ESP warning light VW Golf mk5?

I have a vw 57 reg golf estate and my ESP light has been on for around 11 months will I be covered or end up paying a hefty bill?

lawrence
July 2015

I have an 04 plate VW Touran 2.0 FSI. The ESP light is constantly on now and it occasionally goes into limp mode. What is the best thing to do now??

Lisa Michelle
June 2015

I have a mk5 2.0 tdi 54 plate and ESP light stays on does anyone know if I'm coverd. Thank you

Luan
March 2015

Just had my ESP fixed on my Golf by VW Loughton(Justin),they originally asked £96 for fault diagnosis but waved this when discovered it was the known fault, and washed/valeted my car.
Bill states VW goodwill, zero cost.

Satisfied customer
October 2014

Just had mine mended on my 08 Touran at no cost by Lookers of Battersea. Didn't even have to ask. They just said there would be no charge because VW would pay. Great service from Nial and all at Lookers.

Jeremy Swinfen Green
August 2014

Had the same problem for a couple of years, now fails MOT - took it to VW dealer and diagnosed G201 error - £920 to fix!! Took some arguing but VW customer services (0800 333666) eventually conceded it's a know fault and they will cover the cost. There's a facebook page (search "VW Golf ESP Failure") that has very useful info. Note: VW's press office head (Paul Bucket) acknowledged faulty part supplied by VW on BBC program 17/04/10 and they are covering costs.

Richard
August 2014

The ESP light on my 2007 Golf came on and after reading all the answers and advice below took my car to the dealer who promptly replaced the ABS pump as a known fault and free of charge under goodwill.
Thank you all and JCT (VW) Bradford.

Stewart
June 2014

If it's a G201 01435 code, VW will fix it for free. Just had mine done at Doncaster VW. Mine has no dealer service history. The guy told me they had to do one at 100+ thousand miles with no dealer history so it's a dead cert

Mike
June 2014

I took my VW golf 56 plate to Citygate in Ruislip. They turned around and said it'd cost me £700 but they'd offer me a £100 discount. I argued and said but it's covered under VW goodwill as the fault was inherent and it's covered under the Sales of Goods Act.

To which they responded "that fault only has a goodwill of 7 years on". So i called up VW to complain. They investigated and it turns out Citygate were right, however, there are other avenues of goodwill to pursue which they didn't bother to do and informed me that they'd instructed Citygate to repair it for free under a different goodwill policy.

When the chap from Citygate called me, he seemed dejected. I complained to VW that i could've ended up paying £600 if it wasn't for people on this forum informing me! They said "they'd investigate it".

Also i think the fact that the previous owner had a full service history played a part, so beware. Thankfully I've only had one service and it was at VW (forced to)

Moral of the story, keep fighting and always google your problems :). good luck to all if you're unfortunate enough for it to happen to you.

AK47
May 2014

I've got an 06 1.4 golf, My ESP light had been on for 10 months from June 2013, but driving ok. I had been quoted a hefty bill to fix it. Needed sorting as MOT coming up & will fail.

Took it to Lookers in Battersea after reading on here, and they've fixed it under goodwill, all free of charge, with a valet thrown in too.

I hasten to add I didn't buy it from there, and I've not always had it serviced with VW, but nevertheless they've fixed it. Thanks VW Battersea!!

Anna
May 2014

just had esp problem fixed by vw free of charge well done vw

RJ
March 2014

Can anyone please advise which VW dealers they used to get this problem fixed under warranty?
I have the same problem light has been on since 2011 but now its compulsory i have to fix, i want to talk to a dealer first to check it can't be covered.
Thanks

Laura
March 2014

The ESP light came on and would not go off in April 2013. I was advised that this was possibly a manufacturers fault but never approached VW as the car was running ok. I was also advised that at the time it was not a MOT issue. When I went to get the car MOT'd last week it failed on the ESP light. I booked it in with VW Lookers in Battersea and they informed me that if my car was within a range of chassis numbers then it would be covered. Thank god it was and the work was done free of charge. If you have a mark V Golf and this happens, don't hesitate to contact your local dealer, it was worth it for me.

Jason
January 2014

My 05 Reg. 1.9 tdi golf has the ABS and ESP light on. I top up the brake fluid and the lights disappear for a week and then after i changed the battery(the old one was tired) the lights are on again. Any advice?

joro
December 2013

Had esp warning light on my 55reg golf plus took it to vw lookers of Blackpool. They were totally awesome they replaced abs pump at a cost of £1000 all free of charge great customer service team thank you vw lookers of Blackpool. Any one who has this fault should contact their vw dealer.

G bear
October 2013

My 07 golf, light came on, same month paying it off.
Went to my Smith Knight Faye in Hyde, will be covered by VW.
I love them.

Lucy May
September 2013

I have this problem too, how is it resolved please? Mine is a 1.4FSi 05 Plate. Can it be done as a good will gesture?

Ben
September 2013

I have a 54 reg golf which developed a fault warning on ESP in 2008 and would not switch off - well out of warranty. After reading all these threads I decided to have another go at getting VW to cover the repair. I phoned Cameron Motors in Perth june/13 explaining that when I last talked to them in 2008 they had quoted £12-1500 + diagnosis which I declined. have been running car faulty ever since!
Camerons offered to do the diagnostics FOC and on discovering the fault carried out repair under warranty. They even gave the car a full valet!!!!!!
Cannot thank Camerons enough and would recommend to anyone.
I'm also glad that I decided to read all these messages on similar problems.

scott
June 2013

The Dreaded ESP light came on my 55 reg golf gti which has done 69k miles. Got full service history , I hope my local vw dealer would waiver the charges after reading http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/caradvice/honestjohn/7898774/Golf-ESP-failure-should-dealer-pay-for-fix.html.

Going to dealer tomorrow , will update you all ?

Gti owner
May 2013

Hi all,

I have an 07 Golf TSi and had the same problem. Middle to end of 2010 my ESP warning light came on and I could no longer turn on off. In my 2011 service they quoted my around £1000-£1200 to fix it. As it was not compulsory to have with the MOT I did not go ahead with having this fixed and thank goodness I didn't. I didn't realise that last year the ESC is now a must in the MOT so I took it to VW today, and to my luck they fixed under warranty as a good will gesture as it seems there have been quite a few of cars with the same problem, I can't remember exactly what the guy said to me but it was something to do with the ABS that needed fixing and as it was being paid for under warranty I didn't have to pay the £54 diagnostics test. All I can suggest to you out there with the same problem is to find out exactly what it is that is broken and get examples of people who have had it fixed under good will gesture. Good luck!

Emma
March 2013

Hi Barra,

In a similar situation in that ive had the issue for a year or so but it now fails MoT; need to get this fixed.

This is most definetly unacceptable from VW if this part is not replaced as it is obviously not fit for purpose giving the number of posts across the web on this issue.

Which dealer have you contacted and what approach did you take?

David
February 2013

Hi Barra which Vw dealear you deal with?
I have the same problem for my touran TDI ESP on do i need to cantact the VW or the dealer

Thanks

Jimmy

Jimmy Mathew
February 2013

My 56 plate TDI has had the ESP problem (error G201, brake sensor error) for 2 years but this has now become an MOT fail. Contacted my local VW dealer who told me that VW were now replaicing the faulty ABS units free of charge. Had mine done yesterday, totally free and totally satisfied. Worth giving your dealer a ring

Barra
January 2013

I recently bought a 55 plate golf 2.0 fsi,with very low milage 32,500.In the first 10 days ive had the ESP warning light in the dash come on twice while slowing for roundabouts,driving normal speeds.Both times the car went into limp home mode.I pulled over,turned off/on and the problem seems to disapear.I doubt this can last though,any advise thanks ?

mike
January 2013

The easiest way to start off with is pull the 3 fuses that sit on top of the Battery and clean the contacts and fuse pins put them back and check

Rob Snyders
December 2012

I have a 10 yr old Bora and at first the esp light problem was intermittent and seemed to happen when the tyres hit a section of loose gravel on the road. The garage plugged it in to the computer and said there was no fault with the esp and suggested that it might be to do with uneven tyre wear or tyre pressure or the balancing being off. However, as of yesterday it is on permanantly even when the car hasn't yet moved. It's not just the light, but the abs is kicking in (if that's what it is - the car drives a little juddery especially in low revs and almost feels like the engine is misfiring)
I'm reading lots of reports about the light coming on but not about the way the car is behaving - do I have a different problem? At 10 years ild the car isn't worth much more than the repair costs quoted here, so I'm very worried!

Curious George
November 2012

I have just got my vw golf gt 170bhp serviced. Got the dreaded phone call saying I need an abs kit to fix my abs. Was also told I need a turbo valve replaced, another €200. This is not on. My car hasnt even done 50,000miles. After googling these appear to be very common problems. I would suggest everybody set up a twitter account and tweet VW Ireland/UK everyday to highlight the problem. there is strength in numbers! we can also Facebook!

VW_esp_problem
November 2012

I had this problem on Golf 55 plate out of Warranty, last service not carried out by VW dealer took to a local auto electrics guy who told me this was common fault and he could repair but recommended that I contact VW Customer Care who explained Diagnostic check had to be carried out by VW Dealer before they could say if assistance with cost could be given. Had further test done by VW and it was confirmed this was manufacturing fault, now repaired full cost including diagnostic test covered by VW....guess why this is my third Golf and thinking about a fourth. Never asked if VW had serviced car and I had removed log book from car...just incase. Good luck.

Lynda Duff
August 2012

We have tried VW who won't give us any good will as the car has never been serviced by them (last time I buy a VW). So far, we can't find a garage who will take on the repair either with a new abs pump or the repair kit. John (March 2012) you said your wife was having hers repaired for £350. Where was this done?
Thanks

Fran
August 2012

Just had the same problem with my 05 Touran. ESP warning light illuminated on dashboard. Fault with the sensor in the ABS unit. Sent away for reconditioning. Work guaranteed for life, never to reappear.
Total cost?
Carriage (£22) + £120 + labour.
In fact he also replaced all four brake discs and pads all around. Total cost of whole job = £465.00
Needless to say, I shall be returning to this honest mechanic.

Jason
August 2012

Frank Thank you!

I replaced the 30 amp fuse with a 50 amp. SO far the fault is cleared. initailly the fault stay but when i turn on the gti the next morning everything was cleared. Before the ESP light and hand brake light were coming on intermittently suddendly during normal conditions now this is no longer occurring Thanks!!!!Its seem that may is a software probleme and VW dont want to accept the situation.
Now the only way the abs esp light come on is if i brake brusquely at hi speed.
GTI MK5 2009

Andrew
July 2012

Can I ask John, or anyone, when you say
"all of a sudden VW have released the software and units have suddenly become available. Most good garages can carry out the repair now with new units not second hand ones",
What softwarre and units, and can anyone buy them?
Can any garages carry out the repair?
Thanks.

A K
May 2012

my touran has the same problem esp light on continually
advice from vw please.

carol doran
April 2012

Reading everyones comments. Firstly the ESP fault is common on VW's from 04 to 08 when VW changed supplier from Bosch to cheaper units. The fault is with the ESP sensor and usually does not effect the ABS which upto this year was not a MOT failure. Also unless you're driving like a nuttter the ESP usually does not kick in so usual driving is not an issue. However as of this year any light on the dashboard is an immediate MOT failure so all of a sudden VW have released the software and units have suddenly become available. Most good garages can carry out the repair now with new units not second hand ones. My wifes Touran is being repaired now this week for £350 prior to its MOT. NB. We have been driving this for the last 3 years with the light on and it hasnt made any difference.

John
March 2012

I've had a similar problem with the ESP light on my 54 plate VW Bora. If I turned the ignition off and back on again the light went out for a while. I checked various forums and thought I had the ABS sensor problem but I noticed that it was actually an intermittent brake light switch. If it failed x amount of times in a journey it threw up the ESP light. Replaced the switch for about £10 and 10 minutes work and hey presto problem has gone away. I've also noticed previously that if a brake bulb is dodgy or blown you can also get an 'engine workshop' display on the dash. Took it back to dealer numerous times when it was under warranty and they could never find a fault but replacing the bulb fixed that one. Hope this helps a few that have a similar problem and worth checking first

Pete
December 2011

i have just bought a vw golf plus diesel TDI automatic 07 plate its still under warranty my ESP LIGHT wont switch off ,im taking it to my vw dealer in loughton can anyone tell me what has caused this thanks richard london .

richard london
June 2011

ESP light continuously on.. Vw quoted me 1195.00...
I have challenged this as I have learned it's a common fault.. However dealers are being very reluctant in contributing.. Can anyone help??

Mo mo
June 2011

esp light on my 06 touran contacted vw preston and got goodwill my costs are going to be £278.62 for a bill of £1114

john
March 2011

Try brake pressure sensor kit 154 pounds from vw .

frank
March 2011

Before you do anything else, change the 30amp fuse!! don't just check it, change it. I have had consistent problems with my ABS for the last two years and I finally tracked it down to the fuse. It looks fine and even checks out with a meter but on very close inspection it has deep pitting on the blades that causes a circuit failure when the fuse is in situ.. This was the cause of my ABS light all along. Replaced the fuse with a new one and problem instantly solved. The fuse is in the bottom right hand corner of the fuse block next to the battery, and it's 30 amp. I bet a lot of people have spent a lot of money on ABS ECU's when all they need is a 50p fuse.

Alan
January 2011

Ann Marie
Your story is almost identical to mine. 06 Golf bought in UK and imported to Eire. ESP light came on and got it fixed (ABS pump) just inside 3yr warranty. (2 years ago) Now, the car has been an absolute disaster in the snow, and the ESP light came on again last night and wont go off. There was nearly no traction. Phoned Donnelly and Taggart this morning and I said that since it appears to be a fault with the part they repaired I would expect them to foot the bill. The girl said they need to look at the car, as it could be any number of things, but since we got the part repaired under warranty they will not foot the bill even if there was an issue.
Now, surely there is an issue here: Firstly, if the part was replaced or repaired as recently as 2 years ago, and the fault is with that part, then legally there must be a reasonable time period which you could expect the part to function (i.e be fit for purpose).
I have to take the car in to them, which in itself is a hassle I could do without. (How can I get there in the snow???) If they say that it is a fault with the part they repaired then I will check out my position legally.

Martin, Donegal (Eire)
December 2010

I have a 55 plate Golf GT TDI ESP/ABS light on. WHy on earth do VW not accept this fault and recall.

Lee Blakelock
December 2010

my car had the same fault ESP light would not go out I contacted VW direct as car was just out of warranty they said take it to my local VW dealer . i did and they replaced the part at no cost to me as a VW good will gesture well done VW

Johannes Eedla
November 2010

I have a 2004 VW golf 1.6 fsi - 70k miles. The ESP warning light has come on again. The first fault appeared in January 2007 which luckily for us was still under warranty and was rectified by VW dealership in UK. We originally bought the car in UK as it came with 3 year warranty. We then moved to Southern Ireland where it is now registered under VW Germany. However the light has now returned and we are looking at 1700 euro to replace the sensor. I now know that VW are aware of this defect but are reluctant to foot the cost of repairs without significant pressure. Being a loyal VW customer for nearly 20 years and I would expect the same loyalty and customer satisfaction in return. Certain VW models should have been recalled and the problem rectified. This is what I would expect of a multi national dealership who pride themselves on having the most reliable cars on the road. One of which, I thought I had bought. From 22 Nov if this ABS fault is not rectified under Irish NCT regulations my car is not considered road worthy and my insurance invalid. 1700 euro is more than I can afford. As a part time working mother trying to get ready for Christmas, I am at a loss for words - extremely angry and disappointed doesn't come close!

Anne Marie, Eire
November 2010

Is this the same as the esp light and the skidding car on the dash coming on intermittently - I have now just had the exhaust light on the dash come on also and my mechanic seems to think all could be related? I am now concerned that i am going to be told this is hugely expensive - I relaly can't afford it - we need to get VW to sort this out though a recall or an agreement to part-fund!

Alex H
September 2010

no answer as such my light esp in dash & switch on always,vw say after 2 months of many e-mails good will gesture can do the repair for £400.00 take it or leave it attitude..

christopher dean
September 2010

My Golf 05, has just been diagnosed with the same problem. Had the car 3 years. Looks like a common fault apparentley, £1000.00 to replace!! Not happy!

Kay, Leeds
August 2010

Just to add my complaint about the ESP light on my 2007 Golf match.
ESP light came on just a month ater the 3 years. 25000 miles completed. Normal service record but using my (very reliable) local garage instead of the VW dealer.
The VW dealer wants £1200 to repair. I'm arguing that there is clearly a problem with this component (thankfully the internet prevents manufacturers and dealers from brushing this kind of problem under the carpet).
So far, response along the lines - "if only you'd used a VW agent for service". This despite the fact that no service procedure applies to the ESP unit and at 25000 miles the only parts replaced are oil and filter.

johnjw
July 2010

As this is obviously more common than many people realise, and with VW seemingly unwilling to rectify the matter once and for all, I suggest an expose in the national press of VW's indifference to the problem, together with a strong suggestion that the public cease purchasing Golfs until someone at Wolfsburg wakes up to the situation.

Vito C
July 2010

I also have the same probem on my 05 Golf. If the ESP light is permanently on does this mean that the ESP is OFF or is it safe to drive as normal (particulary in the wet)?
I will definitely be contacting VW........

ali g
July 2010

Golf Plus FSI, 05. ESP light on £966 cost with goodwill. Still not good enough. Awaiting response from VW UK to try and get it reduced. Some good advice contact VW UK and state how shocked you are at the volume of people with this problem. The more they get contacted, hopefully, the more they,ll action this ault that should have been a product recall!

Taff
July 2010

http://ecutesting.com/vw_golf_touran_abs_pump_module.html

ChicksFan
May 2010

Try BBA REMAN on Google, Abs /Ecu recon unit for £100-£200.

Brian
March 2010

Does anyone know if this affects all GOLFs such as the GTI? Thanks

xinee
March 2010

I had this problem last year after less than 25000 miles on an 06 plate. The dealer had a sliding scale based on service history with VW, mileage and age of the car as to what they could give for goodwill. The full VW history, low mileage on my car and not long out of warranty meant that they funded the price of the replacement part (possbily around £800) and half the labour. You might ask about goodwill on yours. Unfortunately I have had other problems since, which for a car that I thought would be reliable, has been really disappointing.

Anon
March 2010

Just happened to my 5 year old 2.0 l TDI Golf with automatic gearbox. The VW garage admitted that VW know about this problem and that they will contribute "depending on mileage" towards the total cost of around £1300.
I am disappointed in this failure as Golfs are supposed to be reliable.
No such problems in my 7 year old Alfa Romeo!
Graham

Graham E
March 2010

own golf fsi esp light on its time vw did somthing about this expensive fault

kerry green
December 2009

HELLO THERE I HAVE A 2002 BORA TDI THE ESP LIGHT COMES ON SOMETIMES WHAT WOULD THE PROB BE CHEERS

ANDREW
December 2009

I also have a problem with the ESP and have been qoted £1600 to fit the new part. Has anyone been able to get any goodwill payment from VW for this?

jonathan freeman
November 2009

Sorry no solution. Just to say that I now have the problem. ESP light permanently on. VW dealer refuse any good will help with the £1600 replacement cost.
Golf 2.0 TDI. 55 reg. No more VW's for me.

Alan R
August 2009

it is a common fault with vw 's it requires a new unit at a cost of approx £1500 ,sometimes vw help with the cost sometimes they don't

johannes Eedla
June 2009

abs control module brake fluid pressure sensor 1 £1400 i have the same problems.

mohbub@easy.com
January 2009