1999 Volkswagen GTI Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 25%of 8 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,380miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Volkswagen GTI, 25% of the 8 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,380 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.
“I noticed that my speedometer was not properly functioning so I went to the vw dealership and they told me that I had a coolant leak and coolant migration. The coolant apparently migrated through the wiring harness to short my instrument cluster. The entire wire harness and part of my instrument cluster is now inoperable due to the migration. I was quoted a $3,800 estimate and my car only has 68,000 miles. I performed online research and several 1999 vw's had the same problem due to a design defect that dripped coolant over the wire harness. …”
NHTSA complaint #10202438, filed 2007-09, 67,380 miles“While driving about any MPH RPM will go over 1500 and engine will die without a prior warning. Had taken vehicle to shop, and they said it was coil pack that was malfunctioning.”
NHTSA complaint #878573, filed 2001-01Related service bulletins
- 10228178Dec 6, 2022Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
- 10159014Mar 22, 2019Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 10158529Feb 19, 2019Battery Testing and Charging instruction. Updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 10133469Nov 10, 2017Tip for Scan tool concerns that may occur duing a test plan
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10239789Jan 24, 2014To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine…
- 10157394Sep 18, 2013Emissions Service Action Circular (VR6 Engine Update ECM Software for Catalytic Converter Monitoring System): The ECM software for the catalytic converter monitoring system is…
- 10155823Sep 18, 2013Emissions Service Action Circular (VR6 Engine Update ECM Software for Catalytic Converter Monitoring System): The ECM software for the catalytic converter monitoring system is…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 10% |
| 2023 | 1 | 17% |
| 2022 | 7 | 24% |
| 2019 | 16 | 9% |
| 2018 | 2 | 12% |
| 2017 | 3 | 6% |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% |
| 2015 | 4 | 4% |
| 2014 | 2 | 20% |
| 2013 | 3 | 9% |
| 2012 | 4 | 10% |
| 2011 | 8 | 15% |
| 2010 | 9 | 17% |
| 2009 | 31 | 19% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 12 | 16% |
| 2006 | 5 | 12% |
| 2005 | 3 | 38% |
| 2004 | 2 | 29% |
| 2003 | 9 | 17% |
| 2002 | 42 | 34% |
| 2001 | 21 | 28% |
| 2000 | 3 | 7% |
| 1999 | 2 | 25% |
| 1998 | 1 | 10% |
| 1997 | 4 | 40% |
| 1996 | 3 | 33% |
| 1995 | 3 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1999 Volkswagen GTI
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Volkswagen GTI
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