2002 Volkswagen GTI Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 124 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,700miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Volkswagen GTI, 3% of the 124 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,700 miles. 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.
“Rear brake light switch failed causing all rear brake lights to fail. This caused extreme danger as it can easily cause a rear-end collision. Part seems to be recognized as failure-prone since other owners also have reported failures. Vw jetta's were recalled, GTI's were not, even though chassis and part are the same. Switch was replaced by dealer at a cost of approx. $110.00”
NHTSA complaint #10178748, filed 2007-01, 39,700 miles“I own a 2002 jetta vr6 and my brake light switch has gone out. I have read the latest recall number 06v183000, however, Volkswagen wanted to charge me for the repair stating my car was not found to have any recalls on it. My brake lights went out while driving and I did not know it. Someone almost ran into the back of my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10167867, filed 2006-09Related 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 GTI 1999–2006, Golf 1999–2006, Beetle 2001–2007 +3 more
- 04V584000Dec 16, 2004On certain passenger vehicles, the hazard switch and flasher system function may degrade over time because of distortion and material transfer of the contacts…Covers: Volkswagen GTI 2000–2002, Jetta 2000–2002, Golf 2000–2002
Related service bulletins
- 10158533Feb 18, 2019Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 10253215Jun 4, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239592Jun 4, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10243011May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10253214Mar 8, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239591Mar 6, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Feb 14, 2011Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239590Feb 14, 2011Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 2 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 7 | 10% |
| 2007 | 7 | 9% |
| 2006 | 2 | 5% |
| 2004 | 1 | 14% |
| 2003 | 2 | 4% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 6 | 8% |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% |
| 1995 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2002 Volkswagen GTI
42 complaintsAir bags
23 complaintsWheels
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsBrakes
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 Nov 1, 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