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2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Problems and Repair Histories

2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys

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2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTIs for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.

For 2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems and repair histories that follow it.

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Non-members can see only ten 2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.

Repair costs are in local units.

2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Oregon, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2010 176000   First odometer entry
Nov 2010 183000 1050 Problems with driver's and right rear door lock: right rear would not lock properly. Driver's door lock could not be turned with the key and often would not lock; caused headlight-on warning not to work, and alarm sometimes failed to arm. 
Sep 2011 194000 500 Yet another door latch problem. Effing VW door latches! 
Jan 2012 196300 200 Water leaking into interior - turned out windshield drains were blocked with debris Car wasn't warming up fully; replaced thermostat. 
Aug 2012 203000 1900 Replaced rear shocks. Previous owner had installed poorly performing aftermarket shocks and they were worn out. Replaced front and rear pads and rotors; leaking rear caliper and rusted rear bracket. Replacement caliper includes correct bracket only for cars assembled AFTER 06/99, so had to ALSO source used part to get the correct bracket for our car. 
Oct 2012 206700 900 Was leaking coolant. Shop replaced metal cooling tube, which had corroded and was leaking. Apparently this is common with VWs, and takes a number of hours to repair because of the location in the engine compartment. 
Mar 2013 211000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Ontario, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2011 151900   First odometer entry
May 2011 155000 0 Original rear muffler hanger broke at muffler. A friend wielded it back on. It looks solid. 
Sep 2011 164300 770 Strut spring was broken. Both front strut springs and control arms were replaced and wheel alignment performed. 
Mar 2012 166160 80 Brake fluid leak at bleeder valve. 
Nov 2012 187700 200 Caliper was sticking and was replaced plus wear items. 
Mar 2013 190960   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Washington, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Aug 2007 126000   First odometer entry
Jan 2008 128000 80 Driver's window came loose from retaining clips. I (owner) was able to reattach it, repair took 3 hours, required no new parts. I had to replace the serpentine belt tensioner on my 2000 VW Golf. The belt was fine (had replaced at normal interval), but the tensioner pulley has worn out. Did it myself in 45 minutes. 
Jun 2008 133000 15 Crankcase vent hose (elbow from valve to intake hose) leaking oil. Replaced with newer (used) vent hose from salvage yard. 
Jul 2010 146000 3 Switch in driver door went bad, car did not know when door was open, which confused the auto-lock system. Replaced one switch, cost $1.50. 
Dec 2010 149000 40 Fuel gelled due to summer fuel left in too late, freezing temps gelled the diesel. Had to be towed home, warm up car in garage over night, change fuel filters, pump out old fuel. 
Feb 2011 151500 20 Fuel was leaking from the thermostatic t on the fuel filter, as it had cracked. New it was 12 dollars plus shipping, fixed the problem entirely. 
Apr 2011 153700 80 Thermostat stuck open, replaced it myself, including new coolant (not cheap on a vw) 
Jan 2012 159000 20 Fuel pump lost prime due to old hard fuel hose leaking air, and fuel pump seals going bad. 
Feb 2012 159000 300 Oil leak at the oil cooler repaired. 
Mar 2012 159000 500 Tie rods wore out. Also found LCA bushings to be shot, alignment done as well. Price included reattaching 3 windows to their clips. LCA bushings shot, replaced Windows came off clips that hold them, due to use when frozen (annual event). Reattached, half hour each, no new parts needed. 
Apr 2012   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 4-speed automatic FWD

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Quebec, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2012 147560   First odometer entry
Feb 2013 148360 0 leak of power steering oil 
Mar 2013 148800   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Saskatchewan, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2012 142600   First odometer entry
Jun 2012 144460 1400 Replaced water pump and timing belt. 
Dec 2012 152520   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch

115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Michigan, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2006 34000   First odometer entry
Mar 2010 54000 149 Crank position sensor replaced, coolant temperature sensor replaced 
Oct 2010 58500 184 Crank Position Sensor failed, coolant temperature sensor failed. The CPS failure disables the spark ignition system and the car doesn't run. Coolant sensor failure throws a CEL and causes the engine to run rich. 
Nov 2010 60000 27 Clamp between the catalytic converter and the rest of the exhaust system failed. Required replacement of the part. 10 minutes to replace. Good to go. 
Mar 2013 75000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch

115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2010 102000   First odometer entry
Feb 2011 113000 600 Needed front brake job. Also repaired broken SRS system wire which made indicator light stay on. 
Jun 2012   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2010 106000   First odometer entry
Jan 2011 116000 350 radiator leak oil check tube had to be replaced. 
Mar 2011 118000 350 Ignition switch replaced. Battery replaced. 
Aug 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Iowa, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2006 71000   First odometer entry
Jul 2008 90000 55 Shift lever spline worn away, loss of shifter action (stuck in 1st gear). New OEM shift lever ordered from dealer and self-installed. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Minnesota, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2007 67000   First odometer entry
Sep 2007 69000 190 Replace worn rear struts 
Oct 2009 85000 650 Replaced all 4 struts; rear replacements were too stiff, found two different struts for rear 
Nov 2009 85000 15 Headlight burned out 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Massachusetts, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2010 164000   First odometer entry
Apr 2010 165000 100 Front control arm bushings were worn out and needed to be replaced. 
Jun 2010 167000 30 Rear bushings worn out 
Sep 2010 171000 25 Climate control fan stopped working. Switch had to be replaced 
Oct 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 150hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Iowa, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2010 74000   First odometer entry
Dec 2010 75000 50 Interior trim around the driver side door (top-side) came un-glued and was sagging badly. Upholstery shop re-attached the trim. 

 

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Florida, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2006 68000   First odometer entry
Nov 2006 69000 200 Check engine light resulted in O2 sensor replacement. Light came back on. Both times the same code was retrieved. Vacuum lines replaced second time. Capital Eurocars in Tallahassee, FL is incompetant. 
Oct 2007 75000 300 Coolant flange at rear of cylinder head leaking. Part was replaced curing leak. 
Feb 2009 89000 1100 Replaced worn front suspension components. 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Massachusetts, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2008 89000   First odometer entry
Jul 2009 101000 150 Replaced CV axle on driver side. 
Sep 2011 117000 100 Front Passenger wheel bearing making excessive noise. Replacement bearings purchased online and replaced at home. 
Feb 2012   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch

174-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Germany
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2009 62000   First odometer entry
May 2009 66960 1400 Air conditioner compressor froze up, which broke the serpentine belt destroying the the water pump and tension pulley because not enough clearance designed in. Dealer replaced the water pump, pulley, belt and tension pulley assembly. Compressor okay. 
Jul 2009 68820 150 O2 sensor. They made the replacement very difficult by designing unnecessary difficulty into replacing these components. (very poor design) 
Nov 2009 71300 236 Replaced AC pump. 
Dec 2009 71920 12 Backup lights quit working the dealer wants $500 to repair, I did the repair using aftermarket switch from radio shack for $12 and 3 hours of my time. Very difficult to access switch assembly (Very poor design). 
Jan 2010 72540 47 Passenger window lift broke (2nd time) dropping window inside door during a rainstorm. Dealer wanted $250, said free replacement program over - thank-you VW. I taped the window up, replaced it myself. I improved the lift so it can not break again. Glove box hinge broke on one side, $250 for dealer fix, I said no and repaired it by using steel pin and 2 hours of my time. Very difficult to work on or replace. Plastic broke on seat belt attachment cover on door pillar $25 for new part, I said not and I glued it back together with a reinforcer. Design used very thin plastic which yells break me (very poor design). 
Dec 2011 89900   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in New Jersey, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2006 123000   First odometer entry
Feb 2011 156000 80 oil leak. replaced oil pressure switch and gasket 
Sep 2011 160000 0 AC and heat not working.  ASR+ABS light on in instrument cluster.  power steering fluid leaking 
Aug 2012 166000 230 leaking power steering fluid. replace high pressure hose 
Mar 2013 167000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in District of Columbia, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2009 72000   First odometer entry
Nov 2009 73000 750 Rusted exhaust system 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Minnesota, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2009 300 Replace failed belt tensioner 
Dec 2011 168000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Indiana, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Aug 2009 75000   First odometer entry
Feb 2010 79000 400 Front window regulator clips. 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Minnesota, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jun 2008 55000   First odometer entry
Dec 2008 62000 330 Thermostat Housing – Slow Coolant leak from front of engine. 
Jul 2009 70000 325 Front Brake Pads (ceramic) & Rotors - After brake warning indicator came on. Power mirror switch – Knob broke off. Purchased part from Ebay and DIY. 
Dec 2009   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Florida, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2010 97000   First odometer entry
Apr 2010 98700 999 Coolant leak, bad water pump, bad auxiliary water pump. Decided to replace entire cooling system rather than cheap out. Jury rigged broken glove box hinge. Took apart interior seeking water leak, but still don't know where it is. I tried to do some wiring to get my airbag light to turn off and that was successful for about 2 weeks. Light's back on again. 
Dec 2010 107000 125 Replaced power steering pump and pulley tensioner. 
Apr 2011 112700 365 Replace coolant temperature sensor Replace driver side cooling fan.  Replace pre and post cat oxygen sensors 
Aug 2011 117000 10 Vacuum hose leak per code PO411 as written up in DIY articles. Replaced rubber tube, cleared code, and car runs great now. 
Dec 2011 119000 14 Rubber hose to reserve coolant tank damaged and leaking profusely. Cut off bad section and reattached. 
May 2012 121500 425 Check engine light PO411. Secondary air filtration system. System seems to work. Possible issue with valve. Changed all vacuum lines. Passed inspection. 
Dec 2012 125000 320 Small coolant leak. Located and decided to leave alone and try k seal until problem is more substantial. 
Mar 2013 125000 275 driver rear caliper leak -> replaced 
Apr 2013 128000 275 leaky rear driver side brake caliper 
May 2013 128000 325 cracked oil pan 

 

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2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Florida, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2011 200000   First odometer entry
Mar 2011 203000 500 front wheels bearings 

 

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2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Hawaii, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2009 81000   First odometer entry
Nov 2009 82000 520 VW has a security cut key for the ignition and the ignition broke and would not engage the engine. First the dealer charged me ($120) to "Diagnose" the problem and then with parts and labor (another $400) I finally got my car back after (7) days. 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2007 120000   First odometer entry
Aug 2007 122000 880 Power steering hose was reported leaking by previous mechanic so it was replaced. 
Sep 2007 126000 880 New power steering hose installed. 
May 2008 137000 1083 Faulty battery as well as cracked coolant housing 
Jun 2008 137000 800 Alternator is considered dead but mechanic could not confirm as he suggested it was a bad battery. Replaced battery and it still doesnt start after engine has been cold. 
Jul 2008   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2-door

6-cylinder manual 2WD

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2008 172000   First odometer entry
Dec 2008 174000 1100 Major Service - had never replaced my brake pads or rotors (I'm the original owner). Given that fronts were at 5.5mm and backs at 6.5mm (wear was even), decided to go ahead and do it. BTW, I still have my original clutch.... 
Mar 2009 177000 1486 Fan controller unit died-burned out primary + auxiliary cooling fans. I noticed the issue approx. 11 wks prior & called the shop. Shop missed issue via phone + during inspection-diagnosis occurred after owner req. SA to drive car prior to payment. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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1999.5 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI

Engine not specified

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Massachusetts, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2010 129000   First odometer entry
Sep 2010 130000 50 Replaced the motor and arms for the windshield wipers. Arms had seized and blown the motor (over the last 2 years) 
Dec 2012 137000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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1999.5 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch

115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Tennessee, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jun 2010 176000   First odometer entry
Aug 2010 178500 300 Front wheel bearings Rebuilt right front axle, repacked grease in left front axle. 
Jun 2011 191000 300 Coil was replaced due to cracks, first start on a wet or moist day didn't like to start.  
Jul 2011 191000 0 When sold, in need of new shocks all four corners valve cover gasket,  and PCV valve. 

 

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1999.5 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch

115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Indiana, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2009 80000   First odometer entry
Oct 2010 86000 725 Replacement of front axles. An exhaust sleeve had fallen off and needed repair. 
May 2011 88700 200 speed sensor on one of the wheel failed and needed replacement. 
Aug 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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1999.5 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Argentina
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2008 55180   First odometer entry
Jun 2008 57040 300 Changed suspension (bumpers) 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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1999.5 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Georgia, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2006 177000   First odometer entry
Apr 2007 183000 140 Vehicle was on the original brake pads and rotors. At 182,000 miles I decided to replace them. The rotors were past serviceable limits but the pads were serviceable. 
Apr 2008 206000 25 Serpentine belt idler pulley broke. Pulley uses a metal bearing with a plastic roller. Roller broke and separated from bearing causing serpentine belt to come off. Idler was replaced with no other problems encountered. 
Dec 2008   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Manitoba, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2012 100440   First odometer entry
Jun 2012 101060 1050 Brakes were worn out; pads and rotors. Tie rods needed to be replaced as well. 

 

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Maine, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2012 180000   First odometer entry
Mar 2012 181000 260 Coolant heater was needed for cold weather starts. Car is a diesel. 
Oct 2012 185300 865 All engine mounts were replaced.  Front strut mounts were also replaced. Front rotors and pads were replaced = maintenance. 
Mar 2013 191000 216 Rusted section of exhaust had to be replaced. 

 

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Expert 2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Repair Advice

Non-members can see only ten 2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.

 

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