The 4th generation GTI spans the 1997 to 2003 model years.
It has accumulated 10 owner complaints over those year and ranks 16th in reliability out of 46 eligible VW generations.
Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average VW score is 4.47 while this generation comes in at 0.76.
The clamps that hold the windows in place for many VW's are made of a very cheap plastic. Sometimes when moisture gets in the door and then freezes, it expands and pushes the windows off the clamps, causing the windows to literally fall int…
We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.
Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.
Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.
Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.
Overall reliability rank out of 46 eligible generations.
