Volkswagen Gti problems
Social links
Volkswagen Gti model years
Common Volkswagen Gti problems
Volkswagen GTI owners have reported several common problems that can affect the performance and reliability of these popular hatchbacks. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- High Mileage Automatic Transmissions May Have Shifting Problems: Some Volkswagen GTI owners have reported issues with automatic transmissions, particularly in high-mileage vehicles. These problems can include rough shifting, slipping, and difficulty getting into gear. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out clutch packs, damaged solenoids, or low transmission fluid levels.
- Air Leaks and EVAP Faults Causing Check Engine Light: Many Volkswagen GTI owners have reported issues with air leaks and EVAP faults, which can cause the check engine light to come on. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty sensors, damaged hoses, or leaks in the EVAP system. These issues can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, poor performance, and increased emissions.
- Ignition Coils: In high-performance applications like the GTI, the ignition system is subjected to more stress, which can lead to premature failure of components like ignition coils. Symptoms of a faulty ignition coil or spark plug include a check engine light, misfiring, and a rough or vibrating engine.
- Intake Manifold Runner: The intake manifold runner is responsible for directing airflow into the engine. If the runner is not functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of issues, including reduced power, poor fuel efficiency, and a check engine light.
- Water Pump: The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant through the engine to keep it at a safe temperature. In the Volkswagen GTI, some owners have reported issues with the water pump, including leaks and premature failure. These issues can lead to overheating and engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Upper Timing Chain Tensioner: The timing chain tensioner is responsible for maintaining the correct tension on the timing chain, which keeps the engine's valves and pistons in sync. If the tensioner fails, it can lead to damage to the engine's valves and pistons, as well as reduced performance and increased emissions.
- Intake Valves: The intake valves are responsible for allowing air and fuel to enter the engine. If the valves become dirty or damaged, it can lead to reduced performance, poor fuel efficiency, and increased emissions.
- Gearbox Issues: Some Volkswagen GTI owners have reported issues with the gearbox, including rough shifting, slipping, and difficulty getting into gear. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out clutch packs, damaged solenoids, or low transmission fluid levels.
- Oil Consumption: Some Volkswagen GTI models can suffer from high oil consumption, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly. It's important to keep checking the oil level, even between services, and to have the car serviced according to guidelines.
- Electrical Issues: Faults with the navigation and entertainment system, as well as other electrical niggles, have been reported on some models. It's worth checking that all the electrics work as they should.
These are just some of the common problems reported by Volkswagen GTI owners. While these issues can be frustrating, many of them can be addressed with regular maintenance and prompt repairs. It's important to keep up with routine maintenance, such as oil changes and transmission fluid flushes, to help prevent these issues from occurring. If you do experience any of these problems, it's important to have them addressed promptly by a qualified mechanic to help prevent further damage to the vehicle.
Is the VW GTI a reliable car?
Overall, it seems that the Volkswagen Golf GTI is generally reliable. Motorbiscuit.com indicates that recent updates, particularly in 2013 and later cars, have made the Volkswagen Golf GTI models quite reliable compared to their earlier counterparts.
Is the GTI a good car or bad?
The engineers developed a great hatchback; the UX people appear not to have driven. Throw the GTI hard into a corner, and it claws the tarmac. Once you're done throwing it around recklessly, it becomes just another Golf; it's discreet, comfortable, practical, and surprisingly thrifty, writes William Clavey.
Is GTI high maintenance?
The annual maintenance cost of a Volkswagen GTI is $791. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
What are the disadvantages of GTI?
Cons
- Infotainment system can be frustrating to use.
- Not as much power as some rival hot hatches.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Volkswagen Gti years
We have researched Volkswagen problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volkswagen Gti cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Volkswagen Gti model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volkswagen Gti model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Volkswagen Gti years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Volkswagen Gti car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Volkswagen Gti , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Electronic stability control (esc) problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Volkswagen Gti vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Gti model years
A total of 27 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Gti model years
There were a total of 12 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Gti model years
There were a total of 23 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Gti model years
There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 873 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volkswagen Gti . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volkswagen Gti vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Volkswagen Gti 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-08
- VIN: 3VW6T7AU3KM
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Rough idle on start. RPM is not maintaining to keep the engine running. After a few try, it starts ok and drive off the parking lot, but the engine dies after about 10 seconds over 30mph. It feels like gasoline is not igniting corretly. Scanned Error Code P0171: System Too Lean Bank 1 P0190: Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor A Circuit Dealership can't replicate the issue and find the issue. Could be related to Fuel System Recall.
Volkswagen Gti 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-29
- VIN: WVWFV7AJ0CW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ABS Control Module short and failure occurred. Trouble codes generated include 01325 - Tire Pressure Monitoring Control Module No signal/communication and 01130 - ABS Operation Implausible signal static. Upon visiting an Authorized Volkswagen dealer service center was charged $200 for ABS diagnostic fee and told the ABS Control Module has failed and I will need to pay >$2900 to replace. ABS, ESP/ASR, airbag, and parking brake lights are now permanently active as a result and not certain these systems are functioning.
Volkswagen Gti 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-20
- VIN: 3VW6T7AUXKM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: There has been no incident. I am filing this complaint because I have been unable to get an expected date of repair from VW by calling VW.
Volkswagen Gti 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-14
- VIN: WVWGD7AJ3AW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The seatbelt is failing as it does not retract back into its holder and I am uncertain as to how safe and effective it is. Note that I have not done anything to cause this damage to it, it is through use and time. Volkswagen Group should approve fixes to it without additional cost to the customer.
Volkswagen Gti 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-04
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WVWHD7AJ5AW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: under emergency braking at around 70mph all 4 wheels locked up and abs/traction lights illuminated on dash. Caused a minor accident and flat spot on all 4 tires. ABS did not work. This is a know recall for 2009 models of the same vehicle. I replicated the issue a second time at a slower speed on a secluded road with the same results. There are numerous complaints about the same situation on this and other model VW cars of this year all over the internet forums. The ABS module was diagnosed as defective by mechanic shop.
Volkswagen Gti 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-28
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-28
- VIN: WVWFD7AJ7CW
- Components: ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant level warning light illuminated. The contact stopped and refilled the coolant reservoir bottle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed water pump. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had been persistent, and the water pump had been replaced three times previously. The contact was informed that oil leaked onto the gasket and caused the housing of the water pump to crack, which caused the engine to overheat. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Volkswagen Gti 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-10
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-10
- VIN: WVWHD7AJXEW
- Components: STEERING,AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I noticed a common problem among MK6 GTI owners of the steering wheel messing up, causing many issues such as broken airbags, the horn not work, cruise control stopped, etc., and since I have the issue (air bag symbol, horn, no cruise control) as well I was wondering what could be done. This happened after a near-accident/close call and when I tried to honk it didnt work. It could've been for any situation and a car horn is very important. That on top of the fact that if I did crash there was a risk of me not even having an air bag. Not to mention the countless inconvenient long drices with no cruise control. I checked the wiring and the wheel/horn is connected properly, and everything else on the dasg works fine.The car has been in a minor accident before and I did take it to a VW dealership for mechanical and body work, so the car should've been fine had they fixed the issue, but the problem is I had zero idea about the recall and I'm assuming they didnt bother to check since I didnt mention, and so the issue was hidden away. I did in fact however call the dealership and call to ask if they perhaps incorrectly ordered a wrong oart or something, but they assured me that the car was handled to their best extent. I doubt fixing the issue would have been a bother, so they wouldve done it had they know. I'm 99% sure this is the recall affecting my car, and I sure would like some help. Thank you
Volkswagen Gti 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-21
- Date Complaint: 2023-09-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WVWHV71K49W
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The warning light went on engine oil pressure off. Search manual. Then it wouldn't start. But lights where on so we put a new starter. But it wouldn't turn the engine. So We thought it must be the battery needs a jump start. And then wire from battery to starter caught on fire? I Googled the problem, and found that there had been recalls for that faulty wire before.
Volkswagen Gti 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-13
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WVWEV71K27W
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I hydroplaned and was t-boned on the passenger side. The only air bags that went off were the side curtains on the passenger side
Volkswagen Gti 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-04
- Date Complaint: 2023-03-08
- VIN: WVWHD7AJ3EW
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated while shifting the vehicle into drive(D) there was a lag before the vehicle responded. The contact stated that the engine revved before the transmission jolted into gear. The contact stated that the vehicle shook abnormally. Additionally, while accelerating the vehicle was revving loudly before jolting into the next gear. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the check engine light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the local dealer however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,669.
Volkswagen Gti 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-09
- Date Complaint: 2023-01-09
- VIN: WVWHV71K77W
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The front passenger airbag has been verified by a service centre to have some kind of issue, is a safety hazard and they confirmed other of the same type airbags have had faults as well (in their experience).
Volkswagen Gti 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-12-06
- VIN: Wvwhv9aj2aw
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: About a month ago, while driving , the abs light, brake light and ESP light came on. After about 2 weeks of troubleshooting, a local mechanic troubleshot the issues to a faulty ABS module. After many phone calls with my local VW dealership I was able to set an appointment for a diagnostic. They determined " Diag ABS system no communication advised on replacement module". The module costing $2,886.04 in parts and labor. With the part not in stock and the dealership saying " no way of knowing when we'll get one in". Over 130,000 VW's same year and model have had this same issue and been recalled but for some reason my vehicle doesn't have a recall on this vin. Both the VW dealership and VW customer care refuse to do anything. I believe this vehicle like many others were missed or ignored during the recall. My vehicle brakes have been sticking and have locked on me once already in the last month while driving. It is a safety hazard to drive.
Volkswagen Gti 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-25
- Date Complaint: 2022-09-01
- VIN: WVWFD71K49W
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the ABS warning light, traction control warning light, and the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). Upon reprogramming the ABS module, the dealer informed the contact the ABS module failed the diagnostic test and needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that he had to pay for the repair even though the recall remedy stated that the ABS module replacement was free of charge. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
Volkswagen Gti 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-09
- Date Complaint: 2022-08-30
- VIN: WVWGD7AJ2CW
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: My Air bag light came on. Plus all the controls on my steering column do not work, including the horn. I called the VW dealer. They knew exactly what it was. The Clock Spring. This happened in early May. I was told the part has been on back order for 6 months. The dealer does not have any cars to give me until the part comes in. I was told 6 other cars have the same problem This to me is a major safety issue. I HAVE to drive my car, and I am not comfortable with that.
Volkswagen Gti 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-11
- Date Complaint: 2022-08-10
- VIN: WVWFV7AJ6B
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that he lost the function of the steering wheel, horn, controls, and air bag. The air bag warning indicator light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the parts required were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
Latest 5 recalls Volkswagen Gti
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 65 recalls for different components of the Volkswagen Gti.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Volkswagen Gti 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-27
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf R, Golf GTI, 2024 Atlas, and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A rearview camera with a delayed or deactivated image reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2024, and July 16, 2024. Owners may contact VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298. VW's number for this recall is 91US.
- Model: Volkswagen Gti 2015
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-14
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
- Model: Volkswagen Gti 2018
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-14
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
- Model: Volkswagen Gti 2019
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-14
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
- Model: Volkswagen Gti 2017
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-14
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
Latest negative Volkswagen Gti car reviews
Latest positive Volkswagen Gti car reviews
-
Vehicle year: 1995
What a fantastic car! It's fast, roomy, reliable, and fuel efficient. You can even pull trailers, waverunners, and cars with it. The VR6 engine has lots of power and it's also durable. The previous owner put 70k miles on it in just less than 2 years before it was totalled, but only had to replace the ignition coil. It's a great car overall!
-
Vehicle year: 2000
This is my second VW and I had high hopes, considering I spent $26k. At first, it was incredible, but unfortunately, that feeling didn't last. Now, after almost 3 years of ownership, I'm looking forward to moving on. I've had to replace 5 window regulators (4 on the driver's side and 1 on the passenger side), as well as an airflow sensor, and the car has only done 40k miles. There are too many creaks and rattles to mention, and now the front suspension makes noises when I turn under braking. After dealing with VW for the past 6 years and 2 cars, I have decided not to purchase another VW or Audi again.
-
Vehicle year: 1995
I can tell you've taken great care of your car! It's impressive that you've had it for six years with only one minor issue, which was fortunately covered under warranty. Your vehicle has been well-maintained with 146,500 miles and has been garaged throughout its life. The brakes were recently replaced with pads and the rotors didn't need to be cut. You even upgraded the suspension to bilstein and added an upper strut tie bar to reduce roll. It's clear that you have a lot of love for this car!
-
Vehicle year: 2008
While owning and operating this car can be expensive, it's important to note that it requires premium gas and a special oil. The oil can be found at Pep Boys for $8.00 per bottle, and the oil filter can be purchased from NAPA for $16. Although the oil change is a bit more complicated than usual, it only needs to be done every 5k miles. Additionally, the Xenon headlights cost $150 to replace, and the daytime running lights may need to be replaced more frequently. It's worth noting that the transmission may experience mechatronic unit problems. Overall, it's important to consider the maintenance costs before purchasing this car, but with proper care, it can still be a great investment.
-
Vehicle year: 2006
This is such a versatile car! It's quick and sporty when I need it to be, small enough to park in any space, yet big enough to carry everything on camping trips and even a room's worth of furniture from IKEA (in boxes). The fuel economy is pretty good (although it requires premium fuel), and the steering and drive quality are perfect. This car is so fun to drive! However, I was disappointed when my engine needed to be rebuilt, and the repairs cost more than the car was worth. At only 115,000 miles, I'm sad to say goodbye to this car, but I'm even more frustrated with VW repair costs and the longevity of their cars. I don't think the car's value should have fallen so low at this point in its life, especially when the GTi is obviously such a great car!
Are you having problems with your Volkswagen Gti?
Sidney Nicolas 2025-05-27
Vehicle year: 2014
I purchased this car two years ago when it had 57k miles for my 16-year-old daughter. She learned to drive a manual in my old mini and knows how to drive it properly without holding the clutch down at stop lights. In the past two years, she has put about 30k miles on it. During this time, I had to replace the intake manifold, water pump, clutch, both radiator fans and hoses, and the fuel door. Fortunately, I was able to do all these repairs myself (except the painting), but even the parts were super expensive. The manifold, water pump, and clutch are all labor-intensive repairs, and I don't even want to think about what the dealer would charge for these. Despite the repair issues, the car is great. It has plenty of power, a great stereo, and drives really nicely, at least for a front-wheel-drive car. As a German car fan who also owns a Q5 and BMW 5 series, it's a bit disappointing. However, we plan to get my daughter something more reliable before she goes off to college.
Harley Bednar 2025-05-17
Vehicle year: 2000
I recently took a trip from Texas to NY and was pleasantly surprised by the ride quality and the effortless way the engine pulled the car through mountains. I was also impressed that I was getting 30+ highway mpg during the trip. While in NY, I had a minor issue with my window falling into the door at a toll booth. However, I was able to find a VW dealer who fixed it for free, even though it was barely out of warranty. It was a nice gesture, but it's unfortunate that the window regulator failed after only 24k miles. Additionally, the passenger window failed at 30k miles. Although VWs like the GTI and Passat drive beautifully, they are priced higher than their categories, and the quality and reliability should match the price. I believe that there is room for improvement in this area.
Dylan Heidenreich 2025-05-15
Vehicle year: 2000
The car was great until 10k miles. However, I have had to replace the windows regulator 4 times and the car now has only 40k miles. It's a shame because the VR6 engine is fantastic. After reading other reviews and seeing consistent problems with GTI's, I have decided that this will be the last one I purchase.
Stephen Connelly 2025-05-09
Vehicle year: 2010
A sporty hatchback that gets 35mpg! What's not to love? This car is fantastic and I've heard nothing but good things before buying. Although the VW reliability issue was always in the back of my head, it never stopped me from buying. I bought it used for $17,500 in December of 2014 with 24,000 miles. The first month was by far the best (Honeymoon phase) and even though Boston had record breaking snow, I never had a problem even with all season tires. Unfortunately, I had some issues with the car after 1500 miles, but the water pump was replaced under warranty. Due to the poor road conditions in Boston, I had to replace the ball joints and sway bar end links. Then in October with about 43000 miles, two coil packs blew and have since continued to randomly go. However, VW techs have said nothing is wrong with my car. In December of 2015, a fuse melted and severely damaged my fuse box, but thankfully no one was hurt. Now that it's been just over a year, my water pump went out again at 47,000 miles. Although it's no longer under warranty, I'm still grateful for the time I had with my GTI. Unfortunately, I'll have to say goodbye and look for a new car. Maybe a Subaru WRX/STI or more likely the new Ford Focus RS. Despite the uncomfortable front seats, poor pedal feel and all of the reliability issues, I still enjoyed my time with the GTI. However, it's time to move on and find a car that better suits my needs here in Boston.
Tad Borer 2025-05-06
Vehicle year: 1991
It's amazing to think that I've owned this car for 9 years now! Over that time, I've had to replace a few things on it, and even put in my own cat-back muffler. Despite the fact that it now has an impressive 247,000 miles on the clock, it still manages to haul down the 405! I know I'm going to miss it, but I'll always have fond memories of this trusty car. It's taken me from Salt Lake City to Huntington Beach at least 5 times a year, and sometimes even more often!