Ignition Switch Problems of Volkswagen GTI

Left work after sunset. On my way home my headlights stopped working. I then noticed that my turn signals, wipers, and defroster stopped working as well. Luckily I am a mechanic so I was able to find the problem as soon as I got home. That was after driving 5 miles with no lights at all on the exterior of the car. The problem was the ignition switch. When I took everything apart I noticed that the wire and connector was melted. I replaced the ignition switch, melted wire, and connector. I have the old part and the receipt. My only concern is that my car could have caught fire.

See all problems of the 2002 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

I was driving at night, in the rain, when all of a sudden my headlights went out. I had to pull over and see what was going on. I also noticed that my wipers and my fan also stopped working. I turned off the ignition and turned the car back on again, all was fine for about 10 sec. , then it went out again. I noticed that when I touched the keys in the ignition that it went back on again, and I held the key forward and held it there, and the headlights, wipers, and the fan started to work again. When I let it go, it stopped working. I had to hold the key in the ignition forward all the way home to have headlights to see my way home. The next day I checked again and knew for sure that the ignition switch was the problem, it needed to be replaced. I looked it up online and found that this problem is very common on Volkswagen golf's or Gti's and that there wasn't a recall on this dangerous defect. I own a 1998 Volkswagen Gti. Thank you, and I would appreciate it if this problem was addressed to Volkswagen and a recall were to be made of this problem. I heard it cost's a lot of money to replace the ignition switch.

See all problems of the 1998 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

While driving vehicle stalled. Consumer restarted vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that a wire burnt out from the ignition switch, and mechanic replaced the wire. Consumer informed the mechanic that the problem occurred more than once.

See all problems of the 2001 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

Ignition switch has failed three times. Failure of ignition switch prevents normal functioning of many electrical systems. This problem is a fire hazard. Overheating of the switch assembly melts plastic housing and damages insulation and conductor of wires connected to the switch. Problem only occurs when driving lights (I. E. Headlamp switch pulled out) are on. No problem occurs with driving lights off. Problem may be caused by inadequate switch design. Dealer solution was to replace entire dash wiring harness, which was unacceptable due to cost. Owner repaired damaged wire with Volkswagen repair kit and replaced ignition switch, and no longer uses driving lights. Photos of failed switch available.

Coilpacks are prone to failure, causing the car to violently lose power. Also having an issue where the car is trying to start itself again with the clutch depressed.