1999 Volkswagen Golf: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Volkswagen Golf: 4 recalls, 64 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #99V022000 · 1999 · 36,258 vehicles
What's wrong: The sound absorbing mat attached to the inside of the b-pillar side trim panel could have been improperly installed. Surface and edges of the mat could have been damaged during the assembly process. It could ignite when exposed to the exhaust gas of the seat belt pre-tensioner igniter in the event of a severe front or side collision.
Why it matters: This could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will remove the matting materials from inside the b-pillar on both sides of the vehicle.
Equipment Vehicle recall #03V155000 · 2003 · 4,243 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.8l vr6 engines fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." the recommended cold tire inflation pressure published on the label for tires of the size 205/50 r15 86h is 0.1 bar (1.45 psi) too low. It should be 2.5 bar (36.3 psi). The label recommends 2.4 bar (34.8 psi = 35 psi).
Why it matters: Under inflated tires can affect vehicle handling, and driving with substantially under inflated tires puts the consumer at risk for a crash.
The fix: Owners will be provided with corrected labels, or a dealer can install the label if the owner wishes. Owner notification began September 29, 2003.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #05V154000 · 2005 · 30,708 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, May cause a fire.
The fix: 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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #07V063000 · 2007 · 1,002,000 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
The 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…
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Engine & cooling Equipment recall #14E007000 · 2014 · 50 vehicles
What's wrong: These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi a4, 2000-2006 Audi tt, 1998-2005 Volkswagen beetle, 1999-2006 golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt May develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Why it matters: A failure of the timing belt May cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (16): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (5), noise or vibration (2).
- Fuel system (10): the most common themes are leaks (4).
- Electrical (9): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), electrical failure (2).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1999 Volkswagen Golf has 64 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 34 Golf model years for complaints (1.5× the average Golf year). Complaints peaked in 2002 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 71,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (18 complaints, 1 recalls), 2000 (88 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 Volkswagen Golf.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1999 Volkswagen Golf, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1999 Volkswagen Golf problems?
Owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (16), fuel system (10), electrical (9).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Volkswagen Golf get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 Volkswagen Golf repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.