1999 Volkswagen Gti problems
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Common 1999 Volkswagen Gti problems
The 1999 Volkswagen GTI is known for several common problems that car owners have reported over the years. One of the most frequent issues is transmission failure, with three complaints filed on CarComplaints.com. This problem is often reported in the 1997 GTI, with two specific complaints related to transmission failure.
Another issue that GTI owners have reported is the timing chain failing, with one complaint filed for the 2003 GTI. This can be a significant problem, as it can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Clutch failure is another common issue with the 1999 Volkswagen GTI, with one complaint filed for the 2003 model year. This can be a frustrating problem for car owners, as it can make the vehicle difficult or even impossible to drive.
Some GTI owners have reported that their cars run roughly in wet weather, with one complaint filed for the 1997 model year. This can be a significant safety issue, as it can make the vehicle difficult to control in wet or slippery conditions.
Tie rods and leaf springs have also been reported to fail in the 2003 GTI, with one complaint filed for each issue. These are important components of the car's suspension system, and their failure can lead to poor handling and reduced stability.
In addition to these specific issues, GTI owners have reported a range of other problems with their cars. For example, some have reported electrical issues, engine problems, and wheel problems.
Overall, the 1999 Volkswagen GTI has a reputation for reliability issues, ranking 16th out of 46 generations in terms of reliability. Car owners have reported a range of problems with their vehicles, including transmission failure, timing chain failure, clutch failure, and suspension issues. These problems can be frustrating and expensive to fix, and they may make the car difficult or even impossible to drive.
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.
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%.
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.
1999 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
- Visibility problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Volkswagen Gti vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1999 Volkswagen Gti complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Volkswagen Gti.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-01
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. THIS IS THE 5TH TIME THE PASSENGER SIDE, SIDE-AIR-BAG ATTENUATOR ON MY 1999 VW GTI (NEW GTI) HAS NEEDED SERVICE. FIRST TIME WAS JUST AFTER CAR WENT OFF WARRANTY. VW REGIONAL AGREED TO PAY. ABOUT 18 MONTHS LATER, SAME PROBLEM -- HAD TO CALL VW REGIONAL TO MOUNT THE CASE FOR THEM TO PAY, AND THEY DID. 11 MONTHS LATER, SAME PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP PAID FOR REPAIR SAYING IT WAS COVERED BY THEIR 12MO/12K MILE SERVICE WARRANTY. 11 MONTHS LATER -- SAME PROBLEM, DEALER PAID. NOW, 5 MONTHS LATER, AIRBAG LIGHT ON AGAIN. SAME PROBLEM. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-21
- VIN: WVWDE31J9XW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I NOTICED THAT MY SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT PROPERLY FUNCTIONING SO I WENT TO THE VW DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAD A COOLANT LEAK AND COOLANT MIGRATION. THE COOLANT APPARENTLY MIGRATED THROUGH THE WIRING HARNESS TO SHORT MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE ENTIRE WIRE HARNESS AND PART OF MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS NOW INOPERABLE DUE TO THE MIGRATION. I WAS QUOTED A $3,800 ESTIMATE AND MY CAR ONLY HAS 68,000 MILES. I PERFORMED ONLINE RESEARCH AND SEVERAL 1999 VW'S HAD THE SAME PROBLEM DUE TO A DESIGN DEFECT THAT DRIPPED COOLANT OVER THE WIRE HARNESS. THERE IS EVEN A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FILED WITH THE NHTSA THAT INSTRUCTS VW HOW TO REPLACE TO MASSIVE PROBLEM. I CONTACTED VW AND THEY WILL NOT HELP EVEN THOUGHT THIS IS A WIDELY REPORTED PROBLEM WITH 1999-2001 VWS AND A DESIGN DEFECT. NOW I NEED TO REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS, WHICH APPARENTLY RUNS THROUGH MOST OF THE ENGINE AND CAR COMPONENTS AND MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER- A $3,800 REPAIR. RATHER THAN CORRECT THEIR DESIGN DEFECT, VW OFFERED ME $1,00 OFFER A NEW VW, WHICH IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. *TR UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-06
- VIN: WVWDE31J2XW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT OF MY 1999.5 VOLKSWAGEN GTI TRAPPED A PASSENGER IN MY CAR. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT LOCKED UP AND WOULD NO LONGER RETRACT OR EXTEND, WHICH LEFT A PASSENGER STUCK IN MY CAR RECENTLY (IT WAS NECESSARY TO UNBOLT THE SEAT BELT TO FREE THE PASSENGER). THE UNIT IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. BASED ON THE INFORMATION GATHERED FROM OTHER VOLKSWAGEN GOLF/GTI OWNERS IN THE 1999-2005 YEAR RANGE, THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AND HAS OCCURRED SPECIFICALLY. I BELIEVE THIS CLEARLY SHOWS PRODUCT DEFECT AND IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. I CAN OBTAIN AND SUBMIT PROOF THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED IN SEVERAL OTHER GOLF/GTI MODEL VEHICLES IF NECESSARY, THERE IS A VERY LARGE VW FORUM ONLINE WHICH HAS SEVERAL INSTANCES OF THIS COMPLAINT STRETCHING BACK SEVERAL YEARS. *NM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-01
- VIN: WVWDC31J3XW
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: SAFETY RECALL UU 1999-2000 MODEL VOLKSWAGEN GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A GASOLINE ENGINE INSPECT FUEL SUPPLY MODULE FOR LEAKS AND INSTALL CONNECTOR ON FUEL LINE; REPLACE FUEL SUPPLE MODULE IF NECESSARY. *MR WHILE DRIVING HOME THE CONSUMER FELT A BUMP AND HEARD A CRACKING SOUND. THE CONSUMER THEN SMELLED GAS. THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP, LINE AND FITTING ON THE FUEL PUMP CRACKED. RECALL CAMPAIGN #05V154000. *SC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-01
- VIN: WVWDE31JXXW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THIS IS A KNOW PART FAILURE FOR ALL 1999.5-2001 VOLKSWAGENS. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-01
- VIN: WVWDE31JXXW
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE WINDOW REGULATORS ARE A KNOWN PROBLEM AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL.I'VE HAD 2 FAIL ON ME WITH IN A YEARS TIME. I NOW FEAR THE WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL BACK UP WHENEVER I ROLL MY WINDOWS DOWN.*AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-01
- VIN: WVWDE31JXXW
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM WITH THE NEW GOLF'S AND JETTA'S THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY VWOA. NO SAFETY DEFECT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-19
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT ANY MPH RPM WILL GO OVER 1500 AND ENGINE WILL DIE WITHOUT A PRIOR WARNING. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO SHOP, AND THEY SAID IT WAS COIL PACK THAT WAS MALFUNCTIONING. *AK
1999 Volkswagen Gti recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1999 Volkswagen Gti.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
- Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES AND DOUBLE-LAYER FUEL TANKS, TENSION ON THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY NIPPLE TO CRACK WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LEAK.
- Consequence: LEAKING FUEL, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY CAUSE A FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE FOR TENSION, AND INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP SUPPLY NIPPLE FOR CRACKING. IF NECESSARY THE FUEL LINE AND THE FUEL PUMP WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Negative 1999 Volkswagen Gti car reviews
Positive 1999 Volkswagen Gti car reviews
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it back in July 1999 and it has a 2.0L engine. Unfortunately, I've had a few issues with it, including problems with the starter, catalytic converter, gas pump, and window regulators. Recently, it's been in the shop for a little over 4 weeks and I'm not sure when (or if) it's going to come out. Despite these issues, I have to admit that it's really fun to drive!
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This has been a great car with no problems other than one issue with the window regulator. The problem with the window regulator is that a plastic piece (the only one in the mechanism) that holds the piece together can break. However, it is an easy fix - simply replace it with one that is all metal. Other than that, it is a very enjoyable car to drive.
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I've only had two issues with this car since buying it new. Firstly, during a routine maintenance visit to the dealer, they found that the shift linkage was loose and needed to be repaired before it failed. Secondly, like many others, the power window regulator failed on the passenger side (which is what causes the windows to drop into the doors). It's worth noting that VW has now acknowledged the problem with these and extended the warranty coverage on that item to seven years -- and have redesigned the regulator to correct the issue.
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A very powerful engine that will push you back in your seat. Although it has had a few quirks, it's important to remember that all cars do. Overall, it's a stylish and reliable car that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to turn heads and make a statement on the streets.
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I have had a disappointing experience with my GTI due to the recurring muffler issue. The vehicle has been in the shop five times for the same problem, despite the muffler being replaced once. However, I have no other complaints regarding the vehicle.
Other years of Volkswagen Gti
Are you having problems with your 1999 Volkswagen Gti?
Gus Feest 2024-11-16
The reliability and build quality of my VW fell short of my expectations. The check engine light and ABS light have both come on multiple times, and I had to pay a significant amount to fix the front windows. As a result, I am disappointed with VW and do not plan to purchase another VW or Audi in the future.
Candido Kautzer 2024-07-03
I have owned the GTI 99 model for almost three years. While the performance is great and the fuel efficiency is impressive, I have experienced some issues with the plastic parts. Unfortunately, after 60,000 miles, the parts start to fall apart, including the cup holder and plastic parts from the seats. It seems that anything plastic inside is slowly getting off position. I estimated the cost of fixing these problems and it is more than 1,000USD. However, if you are considering purchasing this model, it is important to keep in mind that it may require some maintenance after 60,000 miles.
Talon Zieme 2024-07-01
I purchased this car just 4 weeks ago and unfortunately, the check engine light came on just 2 weeks later. Additionally, the passenger side window fell into the door a week after that. After reading other reviews, it seems that this is a common issue. Despite these setbacks, I am still in love with the style and spacious interior of the car. While I am concerned about the cost of maintenance, I plan on taking matters into my own hands by purchasing a repair manual and doing most of the work myself.
Schuyler Blick 2024-05-13
This car has been a disappointment in terms of reliability and durability. Despite my efforts to maintain it, I have had to spend an average of $1000 per year on electrical repairs alone over the past 7 years of ownership. It has also broken down on the road six times, which is unacceptable. Even changing a flat tire was a challenge due to the poor design of the spare tire mechanism. The paint has also been a major issue, with the clearcoat dissolving in patches after only 3 years. Additionally, the wheel wells fell off and it cannot pass NY inspection even after extensive repairs at 83,000 miles. Overall, this car has been a frustrating and disappointing experience for me.
Luther Ledner 2024-04-14
I had a really tough time with this car. Although it started off great with amazing handling, comfortable seats, and a stylish design, it quickly became a nightmare. The window fell down into the door three times, the transmission needed heavy work, and the passenger seat wouldn't latch down. Even after getting it fixed, the driver's seat wouldn't latch down either. To make matters worse, things inside the car started falling off. Fortunately, the car was totaled when someone T-boned it while it was parked. Overall, it was a really frustrating experience with this car.