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2000 Volkswagen Golf problems

The most common problem on the 2000 Volkswagen Golf is windows, wipers and visibility. It has 3.0 times the complaints of a typical Golf model year.

Typical year3.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
88
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
232
Worst area
Visibility
Fuel economy
22-38mpg
Typical repair
$600

The worst 2000 Volkswagen Golf problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Visibility
    20
  • Airbags
    16
  • Engine
    13
  • Brakes
    12
  • Fuel system
    7
  • Electrical
    5
  • Suspension
    5
  • Transmission
    5
  • Body
    4
  • Lights
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Locks
    2
  • Seats
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2000 Volkswagen Golf

Airbag light 11Power windows 7

Recalls 5

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported February 20, 2007 · 1,002,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 07V063000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported April 19, 2005 · 30,708 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and double-layer fuel tanks, tension on the fuel supply line may cause the fuel pump supply nipple to crack which could result in a leak.
Risk
Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, may cause a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel supply line for tension, and inspect the fuel pump supply nipple for cracking. If necessary the fuel line and the fuel pump will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on july 25, 2005. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑822‑8987.

Recall number 05V154000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switchReported December 16, 2004 · 410,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 04V584000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: owners/service/other manualReported September 12, 2002 · 332,950 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." child seat anchorages installed in the vehicle's rear seats must be identified by markings, and their location and use be described in the owner's manual.
Risk
These vehicles were not marked or described as required by the standard.
Remedy
Owners will be provided with a supplement for the owner's manual and also one set of four guidance fixtures intended to use in conjunction with child seats equipped with rigid or semi-rigid lower anchorage attachments. Also enclosed will be four decals together with installation instructions and a template for attaching the decals to the lower seat backs. Owner notification is expected to begin september 15, 2002. Owners should contact vwoa at 1‑800‑822‑8987.

Recall number 02V244000 · Recall details

Suspension: front: control arm: upper armReported September 20, 2000 · 4,218 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One of two brackets used to bolt the front suspension control arm in front of the vehicle to the body structure may not have been welded sufficiently.
Risk
The control arm could gradually loosen and ultimately separate from its bracket in normal driving which could cause the vehicle to be difficult to control or result in loss of control. As the bracket loosens, loud metallic knocking sounds in from the vehicle will be heard.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the bracket and if the welding is insufficient, will replace the control arm.

Recall number 00V280000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 2000 Volkswagen Golf

Defect investigations

Engine stallingOpened August 11, 2005, closed December 8, 2005

By letter received on june 24, 2005, mr. Ronald m. Strickland of raleigh, nc, submitted a petition requesting that the agency investigate the performance of the ignition coil plugs on model year (my) 2000-2003 volkswagen jetta, golf and passat sedans.the petitioner alleges that he had experienced multiple stalling events as a result of one or more ignition coil plugs malfunctioning on his 2002 vw jetta sedan.as a result of the engine stalling, the petitioner experienced a loss of power steering and increased braking efforts when he pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road to control the vehicle.after a few minutes parked on the shoulder he was able to restart the vehicle although the engine operated at reduced power.vw issued a customer satisfaction campaign (csc) on january 31, 2003 to instruct their dealerships to inspect the vehicles for any malfunctioning ignition coil packs and to replace them at no cost to the consumer.consumers were notified to bring their vehicles to their dealerships via owner letters mailed out on june 6, 2003.while vw initially instructed the dealerships to only replace the malfunctioning ignition coil packs, a revised csc was issued to dealerships in december 2003 and january 2004, instructing dealerships to replace all ignition coil packs regardless of their performance.a reminder to the dealerships was sent by vw on april of 2004.although the concerns of the petitioner could theoretically create a safety problem, the risk is very small, due to the engine still running on either 3, 5, or 7 cylinders.there are no reported crashes or injuries due to the alleged defect.once drivers are aware of the problem (loss of power due to one of the ignition coil packs malfunctioning), drivers are able to take precautionary and compensatory measures and still maintain control of their vehicles.in addition, four fires were reported to odi.these were ignition coil burnouts with no additional damage to the vehicle and were localized on top of the engine. During the last 24 months the number of stall and drivability complaints reported to odi has greatly diminished from a peak of 195 in january of 2003 to only 3 in august of 2005.this coincides with the csc released by vw.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

DP05004

Fuel pump leaksOpened November 29, 2004, closed April 19, 2005

This investigation was opened on november 29, 2004, based on five consumer reports alleging fuel leaking from the fuel pump.by letter of april 14, 2004, volkswagen of america (volkswagen) notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall of 35,000 golf and gti vehicles manufactured in wolfsburg germany for the north american market.the recalled vehicles are in model years 1999 and 2000 and are equipped with gasoline engines.volkswagen has identified a condition in which the fuel supply line from the fuel delivery module (pump) to the fuel filter may come under tension. In this condition the fuel pump supply nipple can crack, resulting in a gasoline leak.volkswagen dealers will inspect for tension on the fuel line and cracks in the fuel pump supply nipple.if tension is found in the line, it will be replaced with a revised line.if the fuel pump supply nipple is cracked, the line and the pump will be replaced.please see safety recall 05v154 for details.

PE04079

Turn signal/hazard flasher failureOpened October 19, 2004, closed December 16, 2004

This investigation was opened on october 19, 2004, based on nine reports on 2000 through 2001 jetta and gti vehicles alleging that the turn signals and or hazard flashers fail to blink, or flash.some of the complainants reported that the lights would blink only a few times and then stop.several of the complainants reported that having the hazard flasher switch replaced repaired their vehicles.by letter of december 13, 2004, volkswagen notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall of 350,000 model year 2000 through 2002 jetta, golf and gti vehicles to repair the turn signal and hazard flasher system.vw reports 216 owner reports, 4 field reports and 4960 warranty claims on this population of vehicles. Volkswagen dealers will install a new hazard flasher switch/relay kit to remedy the defective vehicles.please see safety recall 04v584 for details.

PE04073

Technical service bulletins for the 2000 Volkswagen Golf 232

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 232 bulletins for the 2000 Volkswagen Golf

2000 Volkswagen Golf fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.9L 4‑cyl DieselFWD29-3540-4433-38
1.8L 4‑cylFWD19-2126-2822-24
2.0L 4‑cylFWD19-2126-2822-24

What 2000 Volkswagen Golf owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 25, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · OH

I had just got on the freeway about 5mins. On the car shut down and then there was a back fire then I seen a symbol of a car with a key under it lit in the dashboard, the car would not start back up I had it towed to the house and then the car started but now it has a putter noise I changed the spark plugs the wires and o2 sensors and it still has the puttering noise.

Filed May 29, 2012 · Fuel system · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volkswagen golf. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the fuel system pump needed replacing.the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 05v154000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump). The failure and current mileages were not available.

Filed Jul 29, 2011 · Body · 93,000 miles · FL · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volkswagen golf. The contact stated the material that was used to insulate the vehicle released a toxic odor that caused the contact to have headaches, and a rash. The manufacturer filed complaint 110328029 and advised him to have the dealer diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 93,909 and the current mileage was 94,236.

Filed Nov 21, 2009 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · NY

2000 golf gls. Replaced clutch in march 2008 at 135k miles. Replaced clutch failed in november 2009 after 15k miles on highway! Car towed to nearest vw dealership. Clutch replaced. Vw refused to pay for cost of replacing clutch saying not cover under warranty even though failure only after 15k.

Filed Sep 9, 2009 · Engine · 59,025 miles · OH

2000 vw golf 2.0l engine; driving to work on freeway (65-70mph). Heard "pop" and a hissing noise from front of vehicle. Slowed down and pulled over to shoulder, saw coolant leaking. Engine would not restart. Towed to dealership, found internal engine damage to valves and pistons. Cause was a faulty water pump: vw uses a plastic impeller on the water pumps which frequently break and cause the engine to overheat very quickly. After the damage, a simple google search on vw forums revealed numerous other people had the same problem I had. The end result was that I had to replace the engine, radiator, timing belt, water pump ($6000 repair bill). Sadly, vw put in the same type of water pump with the plastic impeller, so I have little confidence that it will last longer than another 60000 miles. I would have changed it with the timing belt, but vw says the belt is not due to be replaced on this vehicle until 105,000 miles (just outside the 100,000 mile warranty, conveniently!) car had only 60,000 miles on it, vw claims it is not covered under warranty due to age of vehicle.

Filed Jul 23, 2009 · Brakes · 85,000 miles · SC

The ABS pump & module are defective. Supposedly, a short on the circuit board causes this malfunction and now ABS and asr are not functioning. Regular brakes are still working. This system problem seems to be common with vw and is a safety issue.

Filed Mar 11, 2009 · Fuel system · 85,000 miles · NY

Error code p1128. Many of the vw 2.0 engines get it and end up changing many parts. Then after they change the whole intake does the problem go away. Something should be done about this because this isn't poor driving or poor care for a car its poor quality. I should not have to spend 1500 to replace such a thing on a vehicle that's known to last forever.

Filed Oct 16, 2008 · Engine · 79,500 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 volkswagen golf. The contact heard a single knocking sound under the hood when the brake pedal was depressed. The noise became more frequent and the vehicle was taken to a repair shop. She was informed of the federal safety agency campaign id number 00v280000 (suspension:front:control arm:upper arm). The dealer was notified and kept the vehicle for two days. The contact is currently waiting for a call back from the dealer. The failure and current mileages were 79,500.

Filed Sep 4, 2008 · Fuel system · 67,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 volkswagen golf. When the contact places fuel into the fuel tank, gasoline flows back out. The dealer cleaned the overflow fuel hose, but gasoline continues to pour out. The dealer advised her to place less fuel into the tank. The manufacturer stated that the dealer was responsible for correcting the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000 and current mileage was 68,472. Updated 09/29/08. *lj the consumer stated no one was willing to research why the fuel shut failed. Updated 09/29/08.

Filed Aug 6, 2008 · Locks · 90,000 miles · WA

We own a vw golf . We have an 18 month old. When my wife stops driving her car and gets out of the car and closes the driver's door the car will automatically lock about two thirds of the time. This happens whether her keys are in the ignition or not. If her keys are in the ignition and she closes her door or it happens to close with her keys in the ignition and our son in the car this causes a very dangerous situation. Her car is not supposed to automatically lock as it does - it is some kind of an electronic malfunction.

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Questions about the 2000 Volkswagen Golf

Is the 2000 Volkswagen Golf reliable?

Owners have filed 88 complaints about the 2000 Volkswagen Golf, 3.0 times a typical Golf model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Volkswagen Golf?

Windows, wipers and visibility, with 20 complaints. Next is airbags (16).

How many recalls does the 2000 Volkswagen Golf have?

5 recalls, covering exterior lighting, fuel system, gasoline and equipment.

What year does the Volkswagen Golf have the most visibility problems?

The Volkswagen Golf model years with the most visibility complaints are 2000 (20 complaints) and 2001 (13 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2000 Volkswagen Golf get?

Official estimates for the 2000 Volkswagen Golf range from 22 to 38 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl diesel, FWD) gets 29-35 city and 40-44 highway.

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