1995 Volkswagen Golf problems
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada (Mk1 and Mk5), and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico (Mk1).
The original Golf Mk1 was a front-engined, front-wheel drive replacement for the air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Volkswagen Beetle. Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model and is among the world's top three best-selling models, with more than 35 million units sold as of 2019.
Initially, most Golfs were 3-door hatchbacks. Other variants include a 5-door hatchback, estate (Variant, from 1993), convertible (Cabriolet and Cabrio, 1979–2002, Cabriolet, 2011–present), and a Golf-based saloon, called the Jetta, Vento (from 1992) or Bora (from 1999). The Golf covers economy to high-performance market segments.
The Golf has won awards, including the World Car of the Year in 2009, with the Mk6 and in 2013 with the Mk7. Along with the Renault Clio and the Vauxhall Astra, the Golf is one of only three cars to have won European Car of the Year twice, in 1992 and 2013. The Golf has made the annual Car and Driver 10Best list multiple times. The Mk7 won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 2015, and the Mk1 GTI also won the award in 1985. The Mk4 won for the best-selling car in Europe in 2001.
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Common 1995 Volkswagen Golf problems
The Volkswagen Golf, produced in 1995, is known for its reliability and popularity. However, several common problems have been reported by owners of this vehicle.
- Timing Chain Cover Defective and Leaking Oil: This issue has been reported for the 2015 Golf model, with an average cost of $5,000 to fix and an average mileage of 16,000 miles when problems occur.
- High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure: This problem has been reported for the 2010 Golf model, with an average cost of $9,500 to fix and an average mileage of 40,000 miles when problems occur.
- Panoramic Sunroof Leaks: This issue has been reported for the 2016 Golf model, with an average cost of $5,000 to fix and an average mileage of 17,000 miles when problems occur.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission problems in Volkswagen Golf can manifest in various ways, such as responsiveness issues, unusual noises, fluid levels, and blower motor problems. These issues can lead to costly repairs if not addressed promptly.
- VW Golf MK6 Handbrake Problem: This issue is related to the handbrake lines being cut or the mechanical arm of the brake being broken, which can cause problems with the handbrake system.
- VW Golf DS Gearbox Issues: This problem is related to the DSG control unit, which is a common failure for VW Golfs with the DQ200 Direct Shift Gearbox made between 2003 and 2016. The symptoms include a complete loss of drive and the EPC light remaining illuminated.
- MK5 GTI Water Pump Problems: This issue is related to the water pump and timing belt frequently failing simultaneously, which can cause engine problems.
While these problems have been reported for various models of the Volkswagen Golf, it is essential to note that the 1995 model may have different issues due to its age and the specific model year. It is always recommended to perform regular maintenance and inspections to ensure the longevity and reliability of any vehicle.
Are old VW Golfs reliable?
The Volkswagen Golf is generally a reliable car. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, petrol models came 18th out of 29 cars in the family car category, while diesel ones actually ranked higher – 14th. Petrol models received a reliability rating of 90.4%, while diesel ones 92.5%.
How long will a VW Golf engine last?
Most Volkswagen vehicles will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, although well-kept models can last even longer than that. All VWs are remarkably reliable vehicles. When it comes to longevity, the Golf, Passat, Jetta, and Beetle are known to be particularly long-lasting.
How many miles is a VW Golf good for?
How many miles does a Volkswagen Golf last? The VW Golf is a strong and trustworthy car that is well known for its grit and determination, so it's unsurprising to find out that they can do up to 200,000 miles before the engine begins to reach its upper limit.
Is Volkswagen Golf high maintenance?
According to RepairPal, Volkswagen maintenance costs are only slightly more expensive than average. Volkswagen maintenance and repairs cost about $676 per year while the industry average is $652.
Are old VW Golfs reliable?
The Volkswagen Golf is generally a reliable car. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, petrol models came 18th out of 29 cars in the family car category, while diesel ones actually ranked higher – 14th. Petrol models received a reliability rating of 90.4%, while diesel ones 92.5%.
Is Volkswagen Golf high maintenance?
According to RepairPal, Volkswagen maintenance costs are only slightly more expensive than average. Volkswagen maintenance and repairs cost about $676 per year while the industry average is $652.
How long will a VW Golf engine last?
Most Volkswagen vehicles will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, although well-kept models can last even longer than that. All VWs are remarkably reliable vehicles. When it comes to longevity, the Golf, Passat, Jetta, and Beetle are known to be particularly long-lasting.
Is VW Golf a good car to buy?
Yes, it's the Volkswagen Golf, the 'hear hooves, think horses' of family hatchbacks. It's an industry benchmark. A vanguard in the battle against the overdone, overblown and ostentatious. An easy (and possibly lazy) recommendation given by all car people to non-car people when they simply need 'a car'.
1995 Volkswagen Golf car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Golf problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Equipment problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Air bags problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1995 Volkswagen Golf vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1995 Volkswagen Golf
The NHTSA has received 72 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1995 Volkswagen Golf. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1995 Volkswagen Golf vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-02-22
- VIN: 3VWFB81H2SM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE SPEEDOMETER WORKS FINE IN THE MORNING, BUT AFTER WORK (APPROX 5 PM) IT EITHER DOES NOT WORK OR ONLY WORKS FOR A FEW MINUTES/MILES. SOMETIMES TAPPING ON THE FRONT OF THE GAUGE HELPS IT RESUME REGISTERING THE SPEED, SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT HELP. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS OF VW GOLF/CABRIO/JETTA OF SIMILAR MODEL YEAR AS MINE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-09
- VIN: 3VWFC81H8SM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IT IS SUSPECTED THE WHOLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS FAULTY. BRAKE LIGHTS WILL CONSTANTLY BLOW, CAR WON'T START, DASHBOARD LIGHTS STAY OFF, SUNROOF WILL NOT WORK.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-13
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING WITH WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON, THEY COULD QUIT WORKING. HEADLIGHTS COULD BE ON, THEN TURN OFF.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-06
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TRYING TO KEEP DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CLOSED AT ALL TIME, BUT COULD NEVER KEEP IT CLOSED BECAUSE OF THE DOOR CHANNEL. THIS PROBLEM HAD BEEN THERE SINCE THE BEGINING.*AK
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFC81H4SM
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: WIRING UNDER THE HOOD IS TERRIBLE- SUNROOF LATCH BROKE AFTER 2YEARS- BATTERY LEAKS 3 TIMES CAUSING DAMAGES TO THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR TWICE, MASTER CYLINDER LEAKS SO OFTEN. PLASTIC PARTS THAT THE MFG ARE USING ARE BAD QUALITY THEREFORE CAUSING CONSTANT BREAKDOWS .. AK..
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-15
- VIN: 3VWFC81H4SM
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: A/C COMPRESSOR AND CONDENSER FAILED-VALVE DID NOT OPEN PROPERLY- NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE UNIT INSTEAD OF VALVE ONLY. COMMON PROBLEM WITH VW. NHTSA SHOULD HAVE THIS UNIT RECALLED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-07
- VIN: 3VWFC81H4SM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY LEAKS - DESTROY THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWFC81H4SM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-15
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND WOULD NOT SHIFT. CONTROLLER WAS NOT TRANSMITTING TO TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT. TRANSMISSION WAS BEING REPLACED. EFFECT OF A BAD TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ALLOW CONSUMER TO PACE WITH FLOWING TRAFFIC. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-15
- VIN: 3VWHE81H7SM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: UNABLE TO REPAIR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (SPEEDOMETER) DUE TO PARTS SHORTAGE FROM VOLKSWAGEN. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-01
- VIN: 3VWLC81H9SM
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE REAR SEAT BELTS HAVE BECOME TANGLED 4 TIMES ON EACH SIDE. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY BROKE, CAUSING THE DOOR TO STAY OPEN AND NOT LATCH. DEALER SAID THAT VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW DOOR LATCH ASSEMBY. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-01
- VIN: 3VWFA81H1SM
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BEFORE RECEIVING A MFR. RECALL NOTICE ON HOOD LATCH; VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR ACCIDENT( BENT HOOD ). LATER ON WHILE DRIVING THE ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROX. 55 MPH THE HOOD POP OPEN, AND CRACKS THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. NOTIFED DEALER OF RECALL AND INFORMED CONSUMER THEY REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL BECAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-10
- VIN: 3VWBCH15SM1
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: RECALL 98V160000/VW HOOD LATCH; BEFORE RECALL RECEIVED VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HOOD LATCH FAILURE WHILE DRIVING A T APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MP.; HOOD UNLATCHED AND HIT TOP OF ROOF AND CRACKED FRONT WINDSHIELD. AFTER RECEIVING RECALL NOTICE, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT LATCH WAS TEMPERED WITH AND BENT. DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR HOOD LATCH. ASKING NHTSA TO HELP IN THIS MATTER OR PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3VWFC81H1SM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND COLLIDED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWJB81H2SM
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR SEAT BELT WON'T RETRACT AFTER BEING PULLED OUT. YH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWJB81H2SM
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR SEAT BELT WON'T RETRACT AFTER BEING PULLED OUT. YH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-24
- VIN: 3VWFC81H3SM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TAIL LIGHT FAILED.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-07
- VIN: 3VWFC81H3SM
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DOOR LOCK FAILED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-07
- VIN: 3VWFC81H3SM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: REAR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-07
- VIN: 3VWFC81H3SM
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-07
- VIN: 3VWFC81H3SM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ECU AND COIL WIRE FAILED CAUSING ENGINE STALLING.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-27
- VIN: 3VWFC81H3SM
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: HOOD LOCK RECALL WORK CAN NOT BE DONE DUE TO LACK OF PARTS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-14
- VIN: 3VWFC81H3SM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE BELTS AND VALVE COVER FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-11
- VIN: 3VWFC81H3SM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED CAUSING NOISE.
1995 Volkswagen Golf recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1995 Volkswagen Golf.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE LINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE CORNER OF THE FUEL TANK. THE LINE COULD BE DAMAGED BY CHAFING AGAINST THE FUEL TANK.
- Consequence: REPEATED CHAFING COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A LEAKING BRAKE LINE CAUSING DIMINISHED BRAKING IN ONE BRAKE CIRCUIT INCREASING THE VEHICLE'S STOPPING DISTANCE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LINE AND REPLACE ANY DAMAGED LINES.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BOLTS SECURING THE FRONT HOOD LATCH CAN LOOSEN OVER TIME. THE LATCH WOULD MOVE CAUSING DISENGAGEMENT OF THE HOOD STRIKER FROM THE LATCH.
- Consequence: UNEXPECTED OPENING OF THE HOOD COULD OCCUR OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HOOD LATCH AND SECURING BOLTS AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
- Summary: IMPROPER MATERIAL WAS USED IN MANUFACTURING THE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR SHAFT CAUSING THE SHAFT TO WEAR AND BECOME NOISY.
- Consequence: A WORN AND NOISY FAN MOTOR SHAFT CAN SEIZE RENDERINGTHE FAN MOTOR INOPERATIVE, EVENTUALLY CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND STALL. A STALLED VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC CAN INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE COMPLETE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY ON VEHICLE HAVING THE POTENTIAL SHAFT MATERIAL PROBLEM. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FAN BLADE INCLUDING A NEW LOCK NUT ON VEHICLE WITH LOOSE FAN BLADE LOCK NUTS.
- Manufacturer: ROSTRA PRECISION CONTROLS
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLES, A TIE WRAP IS USED TO GUIDE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SOME TIE WRAPS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH A LARGE LOOP OPENING IMPROPERLY GUIDING THE CABLE WHICH COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO ITS FULL IDLE POSITION.
- Consequence: THE ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THEPOTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE COLLISION.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CRUISE CONTROL TIE WRAP AND INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED GUIDE.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT
- Summary: THE JACKS SUPPLIED WITH THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MACHINED SPINDLE, SO THAT A SHARP RIDGE ON THE EDGE OF SPINDLE'S THREAD WOULD HAVE REMAINED.
- Consequence: THIS RIDGE CAN DAMAGE THE INSIDE THREAD OF THE JACK'S SCISSOR SHOE WHEN THE JACK IS USED TO LIFT THE VEHICLE. THE JACK COULD COLLAPSE WITH THE POSSIBILITY THAT A PERSON STANDING CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE COULD BE INJURED.
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A NEW JACK.
Negative 1995 Volkswagen Golf car reviews
Positive 1995 Volkswagen Golf car reviews
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I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed your Golf 3! It sounds like the power to weight ratio is just perfect with a manual transmission. Additionally, it's great to know that the car is easy to work on. If you stick to a regular maintenance schedule, I'm sure the engine will continue to perform well for you.
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VW is fun to drive, but it can be expensive to maintain due to high repair and maintenance costs.
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I absolutely adore this little car, and it will be so hard to say goodbye. Even after owning it for almost eleven years, it's still an absolute joy to drive! I know that Consumer Reports doesn't have the best things to say about VWs and their reliability, but I must have lucked out with a great one. It's only left me stranded once - and that was when the starter gave out right in my own driveway. Other than that, it's been a fantastic companion and I still receive compliments on its stunning appearance to this day. Mechanics love working on it too, as everything is exactly where it should be!
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I've owned this car for four and a half years and I can honestly say that it has not let me down. The interior is spacious and can comfortably seat four adult males. As an average-sized guy (5'9'', 165 lbs.), I can sit in the car on a long ride with no issues. If you're looking for more creature comforts, I'd suggest the GLS or GLX models as the City doesn't have too many options. The 8V motor provides plenty of power in second and third gear, and its gas mileage is great. As long as you keep up with routine maintenance, the cost to keep it running top-notch is virtually zero! I replaced the head gasket at 108,000 miles and added some other mods, and it's been great.
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Fun to drive and reliable!
Other years of Volkswagen Golf
Are you having problems with your 1995 Volkswagen Golf?
Martin Kshlerin 2024-10-20
I'm so glad you're interested in my car! I bought it when it had 23K on the odometer and have had to do some repairs on the emission system and coolant leak, but other than that, just regular maintenance and minor fixes. It's a fun car to drive, although not the most powerful. Surprisingly, it's still running on the original Bosch battery! The only downside is that the seats don't have any lumbar support.
Vaughn Toy 2024-09-25
This car has been really reliable, with only a few minor issues that are to be expected from a car with over 100K miles on it. I had to replace the oil seals and oxygen sensor wire, but other than that, it's been smooth sailing. Unfortunately, the driver's seat mount bracket broke and caused it to lean to one side, which was tough on my back. I had it welded, but it still leans a bit. Despite these issues, the car runs great and gets fairly decent mileage, especially with the mild performance cam installed. It's still a sharp-looking car and gets a lot of attention from the locals. I've already put 134,000 miles on it and I'm confident it will exceed 200K, just like my last Golf (1989) did.
Ryann Witting 2024-07-11
The car's body side moldings fell off twice, the shocks are very bad, the AC system went out, and the engine failed unexpectedly. However, it is important to note that these issues are not representative of the quality of all cars of this make and model.
Columbus Hegmann 2024-06-24
I've had quite a few issues with my Golf that I never expected. Over the course of five years, I've had to replace the exhaust system four times, the distributor twice, the radiator once, the wheel bearings once, the starter once, and the cylinder head coolant flange twice in a month (and now possibly a third time). The front wheels tend to become misaligned very easily, which wears out the tires quickly, and the rear wheels are out of alignment but are apparently not alignable. The tailgate rusted quickly, which caused damage to the rear wiper motor and the plate lights, and the strips on the doors keep falling off. Despite all of this, it's still a fun car to drive!