2005 Volkswagen Golf: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 19 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Brake Booster Vacuum Line Fell off making me run a red light I could not stop the car in time. After getting the car stopped about 100 feet past the light I found that the Brake Booster Vacuum Line fell off its made of hard plastic that has become brittle it cracked at both ends. There was no warning lights even after it fell off. The part number of the hose is 130-612-041 I just wanted to let someone know before people start getting hurt...”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2021
“I got in the car this morning to head to work, I reached back to pull the seat belt forward and around my lap. Next thing I knew the belt was fully extended and would not retract at all. I had no tension left in the seat belt and it hung over me completely extended. Now I am driving with this completely loose seat belt around me, and no protection if I am in an accident.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 2020
“When driving the car it was running fine and then all of a sudden died on me and would restart then died again before I could move it out of the way. Now when I start it, it dies immediately.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Takata recall - I was in accident on 5/24/16 and the front of my car was all damaged but the airbag did not inflate causing me to hit the steering wheel”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2016
“When exiting the freeway, the fuel lift pump died and the car stalled on the exit ramp at 55 mph. I lost control of power brakes and power steering but was able to coast off the ramp to the stop light at the end of the ramp. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2011
“The turn signal clicker continues clicking after the signal has been de-activated. This defect leads to people not using the signal as they do not want to risk listening to the annoying clicking that sometimes goes on for hours. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2010
“The vehicle is maintained according to manufacturer guidelines and by certified mechanics at volkswagen dealer service center. Less than a week after the last maintenance, fuel tank exploded while driving. Bottom of the car is damaged right under rear passenger seats. Based on initial report from dealer service department, due to internal pressure build-up there was no fire (the car is diesel). Updated 06/23/10.*jb *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · May 2010
“Car was driven on a highway, approx 60 mph when a clunk was heard from the front suspension and sound of metal falling on the road. Car immediately started shaking and pulling strongly to the right. When the vehicle was raised up and examined it was found that the right front suspension spring has broken and couple of coils have fallen off. Car in question is 2005 vw golf, 55000 miles. Vw of america was contacted and they have denied any help claiming vehicle is out of warranty. Is not this a safety issue? *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2009
“My vehicle has 55,000 miles and the dual mass flywheel is failing and is covered under warranty but other vehicles out of warranty may not be covered. If this were to completely fail the clutch could lock up at any time. And cause an accident. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2009
“Turbocharger on 2005 vw golf failed twice (5000 mi and 95000 mi). First blade failed (covered by warranty), second shaft broke in half ($1,800 out of pocket). I bought car because it was supposed to be relaaible and supposed reputation of the diesel engine. I don't think two failures of $1,800item in 2.5 yrs is acceptable.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
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. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HIGH PRESSURE DIESEL PUMPS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPER FASTENER, WHICH COULD ALLOW DIESEL FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE PUMP.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIESEL PUMP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 8, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2005 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Golf by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Volkswagen Golf. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2005 Volkswagen Golf have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.