2002 Volkswagen Golf problems, complaints & recalls

2026-08-25 · Tires:sidewall

“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. conditions were clear, dry, summ…”

2025-06-17 · Structure:body

“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.…”

2017-06-23 · Air Bags · 225,000 mi

“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: http://www.carcomplaints.com/volkswagen/golf/2002/seat_b…”

2013-07-23 · Engine · 53,000 mi

“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 charger seals were not leaking. …”

2011-03-14 · Electrical System · 150,000 mi

“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 that the vehicle was not included …”

2010-08-09 · Air Bags:side/Window · 160,000 mi

“on saturday aug 7th i was driving my 2002 vw golf on the highway when the passenger side airbag deployed. the road was smooth with no bumps or potholes, nothing hit the car, it was totally spontaneous. luckily there were no passengers in the car. i have contacted my local vw service shop and will take the car in so they can identify the cause of…”

2009-07-16 · Air Bags:side/Window · 280,000 mi

“passenger side curtain airbag deployed while traveling down the highway. no collision, consequences ringing in ears. volkswagen made repair at no cost to me $3212.00. *tr…”

2009-05-18 · Seat Belts

“air bag light came on. when taken in for fix it was found to be a faulty switch in the driver side seat belt buckle. it was just recently replaced and so far no further problems. *tr…”

2009-05-04 · Visibility · 77,000 mi

“while driving my wife was driving our 2002 vw golf the driver side window dropped. turns out all over the internet there are complaints of the tabs holding the windows breaking. in fact when i was at the dealer i fellow overheard me and said he had the exact same problem on his 2001 vw gti. vw had a tsb and extended the warranty by a few years…”

2009-01-28 · Air Bags · 70,000 mi

“tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen golf. while driving 70 mph on the freeway, the passenger side air bag spontaneously deployed. there were no injuries, but the contact was concerned about the sudden explosion. he stated that the deployment occurred while he was using his cellular phone. the vehicle has not been taken to the dealer and the m…”