Reliability data provided by industry-leading Automotive Information Systems. For more information, consult the Reliability FAQ or read About Reliability Ratings.
1997 Volkswagen Golf Reliability Rating
KEY:
Minimal Problems
Moderate Problems
Significant Problems
Category
Rating
Comments
Engine
Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Timing Belt and Mass Air Flow Sensor and a periodic problem is failure of the Vacuum Hoses. Failures of the Timing Belt and Mass Air Flow Sensor apply to 4 cylinder gas and diesel engines only. The cost to repair the Timing Belt is estimated at $28.00 for parts and $117.00 for labor on gasoline engines and $63.00 for parts and $227.00 for labor on diesel engines. The cost to repair the Mass Air Flow Sensor is estimated at $380.00 for parts and $65.00 for labor. The cost to repair the Vacuum Hoses is estimated at $25.00 for parts and $65.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax
Transmission & Driveline
Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs.
Steering & Suspension
Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs.
Brakes
Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs.
Heating & Air Conditioning
Periodic problems on this vehicle are failures of the Air Conditioner Thermoswitch and Fresh Air Blower Series Resistor. Failures of the Air Conditioner Thermoswitch and Fresh Air Blower Series Resistor apply to (4 cylinder gasoline engine) only. The cost to repair the Air Conditioner Thermoswitch is estimated at $17.50 for parts and $32.50 for labor. The cost to repair the Fresh Air Blower Series Resistor is estimated at $39.00 for parts and $45.50 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.
Starting & Charging
An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Ignition Switch. Failure of the Ignition Switch may prevent the vehicle from starting. The cost to repair the Ignition Switch is estimated at $28.00 for parts and $136.50 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.
Accessories
Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs.
Overall
4 out of 5
*Repair costs are based on a flat rate of $65.00 per hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.
Reliability History
In the chart below, click a symbol beneath the model year headings to go directly to reliability information on the particular automotive system for that year.
Or, click a model year heading at the top of the chart to view a complete reliability report for that particular model year.
Minimal Problems
Moderate Problems
Significant Problems
