Model year record

1996 Volkswagen GTI

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 11 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V160000

Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch

Component
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Vehicles affected
238,000
Reported to NHTSA
1998-07-16
Owners notified
1998-10-15

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BOLTS SECURING THE FRONT HOOD LATCH CAN LOOSEN OVER TIME. THE LATCH WOULD MOVE CAUSING DISENGAGEMENT OF THE HOOD STRIKER FROM THE LATCH.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HOOD LATCH AND SECURING BOLTS AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Electrical system1
Electrical system: ignition1
Electrical system: ignition: module1
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood1100,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling1118,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline1
Power train: manual transmission140,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic1
Structure: body: door1140,000 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly1
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs1

The 1995 model has about a third as many complaints as this one. The 1997 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.