2001 Volkswagen Golf Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 28%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the air bags of the 2001 Volkswagen Golf, 28% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2001 vw GOLF repeatedly has warning lights popping up in error. This week my airbag warning light came on and stayed on, even though this car has never been in an accident and the airbags have never needed to be deployed. Researching this issue shows that this is a common problem and annoyance among vw users. The only remedy offered by two dealerships I went to is to replace the airbags at a cost of more than $750/$900 per (there are 4 of them). …”
NHTSA complaint #10149329, filed 2006-02, 63,400 miles“This is a copy of my letter to Volkswagen, pls help me. Hello vw, to may it may concern. Recently I purchased at Volkswagen GOLF 2001 used model. It has about a year warranrtty left with 25,000km on it. Practixcally brand new. I was in a major car accident rear ending someone harshly, and my airbag s did not go off, my girlfriend was injured from this incident. We were about 50km per hour when the accident happened. But failed to protect her face fropm hitting the dashbard. Pls explain this incedent, to me.”
NHTSA complaint #10071388, filed 2004-01, 25,000 miles“2001 vw GOLF tdi. My airbag warning light came on and continues to remain on. I have heard of someone else having the same problem with the same model car.”
NHTSA complaint #10145433, filed 2005-12, 110,800 miles“Air bag warning light came on. I took it to the dealership and they said it was the side airbag in the passenger seat. I had it replaced for about $327.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10078862, filed 2004-06, 80,000 miles“2001 vw GOLF 2.0l with 59k miles airbag light came on for no apparent reason at startup and would not go off. Called vw of america and was given a case number. Took vehicle to dealer and they reported that the passenger front air bag harness needed to be replaced. Waiting for vw of america response to dealership for repairs to take place.”
NHTSA complaint #10039238, filed 2003-09, 59,833 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10213836Jan 22, 2016Airbag Issues.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 14% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 7 | 6% |
| 2016 | 10 | 12% |
| 2015 | 21 | 16% |
| 2014 | 4 | 33% |
| 2013 | 9 | 21% |
| 2012 | 10 | 21% |
| 2011 | 12 | 11% |
| 2010 | 11 | 16% |
| 2006 | 2 | 17% |
| 2005 | 6 | 32% |
| 2004 | 3 | 11% |
| 2003 | 11 | 42% |
| 2002 | 22 | 30% |
| 2001 | 32 | 28% |
| 2000 | 16 | 18% |
| 1999 | 1 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 6% |
| 1995 | 6 | 14% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2001 Volkswagen Golf
23 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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