Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2001 Volkswagen Golf recalls
Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch
NHTSA campaign 07V063000 · reported February 20, 2007 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 1,002,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
- The risk
- The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
- The fix
- 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 this population may be involved in either this recall or 06v-183, but not both. The remedy is the same for each recall. Volkswagen dealers will apply the remedy based on the VIN number of the vehicle. Owners may contact vw at 1-800-822-8987.
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights, switch
NHTSA campaign 04V584000 · reported December 16, 2004 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 410,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This may result in intermittent or inoperative turn signal and hazard flasher function.
- The fix
- 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.
Equipment: other, owners/service/other manual
NHTSA campaign 02V244000 · reported September 12, 2002 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC · 332,950 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- These vehicles were not marked or described as required by the standard.
- The fix
- 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 decals together with installation instructions and a template for attaching the decals to the lower seat backs. Owner notification is expected to begin september 15, 2002. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
NHTSA campaign 02V031000 · reported January 31, 2002 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC · 55,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On some passenger vehicles, short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
- The risk
- This can result in a fire.
- The fix
- 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 contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Suspension: front, control arm, upper arm
NHTSA campaign 00V280000 · reported September 20, 2000 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC · 4,218 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the bracket and if the welding is insufficient, will replace the control arm.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Apr 21, 2021 · 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, [phone…
Nov 29, 2020 · Structure · 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…
May 20, 2017 · Steering · 93,000 miles
POWER STEERING FAILURE WHEN STARTING CAR WITH WARNING LIGHT . NOT IN MOTION.
Jun 9, 2015 · Air bags · 319,820 miles
PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG AND PASSENGER SEAT SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AFTER RUNNING OVER A CURB, ~1' HIGH.
Jun 2, 2015 · 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…
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 21, 2021.