IT'S NOT COVERED. I WANT TO USE THE HEATED SEAT BUT NEVER TRUST IT TO NOT BURN ME. *TR

Mar 10, 2010

Injuries: 1

THE HEATED LEATHER SEATS IN MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI VR6 "OVERHEAT" AND BURNT THE SEAT MATERIAL. I OFTEN TURNED OFF THE HEATERS AS I FELT THEY WERE GETTING TOO HOT. THE HEATERS RUINED THE SEAT MATERIAL WHICH I HAD TO REPLACE. *TR

Dec 26, 2007

DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT BURNED A HOLE THROUGH SEAT COVER AND MY PANTS, WAS ABLE TO TURN THE SWITCH OFF WITHOUT CRASHING. VOLKSWAGEN SAYS I CAN PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR AS THE ITEM IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY APPARENTLY AS MY CAR IS A 2001, NEWER MODELS WITH SAME SEATS ARE COVERED. I WILL BE LOOKING AT REPAIRING IT MYSELF IF NOT COVERED. *JB

Dec 06, 2005

Injuries: 1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 complaints

2001 VW GTI BOUGHT USED. AT 79,000 MILES HAD 80K SERVICE DONE AT DEALERSHIP WHICH INCLUDED CHECKING TIMING BELT. AT 82,000 TIMING BELT BROKE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO ENGINE. NEEDED TO REPLACE ENGINE COST ME $5300 IN WHICH VW WOULD NOT PAY FOR AS WARRANTY ONLY COVERS ORIGINAL OWNER. VW CLAIMS BELT IS SUPPOSED TO LAST 105,000 MILES. AFTER RESEARCHING ON INTERNET, NUMEROUS CLAIMS FOR ALL 1.8T ENGINES REGARDING THE TIMING BELT GOING WELL BEFORE 105,000. *TR

May 14, 2008

MY INTAKE MANIFOLD CHANGE OVER VALVE ARE RATTLING. ALTHOUGH I HAVE A 10 YR "DRIVE TRAIN" WARRANTY VW TOLD ME THAT THE MANIFOLD IS COVERED IN THE WARRANTY BUT THE "INSIDE COMPONENTS" ARE NOT. EVEN WORSE THE VW MECHANIC SAID THAT "THIS IS COMMON WITH THE VR6 ENGINES." THIS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN. *NM

Nov 03, 2005

I HAVE A 2001 VW GOLF GTI. IT IS LEAKING OIL FROM THE ENGINE'S BLOCK HEAD GASKET. BEING THAT IT IS UNDER A 100K MILES WARRANTY I TOOK IT IN TO THE VW DEALER TO HAVE IT FIXED. I WAS ALARMED THAT THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE LEAK WAS A "SMALL AND NORMAL LEAKAGE, JUST SIPPING." THE PERSON AT THE COUNTER TOLD ME I HAD NOTHING TO WORRY BECAUSE I WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND "WOULD GET A NEW ENGINE IF ANYTHING HAPPENED TO THE ONE I HAVE NOW." CAN YOU PLEASE HAVE VW EXPLAINED TO ME HOW IS THAT AN ENGINE BLOCK THAT LEAKS OIL IS "NORMAL". IN THE END, I LEFT B/C THEY WOULD NOT SERVICE THE CAR SINSE IT WAS "SIPPING" OIL, THUS ACCEPTABLE ACCORDING TO THE DEALER.

Jun 23, 2005

THE COIL PACKS ON THE ENGINE HAVE FAILED ON ME TWICE. WAS GOING 65 DOWN A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN MY ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED TO LESS THEN HALF AND BECOMING REAL ROUGH AND REAL JERKY. VW NEEDS TO REALIZE THAT THIS IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL. IMAGINE ACCIDENTALLY PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND HAVING MORE THAN ONE COIL PACK FAIL AND NOT BEING ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY. I WOULD HATE TO SEE THAT HAPPEN TO EVEN ONE FAMILY. DT

Dec 05, 2002

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 complaints

I EXPERIENCED A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE WHICH RESULTED IN MY CAR NOT MEETING SAFETY STANDARDS. *NM

Jul 07, 2006

REPLACED, AGAIN, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT BULB. I JUST REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE THREE WEEKS AGO, AGAIN. THIS IS GETTING TO BE TOO EXPENSIVE AS THE BULBS COST $14 EACH. NOT TO MENTION THAT I MAY GET STOPPED BY THE POLICE AND CITED FOR NOT HAVING A WORKING LIGHT. THERE MUST BE SOMETHING DEFECTIVE WITH THE HEADLIGHT UNIT BECAUSE I HAVE CHANGED THE BULB TOO MANY TIMES. *JB

Jan 11, 2006

PREMATURE BRAKE SWITCH FAILURE: AFTER 41K MILES THE BRAKE SWITCH STARTED TO FAIL AND BURNED OUT MY BRAKE LIGHTS. A COLLEGUE SAW THAT I WAS DRIVING WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS AND WARNED ME. VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER SERVICE HAD NO RECALL IN THE COMPUTER EVEN I KNOW THAT THE BEETLE HAS ONE GOING ON AND IS USING THE SAME PART. NO INJURIES, NO CRASHES BUT I FEEL THAT DRIVING WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS ENDANGERED ME. *AK

Jun 23, 2004

MY BLINKER LIGHTS DON'T WORK PROPERLY. WHEN I PUT THE TURN SIGNAL THEY WILL BLINK A FEW TIME AND THEN GO OFF. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL VW DEALER AND A MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT I REPLACE ALL FOUR TURN SIGNAL LIGHTBULB. I DID AND STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK PLEASE HAVE VW LOOK INTO THIS AS GENERAL MOTORS JUST HAD A RECALL FOR A FAULTY TURN SIGNAL RELATED ISSUES.

Sep 08, 2003

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

3 complaints

ABS AND ASR SYSTEMS HAVE FAILED - EACH HAS ITS OWN DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT, WHICH IS ON. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSIS: FAULTY ABS CONTROLLER/PUMP MODULE, $1,025 TO REPAIR. VW HAS AN ABS RECALL, #02V031000, WHICH COVERS 2000-2002 NEW BEETLE, GOLF/GTI, JETTA. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED. *TR

Mar 13, 2008

I'M THE OWNER OF A GOLF GTI 2 DOORS FROM 2001, WITH 49000 MILES, BOUGHT IN 2004 AT THE VW DEALER IN GREENVILLE. I'VE BEEN ABOUT 15 TIMES TO THE DEALER FOR DIFFERENT PROBLEMS THAT WERE ALL MINOR. AND 10 MONTHS AGO, I LEFT THE CAR AT THE GARAGE FOR 3 DAYS ASKING THEM TO MAKE A FULL REVISION OF THAT CAR BECAUSE I WAS UPSET BY ALL THESE PROBLEMS. YESTERDAY, I WAS DRIVING WHEN SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT ANY PREVIOUS SIGNS, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY HARD, I LOST BRAKING, THE ASR (TRACTION CONTROL) SIGNAL WENT ON, AND I COULDN'T STOP THE CAR. HOPEFULLY FOR ME, I WAS ONLY AT 40 MPH, I PUT THE GEAR SHIFT IN NEUTRAL (BECAUSE THE CAR WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE), AND I PULLED THE HAND BRAKE. I WAS ABLE TO STOP ON A PARKING ON THE SIDE WITHOUT HITTING ANYBODY OR ANY CAR. I WAS VERY LUCKY NOT TO HAVE PANICKED. IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND I WROTE TO VW USA TO EXPLAIN MY MAJOR CONCERN. *JB

Jun 22, 2006

THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS WERE REPLACED DUE TO EXCESSIVE/ABNORMAL WEAR WITH JUST 36972 MILES ON MY 2001 VW GTI.*AK

Feb 27, 2004

POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

WHEN I PASSED 24000 MILES, AFTER HAVING DRIVEN MY CAR EXTREMELY CAREFULLY (2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI GLS 1.8T), THE CLUTCH BEGAN TO SLIP TO THE POINT WHERE THE CAR WAS UNDRIVEABLE, AND I HAD TO BUY A REPLACEMENT CLUTCH AS WELL AS THE INSTALLATION WHICH COST AROUND $700. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH SEVERAL OTHER VW OWNERS (SAME MODEL) AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THINK THAT VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR THIS DEFECTIVE COMPONENT. *NM

Oct 24, 2005

I WANT TO REPORT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT REGARDING THE CLUTCH ON MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI GLX. THE CAR HAS ONLY 34,000 MILES ON IT AND THE CLUTCH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ALREADY. I HAVE DRIVEN A STANDARD TRANSMISSION FOR NEARLY 9 YEARS. VW SAYS THE CLUTCH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED EARLY DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR. TYPICALLY CLUTCHES LAST AROUND 100,000 MILES. MY PREVIOUS VEHICLE HAD 110,000 MILES ON THE SAME CLUTCH. SO I DON'T BELIEVE WEAR AND TEAR IS THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE IS COVERED UNDER A BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, SINCE VW IS CLASSIFYING THE FAULT AS WEAR AND TEAR, THEY ARE HOLDING ME RESPONSIBLE FOR THE $2000 REPAIR. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS IS FAIR. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU AS WELL. THIS COULD BE A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD IF IT IS NOT CAUGHT EARLY AND THE BREAKDOWN OCCURS WHILE IN MOTION. ONE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ACCELERATE OUT OF DANGER IF NECESSARY AND WOULD EXPOSE HIM OR HERSELF TO UNNECESSARY RISKS OF BEING BROKEN DOWN IN RUSH HOUR.*AK

Mar 08, 2005

THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE. I DROVE MY 2001 VW GTI INTO WORK ON WED SEPTEMBER 8, 2004 WITHOUTH ANY PROBLEMS. IN THE AFTERNOON WHEN I WAS GOING OUT TO GET LUNCH (ABOUT NOON) I TRIED TO DRIVE THE CAR AND I COULDN'T PUT THE CAR IN GEAR. IF I TRIED TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE THE GEARS WOULD GRIND AND SCREECH AND IF I TRIED TO PUT IT IN ANY OTHER GEAR (1-5) I WAS NOT ABLE TO. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE VW DEALERSHIP AND AM NOW FACED WITH A $1,900 BILL TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH. THE CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND HAS ONLY 30,000 MILES ON IT AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPLACE A CLUTH NOW.*AK

Sep 10, 2004

TIRES

2 complaints

HAVE POTENZA G 019 GRID TIRES MADE BY BRIDGESTONE,,,AS THEY WEAR THEY KEEP GETTING LOUDER AN LOUDER,,,I HAVE DONE EVERY THING BY HERE TIRE BOOK,,,AND STILL THEY ARE LOUD,,,READ SOME OF THE REVIEWS ON TIRE RACK.COM ITS CRAZY. *TR

Jun 19, 2010

CAR ACCIDENT POSSIBLY CREATED/CAUSED BY FULL/COMPLETE INNER SIDE WALL SEPARATION OF TIRE FROM ITSELF. *TR

Mar 29, 2008

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

SINCE CAR WAS BOUGHT IN 2001 MIL LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON IN RAINING CONDITIONS. VW SAID IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND REPLACED IN AT NO CHARGE IN MARCH OF 2003. SINCE REPLACEMENT LIGHT STILL COMES ON, AND IS NOW PERMANENTLY ON. WHEN CAR IS WET YOU CAN SEE SPARKS COMING FROM THE IGNITION COIL. THERE ARE NOTICEABLE CRACKS IN THE COIL HOUSING. *******EPA REFERENCE INFORMATION(IHTTP://WWW.EPA.GOV/OTAQ/CERT/RECALL/420B04018.PDF) *******EPA STATES THE FOLLOWING: CYLINDER IGNITION COIL FAILURE. CAUSING THE ENGINE TO MISFIRE AND ILLUMINATE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL). TWO SEPARATE FAILURE MODES MAY EXIST WITHIN THE DEFECTIVE IGNITION COILS TESTED, (1)COIL HOUSING DAMAGE CAUSED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS AT THE APPLICABLE VW OR AUDI FACTORY, (2)COIL DESIGN SHORTCOMINGS BY THE SUPPLIER. *****************NOTE: THE 2002 GOLF GTI VR6 (ENGINE CLASS 2VWXV02.8224) AND THE 2001 EURO VAN VR6 (ENGINE CLASS 1VWXV02.8225)USE THE SAME IGNITION COILS AS MY CAR, THE 2001 GOLF GTI VR6 (ENGINE CLASS 1VWXV02.8224). PLEASE HELP TO INCLUDE MY CALL THE 2001 GOLF GTI (VR6). MY CAR IS NOW AND HAS BEEN GOING THROUGH ALL KINDS OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES, EXCESS FUEL CONSUMPTION, EMISSIONS FAULTS, LOSS OF POWER ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING, EXCESS OIL COMSUMPTION ETC. *NM

Apr 14, 2006

MY BLINKERS STOPPED WORKING IN AUGUST 2002. DEALER REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. JANUARY 2003 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR OFF WARRANTY; TURBO CUT OFF VALVE REPLACED AND COOLANT TEMP SENSOR. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON A COUPLE WEEKS LATER. TOOK GTI TO DEALER AGAIN. DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP RELAY. NOW, 3 DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. *NLM

Apr 07, 2003

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

THE COIL PACK FAILS, I HAVE REPLACED IT TWICE AND NO MATTER WHAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON IN NO TIME AT ALL AND IT'S COIL PACK FAILURE, WHICH ALSO TRIGGERS OTHER SENSORS LIKE THE COOLANT SENSOR WHICH I HAVE REPLACED AS WELL. I THINK THE LONGEST TIME MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS OFF WAS 3 WEEKS! THIS CAR COSTS A FORTUNE TO FIX AND IT'S NEVER FIXED. *TR

Mar 10, 2010

AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

I HAVE A 2001 VW GTI AND MY SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS WRONGFULLY DEPLOYED. I RECEIVED MINOR DAMAGE TO MY REAR RIM FROM A STREET CURB THAT CAUSED MY AIRBAGS TO WRONGFULLY DEPLOY. I WAS NOT IN A COLLISION, NOR IN SERIOUS DANGER, ALTHOUGH WHEN MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED I WAS FRIGHTENED AND VEERED TO MY LEFT LANE. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS IN THAT LANE, BUT I COULD HAVE RECEIVED MAJOR INJURIES. *TR

Jul 28, 2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

I BOUGHT A PAIR OF AFTERMARKET HEADLIGHTS FROM A MEMBER ON EBAY FOR MY 2001 VW GTI. I BOUGHT THESE HEADLIGHTS FROM A SELLER . I HAVE RECENTLY DISCOVERED THAT THESE HEADLIGHTS ARE DEFECTIVE AND FOGLIGHT (WHICH IS INCORPORATED INTO THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING) IS TURNED ON IT WILL CAUSE THE INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT TO MELT BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I DO BELIEVE THESE ARE UNSAFE AND COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO AN ELECTRICAL FIRE; HOWEVER, AFTER SEVERAL EMAILS. HE HAS NOT RESPONDED TO ME. I'VE GONE AND DONE MY RESEARCH AND OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME KIND OF PROBLEMS WITH THESE LIGHTS. THEY ARE MANUFACTURED BY DEPO FOR FK AUTOMOTIVE, AND I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF THIS SELLER IS AND AUTHORIZED DEALER OF THESE HEADLIGHTS. I JUST DON'T KNOW WHERE ELSE I CAN GO. PLEASE HELP ME OUT. *TR

Dec 09, 2008

SUSPENSION,TIRES

1 complaint

REVISED/UPDATE: ORIGINAL COMPLAINT 10222650 3-29-08. AS PER TIRE FORENSICS SPECIALIST RIGHT REAR TIRE HAS 2 NAIL PUNCTURES LIKELY PICKED UP ON THE FREEWAY, UNFORESEEN. HE SAID THAT DUE TO PUNCTURES,SLOW TO FAST PRESSURE CHANGES, THE TIRE HEATED UP, INNER SIDEWALL DE-VULCANIZED. SO MY TIRE FLATTENED, CAR LOST CONTROL, FISHTAILED ACROSS FWY, I COLLIDED WITH BIG RIG AND EVENTUALLY CAME TO STOP ON SHOULDER. DO TIRE MANUFACTURES TEST FOR THESE POSSIBILITIES FOR TIRES THEY MARKET? IF NOT, WHY NOT? IT IS ALMOST INEVITABLE FOR ANY NUMBER OF CAR TIRES TO PICK UP UNFORESEEN OBJECTS THAT COULD PUNCTURE THEM. IS THIS A DESIGN FLAW OR EQUIPMENT MATERIAL ISSUE IN AS MUCH AS THE INNER SIDE WALL AND OUTER SIDE WALL OF THIS PARTICULAR MODEL OF TIRES IS VERY DIFFERENT IN THEIR COMPONENT STRUCTURE?? PLEASE RESPOND. *TR

Apr 13, 2008

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

ENGINE MISFIRES ON DAMP MORNINGS CREATING SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND INTERMITTENT STALL CONDITION. MIL LIGHT MAY FLASH BUT DOESN'T REMAIN LIT AFTER EPISODE. DIAGNOSED AS SECOND COIL FAILURE IN JUST 2 YEARS TOTALING OVER $1,200 IN REPAIRS. THIS IS THE VR6 ENGINE WITH A SINGLE COIL UNIT - THE "GOOD" COIL NOT SUBJECT TO VOLKSWAGEN'S SECRET WARRANTY AS OFFERED ON COILS OF OTHER 2001 MODELS AND ON THE 2002 MODEL OF THE VR6. IT WOULD SEEM THE SECRET WARRANTY MAY HAVE BEEN ARBITRARILY LIMITED IN SCOPE. *JB

Feb 02, 2006

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

1 complaint

DT: THE ENGINE WILL BUCK OR STALL AND THEN COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THIS HAPPENED AT ALL SPEEDS AND EVEN AT AN IDLE. HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES. THE DEALER CANNOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSTICALLY TESTED. ALSO, FUEL INJECTION WA SCLEANED. AT ANOTHER TRIP TO THE DEALER, AND THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER, AND DID ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC TEST. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME REASON AWAITING REPAIRS. CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AN AREA REPRESENTATIVE CAME TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, NO INFORMATION ON HIS FINDINGS. *AK

Aug 16, 2005

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

1 complaint

CERTIFIED PRE OWNED VW GOLF GLX VR6 2001, BOUGHT SEPT 2002 WITH 12K MILES. BEEN IN SERVICE AT LEAST 12 TIMES FOR STALLING, RELAY, CLICKING IN DASHBOARD, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. 3 YEARS STILL NOT FIXED, AND VW NOT ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AS IT TENDS TO STALL (NOT TO A COMPLETE STOP) BUT ENGINE HESITATES WHILE DRIVING

Jul 07, 2005

AIR BAGS,TIRES

1 complaint

DT: WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR LEFT TIRE WENT FLAT. THERE WAS A NAIL IN THE TIRE, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE FLAT TIRE. ALSO THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO COLLISION AND THE VEHICLE DIDN'T SWERVE. CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURY, SHE HAS A BURN ON HER UPPER ARM. VEHICLE WAS A VOLKSWAGEN, GTI, 2001. SHE WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING; SHE WOULD HAVE TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE MANUFACTURER. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE DONE UNDERNEATH OF THE VEHICLE.*AK

Jul 01, 2005

Injuries: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

VEHICLE IS IN SHOP FOR REPLACEMENT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, BOTH STILL UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY ARE EMISSION CONTROL. THE CULPRIT FOR THE FAILURE SEEMS TO BE THE COIL PACK HAS FAILED. THE COIL IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AS THE CAR NOW HAS 43,000 MILES AND IS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY, COST IS ABOUT $800. THE COIL PACK FAILED AND WAS REPLACED AT 19,000 MILES UNDER WARRANTY. WAS TOLD BY DEALER TO EXPECT TO REPLACE THE COIL ABOUT EVERY 2 YEARS. IN ADDITION HAD THE DRIVERS WINDOW CLIPS FAIL TWICE AND THE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR, HORN SHORTED 3 SEPERATE TIMES, THE DEALER FINALLY REPLACED THE RELAY THE 3RD TIME IT CAME IN AND THAT CORRECTED IT.

Jun 29, 2005

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

I BOUGHT A VOLKSWAGEN GTI 1.8T IN 2001. IT HAD NUMEROUS FAILURES ON ME. IGNITION COIL FAILURE, WINDOW COLLAPSED SUDENTLY, SHIFT IS STUCK IN PARKING, CATALYST CONVERTER FAILURE, REAR BRAKE PADS WORNED OUT VERY FAST WHILE THE FRONT PAD WAS LIKE NEW. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN VOLKSWAGEN. THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS HORRIBLE. ALLLTHEIR RESPONSES WERE THIS IS NOT UNDER THE WARRANTY, IT'S NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ETC. *AK

Aug 20, 2004

EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

A MOAN CAME FROM THE FLOOR BEHIND THE PEDALS AND A SMALL VIBRATION. *AK

Apr 20, 2002

STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

STEERING IS HAVING PROBLEMS. WHEN TRYING TO CHANGE GEARS ON A TURN, VEHICLE LOCKS UP. HAD NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND IT RAN OFF THE ROAD. CONTACTED DEALER.*AK CONSUMER ALSO STATES THAT VEHICLE PULLS SHARPLY. *TT

Jan 17, 2002

Injuries: 1

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT STAYED ON. VEHICLE BEEN INTO DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK THE FOG LIGHT BURN OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. ALSO, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE DEFECTIVE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON REPEATDLY AND FUSE PANEL REPLACED. FUEL PUMP RELAY REPLACED . *YH

Feb 22, 2001

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4.5/5.0

24 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI have?

The 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI currently has 74 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI?

The most common problems reported for the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN GTI comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.