2002 Volkswagen Golf recalls and problems

The 2002 Volkswagen Golf has 3 safety recalls and 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

2 / 0

Injuries / deaths

10 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Volkswagen Golf vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Volkswagen Golf recalls

Recall 07V-063: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 20, 2007 · 1,002,000 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

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.

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.

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.

Recall 04V-584: Exterior Lighting

Reported Dec 16, 2004 · 410,000 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

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.

Risk: This may result in intermittent or inoperative turn signal and hazard flasher function.

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.

Recall 02V-031: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jan 31, 2002 · 55,000 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Problem: On some passenger vehicles, short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (Abs).

Risk: This can result in a fire.

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.

2002 Volkswagen Golf problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	25
Electrical System	15
Engine and Engine Cooling	13
Exterior Lighting	12
Visibility	7
Power Train	4
Steering	3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	3
Structure	3
Seat Belts	3
Fuel System, Gasoline	2
Tires	2

Most reported parts

Air Bags › Side/Window — 16
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 8
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 6
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 3
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 3
Electrical System › Ignition — 2
Steering › Column — 2
Tires › Sidewall — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 59,940 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Volkswagen Golf complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Tires · reported Aug 25, 2026

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, summer weather in Albuquerque, NM. The problem has not yet been confirmed by the service center, but we will be taking the damaged tire there because it is still under warranty. Tire size: 195 / 65 R 15

Structure · reported Jun 17, 2025

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.

Air Bags · at 225,000 miles · reported Jun 23, 2017

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_belts_air_bags/air_bags-side_window.shtml

Engine · at 53,000 miles · reported Jul 23, 2013

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. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 53,000.

Electrical System · at 150,000 miles · reported Mar 14, 2011

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 in the voluntary recall. The failure mileage and current mileages were 150,000.

Other Volkswagen Golf years

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2006 2005 2004 200320022001 2000

Compare all Volkswagen Golf years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Volkswagen Golf: 07V-063 (exterior lighting), 04V-584 (exterior lighting), 02V-031 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Volkswagen Golf?

Owners report air bags problems most often (25 reports), followed by electrical system (15). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 59,940 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.