1999 Volkswagen Golf Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 25%of 64 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,411miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1999 Volkswagen Golf, 25% of the 64 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,411 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I am concerned that since this engine mount failed, what about the mount on the other side? Is there a potential safety issue? Are there other GOLF owners out there who will potentially be experiencing this same problem? It seems unbelievable to me that an engine mount could fail on this new of a car with this few number of miles. Am I wrong in my assumption? ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****760138”
NHTSA complaint #10006512, filed 2002-04, 42,500 miles“Four year old car with 42,822 miles. Check engine light flashed a few time on accelerating thursday night. Check engine light went solid friday morning, and on my way to the dealer the engine siezed. Vw tells me the engine is completely dead.”
NHTSA complaint #10005228, filed 2003-02, 42,822 miles“The two areas we have had problems with since the very beginning are the check engine light keeps coming on for no reason. They have asked us if we closed the gas cap tightly? We always do! Each time they say it is something else which is now getting costly. The other problem is the overwhelming smell of gas that has made us sick and caused horrible headaches. The dealership has not fixed this problem either and asked if we top off when we fill up. We do not. We feel that this car is having major electricial problems as we do have a 2001golf and have not experienced any problems with it. …”
NHTSA complaint #767520, filed 2002-09“While driving, a banging noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle started shaking uncontrollably. The consumer was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the motor mounts inside of the engine needed to be replaced. Please fill in additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10096912, filed 2004-10“This vehicle stalls out intermittently. Has been back to the dealer for repairs 6 times with no resolution. Dealer service manager admits they are grasping at straws and just replacing parts to get rid of it. Vw regional manager chris o'hara refuses to buy back the car and also refuses to allow us to bring the car back for service again, even though it is still under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #722865, filed 2000-05Related service bulletins
- 10241177Aug 21, 2023Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10237427May 30, 2023Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10235138Apr 24, 2023Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10193577May 11, 2021Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
- 10133344Jul 5, 201717 17 01 July 5, 2017 2012855 Supersedes Technical Bulletin 17-16-02 (V171602) dated April 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. Engine Oils…
- 10123015Jul 7, 2015Technical Bulletin (Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)): In cases where an air conditioning system component (such as a compressor or other system…
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241265Jan 27, 2014Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10240605Oct 15, 2013P0102, P1128, P1296 - WA front oxygen sensor faults
- 10240604Sep 18, 2013Emissions Recall Circular - 1999-2001 Volkswagen Folf/Jetta and New Beetle 2.0 Liter Gasoline Engine Vehicles Reprogramming of Engine Control Module and Replacement of…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 14 | 17% |
| 2019 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 2% |
| 2011 | 11 | 10% |
| 2010 | 9 | 13% |
| 2006 | 2 | 17% |
| 2005 | 2 | 11% |
| 2004 | 4 | 14% |
| 2003 | 1 | 4% |
| 2002 | 13 | 18% |
| 2001 | 23 | 20% |
| 2000 | 13 | 15% |
| 1999 | 16 | 25% |
| 1998 | 3 | 17% |
| 1995 | 4 | 9% |
| 1994 | 2 | 5% |
| 1993 | 2 | 29% |
| 1991 | 1 | 13% |
| 1989 | 3 | 18% |
| 1988 | 1 | 11% |
| 1985 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1999 Volkswagen Golf
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Volkswagen Golf
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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