NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2005 Volkswagen Golf; the most frequently affected component is engine and engine cooling — engine. Owners filed 19 complaints, most often about air bags. Among the 19 model years of this model in the database, 2005 ranks #15 for number of recalls.
Engine and engine cooling — EngineCampaign 14E007000 · 07 Mar 2014
Problem: 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.
Risk: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic — Master cylinderCampaign 07E023000 · 29 Mar 2007
Problem: 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.
Risk: Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
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.
Exterior lighting — SwitchCampaign 07V063000 · 20 Feb 2007
Problem: On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
Risk: The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
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.
Fuel system, dieselCampaign 04V586000 · 15 Dec 2004
Problem: 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.
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began on february 8, 2005. Owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
What owners complain about
Share of the 19 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Air bags6 · 32%
Fuel system4 · 21%
Exterior lighting2 · 11%
Electrical system2 · 11%
Engine and engine cooling2 · 11%
Power train2 · 11%
Other2 · 11%
Interior lighting1 · 5%
When complaints were filed
20052
20061
20072
20095
20102
20112
20161
20171
20191
20201
20211
From owner complaints
Volkswagen 2005 golf: both front exterior lights, day time and night time went out. The fuse was good and the light bulbs were out. Apparently, the wiring had a malfunction which also caused the interior light on the climate controls to go off. The fuse was good as well. Another malfunction from thevw company. Lastly,…
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
Sunroof drains clog causing backup of water to settle on floors ruining carpet, causing mold. Water gets into door frames causing buckling of doors during winter months. Water damage also caused an electrical wiring short which caused an airbag failure as well as ruined two batteries. I have not used or opened the…
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…
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.