2001 Volkswagen Golf Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 6%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Volkswagen Golf, 6% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,000 miles.
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.
“Dt: the contact states vehicle has experienced problems with the automatic transmission for the past two years. The contact took the vehicle into the dealership. The dealership was unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle is now at a private mechanic. Repairs will be made at contact's expense. No repairs were made.”
NHTSA complaint #10145760, filed 2005-12, 40,000 miles“Multiple issues regarding vehicle reliability: replacement (twice) of oil transmission lines, repair to turbo system, and now replacement of diesel glow plugs , cabling and failure of starter motor.”
NHTSA complaint #10173821, filed 2006-11, 79,900 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 miles“Vw GOLF 2001 unable to shift from park or neutral with ignition on . Potentially dangerous. Fortunately this time car was not in a dangerous location. This is the second failure of the brake light switch (and automatic shift lock switch) in this car with only 30588 miles. Replaced at dealer. I have the failed switch and (as an engineer) can see many flaws in the design, leading to arcs and contact sticking or non-operation. Research on the internet shows that many other owners have had this problem, some over 6 times. Applicable over a range of vw models and years. …”
NHTSA complaint #10121059, filed 2005-05, 30,588 miles“I was driving on the freeway when I bumped the shifter while reaching for my soda. The shifter went into neutral and would not come out until I forced it back into drive. I pulled over into a gas station. I put the car in park and tried to shift back into drive, but the shifter wouldn't budge. I finally got it to go into park after a tow truck driver suggested that I turn the ignition to different positions while pumping the break and pulling on the shifter. It finally released and I drove immediately to the nearest Volkswagen dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10171865, filed 2006-10Related service bulletins
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10238600Jul 4, 2014Incorrect torque converter or flywheel/flexplate installation can result in transmission damage. When installing an engine, flywheel or transmission, please follow the…
- 10120207Jul 4, 2014Tech Tips (Torque Converter/Flywheel/Flexplate installation): Incorrect torque converter or flywheel/flexplate installation can result in transmission damage. When installing an…
- 10240605Oct 15, 2013P0102, P1128, P1296 - WA front oxygen sensor faults
- 10242397Jun 17, 2013VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10238601Jun 14, 201309A Transmission -- Replacing Transmission
- 10125833Jun 14, 2013Tech Tips (Vehicles with 09G or 09A Transmission -- Replacing Transmission): This document informs If you replace one of these transmissions, check ETKA to see if you must also…
- 10157735Oct 1, 2012Transmission Control Module Updates: This document informs of the software, and technical bulletins that service corresponding cars and their Transmission Control Module…
- 10156129Oct 1, 2012Transmission Control Module Updates: This document informs of the software, and technical bulletins that service corresponding cars and their Transmission Control Module…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 9% |
| 2022 | 25 | 31% |
| 2021 | 1 | 14% |
| 2019 | 13 | 21% |
| 2018 | 4 | 14% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% |
| 2015 | 14 | 11% |
| 2014 | 2 | 17% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 9 | 19% |
| 2011 | 21 | 19% |
| 2010 | 7 | 10% |
| 2005 | 2 | 11% |
| 2004 | 3 | 11% |
| 2003 | 2 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 5% |
| 2001 | 7 | 6% |
| 2000 | 5 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 6% |
| 1998 | 4 | 22% |
| 1997 | 3 | 43% |
| 1995 | 2 | 5% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 3 | 18% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
| 1985 | 3 | 30% |
Other parts of the 2001 Volkswagen Golf
32 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsBrakes
10 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