2002 Volkswagen GTI Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 6%of 124 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Volkswagen GTI, 6% of the 124 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,800 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.
“The consumer was coming out of a toll booth at approximately 45 MPH and passenger's side airbag deployed for no reason, resulting in minor injuries. The A/C was inoperative, the passenger side window dropped and would not close, the coil was a problem and the cooling fan had broken.”
NHTSA complaint #10103117, filed 2005-01, 39,000 miles“Engine computer defect. Auto stalls and engine RPM's surge after engine has achieved normal operating temperature and user starts after driving and turning off car.”
NHTSA complaint #10002715, filed 2003-01, 7,710 miles“Consumer state while traveling without any indication vehicle engine failed. Vehicle was serviced by dealer techincian noticed engine coil pack needed to be replaced. Please provide further information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10004569, filed 2003-01“While driving at an undetermined spees, the engine collapsed from the vehicle without warning. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership for inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10071950, filed 2004-04Related service bulletins
- 10241177Aug 21, 2023Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10237427May 30, 2023Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10235138Apr 24, 2023Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10193577May 11, 2021Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
- 10158514Feb 27, 2019Gasoline Engine Misfire Diagnosis document
- 10236436Feb 5, 2016Gasoline quality.
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10124482Aug 29, 2014Tech Tips (TDI Engine - N75 Solenoid Valve Diagnosis): This document informs with graphical aid the testing of the N75 Solenoid Valve in the event of a turbocharger fault code…
- 10241339Aug 22, 2014Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241311Mar 26, 2014Gasoline Quality
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 7% |
| 2019 | 6 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2012 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 6 | 11% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 7 | 9% |
| 2006 | 5 | 12% |
| 2003 | 8 | 15% |
| 2002 | 7 | 6% |
| 2001 | 6 | 8% |
| 2000 | 9 | 20% |
| 1999 | 1 | 13% |
| 1998 | 3 | 30% |
| 1996 | 2 | 22% |
| 1995 | 3 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2002 Volkswagen GTI
42 complaintsAir bags
23 complaintsWheels
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Volkswagen GTI
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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