Owners have filed 42 complaints
about the 2013 Volkswagen GTI with NHTSA between 2013 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 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 — 32
Against the median year of the Volkswagen GTI. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 74
14.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
64% 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
412.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
39.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1030.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
515.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
824.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
13.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
26.1%
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.
Aug 2013peak 5Apr 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2013 Volkswagen GTI
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel...
RQ17009Opened 13 Nov 2017Closed 4 May 2018AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel...
PE15010Opened 24 Mar 2015Closed 28 Sep 2015AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of steering wheel clock spring/steering column control module (SCCM) failures in model year (MY) 2012 Volkswagen Passat and CC models.The SCCM is a module within the steering column that incorporates a spiral conductor (a ribbon cable) to electrically connect the steering wheel to the vehicle's electrical system while allowing for the turning of the steering wheel.Complainants alleged that that the clock spring failed while driving and without warning.When the SCCM fails electrically, an air bag war...
Recalls on the 2013 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
18V329000
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
15V483000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Risk: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201606464,660 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the front driver airbag inflator. Note: This campaign only affects the Audi A5 and Audi S5 Cabriolet models.
Recall 201534441,308 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the steering wheel clock spring could become contaminated with long hair or long fibers which may cause a displacement of the internal guide loops. When the guide loops are dragged out of position, they may apply tension to the internal flat cable and cause it to tear. Should the cable tear, the electrical connection to the driver's front airbag may be lost, causing the airbag monitoring indicator light to illuminate. Failure of the driver's airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will install a cover of a different design to help prevent clock spring contamination caused by hair or other fibers. In instances where the vehicle has an airbag light on (and diagnosis confirms the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement), dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 35,000 milesHouston, TXFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
CAR WAS DRIVEN IN A NEIGHBORHOOD. FIRST NOTICED SOME SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD, STOPPED THE CAR, MORE AND MORE SMOKE CAME OUT AND COULDN'T EVEN SEE ANYTHING IF ANYONE WERE TO BE IN THE CAR. NOTICE SOME FIRE START TO APPEAR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR, CALLED 911. THE ENTIRE HOOD WAS ON FIRE BY THE TIME FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED. IT SEEMED THERE WAS GOING TO BE AN EXPLOSION IF FIREFIGHTERS WERE TO ARRIVE A MINUTE LATER.
NHTSA complaint #11151280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesHouston, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR WAS DRIVEN IN A NEIGHBORHOOD. FIRST NOTICED SOME SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD, STOPPED THE CAR, MORE AND MORE SMOKE CAME OUT AND COULDN'T EVEN SEE ANYTHING IF ANYONE WERE TO BE IN THE CAR. NOTICE SOME FIRE START TO APPEAR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR, CALLED 911. THE ENTIRE HOOD WAS ON FIRE BY THE TIME FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED. IT SEEMED THERE WAS GOING TO BE AN EXPLOSION IF FIREFIGHTERS WERE TO ARRIVE A MINUTE LATER.
NHTSA complaint #11151280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesHouston, TXFire
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
CAR WAS DRIVEN IN A NEIGHBORHOOD. FIRST NOTICED SOME SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD, STOPPED THE CAR, MORE AND MORE SMOKE CAME OUT AND COULDN'T EVEN SEE ANYTHING IF ANYONE WERE TO BE IN THE CAR. NOTICE SOME FIRE START TO APPEAR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR, CALLED 911. THE ENTIRE HOOD WAS ON FIRE BY THE TIME FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED. IT SEEMED THERE WAS GOING TO BE AN EXPLOSION IF FIREFIGHTERS WERE TO ARRIVE A MINUTE LATER.
NHTSA complaint #11151280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesCleveland, OHCrash1 injured1 killed
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A POLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER, FRONT PASSENGER, AND SIDE PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER WAS FATALLY INJURED DUE TO FRONTAL LOBE DAMAGE, DISLOCATION OF THE SPINE, AORTA DAMAGE, AND LACERATIONS OF THE LIVER. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS AND INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND EYES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED FOR DETERMINATION OF THE FAILURE THAT LED TO THE COLLISION. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAUSED THE DEATH OF HER SON. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT THE TYPE OF AIR BAGS INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
NHTSA complaint #11098496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Reno, NV
POWER TRAIN
DSG automatic transmission started going into neutral at various speeds and driving conditions. It feels as though the clutch disengages momentarily, causing the vehicle to slow down and engine to rev. This is definitely not safe when trying to merge or drive on the highway. This is a know issue with VW DSG transmissions and warranted a safety recall on earlier vehicles. My vehicle is newer than the recall so VW has no obligation to help me. They inspected the car and told me it needed a transmission replacement, but that the transmission is no longer produced or available. I would need to source a used transmission and try my luck. It is unacceptable that VW has no liability in this issue that is known, common and a real safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11656161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesHercules, CA
ENGINE
I'M ON MY WAY TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY GOING UPHILL AND THE TEMPERATURE RED LIGHT STARTS FLASHING. I DECIDED TO SLOW DOWN BECAUSE THE FLASHING LIGHT HAD ME CONCERNED. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE STAYED AT NORMAL POSITION SO I WAS ABLE TO BRING IT HOME. I WAITED AWHILE AND THEN CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD FOR COOLANT LEVEL AND IT WAS DOWN TO THE BOTTOM BARELY ANY LEFT. SO I BOUGHT THE RECOMMENDED COOLANT BY VW AND FILLED IT UP TO LEVEL. I DROVE THE NEXT DAY AND PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY AND LATER THAT DAY I SAW COOLANT PUDDLE ON CONCRETE DRIPPED FROM ENGINE. I SUSPECT IT'S THE WATER PUMP AGAIN. I HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR BEFORE WITH COOLING SYSTEM TWICE. THE FIRST TIME THE DEALERSHIP DEALT WITH IT BY REPLACING WATER PUMP WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THE SECOND TIME I TOOK IT TO MECHANIC AND THEY WERE ABLE TO REPLACE WATER PUMP AND FIX THE PROBLEM. I WAS ABLE FIND THE LEAK AND TAKE PICTURES. IT SEEMS TO BE LEAKING NEAR THE WATER PUMP. SO RIGHT NOW I'M FILLING COOLANT ALMOST EVERYDAY UNTIL I CAN GET TO THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #11398578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington Park, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND WHEN I WENT TO SLOW DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT MY BRAKES WERE NOT ENGAGING UNTIL MY PEDAL WAS PUSHED WELL OVER HALF WAY DOWN. THIS WAS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE. I STARTED NOTICING THAT IF I PUMPED MY BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES WOULD BECOME MORE EFFECTIVE, BUT THE VEHICLE REALLY WAS NOT SAFE. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL TIRES PLUS REPAIR SHOP WHO BELIEVED THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS BAD AND IT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. ONCE THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED I PICKED UP MY VEHICLE AND THE BRAKES STILL WERE NOT EFFECTIVELY ENGAGING. AT THAT POINT THE REAR BRAKE CALIPERS HAD GOTTEN REPLACED AND EVEN AFTER THAT, NOTHING HAD IMPROVED. TIRES PLUS DECIDED THE CAR NEEDED TO GO TO VOLKSWAGEN BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT THE ISSUE. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO DIAGNOSED THE CAR AND INSISTED THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH MY BRAKES AND THAT THE WAY MY BRAKE PEDAL FELT WAS NORMAL. I KNOW FOR A FACT THIS ISN'T TRUE AND THE SERVICE CENTER REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE MY CONCERNS. IN RESPONSE I WAS TOLD THAT I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW BRAKES ARE SUPPOSED TO WORK AND THAT MUCH DEAD PEDAL TRAVEL IS NORMAL. I PICKED MY CAR UP AND AFTER A WEEK MY BRAKES HAD GOTTEN WORSE AND THEY CONTINUE TO GET WORSE. THE BRAKE PEDAL IS STILL NOT ENGAGING MY BRAKES UNTIL OVER HALFWAY THROUGH THE PEDAL TRAVEL AND ONCE THE BRAKES DO ENGAGE THE PEDAL IS VERY STIFF. I AGAIN EXPRESSED MY CONCERNS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR SIMPLY YELLED AT ME AND TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR AND THAT I NEEDED TO JUST LISTEN TO THE EXPERTS. AND YET THEY HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY CAR BECAUSE THEY DENIED TO DO SO. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO TWO OTHER REPAIR SHOPS WHO INSIST THERE IS AN ISSUE BUT COULD NOT PROPERLY DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE AND INSIST VOLKSWAGEN NEEDS TO DEEPLY LOOK INTO MY CARS BRAKING SYSTEM BUT VOLKSWAGEN WON'T DO FURTHER INVESTIGATING INTO THE BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #11377947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesSunnyvale, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED ON THE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11353352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesRockford, MI
ENGINE
INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY IN 2015. IN LATE 2019 THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED A SERVICE ENGINE WARNING WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AGAIN. OUT OF WARRANTY THE SERVICE COST ME IN EXCESS OF $1000. I SEE THE WARRANTY WAS EXTENDED ON OLDER YEARS FOR THE SAME EXACT REASON BUT NOT THE 2013. THIS NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
NHTSA complaint #11311130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesRound Lake Beach, IL
POWER TRAIN
WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE PUTS ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL WAS TOLD NOTHING CAN BE DONE UNLESS IT'S ABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPLICATED THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ON EARLIER MODELS THAT RESULTED IN AN EXTENDED WARRANTY DUE TO THE SAFETY CONCERNS. DID CONTACT DEALER AND VOA
NHTSA complaint #11197284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesSanford, NC
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE GEAR SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND COMMUNICATION WAS LOST WITH THE GEAR BOX. ALSO, THE RPMS INCREASED. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK, SHUT OFF, AND RESTARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VALLEY AUTO WORLD VOLKSWAGEN (910-867-7000, LOCATED AT 3810 SYCAMORE DAIRY RD, FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28303) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS NOT REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT WAS UNABLE TO REACH ANYONE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #11153943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesSanford, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE GEAR SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND COMMUNICATION WAS LOST WITH THE GEAR BOX. ALSO, THE RPMS INCREASED. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK, SHUT OFF, AND RESTARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VALLEY AUTO WORLD VOLKSWAGEN (910-867-7000, LOCATED AT 3810 SYCAMORE DAIRY RD, FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28303) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS NOT REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT WAS UNABLE TO REACH ANYONE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #11153943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesHouston, TXFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
CAR WAS DRIVEN IN A NEIGHBORHOOD. FIRST NOTICED SOME SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD, STOPPED THE CAR, MORE AND MORE SMOKE CAME OUT AND COULDN'T EVEN SEE ANYTHING IF ANYONE WERE TO BE IN THE CAR. NOTICE SOME FIRE START TO APPEAR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR, CALLED 911. THE ENTIRE HOOD WAS ON FIRE BY THE TIME FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED. IT SEEMED THERE WAS GOING TO BE AN EXPLOSION IF FIREFIGHTERS WERE TO ARRIVE A MINUTE LATER.
NHTSA complaint #11151280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesHouston, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR WAS DRIVEN IN A NEIGHBORHOOD. FIRST NOTICED SOME SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD, STOPPED THE CAR, MORE AND MORE SMOKE CAME OUT AND COULDN'T EVEN SEE ANYTHING IF ANYONE WERE TO BE IN THE CAR. NOTICE SOME FIRE START TO APPEAR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR, CALLED 911. THE ENTIRE HOOD WAS ON FIRE BY THE TIME FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED. IT SEEMED THERE WAS GOING TO BE AN EXPLOSION IF FIREFIGHTERS WERE TO ARRIVE A MINUTE LATER.
NHTSA complaint #11151280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesHouston, TXFire
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
CAR WAS DRIVEN IN A NEIGHBORHOOD. FIRST NOTICED SOME SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD, STOPPED THE CAR, MORE AND MORE SMOKE CAME OUT AND COULDN'T EVEN SEE ANYTHING IF ANYONE WERE TO BE IN THE CAR. NOTICE SOME FIRE START TO APPEAR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR, CALLED 911. THE ENTIRE HOOD WAS ON FIRE BY THE TIME FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED. IT SEEMED THERE WAS GOING TO BE AN EXPLOSION IF FIREFIGHTERS WERE TO ARRIVE A MINUTE LATER.
NHTSA complaint #11151280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Provo, UT
ENGINE
MY CAR'S ENGINE MAKES A TICKING SOUND WHEN I START IT AND WHEN IT'S IN IDLE. I WAS TOLD THAT IT COULD BE THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER, SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN ISSUES WITH THAT WITH THE 2013 MODELS. I DON'T WANT TO WAIT UNTIL MY ENGINE IS RUINED. TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER SHOULD NOT BE GOING BAD OR SHOWING SYMPTOMS WITH ONLY 71,500 MILES YET. I CAN'T SHOW YOU PICTURES, SINCE IT IS HARD TO REMOVE THE CAP COVERING THE TIMING CHAIN.
NHTSA complaint #11130798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port ST. Lucie, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
HEADLINER IS SAGGING.
NHTSA complaint #11128430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,060 milesCampbell, CA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION WENT INTO NEUTRAL RAPIDLY AND SLOWED DOWN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN OF STEVENS CREEK (4490 STEVENS CREEK BLVD, SAN JOSE, CA 95129) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS RUINED WITH A MEGATRONIC UNIT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THE CONTACT CALL THE MANUFACTURER TO SEE IF THEY WOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIR SINCE THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN EARLIER VEHICLE MODELS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT ONLY OFFERED TO ASSIST WITH A PORTION OF THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,060. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11101925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,200 milesKing OF Prussia, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING 72 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO JIM WYNN VOLKSWAGEN (2021 W MAIN ST, NORRISTOWN, PA 19403) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING TO HEAR ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A BUY BACK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,200.
NHTSA complaint #11099559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesCleveland, OHCrash1 injured1 killed
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A POLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER, FRONT PASSENGER, AND SIDE PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER WAS FATALLY INJURED DUE TO FRONTAL LOBE DAMAGE, DISLOCATION OF THE SPINE, AORTA DAMAGE, AND LACERATIONS OF THE LIVER. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS AND INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND EYES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED FOR DETERMINATION OF THE FAILURE THAT LED TO THE COLLISION. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAUSED THE DEATH OF HER SON. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT THE TYPE OF AIR BAGS INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
NHTSA complaint #11098496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesBellevue, WA
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG ERROR LIGHT WENT ON. ALL ELECTRONICS ON STEERING WHEEL, INCLUDING HORN STOPPED WORKING. VW DEALERSHIP TECHNICIANS SAY THAT CLOCK SPRING FAILED AND WANT $654 TO FIX IT. THIS VEHICLE WAS ALREADY SERVICED UNDER CLOCK SPRING FAILURE RECALL IN 2015 (NHTSA CAMPAIN NUMBER: 15V483000).
NHTSA complaint #11097303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesFremont, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
THE VEHICLE WAS ON A HIGHWAY AND STARTED BEEPING WITH WARNING LIGHT THAT SAID "BRAKES SERVICE NOW" AND BOTH BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS WERE ON. I TOOK IT TO SHOULDER TO CHECK. THE CAR HAD ONLY 33000 MILES ON IT. THE BRAKES SEEMED TO BE OKAY THOUGH. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO UPON INSPECTION SAID THE ABS CONTROL UNIT IS FAULTY AND NEEDS REPLACING. HE QUOTED 3300 FOR THE REPAIR. UPON CHECKING, HE SAID THE IT FAILED NOT BECAUSE OF ANY USER ERROR, AND THE CONTROL UNIT SHOULD LAST A LONG TIME. LOOKS LIKE THERE WERE RECALLS FOR VW CAR FROM 2008-2009 FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11074577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Savannah, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I'VE STARTED TO NOTICE THAT AFTER DRIVING MY CAR AND USING THE DSG SHIFTER OR SPORT MODE, MY CAR WILL NOT START BACK UP FOR A WHILE AFTER PARKED. SEEMS ONLY TO HAPPEN AFTER WARM ENGINE. I WILL START THE CAR AND THEN IT WILL SPUTTER BEFORE THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR OR MAYBE LONGER, I AM ABLE TO CRANK IT AND DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #11074076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesSimi Valley, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL CAP WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEFTIN WESTLAKE VOLKSWAGEN (3550 AUTO MALL DR, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91362, (805) 497-9404) WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT NO RECALLS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. UPON PICKING UP THE VEHICLE, THE WARNING INDICATOR WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. THAT AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
NHTSA complaint #11064483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesSimi Valley, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL CAP WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEFTIN WESTLAKE VOLKSWAGEN (3550 AUTO MALL DR, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91362, (805) 497-9404) WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT NO RECALLS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. UPON PICKING UP THE VEHICLE, THE WARNING INDICATOR WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. THAT AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
NHTSA complaint #11064483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesSimi Valley, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL CAP WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEFTIN WESTLAKE VOLKSWAGEN (3550 AUTO MALL DR, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91362, (805) 497-9404) WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT NO RECALLS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. UPON PICKING UP THE VEHICLE, THE WARNING INDICATOR WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. THAT AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
NHTSA complaint #11064483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesHolly Springs, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE HAS 48K MILES. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A P2015 ERROR. RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF INTAKE MANIFOLD. FOUND INFORMATION THAT VW EXTENDED WARRANTY OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD TO 10 YEARS/100K MILES IN MANY VEHICLES, BUT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT WARRANTY EXTENSION. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON, RECURRING PROBLEM IN VOLKSWAGENS. THIS WARRANTY EXTENSION NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED TO ALL VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #11012473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling, VA
ENGINE
COOLANT PUMP LEAKING
NHTSA complaint #11005269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,500 milesLAS Vegas, NV
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE HAS JUST UNDER 60,000 MILES. A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS P2015, WHICH WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTAKE RUNNER POSITION. VW DEALERSHIP SAYS THE FLAP INSIDE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAS DISINTEGRATED. VW HAD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON 2.0T ENGINES FROM MODEL YEAR 2008 TO 2011. HOWEVER, 2013 IS NOT COVERED. VW HAS CLEARLY NOT RESOLVED THE PROBLEMS WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FOR ENGINES AFTER 2011.
NHTSA complaint #10993931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.