1994 Volkswagen Golf Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 20%of 41 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the brakes of the 1994 Volkswagen Golf, 20% of the 41 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car was being driven at a relatively slow speed (thank god) when the brakes felt funny. Pulled the vehicle into a parking lot, and lots of smoke was coming out of it. When we jumped out of the car, we saw flames shooting out through the hubcaps. The police came right away and extinguished the flames. Subsequently the vehicle was towed to a vw dealer (who did a complete check up on this vehicle in sept. 1999). They said the caliper froze and caused the fire. They also said there was a problem with the emergency brake cable. …”
NHTSA complaint #722588, filed 2000-05“The consumer received two recall letters. Recall 98v195000 rear brake line, and recall 98v160000 hood latch. When the consumer received the recll letters, dealer was unable to provide any parts for the vehicle. Since then, it has been a month, and still the parts remain unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #829917, filed 1998-11“The vehicle was towed by a towing service with emercency brakes activated. Tow company claims vehicle was towed with rear wheels lifted on wheel dolly. What type of safety violation would this be considered if if my daughter were to drive the vehicle and were involved in an accident. Due to brake failure. Would their be enough heat to to warp and desroy rear rotors and destroy brake padswith emergency brake activated. Tow company denies any wrong doing or causing this problem. Was this a dangerous situation?”
NHTSA complaint #740258, filed 2001-01“Received recall notice 98v195000 in the mail. Notified the dealer for an appointment. Informed no parts available for rear brake lines. Will notify owner when parts do become available.”
NHTSA complaint #831482, filed 1998-12“Rear brake line leaked due to a rupture, causing passenger's front tire to lock up and vehicle skidded. By alternately releasing and applying pressure driver was able to slow down and regain control.”
NHTSA complaint #518344, filed 1997-08Related recalls
- 98V195000Aug 17, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear brake line on the passenger side was routed too close to the corner of the fuel tank. The line could be…Covers: Volkswagen Golf 1993–1995, Jetta 1993–1995, GTI 1993–1995
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 9% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 29% |
| 2019 | 1 | 2% |
| 2018 | 2 | 7% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 8 | 6% |
| 2014 | 1 | 8% |
| 2013 | 5 | 12% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 7% |
| 2005 | 1 | 5% |
| 2004 | 1 | 4% |
| 2002 | 3 | 4% |
| 2001 | 10 | 9% |
| 2000 | 12 | 14% |
| 1999 | 1 | 2% |
| 1998 | 2 | 11% |
| 1995 | 4 | 9% |
| 1994 | 8 | 20% |
| 1990 | 2 | 20% |
| 1989 | 4 | 24% |
Other parts of the 1994 Volkswagen Golf
9 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 Volkswagen Golf
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology