The Volkswagen Fourth Generation Golf, 1997-2005, offered in both station wagon and hatchback body styles, was noticed for its upscale redesign and affordability. There are, however, a few common problems with this German auto. These include the following:
Window Regulator Issues: Some owners have complained of their windows rolling up or down too slowly or not at all. Others have reported a window falling down into the door. Grinding, cracking or other noises sometimes precede or accompany these problems. This could be due to the failure of plastic clips or sliders.
Shifting Problems: Occasionally the transmission fails to change gears or unexpectedly pops into neutral. Other drivers have noticed a delay when they attempt to shift or they are unable to change into 1st gear until the temperature gauge reaches a certain temp. Throttle body failure may be the cause or a new transmission might be necessary.
Reverse Gear Failures: If you need to force your Golf into reverse or the transmission fails to shift, a faulty clutch, damaged synchromesh or another gearbox malfunction might be to blame. Grinding, popping, whining or flapping noises might indicate such problems.
Engine Overheating/Damaged Water Pump Impeller: Another common issue with this generation is the plastic impeller stripping out or snapping in half. This water pump malfunction can cause the engine to overheat, potentially leading to expensive resultant damage.
Interior Trim Squeaks and Rattles: One of the most frequent concerns with this Volkswagen is squeaking and rattling interior trim. Reported areas include but are not limited to the dashboard and doors.
To resolve these common issues, consult a specialized German import repair shop. They will be able to diagnose and solve these problems appropriately. Call them today to prevent further damage to your VW.
Search for a local, independent Volkswagen repair shop with Volkswagen mechanics that have dealer-level expertise at a fraction of the expense.