The 1999 Volkswagen Golf has 4 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: a sound-absorbing mat inside the B-pillar trim that can ignite during a crash, and a fuel pump supply nipple that can crack and leak gasoline near an ignition source.
The mat issue occurs because the material sits close to the seatbelt pretensioner, which releases hot exhaust gas when it fires in a severe front or side collision. If the mat was damaged or poorly seated during assembly, that gas can set it alight inside the cabin. The fuel system concern is separate: on vehicles with double-layer fuel tanks, tension on the fuel supply line can crack the pump's outlet nipple, allowing raw gasoline to drip out where it can ignite. On the electrical side, a brake light switch that was installed incorrectly can cause the brake lights to stay on constantly or go dark entirely, meaning drivers behind the car get no warning when the brakes are being applied. There is also a label concern specific to vehicles with the 2.8L VR6 engine: the tire inflation sticker recommends a cold pressure that is slightly too low for the 205/50 R15 tire size, and running tires at that lower pressure over time can affect handling and stability.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake light switch may not work properly if it was installed incorrectly at the factory.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a newly designed brake light switch at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
On some vehicles with gasoline engines and double-layer fuel tanks, tension on the fuel supply line can crack the fuel pump supply nipple, causing a fuel leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel supply line for tension and the fuel pump nipple for cracks. If needed, they will replace the fuel line and fuel pump at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire pressure label on certain 2.8L VR6 vehicles specifies 2.4 bar (35 PSI) for 205/50 R15 tires, but the correct pressure should be 2.5 bar (36.3 PSI)—0.1 bar too low.
What the fix does
A corrected tire pressure label will be provided and installed at an authorized dealer at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The sound-absorbing mat inside the B-pillar trim panel may be improperly installed or damaged. If exposed to hot exhaust gases from the seat belt pre-tensioner during a severe front or side collision, the mat could ignite.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove the matting materials from inside both B-pillars of the vehicle.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
