2002 Volkswagen Gti: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Volkswagen Gti: 2 recalls, 124 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #04V584000 · 2004 · 410,000 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: This May result in intermittent or inoperative turn signal and hazard flasher function.
The 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.
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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (42): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (11), warning light on (3).
- Airbags (23): the most common themes are deploys unexpectedly / inflator (6).
- Wheels (22): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (19).
- Transmission & drivetrain (10): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2002 Volkswagen Gti has 124 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 36 Gti model years for complaints (3.2× the average Gti year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (63 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 15,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (74 complaints, 2 recalls), 2003 (53 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Premium |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Premium |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Premium |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | 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 2002 Volkswagen Gti.
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.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Volkswagen Gti have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Volkswagen Gti. 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 2002 Volkswagen Gti problems?
Owners have filed 124 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (42), airbags (23), wheels (22).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Volkswagen Gti get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Volkswagen Gti 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.