1997 Volkswagen Gti problems
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Common 1997 Volkswagen Gti problems
The 1997 Volkswagen GTI has been known to have several common problems, mostly transmission-related, based on complaints from owners of this car.
- Transmission Failure: The 1997 GTI has experienced transmission failure, with two complaints logged on CarComplaints.com. This issue can be costly and inconvenient, as it may require a complete transmission replacement.
- Timing Chain Failure: The timing chain in the 2003 GTI has failed, with one complaint recorded on CarComplaints.com. This problem can lead to engine damage and may require costly repairs.
- Clutch Failure: The clutch in the 2003 GTI has failed, with one complaint reported on CarComplaints.com. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as wear and tear, improper usage, or manufacturing defects, and may necessitate clutch replacement.
- Rough Running in Wet Weather: The 1997 GTI has been reported to run roughly in wet weather, with one complaint filed on CarComplaints.com. This problem can be caused by various factors, such as faulty spark plugs, ignition issues, or water intrusion into the engine.
- Tie Rod and Leaf Spring Failure: The 2003 GTI has experienced tie rod and leaf spring failure, with one complaint recorded on CarComplaints.com. This issue can affect the car's handling and stability, potentially leading to safety concerns.
- Windows Falling into Door: The clamps that hold the windows in place for many Volkswagens are made of a very cheap plastic. When moisture gets in the door and freezes, it expands and pushes the windows off the clamps, causing the windows to fall into the door.
- Transmission Problems: The 4th generation GTI (1997-2003) ranks 16th in reliability out of 46 generations, with 3 complaints about transmission problems.
- Electrical Problems: The 1997 Volkswagen Golf has experienced electrical problems, with one complaint logged on RepairPal.com. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as faulty wiring, blown fuses, or malfunctioning sensors.
- Engine Problems: The 1997 Volkswagen Golf has experienced engine problems, with one complaint recorded on RepairPal.com. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as faulty spark plugs, ignition issues, or water intrusion into the engine.
- Suspension Problems: The 1997 Volkswagen Golf has experienced suspension problems, with one complaint reported on RepairPal.com. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as worn-out shocks, struts, or bushings.
- Wheel Problems: The 1997 Volkswagen Golf has experienced wheel problems, with one complaint recorded on RepairPal.com. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as bent or damaged wheels, worn-out tires, or faulty wheel bearings.
These problems can affect the car's performance, safety, and reliability, potentially leading to costly repairs and decreased resale value.
Are old GTI reliable?
Reliability Survey, with it – cited as the regular Golf in petrol form – placing 18th out of 29 cars in the family car class. Its reliability score was 90.4%.
What is the common problem with Golf GTI?
Next problem is the intake manifold Runner the intake manifold is in charge of directing the flow of air into the head of the engine. It has a series of flaps that control the air velocity.
Is GTI high maintenance?
VW GTI is robust, simple and well-built car. Being used with sense, maintenance is not more expensive, than any other mini. Once driver starts to push his GTI over the limit, maintenance costs will skyrocket.
Is the GTI a good car or bad?
Overall, it's a good car, but it no longer stands out in price, performance, or reliability, and the GTI needs to be well-rounded in all these facets. Or at least have character.
Are old GTI reliable?
Reliability Survey, with it – cited as the regular Golf in petrol form – placing 18th out of 29 cars in the family car class. Its reliability score was 90.4%.
What is the common problem with Golf GTI?
Next problem is the intake manifold Runner the intake manifold is in charge of directing the flow of air into the head of the engine. It has a series of flaps that control the air velocity.
Is GTI high maintenance?
VW GTI is robust, simple and well-built car. Being used with sense, maintenance is not more expensive, than any other mini. Once driver starts to push his GTI over the limit, maintenance costs will skyrocket.
What are the disadvantages of GTI?
Cons
- Infotainment system can be frustrating to use.
- Not as much power as some rival hot hatches.
1997 Volkswagen Gti car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Gti problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Tires problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Volkswagen Gti vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Volkswagen Gti complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Volkswagen Gti.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-10
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO PROBLEMS UNTIL MAY 2002. CAR STALLED, RAN ROUGH, FELT LIKE IT WAS GETTING NO GAS, THEN WOULD SURGE, THEN STALL. VW IN CHARLESTON, SC, HAS HAD CAR DOZEN PLUS TIMES, AND NEVER FOUND PROBLEM. MECHANIC CHECKED FUEL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, CODES PRESENTED, WENT THROUGH TECHNICAL MANUALS. ALSO MANY ELECTRICAL PARTS, I.E., DISTRIBUTOR, FUEL PUMP, MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, ECG, ETC., WERE REPLACED. CAR HAS BEEN TOTALLY UNRELIABLE SINCE THAT POINT. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT'S GOING TO DIE OUT. HAPPENED TO US ON I-95; 18-WHEELER HAD TO SWERVE TO PREVENT ACCIDENT. CAR NOW SITTING IN DRIVEWAY. FROM WHAT I CAN FIND ON THE INTERNET, MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. *NM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-01
- VIN: 3VWHD81H8VM
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: SIDE MOLDINGS CAME OUT REPEATEDLY. THE WARRANTY WAS ONLY 2 YEAR. ONE CAME OUT WITHIN TWO YEAR AND INITIALLY COVERED BY THE WARRANTY BUT WHEN IT CAME OUT AGAIN THEY SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED ANYMORE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-11
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,TIRES
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL CAUSING A RIP AND TEAR UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE'S GAS TANK. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-11
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON THE HIGHWAY REAR PASSENGER TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-07
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE THE IGNITION IN A PANIC SITUATION BECAUSE OF ALL THE INTERLOCKS. THE ACCESS TO THE SWITCH IS ALSO BLOCKED BY THE AIR BAG. THIS STUPID ARANGEMENT ALMOST CAUSED ME AN ACCIDENT WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-05
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: ICE FORMED IN THE GAS FILLER CAP 3 TIMES AND CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. EACH TIME IT COSTS 70 DOLLARS TO HAVE THE DEALER TURN IT OFF.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-06
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, THIS DRIVETRAIN HAS HAD KNOWN FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEMS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 3VWHD81H5VM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE'S AIR INTAKE BOX HAS FILLED WITH WATER 3 TIMES WITHIN 1 YEAR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL OR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AROUND A CORNER FRONT WHEEL HIT HIT CURB AT 10 MPH, CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO WHEEL AND VEHICLE. OWNER QUESTIONS THE SAFETY OF VEHICLE.
Negative 1997 Volkswagen Gti car reviews
Positive 1997 Volkswagen Gti car reviews
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I purchased my 1996 GTI (5 speed) last year (2008) with approximately 95k miles on it. I absolutely adore this car! It's incredibly reliable and has never let me down. I did have one issue where it died on the road, but it turned out to be a blown coil circuit caused by running the AC on full blast in the high heat of South Florida. VWs are known for having electrical problems as they age, but they're no different from any other car in that regard. The usual suspects are the coil/coil circuit (i.e. wiring), ignition switch, and spark plugs (avoid using platinum 4 prongs as they don't last). With a little research, you can easily get your car in prime shape without breaking the bank (VW Depot in FL is highly recommended).
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Hey there! I've been driving this car from 19K miles all the way up to 240K and I must say, it's been an absolute blast! The handling is exceptional and the drive train is rock solid. Even after all these miles, my car still runs like a dream and doesn't burn any oil. The dash and controls are built to last and don't feel cheap or plasticky like some other cars from that time period. However, there have been a few minor issues outside of the main drive train that require some attention. But overall, I'm still in love with this car!
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I think this car is fun in every way. It's fast, nice-looking, and has good handling.
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I'm so glad to hear that you've had such a positive experience with your car! It's great to hear that you haven't had any problems with it in the three years you've owned it. It sounds like it's a really reliable car that you enjoy driving every time you get behind the wheel.
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I've owned about 5 cars since I was 16, and this one is the best so far. It's incredibly reliable and has never let me down. I bought it with 82,000 miles, and now at 93,000, I haven't had any mechanical problems whatsoever. The car is a blast to drive in both rainy and dry conditions. The only issue I've had is that the stereo goes into lock mode if you unhook the battery. It took me forever to get the code from the dealer, and it ended up not working. I just went aftermarket, but it was still a bit of a pain.
Other years of Volkswagen Gti
Are you having problems with your 1997 Volkswagen Gti?
Oral DuBuque 2025-01-27
There is no car, for the price, that is so much fun to drive in my opinion. However, I have had some issues with it and have spent over $7000 in repairs in less than 2 years. So, I highly recommend purchasing a warranty to avoid any unexpected costs. Despite this, I still find it to be a fun car to drive.
Desmond Kerluke 2024-11-04
The car is great to drive and has excellent handling. Although I have experienced some electrical issues with all three of my VWs, they have not been too troublesome, just a bit annoying. The rear wiper and side molding are a bit flimsy, but nothing major. Additionally, my VW with ABS brakes has malfunctioned. Despite these minor issues, I would definitely recommend this vehicle.
Jonathan Spencer 2024-02-21
5 years of fun so far! I'm happy to report that there's nothing bad to mention, but the body has started making some creaking sounds. With 55,000 on the odometer, it's time for the timing belt replacement, new tires, and hoses. I've heard that the power steering may become a problem in the future?
Grady Spinka 2024-02-14
i have owned my gti 4cyl for about 3 years. I have slowly watched it detereorate. ABS suddenly stopped working dash accessory lights blink or short out. Coolant and power steering won't stop leaking despite repairs. Can't drive 30 miles in the rain without it breaking down at least twice, despite repairs. Repairs are COSTLY! I can't even change my own spark plugs or wires due to design. It has about 113,000 mi and I can't wait to get rid of it. Consider this a warning to anyone considering buying one of these.
Kamren Denesik 2024-01-04
We purchased this car brand new in Bangkok, Thailand. Despite driving in heavy traffic and taking good care of it, the car began to experience issues just after the warranty expired. Unfortunately, we had to spend 140,000 baht (approximately $3,200) to fix the transmission, and we have been experiencing frequent ABS and electrical issues, requiring monthly servicing. However, we are confident in our ability to address these issues and ensure the car runs smoothly in the future.