2001 Volkswagen Golf Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 11%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the visibility of the 2001 Volkswagen Golf, 11% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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 gls. One day my car's truck door can not be locked, I took it to vw dealership for inspection. Initially I though it was just some wiring problem, but after the certified vw technician checked every possible things that caused the truck lock malfunction, it was so called comfort control module not sending signal and electricity to the truck lock. No big deal, it's just a truck lock, no need to worry, so I refused the $900 estimated repair amount for a new comfort control module (ccm) replacement. …”
NHTSA complaint #10300336, filed 2010-01, 72,000 miles“My rear passenger widow will not roll down because of a faulty window regulator. Vw knows the problem exists because they have to replace the front window regulators that have a similar desing using plastic window clips. I have children that travel in the car frequently and if we were in an accident they would not be able to roll the window down and get out of the car. I feel that this is a safety concern. I realize that the gti version of my car doesn't have windows that roll down in the back but I didn't buy that car because I have kids that need to ride in the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10100320, filed 2004-11, 44,000 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“A plastic burning smell in cabin was noted at highway speed. Upon exiting the highway, smoke was seen coming from the HVAC control panel. Recirculation fan was switched from high speed setting to off. The smoke continued to intensify, until all dc power was removed from the car. Maintenance found the HVAC controller, rotatory fan speed switch to have melted in the off position due to the heat of the electrical arching in side the switch. Damaged limited to the HVAC control panel p/n 1j0 820 045f manufactured by valeo.”
NHTSA complaint #10356703, filed 2010-09, 195,050 miles“Passenger side window fell off its track on two occaisions. Renders window totally inoperative. Failure first occured around 40000 miles and then at 50000.”
NHTSA complaint #10058435, filed 2004-02, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10123011Jul 22, 2015Technical Bulletin (Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear): Windshield or rear window is streaked, has a snakeskin appearance, or the surface feels rough. To avoid unnecessary…
- 10122956May 8, 2015Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open…
- 10122911Apr 20, 2015Technical Bulletin (Rear Door Glass Inoperative): The rear glass cannot be opened / closed, the rear glass may slide down into the door, or the rear glass motor operates but the…
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243015Nov 17, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242353Nov 17, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10239541Sep 24, 2014Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)
- 10243011May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10239534Apr 18, 2014HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 9% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 4% |
| 2002 | 7 | 9% |
| 2001 | 13 | 11% |
| 2000 | 20 | 23% |
| 1999 | 8 | 13% |
| 1998 | 2 | 11% |
| 1997 | 1 | 14% |
| 1995 | 2 | 5% |
| 1994 | 3 | 7% |
| 1992 | 1 | 17% |
| 1991 | 3 | 38% |
| 1990 | 1 | 10% |
| 1989 | 4 | 24% |
| 1988 | 3 | 33% |
| 1986 | 3 | 23% |
| 1985 | 4 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2001 Volkswagen Golf
32 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsExterior lighting
15 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 Oct 30, 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