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1996 Volkswagen GolfProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1996 Volkswagen Golf, most often about the latches/locks/linkages. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints31 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage131kLatches/locks/linkages, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 7, 2010. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Volkswagen Golf has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Latches/locks/linkages20
Electrical system11
Visibility11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1996 Volkswagen Golf recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Hood: latch

Recall 98V-160 · Jul 16, 1998 · 238,000 vehicles

Risk. UNEXPECTED OPENING OF THE HOOD COULD OCCUR OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.

Best & worst years

1996 vs. every other Golf year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Golf median. How we score

'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1996 Volkswagen Golf safety ratings

1996 Volkswagen Golf 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1996 Volkswagen Golf, and the recalls they led to.

  1. HOOD LATCH FAILUREPE98037 · closed Jul 20, 1998
    Led to recall 98V-160
In owners' words

What Golf owners report

Recent latches/locks/linkages complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECALL # 98V160000, WHICH REFERS TO THE HOOD LATCH, APPLIED TO THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE SERVICE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL. AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER, THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE SERVICE DEALER.
Complaint 10162989 · Jul 20, 2006 · 165,000 miles
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE'S HOOD FLEW UP WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT THE WINDSHIELD GLASS WAS SHATTERED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Complaint 10092439 · Sep 16, 2004 · 96,000 miles

Own a 1996 Golf?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.