1996 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 1996 Volkswagen Golf problems
The Volkswagen Golf 1996, also known as the Volkswagen Golf 3, is a compact car produced by the German automaker Volkswagen from 1991 to 1998. This car is known for its reliable engine, but it does have some common issues that owners have reported over the years.
One of the most common problems with the Volkswagen Golf 3 is engine misfires, which can be caused by faulty ignition coil packs. These tend to break in clusters, and it's essential to check them all for damage. Fortunately, ignition coil packs are easy to find on parts lists and very easy to replace.
Another common issue with the Volkswagen Golf 3 is a rattling sound from the engine that disappears after driving for a few miles and then reappears at random intervals. This issue is caused by the camshaft-driven high-pressure fuel pump, which should be replaced every 20k miles even if the rattling sound is not heard.
The Golf 3 is also known for having problems with the clutch and gearbox, which can lead to difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises when shifting, and a general lack of responsiveness in the transmission. In addition, the engine can experience problems such as oil leaks, misfires, and issues with the timing belt.
Owners of the Golf 3 have also reported problems with the suspension system, including worn-out shocks and struts, which can lead to a rough and bumpy ride. The brakes can also experience problems, such as worn-out brake pads, warped rotors, and issues with the brake lines.
While the Golf 3 is a reliable car, regular maintenance and care can go a long way in preventing these common problems. It's essential to check the ignition coil packs, fuel pump, clutch, gearbox, engine, suspension, and brakes regularly to ensure that they are in good working condition.
In summary, the Volkswagen Golf 3 is a reliable car, but it does have some common issues that owners have reported over the years. These issues include engine misfires, rattling sounds from the engine, problems with the clutch and gearbox, suspension, and brakes. Regular maintenance and care can go a long way in preventing these problems and ensuring that the car remains in good working condition.
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%.
What year is the best Golf to get?
Overall, the Volkswagen Golf is a decent choice if you want a compact vehicle. We recommend going with 1997, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2020, or 2021 to maximize every mile.
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'.
1996 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
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Structure problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Volkswagen Golf vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Volkswagen Golf
The NHTSA has received 70 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Volkswagen Golf. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Volkswagen Golf vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-30
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3VWFA81H1TM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 65 AND 70 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ENGAGED WHEN SUDDENLY, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING AND SMOKE BEGAN EMITTING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES, THE SMOKE SUBSIDED AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE IGNITION AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-20
- VIN: 3VWFA81H3TM
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECALL # 98V160000, WHICH REFERS TO THE HOOD LATCH, APPLIED TO THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE SERVICE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL. AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER, THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE SERVICE DEALER.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-16
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE'S HOOD FLEW UP WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT THE WINDSHIELD GLASS WAS SHATTERED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-06
- VIN: WVWFE83A3TE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: INSTRUMENT DISPLAY CLUSTER ON 96 PASSAT WAGON GLX TOTALLY FAILED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF ODOMETER AND TACHOMETER READINGS. PANEL WAS REPLACED FOR $500. WRITTEN LETTER TO VWOA WENT UNANSWERED. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-10
- VIN: WVWGG83A6TE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ENTIRE DASH BOARD WENT DEAD AFTER A FEW DAYS OF EXTREME COLD WEATHER. I HAVE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING WITH MANY OTHER VOLKSWAGEN'S AND FEEL THAT MANUFACTURER HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM PROPERLY. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-01
- VIN: WVWGC83A2TE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL (FUEL, TEMP, SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER AND ODOMETER DISPLAYS) FAILED DURING COLD WEATHER. MULTIPLE REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM CAN BE FOUND VIA A GOOGLE NEWSGROUP SEARCH.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-23
- VIN: WVWGC83A9TB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL POSITION AND COULD BE INOPERATIVE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR JG *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STARTED VEHICLE AND HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND. THEN, SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. HE SHUT OFF ENGINE AND OPENED HOOD. BATTERY HAD EXPLODED. BATTERY WAS FACTORY REPLACEMENT PART INSTALLED BY DEALER. *AK THE BATTERY HAD BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. CONSUMER WAS BURNED FROM THE BATTERY ACID. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-29
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL IS LEAKING FROM CONNECTOR SENSOR AND THIS IS GETTING DOWN INTO ENGINE. *AK
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-01
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: DOOR LOCK CYLINDER- SEPARATED FROM INNER ASSEMBLY , #2. WHILE IN HYWAY TRAFFIC, RADIO FAILED, FOLLOWED BY ,IN APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS, ENGINE CUTTING OFF ( FUEL/WATER GUAGE FUNCTIONED), COASTED TO ROADSIDE. ATTEMPTED TO START ENGINE, ACTED AS IF BATTERY DEAD. AFTER 1 HOUR WAIT, ATTEMPTED TO RESTART ENGINE, STARTER TURNED SLOWLY BUT DID NOT START ENGINE. HOWEVER, STANDARD ALARM SYSTEM SOUNDED. I TURNED OF ALARM BY INSERTING KEY IN DOOR (STANDARD PROCEDURE). TOW TRUCK GAVE BOOST AT BATTERY. VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STARTED . THE BATTERY LOW POWER THING, OCCURRED ABOUT TWO WEEKS PRIOR, IN VW DEALER'S CUSTOMER PICK UP AREA, AFTER DEALER HAD REPLACED A HEADLIGHT FUSE/ ALIGNED HEADLIGHTS/WHEELS. WHEN ALARM WENT OFF AND STARTER DID NOT TURN OVER ENGINE, SERVICE MANAGER IMMEDIATELY ARRIVED W/BOOSTER UNIT AND STARTED CAR. HE SAID BATTERY PROBABLY GOT LOW FROM TECHNICIAN HOLDING DOWN BRAKE PEDAL FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME? DUH? I DID NOT THINK ANYTHING MORE ABOUT PROBLEM AT THE TIME(DENIAL). PROBLEM H. *AK
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-22
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AFTER CONSUMER TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND THEN STARTED IT BACK ON CAR ALARM CAME ON AND STAYED ON.CONSUMER LOOKED UNDER HOOD TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON. THEN, CONSUMER SMELLED SMOK, AND REALIZED THAT WIRING SYSTEM BURNED OUT NOTHING THAT WAS MOTORIZED WAS WORKING. CONTACTED DEALER AND DEALER WAS WILLING TO FIX PROBLEM AT OWNERS COST.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-25
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: DROVE INTO PARKING LOT. HEARD A NOISE & VEHICLE STOPPED. SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER HOOD, THEN FLAMES SHOT OUT. FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND PUT OUT FLAMES. GAVE INDICATION OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, CAUSING FIRE. PRIOR TO PROBLEM ,HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP 11 TIMES FOR ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMING ON/ DOOR LOCKS, AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOT HONORING EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT WAS SOLD.*AK
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-19
- Components: STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WITH LESS THAN A YEAR OF PURCHASE, THE VEHICLE WOULD LEAK INSIDE ON FLOOR ON PASSENGER SIDE. TWICE TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIR. CAR WAS TAKEN IN DUE TO ENGINE CHECK LIGHT NOT TURNING OFF, AND WAS WRONGLY DIAGNOSED AND THEREFORE WRONG PART WAS FIXED. WHEN COMPLAINT WAS MADE THAT THE LIGHT CONTINUED TO LIGHT UP, THE CAR WAS ONCE AGAIN TAKEN IN AND THROTTLE BODY WAS TO BE CHANGED. VEHICLE NOW MAKES A LOUD NOICE WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED TO BE AN ENGINE BLOCK.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-13
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DRIVING AT APPROX. 30MPH, BALL JOINT OF FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE CAUSING FRONT WHEEL TO FALL OFF. CAR CAME TO A SCREETCHING HALT!. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE LEFT DOOR HAS A LOUD NOISE WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING. IT NEEDS TO BE WELDED. DEALER SAID THAT VOLVO ISN'T RESPONSIBLE, EVEN THOUGH IT IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS HAPENED WITH OTHER VOLVOS. ARE THERE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS FAILURE? VOLVO IS VERY MUCH AWARE OF THE PROBLEM FROM OTHER VEHICLES AND THE DEALER WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. PLEASE HELP! *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-19
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 2 SIDEWALL FAILURES OUT OF 6 TIRES (DOT NUMBER: MKHCFJWR19 TIRESIZE: 195/60R14)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-04
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS WHEN STOPPING AT LIGHT, EXPERIENCING ROUGH IDLE AS WELL. YH
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-21
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD CRACKED. YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-21
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: COOLANT LEAKED DUE TO WATER PUMP FAILURE. YH
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-21
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD CRACKED. YH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-17
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: PRIOR TO RECALL HOOD LATCH FAILED (98V-160). YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-09
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE SERPENTINE BELT CRACKED. YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-09
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE SERPENTINE BELT CRACKED. YH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-17
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: PRIOR TO RECALL HOOD LATCH FAILED (98V-160). YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-04
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS WHEN STOPPING AT LIGHT, EXPERIENCING ROUGH IDLE AS WELL. YH
1996 Volkswagen Golf recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
- 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.
Negative 1996 Volkswagen Golf car reviews
Positive 1996 Volkswagen Golf car reviews
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At 164,000 miles, it's still going strong!
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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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VW is fun to drive, but it can be expensive to maintain due to high repair and maintenance costs.
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I love my
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This car is reliable if kept up with maintenance, although there is some wear and tear. The parts can be expensive, but they are not major. I have had no vehicle failures. You can only appreciate its reliability over a long period of use. The style is not too dated, and the paint and finish still look fresh. The Bilsteins and alloy wheels add to its appearance and crispness, improving the original squishy ride.
Other years of Volkswagen Golf
Are you having problems with your 1996 Volkswagen Golf?
Ray Bechtelar 2024-11-05
I have owned two VWs in the past, a '91 Jetta diesel and a '96 Golf. While the Jetta was one of the best cars I have ever owned, unfortunately, the Golf was the complete opposite. It experienced major and expensive failures in practically every system, including the transmission, engine, and air conditioning. The cost of the latest repair required for the Golf exceeds its resale value.
Dangelo Heathcote 2024-04-25
This is the first car I bought and, while it doesn't look bad from the outside, I have had an extensive list of mechanical problems with this piece of junk. In two years I have brought this thing to the shop for repair at least once every three months, with about an average bill of $80 per visit. However, it is good on fuel though.