2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Problems and Repair Histories
2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
See what people are saying about 2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems
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Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Reliability through March 31, 2013
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2000 | Volkswagen Golf / GTI | 25 Golf / GTIs, 7.2 months of data per Golf / GTI, average 125400 miles Note high average odometer for the TDI.93 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
|
see reported repairs see lemon odds |
| 2000 | Volkswagen Golf diesel | 14 Golf diesels, 8.9 months of data per Golf diesel, average 200000 miles Small sample size. Join or 14 Golf diesels, 8.9 months of data per Golf diesel, average 200000 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
see reported repairs see lemon odds |
2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2010 | 176000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2010 | 183000 | 1050 | Problems with driver's and right rear door lock: right rear would not lock properly. Driver's door lock could not be turned with the key and often would not lock; caused headlight-on warning not to work, and alarm sometimes failed to arm. |
| Sep | 2011 | 194000 | 500 | Yet another door latch problem. Effing VW door latches! |
| Jan | 2012 | 196300 | 200 | Water leaking into interior - turned out windshield drains were blocked with debris Car wasn't warming up fully; replaced thermostat. |
| Aug | 2012 | 203000 | 1900 | Replaced rear shocks. Previous owner had installed poorly performing aftermarket shocks and they were worn out. Replaced front and rear pads and rotors; leaking rear caliper and rusted rear bracket. Replacement caliper includes correct bracket only for cars assembled AFTER 06/99, so had to ALSO source used part to get the correct bracket for our car. |
| Oct | 2012 | 206700 | 900 | Was leaking coolant. Shop replaced metal cooling tube, which had corroded and was leaking. Apparently this is common with VWs, and takes a number of hours to repair because of the location in the engine compartment. |
| Mar | 2013 | 211000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2011 | 151900 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2011 | 155000 | 0 | Original rear muffler hanger broke at muffler. A friend wielded it back on. It looks solid. |
| Sep | 2011 | 164300 | 770 | Strut spring was broken. Both front strut springs and control arms were replaced and wheel alignment performed. |
| Mar | 2012 | 166160 | 80 | Brake fluid leak at bleeder valve. |
| Nov | 2012 | 187700 | 200 | Caliper was sticking and was replaced plus wear items. |
| Mar | 2013 | 190960 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2007 | 126000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2008 | 128000 | 80 | Driver's window came loose from retaining clips. I (owner) was able to reattach it, repair took 3 hours, required no new parts. I had to replace the serpentine belt tensioner on my 2000 VW Golf. The belt was fine (had replaced at normal interval), but the tensioner pulley has worn out. Did it myself in 45 minutes. |
| Jun | 2008 | 133000 | 15 | Crankcase vent hose (elbow from valve to intake hose) leaking oil. Replaced with newer (used) vent hose from salvage yard. |
| Jul | 2010 | 146000 | 3 | Switch in driver door went bad, car did not know when door was open, which confused the auto-lock system. Replaced one switch, cost $1.50. |
| Dec | 2010 | 149000 | 40 | Fuel gelled due to summer fuel left in too late, freezing temps gelled the diesel. Had to be towed home, warm up car in garage over night, change fuel filters, pump out old fuel. |
| Feb | 2011 | 151500 | 20 | Fuel was leaking from the thermostatic t on the fuel filter, as it had cracked. New it was 12 dollars plus shipping, fixed the problem entirely. |
| Apr | 2011 | 153700 | 80 | Thermostat stuck open, replaced it myself, including new coolant (not cheap on a vw) |
| Jan | 2012 | 159000 | 20 | Fuel pump lost prime due to old hard fuel hose leaking air, and fuel pump seals going bad. |
| Feb | 2012 | 159000 | 300 | Oil leak at the oil cooler repaired. |
| Mar | 2012 | 159000 | 500 | Tie rods wore out. Also found LCA bushings to be shot, alignment done as well. Price included reattaching 3 windows to their clips. LCA bushings shot, replaced Windows came off clips that hold them, due to use when frozen (annual event). Reattached, half hour each, no new parts needed. |
| Apr | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 4-speed automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2012 | 147560 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2013 | 148360 | 0 | leak of power steering oil |
| Mar | 2013 | 148800 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Saskatchewan, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2012 | 142600 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 144460 | 1400 | Replaced water pump and timing belt. |
| Dec | 2012 | 152520 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2006 | 34000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2010 | 54000 | 149 | Crank position sensor replaced, coolant temperature sensor replaced |
| Oct | 2010 | 58500 | 184 | Crank Position Sensor failed, coolant temperature sensor failed. The CPS failure disables the spark ignition system and the car doesn't run. Coolant sensor failure throws a CEL and causes the engine to run rich. |
| Nov | 2010 | 60000 | 27 | Clamp between the catalytic converter and the rest of the exhaust system failed. Required replacement of the part. 10 minutes to replace. Good to go. |
| Mar | 2013 | 75000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2010 | 102000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 113000 | 600 | Needed front brake job. Also repaired broken SRS system wire which made indicator light stay on. |
| Jun | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 106000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 116000 | 350 | radiator leak oil check tube had to be replaced. |
| Mar | 2011 | 118000 | 350 | Ignition switch replaced. Battery replaced. |
| Aug | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4-door
turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Iowa, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2006 | 71000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2008 | 90000 | 55 | Shift lever spline worn away, loss of shifter action (stuck in 1st gear). New OEM shift lever ordered from dealer and self-installed. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2007 | 67000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2007 | 69000 | 190 | Replace worn rear struts |
| Oct | 2009 | 85000 | 650 | Replaced all 4 struts; rear replacements were too stiff, found two different struts for rear |
| Nov | 2009 | 85000 | 15 | Headlight burned out |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 164000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 165000 | 100 | Front control arm bushings were worn out and needed to be replaced. |
| Jun | 2010 | 167000 | 30 | Rear bushings worn out |
| Sep | 2010 | 171000 | 25 | Climate control fan stopped working. Switch had to be replaced |
| Oct | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 150hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Iowa, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 74000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 75000 | 50 | Interior trim around the driver side door (top-side) came un-glued and was sagging badly. Upholstery shop re-attached the trim. |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2006 | 68000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2006 | 69000 | 200 | Check engine light resulted in O2 sensor replacement. Light came back on. Both times the same code was retrieved. Vacuum lines replaced second time. Capital Eurocars in Tallahassee, FL is incompetant. |
| Oct | 2007 | 75000 | 300 | Coolant flange at rear of cylinder head leaking. Part was replaced curing leak. |
| Feb | 2009 | 89000 | 1100 | Replaced worn front suspension components. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 89000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 101000 | 150 | Replaced CV axle on driver side. |
| Sep | 2011 | 117000 | 100 | Front Passenger wheel bearing making excessive noise. Replacement bearings purchased online and replaced at home. |
| Feb | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
174-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Germany | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 62000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2009 | 66960 | 1400 | Air conditioner compressor froze up, which broke the serpentine belt destroying the the water pump and tension pulley because not enough clearance designed in. Dealer replaced the water pump, pulley, belt and tension pulley assembly. Compressor okay. |
| Jul | 2009 | 68820 | 150 | O2 sensor. They made the replacement very difficult by designing unnecessary difficulty into replacing these components. (very poor design) |
| Nov | 2009 | 71300 | 236 | Replaced AC pump. |
| Dec | 2009 | 71920 | 12 | Backup lights quit working the dealer wants $500 to repair, I did the repair using aftermarket switch from radio shack for $12 and 3 hours of my time. Very difficult to access switch assembly (Very poor design). |
| Jan | 2010 | 72540 | 47 | Passenger window lift broke (2nd time) dropping window inside door during a rainstorm. Dealer wanted $250, said free replacement program over - thank-you VW. I taped the window up, replaced it myself. I improved the lift so it can not break again. Glove box hinge broke on one side, $250 for dealer fix, I said no and repaired it by using steel pin and 2 hours of my time. Very difficult to work on or replace. Plastic broke on seat belt attachment cover on door pillar $25 for new part, I said not and I glued it back together with a reinforcer. Design used very thin plastic which yells break me (very poor design). |
| Dec | 2011 | 89900 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2006 | 123000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 156000 | 80 | oil leak. replaced oil pressure switch and gasket |
| Sep | 2011 | 160000 | 0 | AC and heat not working. ASR+ABS light on in instrument cluster. power steering fluid leaking |
| Aug | 2012 | 166000 | 230 | leaking power steering fluid. replace high pressure hose |
| Mar | 2013 | 167000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in District of Columbia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 72000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2009 | 73000 | 750 | Rusted exhaust system |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 300 | Replace failed belt tensioner | |
| Dec | 2011 | 168000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 75000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2010 | 79000 | 400 | Front window regulator clips. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 55000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 62000 | 330 | Thermostat Housing – Slow Coolant leak from front of engine. |
| Jul | 2009 | 70000 | 325 | Front Brake Pads (ceramic) & Rotors - After brake warning indicator came on. Power mirror switch – Knob broke off. Purchased part from Ebay and DIY. |
| Dec | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 97000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 98700 | 999 | Coolant leak, bad water pump, bad auxiliary water pump. Decided to replace entire cooling system rather than cheap out. Jury rigged broken glove box hinge. Took apart interior seeking water leak, but still don't know where it is. I tried to do some wiring to get my airbag light to turn off and that was successful for about 2 weeks. Light's back on again. |
| Dec | 2010 | 107000 | 125 | Replaced power steering pump and pulley tensioner. |
| Apr | 2011 | 112700 | 365 | Replace coolant temperature sensor Replace driver side cooling fan. Replace pre and post cat oxygen sensors |
| Aug | 2011 | 117000 | 10 | Vacuum hose leak per code PO411 as written up in DIY articles. Replaced rubber tube, cleared code, and car runs great now. |
| Dec | 2011 | 119000 | 14 | Rubber hose to reserve coolant tank damaged and leaking profusely. Cut off bad section and reattached. |
| May | 2012 | 121500 | 425 | Check engine light PO411. Secondary air filtration system. System seems to work. Possible issue with valve. Changed all vacuum lines. Passed inspection. |
| Dec | 2012 | 125000 | 320 | Small coolant leak. Located and decided to leave alone and try k seal until problem is more substantial. |
| Mar | 2013 | 125000 | 275 | driver rear caliper leak -> replaced |
| May | 2013 | 128000 | 325 | cracked oil pan |
2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2011 | 200000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2011 | 203000 | 500 | front wheels bearings |
2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Hawaii, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 81000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2009 | 82000 | 520 | VW has a security cut key for the ignition and the ignition broke and would not engage the engine. First the dealer charged me ($120) to "Diagnose" the problem and then with parts and labor (another $400) I finally got my car back after (7) days. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2-door
turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2007 | 120000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2007 | 122000 | 880 | Power steering hose was reported leaking by previous mechanic so it was replaced. |
| Sep | 2007 | 126000 | 880 | New power steering hose installed. |
| May | 2008 | 137000 | 1083 | Faulty battery as well as cracked coolant housing |
| Jun | 2008 | 137000 | 800 | Alternator is considered dead but mechanic could not confirm as he suggested it was a bad battery. Replaced battery and it still doesnt start after engine has been cold. |
| Jul | 2008 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2-door
6-cylinder manual 2WD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2008 | 172000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 174000 | 1100 | Major Service - had never replaced my brake pads or rotors (I'm the original owner). Given that fronts were at 5.5mm and backs at 6.5mm (wear was even), decided to go ahead and do it. BTW, I still have my original clutch.... |
| Mar | 2009 | 177000 | 1486 | Fan controller unit died-burned out primary + auxiliary cooling fans. I noticed the issue approx. 11 wks prior & called the shop. Shop missed issue via phone + during inspection-diagnosis occurred after owner req. SA to drive car prior to payment. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
1999.5 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
Engine not specified
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 129000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 130000 | 50 | Replaced the motor and arms for the windshield wipers. Arms had seized and blown the motor (over the last 2 years) |
| Dec | 2012 | 137000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
1999.5 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2010 | 176000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2010 | 178500 | 300 | Front wheel bearings Rebuilt right front axle, repacked grease in left front axle. |
| Jun | 2011 | 191000 | 300 | Coil was replaced due to cracks, first start on a wet or moist day didn't like to start. |
| Jul | 2011 | 191000 | 0 | When sold, in need of new shocks all four corners valve cover gasket, and PCV valve. |
1999.5 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch
115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Indiana, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 80000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 86000 | 725 | Replacement of front axles. An exhaust sleeve had fallen off and needed repair. |
| May | 2011 | 88700 | 200 | speed sensor on one of the wheel failed and needed replacement. |
| Aug | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
1999.5 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4-door
4-cylinder manual 2WD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Argentina | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2008 | 55180 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2008 | 57040 | 300 | Changed suspension (bumpers) |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
1999.5 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2006 | 177000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2007 | 183000 | 140 | Vehicle was on the original brake pads and rotors. At 182,000 miles I decided to replace them. The rotors were past serviceable limits but the pads were serviceable. |
| Apr | 2008 | 206000 | 25 | Serpentine belt idler pulley broke. Pulley uses a metal bearing with a plastic roller. Roller broke and separated from bearing causing serpentine belt to come off. Idler was replaced with no other problems encountered. |
| Dec | 2008 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Manitoba, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2012 | 100440 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 101060 | 1050 | Brakes were worn out; pads and rotors. Tie rods needed to be replaced as well. |
| Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI in Maine, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2012 | 180000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2012 | 181000 | 260 | Coolant heater was needed for cold weather starts. Car is a diesel. |
| Oct | 2012 | 185300 | 865 | All engine mounts were replaced. Front strut mounts were also replaced. Front rotors and pads were replaced = maintenance. |
| Mar | 2013 | 191000 | 216 | Rusted section of exhaust had to be replaced. |
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What People Are Saying about Problems with the 2000 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI
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