Tl*the contact owns a 1996 volkswagen golf. The contact was driving approximately between 65 and 70 MPH in rainy weather conditions with the windshield wipers engaged when suddenly, the windshield wipers stopped working and smoke began emitting from the steering column. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The engine was turned off. Within a few minutes, the smoke subsided and the contact was able to continue driving normally. The vehicle was repaired by replacing the ignition and the windshield wiper switch. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
The worst 1996 Volkswagen Golf problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Locks2
- Electrical1
- Visibility1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Locks2
- Electrical1
- Visibility1
Recalls 1
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The bolts securing the front hood latch can loosen over time. The latch would move causing disengagement of the hood striker from the latch.
- Risk
- Unexpected opening of the hood could occur obstructing the driver's view of the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the hood latch and securing bolts and replace them if necessary.
Recall number 98V160000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 1996 Volkswagen Golf
Defect investigations
Hood latch failure
Odi has received three reports, including the petitioners, regarding alleged hood latch failures.all of the odi reports indicate the hood flew up while driving.following a telephone inquiry, volkswagen provided odi with some limited information regarding six additional reports of hood fly-up for model years 1995 and 1996.this investigation was opened to further study this issue.defect description:it is possible that on some of the affected vehicles the bolts securing the front hood latch may lose their specified fastening torque over time.should this happen, the latch could move out of its design position and cause disengagement of the hood striker from the latch.in some vehicles the latch may not have been properly aligned during production.repeated opening and closing of the hood with an improperly aligned latch could result in damage to the latch.either condition could result in unexpected opening of the hood and could obstruct a portion of the driver's view of the road while driving, and result in an accident.remedy: volkswagen of america, inc. Will initiate a voluntary safety recall instructing its authorized dealers to check the hood latch and securing bolts and replace them if necessary.
PE98037
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Volkswagen Golf 38
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
- The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the...
- Vas 6154
- This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound...
- Update model year applicability to include 2017.
- Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models
- Airbag Issues.
- This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates,...
1996 Volkswagen Golf fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4‑cyl Diesel | FWD | 34 | 44 | 38 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19-20 | 26-28 | 22-23 |
What 1996 Volkswagen Golf owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Dt*: the contact stated that recall # 98v160000, which refers to the hood latch, applied to the vehicle. However, the service dealer refused to perform the recall. After speaking with the service manager, the contact called the manufacturer, who referred the contact back to the service dealer.
While driving 55 MPH the vehicle's hood flew up without warning. As a result the windshield glass was shattered. Please provide additional information.
Compare the 1996 Volkswagen Golf
Other model years
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Questions about the 1996 Volkswagen Golf
Is the 1996 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1996 Volkswagen Golf, fewer than a typical Golf model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Volkswagen Golf?
Doors, latches and locks, with 2 complaints. Next is electrical (1).
How many recalls does the 1996 Volkswagen Golf have?
1 recall, covering latches/locks/linkages.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Volkswagen Golf locks?
Yes, 1 recall: 98V160000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 1996 Volkswagen Golf get?
Official estimates for the 1996 Volkswagen Golf range from 22 to 38 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl diesel, FWD) gets 34 city and 44 highway.
VIN decoder
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