No problems until may 2002. Car stalled, ran rough, felt like it was getting no gas, then would surge, then stall. Vw in charleston, sc, has had car dozen plus times, and never found problem. Mechanic checked fuel system, electrical system, codes presented, went through technical manuals. Also many electrical parts, I.e., distributor, fuel pump, mass air flow sensor, ecg, etc., were replaced. Car has been totally unreliable since that point. You never know when it's going to die out. Happened to us on I-95; 18-wheeler had to swerve to prevent accident. Car now sitting in driveway. From what I can find on the internet, many people have had this same problem.
The worst 1997 Volkswagen GTI problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical4
- Fuel system4
- Tires2
- Body1
- Wheels1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical4
- Fuel system4
- Tires2
- Body1
- Wheels1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Volkswagen GTI 37
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
- 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.
- Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
- Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses
- Update to existing tip for fuel quality checking.
1997 Volkswagen GTI 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 23 | 19 |
What 1997 Volkswagen GTI owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Side moldings came out repeatedly. The warranty was only 2 year. One came out within two year and initially covered by the warranty but when it came out again they said it was not covered anymore.
While traveling about 55mph on the highway rear passenger tire tread separated from the wheel. Dealer is aware of the problem.
While traveling about 55mph on the highway without prior warning right rear tire tread separated from the wheel causing a rip and tear underneath the vehicle's gas tank.
While driving the electrical system failed without warning. The dealer was notified.
Ice formed in the gas filler cap 3 times and caused the check engine light to come on. Each time it costs 70 dollars to have the dealer turn it off.
It is impossible to operate the ignition in a panic situation because of all the interlocks. The access to the switch is also blocked by the air bag. This stupid arangement almost caused me an accident when the engine quit in the middle of an intersection.
Vehicle had previous electrical problems, this drivetrain has had known fuel system problems
Vehicle's air intake box has filled with water 3 times within 1 year, causing the vehicle to stall or the check engine light to come on.
While driving vehicle around a corner front wheel hit hit curb at 10 MPH, causing severe damage to wheel and vehicle. Owner questions the safety of vehicle.
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Questions about the 1997 Volkswagen GTI
Is the 1997 Volkswagen GTI reliable?
Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 1997 Volkswagen GTI, fewer than a typical GTI model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Volkswagen GTI?
Electrical system, with 4 complaints. Next is fuel system (4).
How many recalls does the 1997 Volkswagen GTI have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Volkswagen GTI have the most electrical problems?
The Volkswagen GTI model years with the most electrical complaints are 2002 (42 complaints), 2009 (31 complaints) and 2001 (21 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Volkswagen GTI get?
Official estimates for the 1997 Volkswagen GTI range from 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.8L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 23 highway.
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