2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Problems and Repair Histories
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTIs for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems and repair histories that follow it.
Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Reliability through March 31, 2013
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2001 | Volkswagen Golf / GTI | 30 Golf / GTIs, 8.1 months of data per Golf / GTI, average 144100 miles Note high average odometer for the TDI. Score for the diesel especially seems too low to be accurate. Possible that owners are living with problems instead of fixing them.84 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
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see reported repairs see lemon odds |
| 2001 | Volkswagen Golf diesel | 13 Golf diesels, 9.7 months of data per Golf diesel, average 192700 miles Small sample size. Join or 13 Golf diesels, 9.7 months of data per Golf diesel, average 192700 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
see reported repairs see lemon odds |
Non-members can see only ten 2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
Engine not specified
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2011 | 104780 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 105400 | 2500 | Check engine |
| Jan | 2012 | 105400 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 100000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2007 | 103000 | 0 | Oil leak slowly. Didn't fix. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 77000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2011 | 79700 | 800 | o2 sensors |
| Jul | 2012 | 85000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 109000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 110000 | 0 | CEL came on reporting faulty Catalytic converter. Dealer quoting $880 to diagnose and fix the problem. Can't afford to pay $880 and planned to get OEM from alternate vendor and have it fixed at local shop. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 150hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 80600 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 81220 | 0 | Engine seem to work on 2 cylinder intermittently. So we can feel a lost of power when accelerating. |
| Sep | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Oklahoma, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 148000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 155300 | 80 | Replaced glow plugs. |
| Mar | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2007 | 241180 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2007 | 243040 | 700 | Front strut mount and strut bearings (not unexpected at this milage) Front rotors were worn unevenly - not unexpected at this mileage (used car) Right front bearing needed replacement; not unexpected at this mileage (used car just purchased) A couple of glow plugs (Diesel engine) were burned out. Replaced with used ones on hand. |
| Feb | 2008 | 247380 | 210 | Suspension bushings - front and rear needed replacing on account of age and wear. |
| Jun | 2008 | 260400 | 190 | Driver's window fell into the door. A well-known problem with the plastic clips installed at the factory. There's a recall but the car is too old to qualify. |
| Aug | 2008 | 263500 | 230 | Camshaft oil seal leaking. Replaced during routine timing belt change (this is not always done or needed). As well, the timing belt tensioner was discovered to be in precarious health, possibly due to previous mechanic's error in installation. |
| Oct | 2008 | 265360 | 700 | Alternator bearing has been getting worse for the past 38000 km (ever since I bought the car) |
| Nov | 2008 | 270320 | 100 | Driver's side driveshaft disintegrated. Either a manufacturing defect or prior damage from rust. |
| Apr | 2010 | 297600 | 85 | One of the radiator fans (passenger side) was dead. |
| Jun | 2010 | 298220 | 55 | Air Mass Flow sensor was dead (possibly due to water ingestion) |
| Nov | 2010 | 304420 | 120 | Left Rear wheel bearing wore out. May have also caused damage to ABS sensor which needed to be replaced as well. I replaced the brake rotors and pads as long as I was in there already. |
| Apr | 2011 | 311860 | 30 | Serpentine belt idler came apart - known weakness with this model, and I keep a spare on hand. |
| Mar | 2013 | 331080 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 179000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 200000 | 110 | Check engine light on because of a glow plug failure. Glow plug harness broke when I removed it to test the plugs, so I changed it and put 4 new glow plugs at the same time. |
| Dec | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Louisiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 21000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2008 | 21000 | 105 | Electrical problem that is slowly draining battery, and causing intermitten starting problems. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 82000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2010 | 87000 | 2000 | Car died, fuel delivery problem, towed car to shop -- replaced glow plug harness front end strut assemblies door lock actuators both sides, sensor for unlocking doors leak through sunroof from drain holes plugging Car died, fuel delivery problem, towed car to shop -- replaced MAF sensor |
| Aug | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 4-speed automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Alabama, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2012 | 151000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2012 | 159000 | 1100 | A/C compressor broke down |
| Mar | 2013 | 160000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 150hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 90000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 102000 | 45 | Air bag light was on. Cleaning connector under driver's seat seems to have repaired. replaced secondary air hose replaced cam chain tensioner and valve gaskets replaced air breather hose on valve cover replaced starter motor replaced mass air flow meter replaced thermostat replaced control arm bushings |
| Feb | 2010 | 104000 | 0 | Replaced all 4 ignition coils, after one went bad. There's not an official recall yet for the Golfs, but it was still fixed by VW. |
| Sep | 2011 | 122000 | 0 | Took car in for a 120,000 mile service, plus timing belt/water pump. The shop came back with a list of repairs that with the service will add up to about $3000 - question now is do we repair the car or sell? |
| Nov | 2011 | 123000 | 1500 | 120K service, which includes timing belt, water pump, plugs, filters. brake pads and front rotors installed. tie arm replaced. new valve cover gasket. slow coolant leak fixed. |
| Apr | 2012 | 126700 | 450 | #14 fuse kept blowing, the one that controls power locks, windows, interior lights, etc. First they replaced the dome light, but that didn't do it. Turned out to be the wires from the hatch to the trunk had deteriorated and were shorting. |
| Mar | 2013 | 138000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2010 | 91000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 93000 | 634 | Replaced leaking head gasget, leaking o-rings and damaged coolant flange. Got a $400 discount from my mechanic on repairs 'cause I was poor -- real cost of repair should have been almost $1000. Replaced damaged coolant flange. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 150hp 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Colorado, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 74000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 76000 | 350 | Had to replace worn-out windshield nozzles -- because they are heated, they are an expensive replacement item. Windshield washer line to the rear windshield has a leak -- decided not to repair because it would require tearing out the entire interior to get at the line. |
| Feb | 2010 | 77500 | 700 | Timing belt, serpentine belt and water pump replaced. |
| Jul | 2010 | 82000 | 0 | Cracked cooling hose flange caused coolant leak. |
| Mar | 2012 | 94000 | 130 | Sway bar bushings replaced. |
| Mar | 2013 | 109000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr 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 |
| Feb | 2007 | 82000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2009 | 103000 | 1100 | Water Pump and Timing Belt replaced as scheduled by maintenance manual Oil leak discovered, added sleeve to oil drain plug, still leaking after returned home Thermostat replaced for indication of varying temperature indications |
| Jun | 2010 | 108000 | 225 | AC wasn't coming on, wire melted through was replaced |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2012 | 188000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2012 | 191300 | 0 | Water intrusion into floor of car. Checked drains and seals for leak. Clean and dry carpeting. |
| Jun | 2012 | 194000 | 200 | ABS system triggered each time brakes applied. No code shown. |
| Mar | 2013 | 206000 | 600 | Replaced suspension. |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Sweden | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 85560 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 99820 | 1000 | Rust and corrosion on brake line (rear right side). The whole brake line was replaced. |
| Mar | 2013 | 100440 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2012 | 104780 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2013 | 105400 | 300 | Window winder stopped working. Mechanism replaced. |
| Mar | 2013 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4-door
turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel manual 2WD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2008 | 94000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2009 | 98000 | 0 | Fuel pump replaced, extended warranty. |
| May | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4-door
4-cylinder diesel automatic 2WD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 4000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2009 | 100000 | 1000 | Worn Control arms ready to fail. Discovered during required State of NJ vehicle inspection. Soot removed from Air control device. Mass flow sensor? Code on computer indicated problem. common with diesels. Also needed to clean out exhaust manifold of soot as well. Stripped drain plug on aluminum oil pan leaking. Pan replaced. |
| Sep | 2009 | 105000 | 0 | Leaky sun roof - drain tubes closed up in door jam causing leakage in car. Fixed myself. |
| Dec | 2009 | 109000 | 5 | Have changed back bulbs several times. |
| Jan | 2010 | 110000 | 3000 | Transmission. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4-door
4-cylinder manual 2WD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2009 | 37000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 37000 | 0 | Window clips fell off window in pax side, resulting in the window sliding down partially into the door frame and unable to stay up |
| Apr | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 150000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2009 | 153000 | 0 | New ac compressor and drier needed. $1,200 estimate to repair. Decided not to repair yet. |
| Jun | 2010 | 170000 | 700 | AC compressor diagnosed as bad. replaced AC and drier. |
| Oct | 2010 | 174300 | 2050 | bad fuel injection pump. replaced fuel injection pump. |
| Jun | 2011 | 175000 | 250 | very poor acceleration, turbo not functioning. hissing sound when trying to accelerate. leaking turbo exhaust hose. replaced hose. |
| Apr | 2013 | 186000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Saskatchewan, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 220720 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 221960 | 800 | put in shocks. rotors repaired rear wiper had quit trunk latch |
| Dec | 2012 | 254200 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 150hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2010 | 70000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 71000 | 255 | Bad MAF sensor. |
| Feb | 2011 | 71000 | 250 | Electric windows and dome light inoperative. Replaced fuse, then sold vehicle. Many problems when sold, including bad right rear brake caliper, transmission shift forks, odd noises from the turbo, interior had fallen apart in many places, a leaky and balky sunroof. |
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 150hp 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2007 | 49000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2007 | 50000 | 3800 | complete failure of automatic transmission, requiring replacement. though under the milage limit for VW warranty, VW declined coverage due to age of car. |
| Jun | 2010 | 95000 | 1100 | Replaced timing belt and water pump. Also replaced damaged breather hose. |
| Oct | 2012 | 114000 | 84 | engine dies at idle. rough running. |
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
174-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in West Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2013 | 101000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2013 | 101000 | 3000 | Repaired Timing Chains, was a completely miserable thing to try to go |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 77000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2008 | 78000 | 580 | Alternator was replaced. |
| Sep | 2011 | 115000 | 600 | Replacement of upper and lower timing chain guides, along with upper and lower timing chains. Clutch, flywheel, pressure plate and rear main seal. |
| Jul | 2012 | 122300 | 250 | Replaced alternator. |
| Mar | 2013 | 123000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 124000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2011 | 126000 | 401 | Window regulator issue. Manufacturer extended waranty to 7 years. After 10 years it went out. parts and labor are expensive. It cost me $401.00. |
| Oct | 2012 | 143000 | 1473 | problem: engine light came on. repair: 1. replaced water pump, hose, coolant adative 2. replaced 02 sensor 3. replaced thermostat |
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 83000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2008 | 85000 | 0 | Engine light went on. Catalytic converter went bad. Was covered under special extended warranty. |
| Sep | 2008 | 85000 | 0 | The check engine light was on again in the car (which is why I got rid of it). |
2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2-door
turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD
| Volkswagen in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2006 | 66000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2006 | 68000 | 0 | CD Player failed (again) - had to be sent to Germany for repair (again). License plate lights. Driver side door lock. |
| Dec | 2006 | 69000 | 0 | CD player replaced Driver's side door lock fixed License plate light they couldn't figure out. |
| Jan | 2008 | 83000 | 1000 | Air bag light on (this has been a problem for 7 years now) Light covers had yellowed and required replacement. Car fills up with water when it rains. The problem is due to faulty water draining lines from the sunroof and would be too expensive to fix even though the problem existed when the car was brand new. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
Expert 2001 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Repair Advice
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