Owners have filed 57 complaints
about the 2006 Volkswagen GTI with NHTSA between 2006 and 2020.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 29 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 43
Against the median year of the Volkswagen GTI. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 54
10.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 61
36% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
59.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
11.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
917.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1120.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
917.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1018.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
611.3%
150,000+ miles
23.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2006peak 3Feb 2020
Recalls on the 2006 Volkswagen GTI
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
07V442000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." SOME VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE HAD A REQUIRED CAP INSTALLED WHICH DISABLES THE HEADLIGHT HORIZONTAL AIM AND SOME VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN A CAP THAT DISABLES THE VERTICAL AIMING SCREW.
Risk: NONCOMPLIANCE CAN INHIBIT PROPER HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT FOR ROADWAY ILLUMINATION, IMPROPERLY AIMED HEADLAMPS COULD CAUSE REDUCED ROAD VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
07V063000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Risk: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2006122244,526 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta wagon, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Passat and Passat wagon, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked. Correction: Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch with a newly revised version. This action includes vehicles previously affected by Transport Canada recall 03-184 and 04-075. The switch installed during this prior repair may not function properly. Note: parts available December 2006.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 110,000 milesBluemont, VAFire
ENGINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING AND VEHICLE WAS QUICKLY CONSUMED IN FLAMES. POWER LOSS WAS INITIALLY NOTICED ON THE HIGHWAY, BUT VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND STARTED TO BURN ON A SIDE STREET WHILE STOPPED.
NHTSA complaint #10871482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,800 milesChapel Hill, NCCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
I LOST CONTROL ON A VERY SHARP TURN BY A STEEP DROP-OFF IN THE NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS. WHEN FIRST LEAVING THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH, THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF THE CAR HIT A TREE A FEW FEET OFF THE PAVEMENT. AFTER ROLLING OFF A STEEP EMBANKMENT, APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET, THE FRONT GRILL AND BUMPER MADE FULL CONTACT WITH THE GROUND AND SMALL TREES, STOPPING THE CAR FROM ITS PLUNGE. THE FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, YET THE IMPACT WAS ENOUGH TO CRUNCH THE HOOD (PICTURES AVAILABLE). MY WIFE WAS TREATED AND RELEASED FROM THE LOCAL HOSPITAL WITH A GASH ON HER HEAD. MOST SURPRISING WAS WHEN THE REAR DRIVER-SIDE PART OF THE VEHICLE LATERALLY SLAMMED INTO A TREE, NO SIDE/CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE IMPACT WAS JUST BEHIND THE BACK EDGE OF THE DRIVER DOOR AND SMASHED IN THE FRAME FROM THE ROOF TO THE TOP CENTER OF THE WHEEL WELL, DEEPEST AT THE TOP OF THE CAR FRAME. THERE WAS ALSO A SMALLER IMPACT IN THE SAME AREA ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR. MY HEAD SLAMMED INTO THE TOP INSIDE PART OF THE DOOR/ROOF WHERE AN AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED, AND I AM STILL FEELING THE BRUISING AND STIFFNESS TODAY. THE AIRBAGS IN THE CAR WERE A KEY SELLING POINT; THEY FAILED. I UNDERSTAND THERE MUST BE A CERTAIN FORCE TO CAUSE DEPLOYMENT, BUT THIS FORCE SHOULD HAVE BEEN MET FROM THE SIDE IMPACT AND FROM ONE OF THE TWO IMPACTS AT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IT CERTAINLY FAILED MY WIFE AND ME AT A CRITICAL TIME. A CLAIMS ADJUSTER IS STILL EVALUATING MY VEHICLE (ESTIMATED TO BE TOTALED). WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF FRONT AND SIDE AIRBAGS IF THE SENSOR WOULD NOT DEPLOY THEM IN AN ACCIDENT GIVEN THIS SPEED AND THE SIDE/FRONT COLLISIONS WITH ENOUGH FORCE LIKELY TO TOTAL THE CAR VW OF AMERICA, AFTER CONSULTING WITH AN ENGINEER, SAID ALL FOUR WHEELS MUST BE ON THE GROUND FOR THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. BECAUSE THE PASSENGER TIRES WEREN'T ON GROUND, THAT'S WHY THEY SAID AIRBAGS WERE PROGRAMMED NOT TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10405472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,279 milesZanesville, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR INFORMATION: 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 2.0T, 59,279 MILES. INCIDENT: WENT TO START CAR AFTER EATING IN A RESTAURANT, IGNITION COIL EXPLODED. MELTED THE WIRING HARNESS, VALVE COVER AND DAMAGED OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS CAR FIRE AND ENDANGERED PEOPLE'S LIVES. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL ON THESE IGNITION COILS FOR EMISSIONS PROBLEMS, BUT I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE INVESTIGATING DONE. VOLKSWAGEN IS COVERING PARTS AND LABOR TO FIX ISSUES RESULTING FROM EXPLOSION, BUT WILL NOT PROVIDE RENTAL CAR OR OTHER TRANSPORTATION WHILE CAR IS BEING WORKED ON. I AM WORRIED ABOUT FUTURE ELECTRICAL ISSUES AS A RESULT FROM THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10328973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,250 milesPetoskey, MIFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ROUGH, PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF ENGINE. RESTARTED AND VEHICLE STILL IDLED VERY ROUGH. WHILE CALLING VW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD I FOUND A LARGE AMOUNT OF WHAT LOOKED AND SMELLED LIKE ELECTRICAL SMOKE. WITHIN ONE MINUTE, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. 911 WAS CALLED AND A FIRE TRUCK CAME OUT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER IN TRAVERSE CITY, MI, WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED AND VW OF AMERICA CONTACTED ME AND SAID IT WAS AN IGNITION COIL FIRE. THEY HAVE MADE AN OFFER TO BUY BACK THE CAR. THIS VEHICLE HAD A PREVIOUS IGNITION COIL FAILURE (FEB., 2007/10,686 MILES) RESULTING IN MELTED WIRING. THERE WERE ALSO FAILURES OF THE TURBOCHARGER, CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND IGNITION SWITCH PRIOR TO THE ENGINE FIRE. SERVICE REPORTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALL OF THE FAILURES PRIOR TO THE ENGINE FIRE ON 10/03/07.
NHTSA complaint #10205127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,250 milesPetoskey, MIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ROUGH, PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF ENGINE. RESTARTED AND VEHICLE STILL IDLED VERY ROUGH. WHILE CALLING VW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD I FOUND A LARGE AMOUNT OF WHAT LOOKED AND SMELLED LIKE ELECTRICAL SMOKE. WITHIN ONE MINUTE, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. 911 WAS CALLED AND A FIRE TRUCK CAME OUT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER IN TRAVERSE CITY, MI, WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED AND VW OF AMERICA CONTACTED ME AND SAID IT WAS AN IGNITION COIL FIRE. THEY HAVE MADE AN OFFER TO BUY BACK THE CAR. THIS VEHICLE HAD A PREVIOUS IGNITION COIL FAILURE (FEB., 2007/10,686 MILES) RESULTING IN MELTED WIRING. THERE WERE ALSO FAILURES OF THE TURBOCHARGER, CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND IGNITION SWITCH PRIOR TO THE ENGINE FIRE. SERVICE REPORTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALL OF THE FAILURES PRIOR TO THE ENGINE FIRE ON 10/03/07.
NHTSA complaint #10205127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Ogden, UT
ENGINE
FUEL INJECTOR FAILD OPEN AND DUMPED FUEL INTO THE CYLINDER AND IT HYDRO LOCKED. I WAS IN MOTION AND CHECK ENGINE FLASHING AND ENGINE RUNNING ROUGH
NHTSA complaint #11308622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ogden, UT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL INJECTOR FAILD OPEN AND DUMPED FUEL INTO THE CYLINDER AND IT HYDRO LOCKED. I WAS IN MOTION AND CHECK ENGINE FLASHING AND ENGINE RUNNING ROUGH
NHTSA complaint #11308622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesPittsburgh, PA
AIR BAGS
CAMSHIFT SENSOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND OFF EVERY 2 DAYS
NHTSA complaint #11181610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesPittsburgh, PA
ENGINE
CAMSHIFT SENSOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND OFF EVERY 2 DAYS
NHTSA complaint #11181610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesVictorville, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BULB FROM THE HEADLIGHT SOCKET DETACHED WHEN THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOG LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11091608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesVictorville, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BULB FROM THE HEADLIGHT SOCKET DETACHED WHEN THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOG LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11091608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,145 milesBalsat, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAMSHAFT WAS FRACTURED. THE FUEL PRESSURE PUMP AND THE CAMSHAFT WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,145.....UPDATED 08/29/16
NHTSA complaint #10876219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,145 milesBalsat, CO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAMSHAFT WAS FRACTURED. THE FUEL PRESSURE PUMP AND THE CAMSHAFT WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,145.....UPDATED 08/29/16
NHTSA complaint #10876219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesBluemont, VAFire
ENGINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING AND VEHICLE WAS QUICKLY CONSUMED IN FLAMES. POWER LOSS WAS INITIALLY NOTICED ON THE HIGHWAY, BUT VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND STARTED TO BURN ON A SIDE STREET WHILE STOPPED.
NHTSA complaint #10871482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,800 milesBoise, ID
ENGINE
CAR LOST ACCELERATION AT APPROX 40 MPH ON 4 LANE ROAD. DEALER DIAGNOSTIC CLAIMS BROKEN CAM CHAIN. DEALER DID NOT CHECK WARRANTY EXTENSION PART CAM FOLLOWER WHICH IS KNOWN TO FAIL (PER CORY FROM VWOA) BUT HAS ANOTHER WARRANTY EXTENSION PART INTAKE CAMSHAFT ON REPAIR LIST. THERE ARE SEVERAL HUNDREDS OF THESE INCIDENTS HAPPENING WITH A QUICK SEARCH.
NHTSA complaint #10788829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,800 milesBoise, ID
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CAR LOST ACCELERATION AT APPROX 40 MPH ON 4 LANE ROAD. DEALER DIAGNOSTIC CLAIMS BROKEN CAM CHAIN. DEALER DID NOT CHECK WARRANTY EXTENSION PART CAM FOLLOWER WHICH IS KNOWN TO FAIL (PER CORY FROM VWOA) BUT HAS ANOTHER WARRANTY EXTENSION PART INTAKE CAMSHAFT ON REPAIR LIST. THERE ARE SEVERAL HUNDREDS OF THESE INCIDENTS HAPPENING WITH A QUICK SEARCH.
NHTSA complaint #10788829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,400 milesAnderson, IN
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT AND SYMBOL LIGHT IS ON WITH AN INTERNAL CODE STORED. UNCERTAIN IF AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY; POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN AFTER FINDING SEVERAL HUNDRED + PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF SIMILAR PROBLEM. I WAS INFORMED THAT A SERVICE NOTICE WAS SENT OUT; HOWEVER I DID NOT RECEIVE FOREMENTIONED NOTICE NOR ANY PRIOR OR SUBSEQUENT RECALL NOTICES OR BULLETINS FROM VOLKSWAGEN. APPARENTLY THE SERVICE BULLETIN EXPIRED JAN 2013 AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR "OBVIOUS SYSTEMIC PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH ALL 2006 MODEL YEAR VOLKSWAGENS". PEOPLE ARE STILL HAVING PROBLEMS AND THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST NOTED FROM SEVERAL POSTS INDICATE THAT IT IS AN $1800+ REPAIR, THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN AND NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON ALL 2006 VOLKSWAGEN AIR BAG FAULT LIGHT ISSUES TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY IF VEHICLE IS IN AN ACCIDENT. VW REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT THE AIR BAG "MAY" OR "MAY NOT" DEPLOY. HOW MANY HOW MANY INJURIES OR FATALITIES HAVE TO OCCUR BEFORE YOU MAKE THEM TAKE ACTION? MY SON DRIVES THIS OCCASIONALLY AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT HIS SAFETY. NO PARENT SHOULD HAVE TO BURY A CHILD. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND IT HAD AND STILL HAS EXTREMELY LOW MILEAGE AND HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR SUSTAINED DAMAGE OF ANY TYPE. JUST TYPE IN 2006 VW OR VOLKSWAGEN GTI AIR BAG LIGHT OR VW AIR BAG FAULT OR VW AIR BAG FAIL LIGHT IN ANY WEB BROWSER AND YOU WILL SEE JUST HOW LARGE OF A PROBLEM THIS HAS BEEN AND STILL IS. SERVICE BULLETIN NO.: SB-69-11-01 COMPONENT(S): AIR BAGS NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10038665 VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL/MODEL AND YEAR(S) ?VOLKSWAGENBEETLE2004-2008 ?VOLKSWAGENEOS2007-2008 ?VOLKSWAGENGTI2006-2008 ?VOLKSWAGENJETTA2005-2008 ?VOLKSWAGENPASSAT2006-2008 ?VOLKSWAGENR322006-2008 ?VOLKSWAGENRABBIT2006-2008 I HAVE HAD MY SON RESEARCH THIS PROBLEM AND I HAVE PROVIDED YOU HIS EMAIL AND TEL #.
NHTSA complaint #10605299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,400 milesAnderson, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AIR BAG LIGHT AND SYMBOL LIGHT IS ON WITH AN INTERNAL CODE STORED. UNCERTAIN IF AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY; POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN AFTER FINDING SEVERAL HUNDRED + PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF SIMILAR PROBLEM. I WAS INFORMED THAT A SERVICE NOTICE WAS SENT OUT; HOWEVER I DID NOT RECEIVE FOREMENTIONED NOTICE NOR ANY PRIOR OR SUBSEQUENT RECALL NOTICES OR BULLETINS FROM VOLKSWAGEN. APPARENTLY THE SERVICE BULLETIN EXPIRED JAN 2013 AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR "OBVIOUS SYSTEMIC PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH ALL 2006 MODEL YEAR VOLKSWAGENS". PEOPLE ARE STILL HAVING PROBLEMS AND THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST NOTED FROM SEVERAL POSTS INDICATE THAT IT IS AN $1800+ REPAIR, THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN AND NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON ALL 2006 VOLKSWAGEN AIR BAG FAULT LIGHT ISSUES TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY IF VEHICLE IS IN AN ACCIDENT. VW REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT THE AIR BAG "MAY" OR "MAY NOT" DEPLOY. HOW MANY HOW MANY INJURIES OR FATALITIES HAVE TO OCCUR BEFORE YOU MAKE THEM TAKE ACTION? MY SON DRIVES THIS OCCASIONALLY AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT HIS SAFETY. NO PARENT SHOULD HAVE TO BURY A CHILD. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND IT HAD AND STILL HAS EXTREMELY LOW MILEAGE AND HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR SUSTAINED DAMAGE OF ANY TYPE. JUST TYPE IN 2006 VW OR VOLKSWAGEN GTI AIR BAG LIGHT OR VW AIR BAG FAULT OR VW AIR BAG FAIL LIGHT IN ANY WEB BROWSER AND YOU WILL SEE JUST HOW LARGE OF A PROBLEM THIS HAS BEEN AND STILL IS. SERVICE BULLETIN NO.: SB-69-11-01 COMPONENT(S): AIR BAGS NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10038665 VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL/MODEL AND YEAR(S) ?VOLKSWAGENBEETLE2004-2008 ?VOLKSWAGENEOS2007-2008 ?VOLKSWAGENGTI2006-2008 ?VOLKSWAGENJETTA2005-2008 ?VOLKSWAGENPASSAT2006-2008 ?VOLKSWAGENR322006-2008 ?VOLKSWAGENRABBIT2006-2008 I HAVE HAD MY SON RESEARCH THIS PROBLEM AND I HAVE PROVIDED YOU HIS EMAIL AND TEL #.
NHTSA complaint #10605299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesBowie, MD
POWER TRAIN
CAR STARTED TO EXHIBIT INTERMITTENT ABS FAULTS WHICH WAS INDICATED BY DASH MIL AND THE FOLLOWING FAULT CODES: TRANSMISSION MODULE 18255 - PLEASE CHECK DTC MEMORY OF ABS CONTROLLER ABS BRAKES 00290 - ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR; REAR LEFT (G46) 012 - ELECTRICAL FAULT IN CIRCUIT - INTERMITTENT 00290 - ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR; REAR LEFT (G46) 008 - IMPLAUSIBLE SIGNAL - INTERMITTENT WITH THE CODES PRESENT BOTH ABS AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL ARE DISABLED. THE SAFETY COMPLAINT HOWEVER IS THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL IS PERIODICALLY LOCKED OUT. WHEN AT SPEED (60+ MPH) THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. MANUAL GEAR SELECT WILL NOT PUT THE CAR BACK INTO A DRIVE GEAR. DASH GEAR INDICATOR WILL INDICATE 6TH GEAR. AT LOWER SPEEDS (~25 MPH) THE TRANSMISSION WILL PERIODICALLY LOCK IN SECOND GEAR AND WILL NOT SHIFT TO A HIGHER GEAR. MANUAL GEAR SELECTION ALSO FAILS. PROBLEM SOMETIMES WILL NOT CLEAR DESPITE RESTARTING THE CAR MULTIPLE TIMES. THERE ARE NO INDICATIONS OF AN ACTUAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE CAUSE SEEMS TO BE SOFTWARE OVERRIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO INCORRECT ABS MODULE DATA. (TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE SEEMS TO THINK THE CAR IS IN A SKID AND IS HOLDING GEAR). SO FAR THE ABS MODULE,WHEEL SPEED SENSOR, AND TONE RING HAVE BEEN REPLACED. CONDITION IS STILL PRESENT. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IS PRESENT SHIFT LOCK ALSO DOES NOT WORK. THE DEALER IS CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE WIRING HARNESSES.
NHTSA complaint #10565207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesBowie, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
CAR STARTED TO EXHIBIT INTERMITTENT ABS FAULTS WHICH WAS INDICATED BY DASH MIL AND THE FOLLOWING FAULT CODES: TRANSMISSION MODULE 18255 - PLEASE CHECK DTC MEMORY OF ABS CONTROLLER ABS BRAKES 00290 - ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR; REAR LEFT (G46) 012 - ELECTRICAL FAULT IN CIRCUIT - INTERMITTENT 00290 - ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR; REAR LEFT (G46) 008 - IMPLAUSIBLE SIGNAL - INTERMITTENT WITH THE CODES PRESENT BOTH ABS AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL ARE DISABLED. THE SAFETY COMPLAINT HOWEVER IS THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL IS PERIODICALLY LOCKED OUT. WHEN AT SPEED (60+ MPH) THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. MANUAL GEAR SELECT WILL NOT PUT THE CAR BACK INTO A DRIVE GEAR. DASH GEAR INDICATOR WILL INDICATE 6TH GEAR. AT LOWER SPEEDS (~25 MPH) THE TRANSMISSION WILL PERIODICALLY LOCK IN SECOND GEAR AND WILL NOT SHIFT TO A HIGHER GEAR. MANUAL GEAR SELECTION ALSO FAILS. PROBLEM SOMETIMES WILL NOT CLEAR DESPITE RESTARTING THE CAR MULTIPLE TIMES. THERE ARE NO INDICATIONS OF AN ACTUAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE CAUSE SEEMS TO BE SOFTWARE OVERRIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO INCORRECT ABS MODULE DATA. (TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE SEEMS TO THINK THE CAR IS IN A SKID AND IS HOLDING GEAR). SO FAR THE ABS MODULE,WHEEL SPEED SENSOR, AND TONE RING HAVE BEEN REPLACED. CONDITION IS STILL PRESENT. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IS PRESENT SHIFT LOCK ALSO DOES NOT WORK. THE DEALER IS CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE WIRING HARNESSES.
NHTSA complaint #10565207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,500 milesRenton, WA
STRUCTURE:BODY
STOCK DRIVER-SIDE MIRROR FELL OUT OF MIRROR HOUSING AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY WINDOWS DOWN. GLASS EXPLODED AS IT HIT MY CAR AND DEBRIS WAS SENT INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE EVENT WAS VERY LOUD AND STARTLING. SOME OF THE DEBRIS HIT MY FACE. LARGE PIECE OF GLASS FOUND IN REAR SEAT. DRIVERS IMMEDIATELY BEHIND ME SWERVED DUE TO FLYING DEBRIS. THERE ARE DEEP GOUGES AND CUTS IN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FROM THE IMPACT OF THE MIRROR AND DEBRIS. THE DEBRIS HAD ENOUGH ENERGY TO PENETRATE BOTH THE CLEAR COAT AND PAINT. GLASS MIRROR LOOKS TO HAVE FAILED DUE TO THE ADHESIVE BACKING HOLDING THE MIRROR ONTO ITS PLASTIC CASING FAILED. FILED A REPORT WITH VW OF AMERICA TO EXPLAIN INCIDENT. SO FAR THEY HAVE NOT TAKEN ACTION AND HAVE ONLY RESPONDED BY HAVING THE INCIDENT "DOCUMENTED INTERNALLY". EXPLODING GLASS ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAN POTENTIALLY GET INTO THE DRIVER'S EYES AND CAUSE A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION. FLYING DEBRIS CAUSED BY FAILED ADHESIVES HOLDING ON THE MIRROR CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS FOR OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. NOT HAVING A MIRROR CAN ALSO LEAD TO IMPAIRED SITUATIONAL AWARENESS WHICH MAY LEAD TO ACCIDENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10549303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,500 milesRenton, WA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
STOCK DRIVER-SIDE MIRROR FELL OUT OF MIRROR HOUSING AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY WINDOWS DOWN. GLASS EXPLODED AS IT HIT MY CAR AND DEBRIS WAS SENT INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE EVENT WAS VERY LOUD AND STARTLING. SOME OF THE DEBRIS HIT MY FACE. LARGE PIECE OF GLASS FOUND IN REAR SEAT. DRIVERS IMMEDIATELY BEHIND ME SWERVED DUE TO FLYING DEBRIS. THERE ARE DEEP GOUGES AND CUTS IN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FROM THE IMPACT OF THE MIRROR AND DEBRIS. THE DEBRIS HAD ENOUGH ENERGY TO PENETRATE BOTH THE CLEAR COAT AND PAINT. GLASS MIRROR LOOKS TO HAVE FAILED DUE TO THE ADHESIVE BACKING HOLDING THE MIRROR ONTO ITS PLASTIC CASING FAILED. FILED A REPORT WITH VW OF AMERICA TO EXPLAIN INCIDENT. SO FAR THEY HAVE NOT TAKEN ACTION AND HAVE ONLY RESPONDED BY HAVING THE INCIDENT "DOCUMENTED INTERNALLY". EXPLODING GLASS ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAN POTENTIALLY GET INTO THE DRIVER'S EYES AND CAUSE A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION. FLYING DEBRIS CAUSED BY FAILED ADHESIVES HOLDING ON THE MIRROR CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS FOR OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. NOT HAVING A MIRROR CAN ALSO LEAD TO IMPAIRED SITUATIONAL AWARENESS WHICH MAY LEAD TO ACCIDENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10549303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesPewaukee, WI
AIR BAGS
PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM MODULE NOT FUNCTIONING AFTER WARRANTY WORK DONE BY VOLKSWAGEN. THIS IS EXTREMELY PROBLEMATIC, AS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NO LONGER ENGAGE, REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH WEIGHT IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. IN THE EVENT OF A CAR ACCIDENT, THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY FOR THE PASSENGER, AND THE PASSENGER'S LIFE WOULD BE IN JEOPARDY. VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT, AND THEY REFUSE TO OFFER ANY AID OR HELP TO FIX THE SITUATION. THEY WANT $1800 FOR THE PART, JUST TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE INDIVIDUALS IN THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10513129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,200 milesGreenville, SC
ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILURE THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE CAM FOLLOWER AND THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 120,200.
NHTSA complaint #10494462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesCuyahoga, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS SHE NOTICED LOUD NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE CAM FOLLOWER IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. AFTER HAVING THE REPAIRS DONE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS FROM THE RECALLED COMPONENT THAT GOT INTO THE MOTOR AND AS A RESULT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE RECALL REPAIRS HAD BEEN PERFORMED ONCE BEFORE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10480818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesST. Petersburg, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ROOF HEADLINER WAS FALLING DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ADHESIVE ON THE HEADLINER WAS FAILING. AS A RESULT, THE HEADLINER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10442297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,800 milesChapel Hill, NCCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
I LOST CONTROL ON A VERY SHARP TURN BY A STEEP DROP-OFF IN THE NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS. WHEN FIRST LEAVING THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH, THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF THE CAR HIT A TREE A FEW FEET OFF THE PAVEMENT. AFTER ROLLING OFF A STEEP EMBANKMENT, APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET, THE FRONT GRILL AND BUMPER MADE FULL CONTACT WITH THE GROUND AND SMALL TREES, STOPPING THE CAR FROM ITS PLUNGE. THE FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, YET THE IMPACT WAS ENOUGH TO CRUNCH THE HOOD (PICTURES AVAILABLE). MY WIFE WAS TREATED AND RELEASED FROM THE LOCAL HOSPITAL WITH A GASH ON HER HEAD. MOST SURPRISING WAS WHEN THE REAR DRIVER-SIDE PART OF THE VEHICLE LATERALLY SLAMMED INTO A TREE, NO SIDE/CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE IMPACT WAS JUST BEHIND THE BACK EDGE OF THE DRIVER DOOR AND SMASHED IN THE FRAME FROM THE ROOF TO THE TOP CENTER OF THE WHEEL WELL, DEEPEST AT THE TOP OF THE CAR FRAME. THERE WAS ALSO A SMALLER IMPACT IN THE SAME AREA ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR. MY HEAD SLAMMED INTO THE TOP INSIDE PART OF THE DOOR/ROOF WHERE AN AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED, AND I AM STILL FEELING THE BRUISING AND STIFFNESS TODAY. THE AIRBAGS IN THE CAR WERE A KEY SELLING POINT; THEY FAILED. I UNDERSTAND THERE MUST BE A CERTAIN FORCE TO CAUSE DEPLOYMENT, BUT THIS FORCE SHOULD HAVE BEEN MET FROM THE SIDE IMPACT AND FROM ONE OF THE TWO IMPACTS AT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IT CERTAINLY FAILED MY WIFE AND ME AT A CRITICAL TIME. A CLAIMS ADJUSTER IS STILL EVALUATING MY VEHICLE (ESTIMATED TO BE TOTALED). WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF FRONT AND SIDE AIRBAGS IF THE SENSOR WOULD NOT DEPLOY THEM IN AN ACCIDENT GIVEN THIS SPEED AND THE SIDE/FRONT COLLISIONS WITH ENOUGH FORCE LIKELY TO TOTAL THE CAR VW OF AMERICA, AFTER CONSULTING WITH AN ENGINEER, SAID ALL FOUR WHEELS MUST BE ON THE GROUND FOR THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. BECAUSE THE PASSENGER TIRES WEREN'T ON GROUND, THAT'S WHY THEY SAID AIRBAGS WERE PROGRAMMED NOT TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10405472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesNorth Huntingdon, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2006 VOLKSWAGEN GTI - CAM FOLLOWER DEFECT IN OCTOBER, 2010 I PURCHASED A USED 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR, I TOOK IT TO A VW MECHANIC TO HAVE IT LOOKED OVER. EVERYTHING LOOKED GOOD BUT HE REQUESTED TO INSPECT THE CAM FOLLOWER AS HE KNEW THERE WAS A DEFECT IN ITS DESIGN THAT COULD CAUSE MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE IF NOT MONITORED. I HAD TO PAY HIM $75 IN LABOR TO REMOVE THE CAM FOLLOWER SO THAT IT COULD BE INSPECTED. IT WAS FINE. HE MENTIONED IT LOOKED SO NEW THAT IT PROBABLY HAD BEEN REPLACED. ANYWAYS, HE SUGGESTED THAT I HAVE IT INSPECTED EVERY TIME I HAVE THE OIL CHANGED OTHERWISE I WOULD RISK UP TO $2,500 IN REPAIR COSTS TO REPLACE ENGINE PARTS THAT COULD BE DAMAGED IF THE FOLLOWER FAILS. I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE'S NO RECALL FOR THIS? I HAVE TO PAY AN EXTRA $75 EVERY OIL CHANGE TO HAVE THIS INSPECTED DUE TO THE NEGLIGENCE OF VW. I KNOW THAT IN NEWER GTI MODELS THEY'VE REDESIGNED THE FOLLOWER. THIS DEFECT IS DANGEROUS AS IF THE FOLLOWER FAILS WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE SEIZES, A MAJOR ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR. VW TSB #15 07 04.
NHTSA complaint #10383406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,050 milesLittle Falls, NJ
POWER TRAIN
OWNER OF A 2006 VW GTI, THREW ENGINE CODE FOR KNOWN TSB REGARDING CAM FOLLOWER AND CAM SHAFT WEAR AT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. MECHANIC INSPECTED SITE AND DISCOVERED THAT CAM SHAFT WEAR/ DAMAGE WAS EXTREME AND WOULD REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, CAM SHAFT, AND CAM FOLLOWER ALL OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND SHOULD HAVE SOME EXTENSION ON FACTORY WARRANTIES FROM VW OF AMERICA INSTEAD OF EXPECTING OWNERS TO PONY UP $1600-2400 IN REPAIR COSTS WHEN IT INEVITABLY FAILS. FOR NOTE OF KNOWN ISSUE, SEE VW TSB #2013147/8.
NHTSA complaint #10372176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,050 milesLittle Falls, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
OWNER OF A 2006 VW GTI, THREW ENGINE CODE FOR KNOWN TSB REGARDING CAM FOLLOWER AND CAM SHAFT WEAR AT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. MECHANIC INSPECTED SITE AND DISCOVERED THAT CAM SHAFT WEAR/ DAMAGE WAS EXTREME AND WOULD REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, CAM SHAFT, AND CAM FOLLOWER ALL OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND SHOULD HAVE SOME EXTENSION ON FACTORY WARRANTIES FROM VW OF AMERICA INSTEAD OF EXPECTING OWNERS TO PONY UP $1600-2400 IN REPAIR COSTS WHEN IT INEVITABLY FAILS. FOR NOTE OF KNOWN ISSUE, SEE VW TSB #2013147/8.
NHTSA complaint #10372176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.