Power Train Problems of Volkswagen GTI - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2013 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

The hill hold assist on the mk8 vw Gti is overly aggressive, creating safety concerns. When starting on a hill, there is a 2-3 second delay where the car strongly holds the brakes, even after the brake light disengages. This could lead to rear-end collisions as following drivers might assume the car is moving. Additionally, in emergency situations, this delay prevents immediate forward movement, increasing risk. For manual transmission models, it also raises the likelihood of stalling, which can further compromise safety. This feature should be less aggressive, should not engage the brakes without the brake lights illuminated, and there should be an option to disable it entirely.

See all problems of the 2024 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

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.

Acquired this vehicle at 6,800 miles. At about 10k miles the clutch went out and had to be replaced. This should have been the stock clutch system. I was able to examine the old clutch kit. It was determined that the disk was damaged due to overheating, the throw out bearing had cracked in pieces, and the fly wheel had signs of overheating as well. I then replaced it with an aftermarket kit from ecs tuning. The whole kit was replaced and a oem throw out bearing was replaced. Turns out the kit didn't work well with my vehicle and burned out at about 2k miles later. Then I replaced the clutch kit once again, this time with oem sachs clutch kit [throw out bearing, clutch disk, pressure plate, fly wheel] which I was told this vehicle comes with this kit from the factory. Now, that was at about 18,800 miles, so about 6k miles on this kit, I am starting to notice some signs of defectiveness once again. Could there be an issue that hasn't been addressed with the proper kit or is there a need for a recall. . . .

See all problems of the 2023 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

I am experiencing the same problem reported in NHTSA id number: 11587076. I am writing to let you know that this problem is not limited to the golf r model but also affects the golf Gti models with manual transmission. The description of the problem in report 11587076 matches my experience exactly so I will not repeat it here. An additional problem possibly related to this one is that there is no brake boost when the engine is not running. With all other cars I have owned, there has been some residual boost from the brake servo that is available to stop the car from rolling between the time when the clutch pedal is depressed and when the engine is started. In the same situation with this car, extreme pressure on the brake pedal or application of the parking brake is needed to stop the rolling. In my opinion, this constitutes a safety hazard.

I am [xxx] and have only ever owned manual transmission cars. I bought a 2024 Gti/manual transmission a few months ago. I also have a 2017 Gti sport, 6mt. All purchased new. I was so used to the way the 2017 utilized hill hold and had not experienced a hill in my test drive before buying the car. I also drove other brands manual transmission and they all worked in a similar manner. The "hill hold" feature on this 2024 Gti/manual transmission vehicle is dangerous and does not release when it is supposed to. It is extremely aggressive in the amount that it is holding. In fact, I was rear ended 1 mile from the dealership after picking up the car because of this issue. . . No kidding. My current workaround is to release the brake, wait a couple of seconds until the car releases its "hill hold", rolls backward, and then give throttle/release the clutch. This is a safety concern in many ways. I could get rear ended again because the rear brake light goes out when I release the foot brake, even though I have to wait a few seconds to move forward. Also, in an emergency, if I had to move quickly, the car would likely stall if I tried to overcome the "hill hold" brake before it releases itself. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact's son owns a 2024 Volkswagen Gti. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds for several hours, an unknown yellow symbol illuminated and a message stating that the vehicle needed to be cooled down was displayed. The vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who stated that the failure was due to a user error and diagnosed that there was a burned clutch and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200.

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.

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Gti. The contact stated when shifting the vehicle into drive (d) there would be a lag before the vehicle would begin to move forward, the engine would rev and then jolt into gear. The contact stated it shook the vehicle, additionally when the contact is speeding up once he has forward momentum, the vehicle will again loudly rev and jolt into the next gear. The contact stated that failure had become reoccurring. The contact stated that the "check engine" light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, however it 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.

See all problems of the 2014 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

Problem unknown, but I was driving at 40mph in 4th gear when my rpm’s dropped to zero and my battery light came on and I had a total loss of power and was unable to accelerate, when I pulled over and stepped on the gas pedal it did not rev and rpm’s stayed at zero. This was very dangerous. This happened again a couple weeks later driving in second gear when the same thing happened. The only thing I could do was pull over and restart my car and everything seemed functional again after restarting. I took it to an auto shop where they said it was my throttle body and cleaned it out but a week later while sitting in my car with the radio and air conditioning on my car does the same thing where the rpm’s drop to zero and battery light comes on, engine is still running, ac stops blowing cold, radio flashes off and back on and unable to apply gas as it would do nothing. I had to restart the car to regain function. The last time this happened I was stopped at a red light and again the rpm’s drop to zero and battery light comes but the engine is still running, I have to quickly restart the car again as it seems the only way to reset it. This is just ridiculous and absolutely dangerous, how can a car just suddenly decide to lose all power to the gas pedal. If I was on the freeway or traffic I could cause a huge accident because of this issue. This needs to be fixed ASAP.

See all problems of the 2005 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

Factory radiator came loose while driving causing the radiator to fall towards engine block. Lower radiator hose was cut by the crank or ac pulley causing all the coolant drain out. Dealer is replacing the radiator hose, but is not addressing the radiator falling out of place. Car had 6,900 miles when the fault happened. The car not been in an accident or been modified in any way.

See all problems of the 2022 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

Was going about 75 mph on the highway when my car dropped into neutral by itself causing me to have to cut across 4 lanes of highway to stop the car. 2014 Gti with 67k miles. Now being told its my gear shifter an module costing $2,300. I believe this is an essential part that should not be going defective an the dealer told me that their was no visible damage or reason to why it happened. "it is just a failed part".

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.

See all problems of the 2015 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

Failure of thermostat housing causing coolant leak and water pump failure.

See all problems of the 2016 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

Vehicle stalls at low speeds. I have noticed my car stall when leaving a parking spot where I will get halfway out of the park, and then the rpm goes to 0 and I have to put it into park, turn the key, and after a longer than normal startup time, it goes.

See all problems of the 2019 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Gti. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a red light, the vehicle would not drive forward and rolled into the intersection. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer toms rivers Volkswagen located at 256 NJ-37, toms river, NJ 08753, who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. No further information was available. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 300.

See all problems of the 2021 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

My vehicle will automatically go from being in drive to acting like its in neutral. And will not move or go anywhere. And this all happenened when I was in dr9ve drving down the road.

See all problems of the 2010 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

Engine thermostat and pump failure with gradual coolant leak. Coolant required refilling multiple times within 45,000 miles, sometimes coolant getting dangerously low without warning until car is on interstate. Thermostat/pump has also begun overcooling engine, not allowing it to get up to operating temp when on interstate and shutting out usage of cruise control. This is a well known and documented issue with mk7 Gti.

There is a major defect with the center console storage of this vehicle that is causing deep cuts and gashes on people's hands. Specifically, the silver sharp metal trim piece in front of the shifter boot becomes slightly lifted over time as it separates from a plastic that holds it, and the sharp edge is exposed in an area that a driver / passenger reaches into regularly. Many others have reported similar problem on the car forum golfmk7. Com as well. Have attached some photos of the cut and piece (though it is hard to see) for your information. (warning some blood on band aid is present in the photo).

See all problems of the 2017 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

My thermostat had a coolant leak at 37k, and this was diagnosed at the vw dealership in 12/20. My vehicle has never been in an accident, and has been meticulously maintained at the vw dealership. . Read more...

Water pump needed to be replaced after unknown cause.

I have bought the new 6 speed manual Gti this week and put 150 miles on it so far. Only 4 days after purchase, the car stalled while stopping with the clutch depressed during shifting to neutral, with no warning signs or errors.

See all problems of the 2020 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

The vehicle I purchased was under used dealer warranty engine and transmission I went ahead and did almost $4000 in repairs to this car to make it drive somewhat normal from the original jerky start from after purchase (no it did not drive like this when I test drove) I attempted to get a new transmission because vw recommended this to remedy the issue but when I tried to contact the dealer he told me that I should stop beating on it I have come across a lot of research showing there is an open recall on this car for the sudden shifts and bucking I already had the intake manifold repaired by vw but I need help getting the transmission recall that went unnoticed by Volkswagen its a real problem in this year and marque.

I had my thermostat housing replaced to due leakage. I wanted to file a complaint because I believe this is a reoccurring issue that can lead to engine damage. This has happened gradually over time and not due to any incident with another vehicle. This was discovered from a vw service when I was at approximately 57000 miles.

The vw Gti is 4 years old and has 32,753 miles. Driving through a shopping plaza, steam suddenly began to rise from the hood. Upon parking and shutting off the engine, steam continued to rise and the sweet smell of coolant was obvious. Coolant began leaking out and formed a puddle under the vehicle. No prior sign of coolant leaks. Vehicle was towed to the dealership, where technicians identified a defective water pump and thermostat housing. Repair was fixed under warranty with thermostat 06l121111m and water pump 06k121011c in August 2020.

I have a 2015 Gti that has only 80,000 miles on it. I had a repair done to replace valves, coil springs, spark plugs and ignition coils last year due to failure of the engine. They claimed to fix this problem and a year later the same exact failure happened. The first time it cost 3,500 to fix with a customer loyalty discount. This time they suggest replacing the engine at a 14,000 price tag. There is clearly some design flaw that is causing this repeated failure in such a new car. Volkswagen doesn't back up the previous repair. With the frequency of this issue I'm sure there are other people with this same issue.

Car stalls at low speends, particularly coming to a stop. Happens with clutch in or in neutral. Has been happening since day 1 of ownership of brand new vehicle with 80 miles on odometer. Continues at 10 months of ownership with 6k miles on odo. The problem is intermittent. It did not occur for 6 months between December 2019 and June 2nd 2020. On June 3rd vw installed 24fd update. Upon driving the car home from the dealership, the car stalled 3 times. Twice at stoplights in 1st gear with clutch in. Once in neutral after I pulled into my driveway.

Vehicle started losing coolant around 25k miles. Visible loss in reservoir and could smell coolant after driving. At 30k miles, visible puddle of coolant under car. Car was serviced at vw of ocala, FL, where they replaced the water pump, thermostat housing and relevant gaskets/seals. This matches what dozens of other vw Gti drivers are experiencing in their cars. 30k is way too low of miles to have such a major repair done to these cars, and could have led to premature engine wear/failure by overheating.

The coolant has progressively gotten lower and I brought my car to vw dealer while under warranty but they wanted to charge $140 diagnostic fee to pressure test the system. I had them top off the coolant for now but after doing research it appears that the thermostat housing is prone to leaking. I will have to bring my car back soon and probably have to pay to have the coolant system officially checked because this is a safety concern. I have had the car for about 1 year and the coolant level has lowered to below the minimum line. Vw dealer said they did see some coolant in my engine bay and cleaned it off temporarily because I did not want to pay the $140 diagnostic fee at that time. They topped off the coolant and said to come back if it drains more and if I want to pay for the diagnostic test. My car has 50,000 miles on it and is under warranty until 60,000 miles.

The transmission shifter automatically puts the car in neutral and wont let the car move foward, its an electronic component that tells the transmission what gear the car is on.

See all problems of the 2007 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

Thermostat housing leak causes coolant leak and low coolant warnings. Was operating the vehicle under normal conditions when low coolant warning illuminated.

An issue exists where the start stop system (s/s) can cause the vehicle to stall at a stop light. At one point, the driver was in stopped in traffic, which caused my s/s to activate, turning off the vehicle's engine. The driver unbuckled his seat belt so he could put something into the glove box, then re buckled his seat belt. Traffic began moving again, so the driver hit the accelerator. The vehicle did not accelerate. There was a notification on the dash stating "please start engine manually". The driver attempted to start the engine, but the vehicle was still in drive, so the vehicle notified him to put the transmission into p or n. The driver shifted the vehicle into n, restarted the engine, shifted back into drive and then resumed driving. (after creating a small traffic jam) later, the driver took the vehicle to the dealership and explained the issue. The service department politely explained that the s/s system does that, and there is nothing that they can do. They explained that multiple factors stipulate the s/s system's decisions, such as engine temperature, power consumption (just to name a few). The driver also asked if the dealership could just remove s/s system, they explained that they were not allowed to due to epa regulations. Attached is a png file containing screenshots of a mp4 that the driver took on 03/01/20 while attempting to recreate the incident. It should be noted that the driver could not recreate the incident perfectly. The driver was only able to make it so that the s/s mechanism would restart the engine after the driver re buckled his seat belt and subsequently depressed the accelerator most of the way down (not requiring the driver to shift the vehicle into p or n and restarting the engine).

See all problems of the 2018 Volkswagen GTI 🔎.

48k on the car, and I was informed of the leaking thermostat housing that is apparently known for going on this car as a defective part: vw did not tell me! I was informed by my tech who fortunately discovered the issue 1500 miles before my warranty expired. Vw should not charge for this replacement regardless of miles as it is clearly defective.

I find that my coolant level slowing goes down and I've had to refill several times already. Maybe 2 times a year since I owned it. Never had to replace coolant on any other cars. I don't know if this will cause a bigger issue down the line.

The vehicle seems to periodically stall when I'm traveling at low speeds, such as in parking lots, or slowing down to take a right or left turn. It has recurred enough (~4 times in 220 miles) to know it is not driver error.