2001 Volkswagen Golf Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 9%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Volkswagen Golf, 9% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are 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.
“I have a 2001 vw GOLF. I had to have the rear brakes replaced at around 36,000 miles. But the front brakes look like they're brand new. I feel that vw has a serious problem with these cars and won't admit it. I don't feel to safe knowing that the car is only stopping on the rear brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #10047002, filed 2003-11, 35,000 miles“2001 vw GOLF with 192285 mi experienced loss of electrical power to systems that are mounted on the rear hatch back door, (third brake light, rear defrosters, and wiper). Upon inspection of the wiring harness found the wiring chaffed and or broken at point where the harness passes through the harness shield. (where the harness passes from the car body to the lift gate)”
NHTSA complaint #10344990, filed 2010-07, 192,285 miles“Dt: brake pads in the rear wore out. Had changed brake pads at least 3 times in 4 years. Dealer said this was normal wear. Seams on the discs wore off. Since october until now the inside of the discs wore out at least 1/8 of inch.”
NHTSA complaint #10121706, filed 2005-05, 18,895 miles“Had to replace the rear brakes around 38000 miles. Front brakes were fine but had to have the rear rebuild. Was told that the pads went out of alignment and had to be re-shimmed. I do think that this is a defect that vw should cover.”
NHTSA complaint #10074628, filed 2004-06, 38,000 miles“Automatic transmission failure, mass air flow sensor failure, premature rear brake pad failure, automatic door lock malfunction, water pump failure, third brake light failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10059993, filed 2004-02, 64,000 milesRelated recalls
- 07V063000Feb 20, 2007On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed…Covers: Volkswagen Golf 1999–2006, GTI 1999–2006, Beetle 2001–2007 +3 more
- 02V031000Jan 31, 2002On some passenger vehicles, short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (abs).Covers: Volkswagen Golf 2001–2002, Jetta 2001–2002, NEW Beetle 2001–2002
Related service bulletins
- 10243015Nov 17, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10238566Jun 18, 2013If mechanical damage is found to the turbocharger (e.g. damaged compression wheel, loose or broken shaft), it is not enough to just replace the turbocharger.
- 10237700Jul 23, 2010For concerns of no or intermittent A/C operation where pressure diagnosis does not lead to a cause, be sure to check the N25 A/C clutch coil. The fan control module may send a…
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 2001 Volkswagen Golf
32 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 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 Oct 31, 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