384 of the 1,949 complaints filed about the Volkswagen GTI are about the engine — 20% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2019.
384
Complaints
20%
Share of all complaints
3
Crashes
6
Fires
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA complaint #11758501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Fuel pump and thermostat failure. Known issue on 2017 GTI models and VW corporate will not grant an exception for the class action settlement since vehicle is outside of coverage period. All scheduled maintenance on vehicle has been done at a dealership and i have had no issues. Spoke with VW Corporate and they will not grant an exception or allow me to speak to anyone else after requesting an escalation request to a supervisor. They also said filing a complaint will not do anything since the outcome will not change.
NHTSA complaint #11753293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
On June 24, 2026, Safety Recall 20UF (Suction Jet Pump) was completed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer. Upon leaving the dealership, the vehicle immediately experienced a severe engine stall and extended no-start condition. During the recall service, liquid fuel flooded the EVAP lines and charcoal canister, saturating the intake with raw fuel. This caused an immediate safety hazard, stalling the vehicle in active traffic in 110+ degree summer heat. The vehicle was brought back to the dealer, who confirmed the stall but incorrectly blamed a fuel injector, refusing to acknowledge the EVAP flooding caused by the recall work. Due to the no-start condition, the vehicle was flatbed towed. Raw fuel from this EVAP lines washed past the piston rings, requiring an emergency engine oil change to prevent catastrophic engine failure from severe oil dilution. VW Customer CARE (Case #07594393) refused reimbursement for the towing ($167.00) and oil flush ($101.74) resulting directly from the botched recall. VW failed to provide a safe, effective, cost-free recall remedy. Repair documents attached.
NHTSA complaint #11752743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Complaint: Catastrophic Engine Failure (Gen4 EA888 engine) - Volkswagen Golf GTI - Crank Walk Engine shut down while driving; car inoperable (couldn’t restart). No prior warning or engine noise that could have alerted driver to imminent issue. Car moved to roadside; could have been catastrophic if occurred on highway. Error messages displayed. Odometer read 51,068 miles (1,068 mi over 50,000 mi warranty, but under 4-year warranty coverage period). Car towed to VW. Dealer performed all work on vehicle since purchased. Dealer saw “glitter” in oil filter. Upon removal of oil pan, metal shavings & “throw-out” washer found in oil pan. Diagnosis: CRANK WALK. Per TAC, recommended service replace engine, turbo & starter. Engine failed. Turbo contaminated w/ metal shavings, due to engine failure. Starter “faulty due to burning out & grease pouring out & burning up trying to restart engine”. Per text from dealer, “this is process needed when engine is in need of serious repair”. Corp VW paid for substantial part of repair cost (good faith effort & demonstrated VW responsible). 3rd generation EA888 engine identified in NHTSA Recall Report 22V-753. While recall didn’t include VW Golf GTI, same issue appeared in our manual transmission 2022 VW Golf GTI (4th gen EA888 engine). NHTSA should: initiate new recall –OR- extend existing 22V-753 to include this model engine / car. VW should: instruct VW techs to check for metal shavings during required oil changes (esp. for manual transmission Golf GTIs) -AND- send notification to owners to warn of possible crank walk issue. Background: 2022 VW Golf GTI purchased new (odometer: 13 mi.) from VW Castle Cars Schaumburg, IL. Car equipped w/ Gen4 EA888 engine (first year) & manual transmission. NO aftermarket modifications were made & car was operated under normal city / highway driving conditions. Oil changes & services performed on time at VW Highland Park, IL dealer. *Statements in quotes - communications w/dealer
NHTSA complaint #11720663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
NHTSA Recall 24V-110 (VW 20UF). The vehicle is in Limp Mode and experiencing low oil pressure symptoms. It is also subject to Recall 24V-110, which identifies a fire risk due to fuel leakage. Despite the safety hazard, the local Volkswagen dealership has refused to perform the recall repair or diagnose the vehicle, stating it is at their 'discretion.' I am reporting a failure by the manufacturer and the dealer to remedy an active safety defect, leaving me with an unsafe, undriveable vehicle."
NHTSA complaint #11719667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Repeated issues with leaking water pump and broken seals under the intake manifold causing vehicle to be underivable.
NHTSA complaint #11635998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
VW has implemented a so-called and unwanted safety feature called "Hill Assist" which locks the brakes on manual transmisson models which has many times nearly caused an accident. This system locks the brakes when the clutch is activated and brakes are applied and can prevent the car from moving forward for two to three seconds, or cause a vehicle stall. This system activates for two to three seconds and can't be modified or turned off. This system also works on a predetermined amount of time and no user interaction can change the time or hold/braking force. This is particularly dangerous in a left hand turn situation with multiple cars where a stall or hesitation for the car could prove dangerous or fatal. VW should turn this feature off or allow users to turn it off completely, WITHOUT having to turn it off for every startup.
NHTSA complaint #11632257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
VW has implemented a so-called and unwanted safety feature called "Hill Assist" which locks the brakes on manual transmisson models when at a standstill which has many times nearly caused an accident. This system locks the brakes when the clutch is activated and brakes are applied and can prevent the car from moving forward for two to three seconds, or cause a vehicle stall. This system activates for two to three seconds and can't be modified or turned off. This system also works on a predetermined amount of time and no user interaction can change the time or hold/braking force. This is particularly dangerous in a left hand turn situation with multiple cars where a stall or hesitation for the car to move/accelerate could prove dangerous or fatal. VW should turn this feature off or allow users to turn it off completely, WITHOUT having to turn it off for every startup.
NHTSA complaint #11632262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11618799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Suction jet pump failed causing vehicle to have numerous issues and had to be repaired due to being unable to drive. Suction jet pump has a recall with no remedy. Repairs cost me $3369.39 and car was in the shop for 24 days while shop tried to locate recalled part from a distributor.
NHTSA complaint #11604871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and the intake manifold, fuel injector, spark plugs, carbon block, and camshaft adjuster magnet were replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,630. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11602390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
This recall was issued in feb 2024 and there is still not a remedy available. Feb 14,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number20UF NHTSA Recall Number24V110 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available I am smelling gas in my car intermittently and this could be related to the recall. We need a remedy for this now. So I am issuing this complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11582611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11562435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11562435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle experienced a rough start, and the temperature gauge was fluctuating. Additionally, an unknown triangle warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact became aware that the coolant level was significantly low, and that the vehicle was overheating while activating the heater. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the water pump was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating, and he noticed that coolant was leaking underneath the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on a bridge, the low coolant level warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was overheating. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times and the water pump was replaced four times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the water pump was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11562029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Camshaft broken due deficiency on quality of the product, they have a recall of many cars but for casualty my car is not on the list, va don’t want to fix it and now I have to spend mor than 5500
NHTSA complaint #11515753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11510891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Coolant leak from very known area which is the water pump. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? If leaks to much it can cause the car to run very hot and have to pull over. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes most dealers do say it is a common problem. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No
NHTSA complaint #11501147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Vehicle started to show intermittent coolant gauge fluctuation with simultaneous loss of cruise control function. The coolant gauge would show cold, then hot. After visiting a dealer, a coolant leak was identified from a crack in the Thermostat/Water Pump housing along with corrosion in the coolant bottle. In addition, the trunk latch failed, likely from a faulty windshield washer fluid valve leaking onto the electrical equipment. All parts were replaced. Within another 3 months the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. All parts were repaired at a Volkswagen Dealer. The overheating of the engine and failure of the fuel pump could have caused engine failure and the car to lose immediate power, causing a fire or crash. The faulty rear door latch could have caused the door to open while driving. All of these issues occurred without warning. Check engine light, EPC and disabled cruise control lights came on at the time of the problem. The vehicle also restricted the speed of the car and maximum RPMs allowed.
NHTSA complaint #11483589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
There is an issue with the thermostat housing that causes coolant to leak out. This can cause the water pump to fail or if enough of the coolant leaks it can cause the engine to over heat and fail. The Thermostat housing is totally sealed so this is a manufacture defect that happens on the make of my car and should have a recall on the part. There were no warning lights or indicators to let me know of this issue. I brought the car in to my local Volkswagen dealer (dealer of purchase of the car) for another recall to be serviced and I was informed of this issue and need to have it fixed or risk having major issues with the car. I checked online and found MANY other car owners with this same issue so it seems to be systematic and a failure in the part in question.
NHTSA complaint #11474541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.