CarRecallDB

2002 Volkswagen Golf recalls and problems

3 recalls and 74 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Volkswagen Golf.

3
recalls
74
owner complaints
2
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

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.

2002 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.

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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 25, 2026 · Tires

The tire sidewall blew out. We were driving at 65 mph on an interstate highway in an urban area and had to change the tire in the triangular space between the highway lanes and an exit - very dangerous. These were sold as 60,000 mile tires, and this tire had 20,200 miles on it. It was maintained at proper pressure…

Jun 17, 2025 · Structure

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.

Jun 23, 2017 · 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…

Jul 23, 2013 · 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…

Mar 14, 2011 · 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…

Golf model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 58831
2001 511642
2002 37420
2003 22607
2004 22831
2005 21910

Across all years, the 2015 Golf has the most complaints (131). All Volkswagen Golf years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Volkswagen Golf, the most recent reported on February 20, 2007 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Volkswagen Golf?
Owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (22 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (13).
How many 2002 Volkswagen Golf complaints mention a crash or fire?
2 of 74 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 10 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 25, 2026.