Electronic Stability Control Problems of Volkswagen GTI - part 1

Volkswagen GTI owners have reported 74 problems related to electronic stability control (under the electronic stability control category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Volkswagen GTI based on all problems reported for the GTI.

1 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 08/25/2022

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Gti. The contact stated while driving at 35-40 mph, the abs warning light, the traction control warning light and the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 16v913000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control). Upon reprogramming the abs module, the dealer informed the contact the abs module failed the diagnostic test and it needed to be replaced. However, the dealer informed the contact that he would need to pay a repair fee though the recall remedy stated the abs module replacement was free of charge. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

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2 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2003 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 10/30/2020

I have a 2003 Volkswagen Gti and it has a electrical issue my lights flicker by themselves and my hazards come on by themselves as well and I want to put in a new radio but with my electrical issues going I can't do that and when I put my heat on it messes with my head lights they turn off idk what is going on but I can't fix it and I was on a town street when this happened so yeah I need this fixed.

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3 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2019 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 06/02/2020

16000 miles. Check engine light on and off. Purge vale replaced, two weeks later leak detection pump failed and needs replacement. Volkswagen claims leak detection pump is on national back-order with unknown time of arrival.

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4 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 05/08/2020

My car was affected by the 2017 recall for the abs module. I was driving around a corner and hit brakes to slow a little, the abs/traction control/steering light(s) came on and my brakes locked momentarily cause me to slide. I called local dealer to have the recall performed. The dealer stated(and vw America) that because they were unable to pull codes from the module I would need to pay to replace it myself and then they could perform the recall. This is complete and utter stupidity. The module was recalled due to failures. They should cover the complete cost to replace and recode. I was quoted 2100. 00 my car only has 88,000 miles and well taken care of.

5 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 04/15/2020

Vehicle has a recall for the abs module, I took the car into the vw of murietta California dealer to get the recall taken care of on 1/11/20 and they claimed that they assumed that the module had already been done and they claimed to have contacted vw of America to clear the recall in the system. Then on 4/10/20 I took the vehicle to the same dealer for an unrelated issue and mentioned the still active recall, they then proceeded to tell me that the module was unable to be updated and that I would have to pay an estimate of $1800 to fix the recall. On 4/16/20 I called vw of America to which their response was that vw of murrieta did not have an open claim with them about my vehicle.

6 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2008 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 01/01/2020

The rpms only go to 4000 the headlights are constantly blown, one of the fans does not work . . . . There are a lot of electrical problems, the mass air intake flow issues with that there's just a lot of issues. It's affected the electrical, speed control, airbags, visibility and wiper,lighting, fuel system mass air intake sensor.

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7 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2019 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 12/30/2019

My brand new 2019 golf Gti s 6mt has stalled about 4 times since the purchase of 12/30/19 the car currently has about 86 miles on it odometer. It does not matter whether the car is in gear or neutral, while the clutch is down, the car slowly turns off the engine by itself.

8 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 12/19/2019

While taking the kids to school, my traction control light and steering assist light came on followed by the check engine light and a loss of drive. After taking the vehicle to an official vw dealership they spent 2 days diagnosing the 6 pages of faults that came up and informed me that the abs module has failed and will require replacement.

9 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 11/01/2019

A number of warning lights come on when the car is turned on and sound alarms come on and off while driving. The steering wheel moves on its own at times and the speedometer does not work. I took the car to my local vw dealer located in countryside IL (autobarn) knowing that there is a recall on the abs system. The dealer explained that the abs module was not working and needed replacement ($2,400) parts and labor and that the recall did not cover what is wrong with the part.

10 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 09/16/2019

Abs code 16352 present. Car lost consistent electronic steering assistance making for varying steering wheel resistance during turning. Most dash information (speed, fuel gauge, etc. ) fluctuated. This issue needs to be addressed for all vw vehicles with abs control module issues, not just some. I brought this to the attention of vw and was told that the specific fault I threw was not covered (under existing recalls) even though all abs control module issues result in eventual failure of dash cluster as well as obvious safety concerns (which is exactly what happened resulting in ongoing costly shop visits).

11 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2010 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 08/06/2019

During moderate acceleration, engine cuts power, epc light and check engine light comes on. Vehicle goes into limp mode, and engine will not turn more than 3000 rpm, and has no power to accelerate. Engine develops misfires and idles very roughly. Engine may stall. Turning key off and back on does not remedy the problem. Disconnecting the battery will turn the epc and check engine lights off, but under next moderate acceleration, epc and check engine lights come back on, and problems come back. Check engine dtc codes range from misfires to system too lean and air intake leaks, and for accelerator/throttle position sensor b malfunctions. These problems have happened multiple times in traffic on the interstate and in the city. The vehicle has stalled at stop signs and traffic lights. It has also stalled during acceleration. This problem started happening on August 6th 2019 and has continued to happen.

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12 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 07/14/2019

About two weeks ago while driving straight on a city street in dry conditionat a steady speed the esc light on my dash came on and would not go out until I had parked the car for some time and restarted it. The light then came back on again after about 5 minutes of driving, this time it was accompanied by the electric power steering warning light which began to flash orange, then was solid orange and then flashed between orange and red. When the electric steering light is orange the steering assistance is reduced when straightening after cornering, however when it is red there is no power assistance and this condition can happen at any speed and at anytime without warning. Now yesterday(7/14/2019) when driving at 40mph in a straight line in the dry, the engine fail! workshop now!, esp,epc, electro steering, cel and abs warning lights came on accompanied by a chime and the speedo went from 40 to 0 and back up again while in motion. Quite disconcerting to have all that happen at once. After all the lights went out the vehicle seemed to be ok until I attempted to pull out of a gas station at which time with the vehicle in drive I pressed the accelerator and the revs went up but the vehicle did not move until the third attempt. I have read on line that this maybe a result of an abs module failure but my VIN doesn't pull up any recalls and my vehicle is out of warranty. Not only does this sound like it will be an expensive repair, it is also a hugh safety issue! unfortunately I don't have any pictures as it is completely random and not safe to try and take pictured while driving.

13 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2019 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 06/27/2019

Car has under 200 miles. Engine repeatedly turns off once stationary, at stops, such as intersections, yield zones, and freeway on and off ramps with traffic lights or stop signs. The engine turns off without warning or notifications, and has to be restarted by driver. Unknown components/systems. Taken to vw service center, was road tested, and they were unable to duplicate complaint and noted vw corp had advised resets.

14 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 04/10/2019

The vehicle shifted gears in motion while driving on city streets. Parked the car in may of 2017 and haven't driven it since. Vw has refused to take responsibility, even though I've brought the issue of the vehicle having trouble switching to reverse from a parked position while I was at the dealership for service. Have received multiple occasions where the abs/check engine light came on. Repeatedly taking it into the dealership to no avail. ** note: vw has refused to repair the issues "free of charge" as stated. That I'd have to pay for inspection by a dealership and since I'm 'out of warranty', I'm sure they'd charge me for the service as well. In addition, there was no 'open inspections' done to look into the recall before my purchase of the vehicle as a pre-owned certified car from the vw dealership. This was in Dec. 2010. ** tried submitting this before, which caused an error and fail. It erased all my data. Please review my attached document.

15 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2013 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 11/10/2018

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.

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16 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2010 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 09/19/2018

While driving the steering wheel, gas pedal and engine will studder and cause epc light to come on with check engine light. Turning off the car and turning back on will sometimes correct problem but will come back shortly after. Car will not accelerate without stalling out. Almost like the computers forgot how to accelerate the car and use the engine. Car was getting onto highway when this happened but does happen during regular driving. Car jumps and studders and the engine wants to shut down since it cant accelerate or shift higher, rpms go down to point of car stalling.

17 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 07/22/2018

Abs faliure. Abs warning light activates, activates sporadically while driving randomly, braking ability is hampered, does not work normally. Occassionally antilock breaks engage at low speed breaking. Brakes do not function normally. Speedometer experienced malfunction, fluctuations not related to speed occured. Stability malfunctioned during breaking and automatic downshifting.

18 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 06/13/2018

My gear indicator lights (prnds) flash and my car either will not engage into gear or will limp. It has done it several times while driving on the highway. It will slam into a low gear causing rpm to max to 8000 and acts as if I slammed on the breaks. Also the number 3 fuse on top started smoking and melted inside the fuse box. Feared my car was king to catch fire.

19 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 06/08/2018

Without warning, the abs module in the car failed, giving warning lights on the dash and making the car undriveable. Recall work was pursued with the a vw dealer and Volkswagen of America, but the recall work was denied, saying this failure was outside the scope of the recall. Car has not been repaired.

20 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 01/17/2018

While driving the vehicle on street roads and highways the car will shift down into a unknown gear and all lights start flashing putting the car into a neutral that doesn't fix until it's restarted.

21 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 12/08/2017

My vehicle has experienced exactly what NHTSA campaign # 16v913000 and it is the model and year as listed in the campaign. With ignition on and while driving all of a sudden 4-5-possibly 6 lights come on my dashboard a chime starts dinging and the abs,esc,airbag,epc, barke pedal lights illuminate on dash along with either the speedo or tachometer start jumping. Vehicle can be stationary or driving but vehicle must be running.

22 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 11/20/2017

While driving lights flashing,speedometer stops working ,fuel gauge stops working. Steering wheel moves funny. There is a recall on the program that they installed but now they just say that the unit needs to be replaced. They are asking 2400. 00 for the repair but there are many complaints on the internet from many owners.

23 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 08/25/2017

Abs control module. Abs light, traction light and blinking e-brake light. No traction control or abs while driving.

24 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 08/21/2017

I got a recall for the abs module for my 2009 Volkswagen Gti. When I brought it to Volkswagen I was told the recall went through but there is codes that are not covered by the recall. With that being said I have to pay 2,600 dollers for a new abs module. I have done research and it seems to be an issue with most 2009 Gti's why hasn't there been a recall on the actual module its self since so many are having issues.

25 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 05/05/2017

(ec missing dealer) tl the contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Gti. While starting the vehicle, the abs indicator illuminated. Also, while making a turn at various speeds, the instrument panel and the fuel gauge randomly failed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the abs module needed to be updated. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16v913000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control). The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the codes did not match the faults listed in the recall. The contact was denied the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 81,600.

26 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 02/13/2017

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Gti. While driving various speeds, the antilock brake system (abs) and electronic stability control (esc) warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the abs module malfunctioned and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure continued intermittently until the warning indicators remained illuminated at all times. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v913000 (service brakes, hydraulic, esc). The vehicle was then taken to gunther Volkswagen of fort lauderdale (1660 s state rd 7, fort lauderdale, FL 33317, (954) 797-1660) where it was confirmed that the abs module needed replacement. The vehicle was not serviced per the recall because insufficient pcu ground connection was not detected. The manufacturer stated that the module could not be included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

27 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 02/08/2017

When I brake sometimes the brakes lock up, abs light comes on, traction control and brake light come on. The lights stay on until I shut off car and restart. Has happened at slow and fast speeds.

28 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 01/19/2017

The vehicle was in motion when the warning lights for abs, brake and the esc systems illuminated making a beep noise, the gas indicator said the car had less gas than really had. While in the road the car lost power. I think it is related with the abs and stability control recall: NHTSA campaign number: 16v913000. Took it to the dealer, they say they do not have the recall number yet.

29 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 12/01/2016

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Gti. While driving 35 mph, when the brake pedal was depressed, the check engine, abs, brake, electronic stability control, and epc indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the abs module needed to be replaced. The dealer estimated that the repair would cost $1,500-$2,000. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred several other times. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v913000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the manufacturer denied the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that since the abs module control failed to work, the recall repair could not be performed. The failure mileage was 96,000.

30 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 11/30/2016

Abs brakes and stability control failure, every time the abs or stability control is activated the systems immediately fail and dash lights all turn on with three loud chimes. Other times the failure happens during normal driving. Power cycling the vehicle resets everything but the failure will soon occur again. This is a well known problem with 2009 models and in my opinion is dangerous -- abs & stability control system are critical to safety during emergency braking. Some time ago I had to use the brakes to avoid an accident, my wheels all locked up and my vehicle began to skid sideways -- not what one would expect on a vehicle that comes with abs brakes. I just now learned I can file a complaint. This issue has been ongoing for over approximately 18 months. I regularly turn the ignition off/on while driving to power cycle and reset the abs module when it error fails - though I don't expect it to work when needed.

31 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 11/04/2016

First occurrence abs and traction control lights on dash momentarily while on freeway. Second occurrence, city driving, abs, traction control, steering dash lights, dash display "engine faulty workshop" along with beeping sound, speedo wildly fluctuating while driving straight at constant speed around 40 mph, then a couple of seconds later the lights go out and everything appears normal. Reading forums of similar issues indicated an expensive replacement of the abs module. Car has approx 106k miles.

32 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 10/17/2016

2009 75,000 miles. Abs controll module failure for the past couple of weeks my car would intermittently throw up the abs and traction lights but this would go away shortly afterwards. I get in my car about 30 minutes and start driving for maybe 1/16th of a mile and everything just freaks out. Speedometer is dropping to zero (while in motion doing about 15 mph) and fluctuates all over between 0 and 20 mph. Brake light is on. Traction light is on. Abs light is on. Steering light is on. Epc light is on. Check engine light is on. And the mfd is saying "engine fault workshop". As time has gone on it now tends to happen atleast 15+ times a day.

33 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 09/12/2016

Abs module failure after 90k miles. Result in loss of power steering, antilock braking system functionality, and traction control at the same time. Also, prevents speedometer and other gauges from reading accurately. Major safety concern and seems to be an wide issue specific to 2009 vw Gti/rabbits. Manufacturer should be responsible for replacement/compensation to owners.

34 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 09/06/2016

I submitted a complaint last year with complaint #: 10907462. Summary of the unexpected abs module breakdown that happened last year. The module broke down the first time on 09/06/216 on my way to work and it occurred while I was driving on the highway. I slowed down the speed to around 45 after I lost control of the vehicle when it happened and the lights and beeping did not stop with the engine light turned on. The car was eventually towed and repaired (paid out of pocket) at vw dealership. After searching online, the abs module apparently has been a problem on Gti and gli jetta. Most recently, there is a recall on the abs modules on certain vw vehicles; however my car was not one of them even though it is the same part that almost caused me a car crash on the highway! please investigate into this problem and have the vw officially extend their qualification for recalls. It is not right to only recall certain vehicles as other care models/years also use the exact same manufacturer defect abs modules!.

35 Electronic Stability Control problem of the 2009 Volkswagen GTI

Failure Date: 08/19/2016

Abs module failure at 88k miles. Multiple fault codes presents with constant beeping and an error message reading " engine fault! workshop! in the heads up display (epc, emergency brake, electronic steering assist off, traction control off fault codes). This is a safety feature failure that can result in loss of power steering, antilock braking system functionality, and traction control at the same time. The failure of this module represents a serious danger to occupants in the vehicle as the safety features are disabled due to the failure of this crucial part. This can happen at any speed while driving/turning.


Other Common Electronic Stability Control related problems of Volkswagen GTI

Problem Category Number of Problems
Electronic Stability Control problems
74
Vsa Warning Light On problems
3

Safety Ratings of GTI Cars
Fuel Economy of GTI Vehicles
GTI Service Bulletins
GTI Safety Recalls
GTI Defect Investigations