Four problems related to water pump have been reported for the 2013 Volkswagen GTI. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
Had car for not even two years and been through two water pumps that have went for no reason at all. The dealer when asked am I the only one with this problem and the answer has been only one other person had this issue but I'm the only one that has been back for the second time for faulty water pumps and the dealer cannot figure out why this has continued to happen.
Reported recurring coolant smell to dealer at first post-purchase maintenance visit (5,000 miles), but dealer failed to find a cause. At 14,000 miles, pulled into my garage. Several minutes later, backed out of my garage and discovered a large puddle of fluid where the car had been parked, as well as trails of fluid in the driveway from pulling in previously. Dealer diagnosis: the water pump had failed. When I noted my previous coolant odor complaint, the dealership service advisor replied that "they know about this problem, but we can't fix it until it fails. " the car now has 18,000 miles, and the recurring coolant smell has started again.
My 2013 vw Gti has had defective water (coolant) pump. I have already had three (3!) major repairs to replace the faulty water pump and fix the leak of coolant. The issue first started at about 10,000 miles and reoccured at 15,000 miles and then at 25,000. I always maintained and repaired my car at vw dealerships. The issue with the water pump usually started while the car was in motion on a major road or a freeway with my family (including 2 children) inside. The light would usually turn on on the dashboard. Fortunately, in all the instances, we've been not far from the home or a safe location to park and request roadside assistance. These incidents with water pump, while the car is in motion can lead to crash or other serious consequences.