Recalls: Volkswagen Mk.4 Golf
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 recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Volkswagen Mk.4 Golf
Volkswagen Mk.4 Golf: wheel may come loose
In May 1999, a recall was issued for Volkswagen Mk.4 Golf 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).
2001-02 model year Volkswagen Mk.4 Golf: ABS Control Unit
In March 2002, a recall was issued for 2001 and 2002 model year Volkswagen Mk.4 Golf vehicles due to potential overheating of components within the ABS Control Unit as a result of an electrical fault (PRA 2002/5237).
2002 Volkswagen Mk.4 Golf: Takata airbag recall
In May 2019, recall campaign 69X3 was issued for Volkswagen Mk.4 Golf vehicles 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.4 Golf
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.4 Golf
- Rattling noises from the door speakers may be due to loose rivets or the wiring harness coming into contact with the speakers; if so, new fasteners are required and the wires may need to be re-routed.
- The clutch pedal may not fully return to its original position due to the return spring becoming dislodged.
- The throttle pedal may vibrate and there may be a rapping noise under the bonnet due to the throttle cable coming into contact with the engine cover.
- For automatic models, a humming noise when cornering may be coming from the differential – draining the transmission fluid and replacing it with a synthetic fluid may alleviate the problem.
