1997 Volkswagen Golf
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 7 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 13 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 17 |
| 1990 | 10 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 6 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 43 |
| 1995 | 43 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 18 |
| 1999 | 64 |
| 2000 | 88 |
| 2001 | 116 |
| 2002 | 74 |
| 2003 | 26 |
| 2004 | 28 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 70 |
| 2011 | 110 |
| 2012 | 48 |
| 2013 | 43 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 131 |
| 2016 | 85 |
| 2017 | 117 |
| 2018 | 29 |
| 2019 | 62 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
3 of 7 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.
Show complaint excerpts
Automatic transmission, when the engine is "Cold" The transmission does not shift in to gear properly. It usually gets stuck between gears, if you step on the gas at the time between gears the car will buck violently as it shifts.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-22
Visibility
1 of 7 total reports mentions: visibility.
Structure
1 of 7 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing hinge and attachments.
Show complaint excerpts
While inspecting the vehicle consumer noticed four doors' molding separated from vehicle. Consumer glued molding on twice, but problem recurred. Dealership and manufacturer were contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-06-23
Latches/locks/linkages
1 of 7 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
Show complaint excerpts
Automatic door lock intermittently malfunctioned in cold temperatures. Door knob popped up, but the door failed to open automatically or manually. As a result, consumer was trapped in or locked out of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-06
Equipment
1 of 7 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Volkswagen Golf — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Volkswagen Golf?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Volkswagen Golf have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.