2002 Volkswagen Golf: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Volkswagen Golf: 3 recalls, 74 owner complaints and up to 38 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #02V031000 · 2002 · 55,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On some passenger vehicles, short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Why it matters: This can result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the ABS control unit. Owner notification began March 8, 2002.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #04V584000 · 2004 · 410,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #07V063000 · 2007 · 1,002,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch May malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
Why it matters: 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…
4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #07E023000 · 2007 · 13,128 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: 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.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Engine & cooling Equipment recall #14E007000 · 2014 · 50 vehicles
What's wrong: These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi a4, 2000-2006 Audi tt, 1998-2005 Volkswagen beetle, 1999-2006 golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt May develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Why it matters: A failure of the timing belt May cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (22): the most common themes are fails to deploy (2).
- Engine & cooling (13): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3), leaks (2).
- Electrical (11): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3), door / lock issues (3), electrical failure (3).
- Exterior lights (11): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), warning light on (2), electrical failure (2).
The 2002 Volkswagen Golf has 74 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 34 Golf model years for complaints (1.8× the average Golf year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (17 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 59,720 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (116 complaints, 5 recalls), 2003 (27 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 44 | 38 | Diesel |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 40 | 33 | Diesel |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Volkswagen Golf, plus 4 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Volkswagen Golf problems?
Owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (22), engine & cooling (13), electrical (11).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Volkswagen Golf get?
EPA ratings run up to 38 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Volkswagen Golf repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.