Two problems related to noises during shifting have been reported for the 2008 Volkswagen GTI. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Gti. The contact stated that while attempting to drive, the vehicle hesitated and made an abnormal noise when shifting gears. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the transmission failed and as a result a flush needed to perform. The remedy failed to repair the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 55,000.
I purchased a new 08 vw Gti 10/13/07. After a few months, the manual 6 speed clutch made a loud grinding noise when shifting from 1st into 2nd gear. Initially I took it in 3 times, the tech said the condition could not be duplicated. On 7/5/08, as I was on my way to work, the clutch action fell limp and smoke bellowed from the engine area. The car was down for a week. The clutch disc,pressure plate,trans seals,bolts,flywheel and release bearing were replaced. However, 2 months later the issue returned but was worse. I took the car back to the dealer another 10 times. I eventually had to trade the car @ a huge loss. There is a manufacturer defect with this transmission. I contacted vw headquarters 2 months before I had to sell the car, they were of no assistance.