Recalls: Volkswagen Mk.3 Golf Cabriolet
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the number of recalls should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Volkswagen Mk.3 Golf Cabriolet
Volkswagen Mk.3 Golf Cabriolet: wheel may come loose
In May 1999, a recall was issued for Volkswagen Mk.3 Golf Cabriolet models fitted with alloy wheels, namely 15 X 6 Amaroo five-spoke alloys and 15 X 6 and 14 X 6 Monza wire-mesh alloys. For these vehicles, the wheel bolts and the alloy wheel may not be compatible in the wheel bolt seat area. As a result, the wheel bolt may not seat correctly and the wheel may come loose as tension diminishes (PRA 1999/3952).
2002 Volkswagen Mk.3 Golf Cabriolet: Takata airbag recall
In May 2019, recall campaign 69X3 was issued for Volkswagen Mk.3 Golf Cabriolets that were manufactured between May 2002 and October 2002. These vehicles had Takata driver’s airbags and propellant wafers inside these airbags could absorb moisture over time. In the event of airbag deployment, excessive pressure in the airbag inflator housing could cause it to rupture and metal fragments could be projected through the airbag cushion and into the vehicle’s cabin. These metal fragments posed a risk of serious injury and fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17367.
Problems and faults: Volkswagen Mk.3 Golf Cabriolet
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Problems and faults: Volkswagen Mk.3 Golf Cabriolet
- For Volkswagen Mk.3 Golf Cabriolets with automatic transmissions, the transmission may shift late, may not upshift, or may downshift unnecessarily due to a faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor.
- The ‘low coolant level’ light may illuminate due to 1) a faulty coolant sensor, or 2) improper antifreeze mixture.
- The door locks may freeze in cold weather; new locks with drain holes were subsequently released.
- If the vehicle does not start or stalls on an intermittent basis and no trouble codes are stored, the #3 relay may be faulty.
- For pre-April 1997 models, the final drive ring-and-pinion gears may be damaged by a chipped reverse gear.
