2002 Volkswagen GTI recalls and problems

The 2002 Volkswagen GTI has 2 safety recalls and 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
124
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
10 / 0

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

2002 Volkswagen GTI 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.

2002 Volkswagen GTI problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System48
Air Bags23
Wheels22
Power Train10
Visibility8
Engine and Engine Cooling7
Unknown or Other4
Suspension4
Exterior Lighting4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Tires1
Equipment1

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Ignition — 31
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 12
  • Wheels › Rim — 8
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 4
  • Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 4
  • Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs — 4
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 3
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 15,000 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 GTI complaints

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

Unknown or Other · reported Apr 13, 2018
Driving my car for a while, I start noticing the smell of burned rubber from the engine and when is cooling down and I do not know what the problem is.
Air Bags · at 125,000 miles · reported Nov 21, 2014
My wife and I were driving out of parking lot, turning into the main street when suddenly we hear a loud explosion and inside the car was cover in a cloud of smoke and white power. It took us few min to realize what happened since we both had ringing ear for a moment. We finally we were able to come back and think straight again to realize that the front passenger and side-head curtain airbag deployed, we inspected the car to see if we got hit another car, no external damage indication any type of crash.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 140,000 miles · reported Aug 31, 2014
My car at high speeds (50mph - 65mph) the gas pedal "dies" or looses authority and becomes un-responsive. At times as the gas pedal goes dead the car also shuts off at 65 MPH causing a dangerous situation not only for my self but cars around me. I have take my car to my local mechanic but can not figure out the cause of the problem. Multiple parts and sensors have been replaced and inspected with out a solution. This is my only car therefore I continue to drive my car with hopes that an accident does not occur. I have taken the all the steps within my control to solve this problem but have not…
Air Bags · at 123,830 miles · reported May 1, 2012
I was driving my 2002.5 gti down the road at about 40mph when the passenger side curtain and seat air bags went off. The road was straight and smooth other than normal expansion joints. My wife was in the passenger seat and has bruising and minor burns on her arm. Once the bags went off the car shut off but I was able to maneuver it off the road way safely. I have contacted vwoa about the incident and I hope they will satisfactorily resolve the issue.
Electrical System · at 110,000 miles · reported Jan 21, 2011
2002 vw gti vr6 coil pack failure while driving on the highway almost got rearended because car slowed down and bucked. 3rd coil pack to fail on this car. The 2nd time failure damaged my o2 sensors which had to replaced due to car running rich, I believe. Coil packs on vr6's need to be addressed.

Other Volkswagen GTI years

Compare all Volkswagen GTI years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Volkswagen GTI have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Volkswagen GTI: 07V-063 (exterior lighting), 04V-584 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report electrical system problems most often (48 reports), followed by air bags (23). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 15,000 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.