1999 Volkswagen GTI
Only 8 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 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1999
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1999: 8 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 18 |
| 1996 | 9 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 45 |
| 2001 | 74 |
| 2002 | 124 |
| 2003 | 53 |
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 8 |
| 2006 | 43 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 67 |
| 2009 | 167 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2011 | 55 |
| 2012 | 40 |
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 97 |
| 2016 | 67 |
| 2017 | 52 |
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2019 | 179 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 29 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
3 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-09-10
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 ODI report, 2001-01-19
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Visibility
2 of 8 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing power window devices and controls.
Show complaint excerpts
This is an on going problem with the new golf's and jetta's that needs to be addressed by vwoa. No safety defect.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-07-09
Vehicle speed control
1 of 8 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Seat belts
1 of 8 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing rear/other.
Show complaint excerpts
The rear center seat belt of my 1999.5 Volkswagen GTI trapped a passenger in my car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-07-18
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 8 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel injection system.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2004-11-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-04-19 Fuel pump leaks
-
R
2005-07-25Fuel system, gasoline05V154000 On certain passenger vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and double-layer fuel tanks, tension on the fuel supply line may cause the fuel pump supply nipple to crack which could result in a leak.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel supply line for tension, and inspect the fuel pump supply nipple for cracking. If necessary the fuel line and the fuel pump will be replaced free of charge. The…
-
R
2007-04-27Exterior lighting07V063000 On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
Remedy: Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through September 21, 2007.…
Buy-smart checklist
1999 Volkswagen GTI — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V154000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 07V063000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1999 Volkswagen GTI 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 1999 Volkswagen GTI?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 Volkswagen GTI have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.