Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Volkswagen GTI problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

53 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

39,750 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 43 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Clutch Assembly is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 53 complaints (17.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Engine operation47.5%
Braking behavior47.5%
Transmission and shifting35.7%
Electrical and battery issues35.7%
Fuel system concerns11.9%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train:Clutch Assembly
9
Air Bags:Frontal
7
Air Bags:Side/Window
6
Air Bags
4
Electrical System
3
Electrical System:Ignition
3
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module
2
Engine And Engine Cooling
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Power Train:Clutch Assembly9
Air Bags:Frontal7
Air Bags:Side/Window6
Air Bags4
Electrical System3
Electrical System:Ignition3
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module2
Engine And Engine Cooling2

Power Train:Clutch Assembly: 9; Air Bags:Frontal: 7; Air Bags:Side/Window: 6; Air Bags: 4; Electrical System: 3; Electrical System:Ignition: 3; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
16
25,000 to 49,999
12
50,000 to 74,999
10
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00016
25,000 to 49,99912
50,000 to 74,99910
75,000 to 99,9994
100,000 to 149,9991
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 16; 25,000 to 49,999: 12; 50,000 to 74,999: 10; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (16). 10 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2003
4
2004
15
2005
6
2006
4
2007
6
2008
9
2009
2
2010
1
2013
2
2015
2
2020
1
2023
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20034
200415
20056
20064
20076
20089
20092
20101
20132
20152
20201
20231

2003: 4; 2004: 15; 2005: 6; 2006: 4; 2007: 6; 2008: 9; 2009: 2; 2010: 1; 2013: 2; 2015: 2; 2020: 1; 2023: 1

Pattern summary

Power Train:Clutch Assembly leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 4 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10005919 · 2003-01-29 (January 29, 2003)

VEHICLE HESITATES/STALLS DUE TO IGNITION COIL FAILUE. DEALER NOTIFIED. PH. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10005919 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10091600 · 2004-09-08 (September 8, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED/LOST POWER, UPON ENTERING THE FREEWAY AND WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE DID NOT GAIN SPEED. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10091600 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10102461 · 2004-12-09 (December 9, 2004)

REAR BRAKES LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING. DEALER COULD FIND NO FAULT CODES OR PROBLEM. BUT THE PROBLEM IS THERE, THEY JUST COULD NOT REPLICATE IT. VW CUSTOMER CARE- DOESN'T CARE.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 24,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10102461 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10103469 · 2004-12-09 (December 9, 2004)

THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 40 MPH, BUT WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE DID DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES. THE CONSUMER REFUSED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED T BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10103469 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10112158 · 2005-02-25 (February 25, 2005)

THE CLUTCH SLOWLY STARTED TO SLIP WHEN TRYING TO MOVE FORWARD EVENTUALLY THE ENGINE WOULD REV AT VERY HIGH RPMS WITH VERY LITTLE FORWARD MOVEMENT IN THE CAR. AFTER MUCH READING, THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. MY CAR ONLY HAD 26,000 MILES ON IT. IT IS A DAILY COMMUTER DRIVEN MOSTLY ON THE FREEWAY WHICH SHOULD MEAN VERY LITTLE CLUTCH WEAR. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP TO REPLACE IT WITH A MORE "STURDY" CLUTCH MADE OF CERAMIC SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY ALREADY. APPROXIMATELY 8 MONTHS AFTER THE CLUTCH WAS REPLACED THE SUDDENLY STUCK IN FIRST …

Owner-reported narrative. 26,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10112158 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10185788 · 2007-03-21 (March 21, 2007)

I HAD A TOTAL LOSS OF CLUTCH HYDRAULIC PRESSURE ON 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THE PEDAL WAS STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND I HAD TO MOVE IT BACK UP WITH MY HAND. I THEN DEPRESSED IT AGAIN WITH MY FOOT AND THE SAME RESULTS. I'VE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON VW ENTHUSIAST WEB SITES SEEING IT''S A COMMON PROBLEM AMONGST 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION .FROM THAT CONCLUSION I FIGURED IT WAS EITHER THE MASTER CYLINDER OR SLAVE CYLINDER. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND IT WAS DISCOVER A BAD SLAVE CYLINDER. OBVIOUSLY IT IS A TREND AND A COSTLY ONE AT THAT. SINC…

Owner-reported narrative. 61,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10185788 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10197565 · 2007-07-26 (July 26, 2007)

(1) CAR ENGINE OVERHEATED WITH AIR CONDITIONING UNIT ON WITH 35K MILES (4 YEAR OLD CAR). (2) DEALER REPAIR SERVICE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED BOTH AUXILARY FANS (290" AND 345") FAILED TO SPIN AT LOW SPEEDS AND OPERATE ONLY AT HIGH SPEEDS CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT WHEN CAR IS BETWEEN 0 TO 30 MPH. DEALER DIRECTED CONSUMER PARTS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY (4 YEARS, 50,000 MILES) AND CONSIDERED ELECTRICAL PARTS AND TO REPAIR AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE ($918). CORPORATE OFFICE EVENTUALLY COVERED PART AND CONSUMER COVERED LABOR EXPENSES. SEVE…

Owner-reported narrative. 35,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10197565 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10227003 · 2008-05-08 (May 8, 2008)

NOTICED A SMELL AS I WAS DRIVING. GLANCE OUT WINDOW & NOTICED MY BACK LIGHT WAS ON FIRE. PULLED OVER , AND TRIED TO EXTINGUISH IT WITH A SHIRT. ALMOST HAD IT OUT, BUT COULDN'T QUITE EXTINGUISH IT. WITHIN 10 MINUTES THE CAR WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I HAD TO STAND THERE AND WATCH MY CAR BURN. IT TOOK TWO FIRE TRUCKS TO EXTINGUISH IT AND I ENDED UP WITH BURNT HANDS( FROM MELTING RUBBER STICKING TO MY SKIN) , TRYING TO SMOTHER IT. HOW COULD SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN FROM A BACK LIGHT? I HAVE HAD THE CAR LESS THAN 1 YEAR. IT WAS IN PERF…

Owner-reported narrative. 45,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10227003 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11560569 · 2023-12-17 (December 17, 2023)

When my car gets down to 1/4 tank it cuts out and dies I’ve replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter. I believe this is a serious possibly deadly issue. Please take action on making our vehicle safe to be on the road with a recall! I’ve talked to countless owners of the same vehicle I own and they are having the same issue. With no luck of fixing it on our own I’ve been in countless situations when I shouldn’t be stalling in middle of intersections, and on the highway doing 65-70 it’s not safe at all. Take note it only does it at a quarter tank …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11560569 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

53 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

81.1%Usable mileage43 / 53 records
100.0%Valid incident date53 / 53 records
100.0%Valid filing date53 / 53 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates53 / 53 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Engine
2036.4%
ODI 10617058 · 38,000 mi

MY 2011 VW GTI WITH ONLY 38000 MILES LOST FIRST IGNITION COIL. THERE ARE MULTIPLE RECALL FROM VW FOR THIS PART, BUT NOT FOR THIS MODEL YEAR. AS RESULT, VEHICLE LOOSING POWER DURING DRIVING. *JS

Look up ODI 10617058 at NHTSA ↗

1332.5%
ODI 10475406 · 19,000 mi

VEHICLE IS A MANUAL 6 SPEED. TWO INCIDENTS - FIRST, THE CAR WOULDN'T ENGAGE INTO REVERSE FROM A STOP UNTIL THE VEHICLE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES. CAR OPERATED NORMALLY FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. SECOND INCIDENT, CAR WOULDN'T ENGAGE INTO ANY GEAR WHILE MOVING 10-15 MPH UPHILL WHILE IN FIRST GEAR. DURING LOSS OF POWER TRAIN, THE ENGINE REVVED IN THE 4000-5000 RPM RANGE, SMOKE WAS VISIBLY COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE BAY AND THERE WAS COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES, INCLUDING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARD DOWNHILL…

Look up ODI 10475406 at NHTSA ↗

1132.4%
ODI 10536206 · 242 mi

TOOK CAR FOR FIRST DRIVE. AFTER TRAVELING 145 MILES INTO THIS TRIP WHEN TROUBLE STARTED. AMBIENT TEMP WAS 101F. DRIVE TIME WAS JUST OVER 2.5 HOURS. GAS TANK WAS SLIGHTLY OVER HALF EMPTY. CAR STALLED TAKING OFF FROM STOP. ENGINE RUNNING BUT CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. ENGINE THEN STOPPED. CRANKED OVER (STARTED) AND WENT ABOUT 2 BLOCKS. CAR STALLED AGAIN. THIS TIME IT WAS DIFFICULT TO GET STARTED AGAIN. HAD TO CRANK IT 3-4 TIMES. STARTED THEN STALLED. ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON. EVENTUALLY STARTED. WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 55MPH ENGINE TU…

Look up ODI 10536206 at NHTSA ↗

440.0%
ODI 10575421 · 8,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, WHITE SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE EPC WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD SOUND BEFORE IT STALLED AND BECAME ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

Look up ODI 10575421 at NHTSA ↗

4041.2%
ODI 10892628 · 18,600 mi

THE CLUTCH OPERATION IN MY 2015 VOLKSWAGE GTI (6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION) IS MALFUNCTIONING TO SUCH A DEGREE THAT I WAS ALMOST IN AN ACCIDENT AND NOW FEAR FOR MY SAFETY. CLUTCH OPERATION IN THE VEHICLE HAS BECOME UNPREDICTABLE, WHEN DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH PEDAL WILL REMAIN ON THE FLOOR AFTER THE PEDAL IS RELEASED, THUS PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE STATIONARY IN TRAFFIC, WHILE IN MOTION AND WHILE ACCELERATING. MOST RECENTLY WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ONTO A BUSY HIGHWAY THE CLUTCH PEDAL STUCK TO…

Look up ODI 10892628 at NHTSA ↗

1827.3%
ODI 11205181 · 49,000 mi

WATERPUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 49,000 MILES WAS LEAKING COOLANT. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH THE EA888 ENGINE AND NEEDS EITHER A RECALL OR WARRANTIES EXTENDED.

Look up ODI 11205181 at NHTSA ↗

1426.9%
ODI 11101789 · 20,000 mi

THE "COMBI" VALVE ON MY GTI STAYS STUCK OPEN CAUSING MORE EXHAUST GASES TO FLOW THROUGH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. AS A RESULT NMY CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. AFTER REPLACING TO COMBI VALVE. IT HAPPENED AGAIN

Look up ODI 11101789 at NHTSA ↗

423.5%
ODI 11193984 · 1,000 mi

WHEN DOWN SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ROUGHLY. (ONLY IN TRAFFIC) WHEN DOWN SHIFTING FROM 3,2,1 THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR SOME REASON DECIDES TO BRAKE HARDER THAN SUPPOSED TO, MAKING THE CAR JERKY. ( REGULAR DRIVING AND COMING UP TO A STOP LIGHT. ) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND IT'S THE AUTOBAHN EDITION.. ALSO WHEN THE CAR IS IDLING (COLD START) THE ENGINE VIBRATES ALOT MORE THAN NORMAL

Look up ODI 11193984 at NHTSA ↗

13374.3%
ODI 11193967 · 89 mi

THE CAR WILL STALL WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP IN NEUTRAL, THEN WILL REQUIRE RESTARTING. PROBLEM IS MORE PERSISTENT IN WARMER TEMPERATURE AND ALSO WHEN THE OIL TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 220 DEGREES. HOWEVER DOES NOT CAUSE CEL OR THROW ANY CODES. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY OPERATING THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION BECAUSE I CONSTANTLY HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR WHICH CAN PUT ME IN VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

Look up ODI 11193967 at NHTSA ↗

450.0%
ODI 11341564 · 300 mi

THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED WITH THE CLUTCH PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED AS I CAME TO A STOP FROM A SLOW SPEED. THEN, AS I TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE WITH THE CLUTCH PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE STARTED WITH A VERY UNSTEADY IDLE AND STALLED AGAIN. I REPEATED THIS PROCESS FOUR TIMES, AND THEN THE FIFTH TIME, APPLIED THE GAS PEDAL DURING THE UNSTEADY IDLE, AND THE CAR WAS ABLE TO RUN AGAIN. THIS ENTIRE PROCESS DID NOT CAUSE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE ISSUE.

Look up ODI 11341564 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 11430839

My car has, on several occasions, slammed the breaks on while I’m reversing, while suggesting that I am about to hit something, even though there is nothing there. It is very scary because I have no way of knowing when this will happen. Also it turns off the head unit and goes black while I am in reverse or trying to follow the directions. And finally the key sensor keeps saying my keys are not in the car while they are right there (had the battery replaced and that wasn’t the problem) additionally the wipers are dangerous and go off for no rea…

Look up ODI 11430839 at NHTSA ↗

27.1%
ODI 11720663

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” …

Look up ODI 11720663 at NHTSA ↗

116.7%
ODI 11632262

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 …

Look up ODI 11632262 at NHTSA ↗

13.6%
ODI 11632257

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 ho…

Look up ODI 11632257 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train
1425.5%
ODI 10425417 · 450 mi

FROM SECOND DAY OF OWNERSHIP VEHICLE HAS HAD TRANSMISSION (DSG AUTOMATIC) PROBLEMS. AT WELL OVER 40 OCCURRENCES (IN 30,000 MILES) THE TRANSMISSION WILL SLIP INTO NEUTRAL WHEN SLOWING TO A RATE OF 10MPH OR LESS AND THEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE, CAUSING AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE CONDITION. ONE INSTANCE A COLLISION WAS AVOIDED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST SWERVING ONTO THE SIDEWALK TO MISS MY VEHICLE AND ALMOST STRUCK A PEDESTRIAN WHEN MY TRANSMISSION WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND I COASTED INTO THE INTERSECTION. ANOTHER SYMPTOM OF THE TRANSMISSION IS THAT THE CAR WILL GO…

Look up ODI 10425417 at NHTSA ↗

717.5%
ODI 10442762 · 310 mi

DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, I HAD TO SLOW DOWN A LITTLE IN ORDER TO ALLOW THE CAR NEXT TO ME TO PASS SO I COULD CHANGE LANES WITHOUT HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR SEEMED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND DID NOT RESPOND WHEN I HIT THE ACCELERATOR. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ACTUALLY SUNK DOWN TO THE FLOOR WITH NO RESPONSE. AFTER A FEW SECONDS, THE TRANSMISSION DID SHIFT INTO GEAR AND TOOK OFF TOO FAST. IN THE MEANTIME, I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY DAY THAT I DRIVE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I CAN'T CONTROL IT SO I HAVE TO MAKE SURE T…

Look up ODI 10442762 at NHTSA ↗

514.7%
ODI 10639314 · 13,000 mi

OVER-40 DRIVER, DECADES OF EXPERIENCE DRIVING CARS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE CAR SINCE NEW. CAR HAD 13,000 MILES AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT. ACCELERATING ON THE FREEWAY, NO INDICATION OF ANY PROBLEMS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD...BUT WHEN SHIFTING FROM 3RD TO 4TH AT APPROXIMATELY 50MPH, THE GEAR SELECTOR LEVER HAD BECOME DIFFICULT TO MOVE. SUBSEQUENT SHIFTS FROM 4TH TO 5TH AND 5TH TO 6TH AT APPROXIMATELY 65MPH (NO LONGER ACCELERATING) WERE EVEN MORE CHALLENGING. I EXITED THE FREEWAY, SHIFTING AS NEEDED WITH E…

Look up ODI 10639314 at NHTSA ↗

220.0%
ODI 11463091

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"

Look up ODI 11463091 at NHTSA ↗

1212.4%
ODI 10725253 · 200 mi

WAS DRIVING ALONG WITH TRAFFIC AND I HEARD A LOUD NOISE, THE ENGINE RPMS JUMPED AND THERE WAS A MASSIVE LOSS IN SPEED AND POWER. THE TRANSMISSION WAS STUCK IN 1ST GEAR. PULLED OVER AS SOON AS WAS SAFE. I WAS CONCERNED AN ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO THE SUDDEN LOSS IN POWER AND SPEED WITH NO FAULT TO THE DRIVER, MYSELF. THE DASH SHOWED "ERROR: TRANSMISSION. REVERSE NOT POSSIBLE." THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR EVALUATION. UPDATED 09/01/2015*LJ UPDATED 10/20/2017*CN

Look up ODI 10725253 at NHTSA ↗

812.1%
ODI 10885865 · 8,000 mi

IN VERY HOT WEATHER (OVER 110 F) THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. IT STAYS IN LOW GEARS AND REV'S THE ENGINE FAR TOO MUCH. AT COOLER TEMPS IT DRIVES FINE. TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER IN JULY 2016 AND WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE.

Look up ODI 10885865 at NHTSA ↗

713.5%
ODI 11307394 · 22,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11307394 at NHTSA ↗

317.6%
ODI 11193984 · 1,000 mi

WHEN DOWN SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ROUGHLY. (ONLY IN TRAFFIC) WHEN DOWN SHIFTING FROM 3,2,1 THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR SOME REASON DECIDES TO BRAKE HARDER THAN SUPPOSED TO, MAKING THE CAR JERKY. ( REGULAR DRIVING AND COMING UP TO A STOP LIGHT. ) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND IT'S THE AUTOBAHN EDITION.. ALSO WHEN THE CAR IS IDLING (COLD START) THE ENGINE VIBRATES ALOT MORE THAN NORMAL

Look up ODI 11193984 at NHTSA ↗

6234.6%
ODI 11193831 · 4,000 mi

ENGINE SHUTS OFF/STALLS WHEN BRAKING TO A STOP IN A 6MT URANO GREY GOLF GTI RABBIT EDITION. ON DOZENS OF OCCASIONS AT THIS POINT, WITH NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ENGINE CODES BEING DROPPED. I WILL BE IN NEUTRAL OR WITH THE CLUTCH FULLY ENGAGED, USUALLY COMING TO A STOP BUT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHEN ROLLING SLOWLY, AND THE CAR WILL STALL OUT. IT HAS BEEN SO GENTLE THAT I DON'T EVEN NOTICE UNTIL I PRESS THE GAS AND START MOVING AND NOTHING HAPPENS. IT HAS OCCURRED DURING HEAVY BRAKING AND LIGHT BRAKING, USUALLY AFTER A LONGER DRIVE. TENDS TO …

Look up ODI 11193831 at NHTSA ↗

225.0%
ODI 11341564 · 300 mi

THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED WITH THE CLUTCH PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED AS I CAME TO A STOP FROM A SLOW SPEED. THEN, AS I TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE WITH THE CLUTCH PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE STARTED WITH A VERY UNSTEADY IDLE AND STALLED AGAIN. I REPEATED THIS PROCESS FOUR TIMES, AND THEN THE FIFTH TIME, APPLIED THE GAS PEDAL DURING THE UNSTEADY IDLE, AND THE CAR WAS ABLE TO RUN AGAIN. THIS ENTIRE PROCESS DID NOT CAUSE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE ISSUE.

Look up ODI 11341564 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 11394825 · 300 mi

TL* 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.

Look up ODI 11394825 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

233.3%
ODI 11632262

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 …

Look up ODI 11632262 at NHTSA ↗

621.4%
ODI 11584794 · 200 mi

The contact's son owns a 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds for several hours, an unknown yellow symbol illuminated on the instrument panel, and a message stating that the vehicle needed to cool down was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was due to user error and diagnosed that there was a burned clutch and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was …

Look up ODI 11584794 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
814.5%
ODI 11081088 · 48,200 mi

THE FUSE BOX MELTED. THIS WAS CAUSED BY A TERMINAL OR A FUSE OVER HEATING. THIS CAUSED AN OUTAGE FOR ALL THE RIGHT-SIDE LAMPS OF THE VEHICLE AND SOME LAMPS ON THE LEFT-SIDE. THE LAMP ERROR WAS REPORTED BY THE VEHICLES MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY. THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE IN THE MORNING AND EXPERIENCED THIS FAILURE AFTER STARTING UP THE VEHICLE AT NOON. I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE OVER AND OVER TRYING TO CLEAR THE ERROR. THE BULBS IN QUESTION APPEARED TO BE FINE. I DROVE THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT OVER TO THE VW DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. LATER, THE DEALERSHIP…

Look up ODI 11081088 at NHTSA ↗

410.0%
ODI 10691598 · 50,000 mi

THIS MORNING ON THE WAY TO WORK, I EXPERIENCED SHAKING AND HESITATION UPON ACCELERATING. I TURNED AROUND AND WENT BACK HOME AND IMMEDIATELY GOT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT THE NUMBER 2 IGNITION COIL WAS FAILING, WHICH WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I LOOKED UP THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THIS LINK: HTTP://WWW.VWPROBLEMS.COM/TRENDS/IGNITION-COIL/ WHICH SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCTS TO CONTACT YOU TO FILE THE COMPLAINT. I BOUGHT THE CAR ON 9/30/2011 BRAND NEW. I AM NOT SURE THE LIFE OF THE IGNITION SWITCHES, BUT THE CAR IS TECHNICALLY OUT OF W…

Look up ODI 10691598 at NHTSA ↗

38.8%
ODI 10536206 · 242 mi

TOOK CAR FOR FIRST DRIVE. AFTER TRAVELING 145 MILES INTO THIS TRIP WHEN TROUBLE STARTED. AMBIENT TEMP WAS 101F. DRIVE TIME WAS JUST OVER 2.5 HOURS. GAS TANK WAS SLIGHTLY OVER HALF EMPTY. CAR STALLED TAKING OFF FROM STOP. ENGINE RUNNING BUT CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. ENGINE THEN STOPPED. CRANKED OVER (STARTED) AND WENT ABOUT 2 BLOCKS. CAR STALLED AGAIN. THIS TIME IT WAS DIFFICULT TO GET STARTED AGAIN. HAD TO CRANK IT 3-4 TIMES. STARTED THEN STALLED. ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON. EVENTUALLY STARTED. WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 55MPH ENGINE TU…

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220.0%
ODI 11062173 · 28,335 mi

AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS THE ABS LIGHT, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT, STEERING WHEEL FAULT WARNING LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LIT UP WITHOUT ANY WARNING PROMPTING A FAULT DESCRIPTION ON MY CENTER DASH SAYING "FAULT: ABS/ELECTRONIC STABILIZATION CONTROL". FROM MY RESEARCH THIS FAULT WAS ALSO FOUND IN THE 2009 (MK5) GTI WHICH SHARES THE SAME ENGINE, ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND DRIVETRAIN AS THE 2010-2014 (MK6). ON THE DIFFERENT VOLKSWAGEN FORUMS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY IT IS STILL AN APPARENT FAU…

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44.1%
ODI 11090216 · 77,809 mi

THE CLOCKSPRING BROKE, I HAVE AN AIRBAG ERROR LIGHT ON AND NONE OF THE STEERING WHEEL FUNCTIONS WORK INCLUDING THE HORN. MANY OF THE 2015 VW VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED BUT THE GTI IS NOT APART OF THE RECALL.. THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED IT'S THE CLOCKSPRING

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34.5%
ODI 11133194 · 41,000 mi

CLOCKSPRING FAILURE ON 2016 VW GTI RESULTING IN NON FUNCTIONING AIRBAG

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35.8%
ODI 11202564 · 28,000 mi

AT AROUND 28,000 MILES, WHEN THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS NEAR FREEZING AND THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING OVERNIGHT, I NOTICED A ROTATIONAL SQUEAKING/CHIRPING NOISE WHEN THE INTERIOR FAN SPEED WAS ON THE LOWER SETTINGS. THE FREQUENCY WOULD CHANGE WHEN THE FAN SPEED CHANGED. THE ISSUE GOT WORSE WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS. ONCE THE CAR WARMED UP, THE NOISE WOULD GO AWAY. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES WITH AUDIO AND VIDEO OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE AND TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT REPLACE THE PART UNTIL THEY WERE ABLE TO…

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211.8%
ODI 11229618 · 10,000 mi

LOSS OF POWER CYLINDER 2 MISSFIRES LOSS OF CAM CRANK SYNCHRONIZATION AND LACK OF CAM SIGNAL EVEN AFTER REPLACING BOTH CAM SENSORS IT STILL READS 0 RPM AND HAS BECAME VERY FRUSTRATING

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168.9%
ODI 11195887 · 450 mi

WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE VEHICLE STALLS OUT. MANUAL TRANSMISSION, CLUTCH FULLY DEPRESSED AND THE CAR STALLS. CAR ALSO STALLS ON RESTART OF THE ENGINE. DEALER HAS NOT FOUND A CAUSE.

Look up ODI 11195887 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

375.0%
ODI 11430839

My car has, on several occasions, slammed the breaks on while I’m reversing, while suggesting that I am about to hit something, even though there is nothing there. It is very scary because I have no way of knowing when this will happen. Also it turns off the head unit and goes black while I am in reverse or trying to follow the directions. And finally the key sensor keeps saying my keys are not in the car while they are right there (had the battery replaced and that wasn’t the problem) additionally the wipers are dangerous and go off for no rea…

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621.4%
ODI 11514460

I purchased the vehicle base in March of 2022. The SOS, Travel and Parking assist warning lights started coming on in August 2022. I took it in for service. They kept the car for a couple of days because they didn't know how to fix the issue. Finally they were told by VW to replace the steering wheel with hope of this resolving the issue. The steering wheel was replace and the issue went away only to come back around November 2022. I took the vehicle in once again and was told that a newer steering wheel is now available and they will replace t…

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116.7%
ODI 11624393

I have a 2023 VW GTI with a manual transmission. It has a feature called "Hill Hold Assist", where it enables the parking brake when you are uphill and at a stop, at a red traffic light, for example. The issue is the feature does not disengage the parking brake for about 3 seconds after you engage the gas to begin moving the car. It basically holds the car for too long when you are trying to get moving. This feature has become more of a hinderance and safety concern, than an assistance: 1) Almost rear ended by another car as the Hill Hold A…

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310.7%
ODI 11642670

Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. It is triggered at engine start and persists through all speeds. I have experienced it 0-70 mph. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in th…

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0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
11.8%
ODI 10567933 · 34,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING NO A DOWNHILL INCLINE PICKING UP SPEED BUT NO MORE THAN 40 MPH. I HAD MY DAUGHTER IN THE BACK OF MY CAR, AND REALIZED THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING THE WAY THEY SHOULD. I HAVE A STANDARD SHIFT CAR AND DOWNSHIFTED QUICKLY FROM 6TH GEAR TO 3RD GEAR AND HAD TO PUT MY WHOLE WEIGHT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR AND KEPT MY HAND ON THE E-BRAKE AS MY LAST RESORT. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT THE EXPERIENCE WAS NOT A GOOD ONE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT CHECKED. THE TECH STATED IT WAS THE BRAKEBOOSTER AND A PIN WITHIN THE …

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512.5%
ODI 10475406 · 19,000 mi

VEHICLE IS A MANUAL 6 SPEED. TWO INCIDENTS - FIRST, THE CAR WOULDN'T ENGAGE INTO REVERSE FROM A STOP UNTIL THE VEHICLE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES. CAR OPERATED NORMALLY FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. SECOND INCIDENT, CAR WOULDN'T ENGAGE INTO ANY GEAR WHILE MOVING 10-15 MPH UPHILL WHILE IN FIRST GEAR. DURING LOSS OF POWER TRAIN, THE ENGINE REVVED IN THE 4000-5000 RPM RANGE, SMOKE WAS VISIBLY COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE BAY AND THERE WAS COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES, INCLUDING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARD DOWNHILL…

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25.9%
ODI 11074577 · 33,000 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS ON A HIGHWAY AND STARTED BEEPING WITH WARNING LIGHT THAT SAID "BRAKES SERVICE NOW" AND BOTH BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS WERE ON. I TOOK IT TO SHOULDER TO CHECK. THE CAR HAD ONLY 33000 MILES ON IT. THE BRAKES SEEMED TO BE OKAY THOUGH. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO UPON INSPECTION SAID THE ABS CONTROL UNIT IS FAULTY AND NEEDS REPLACING. HE QUOTED 3300 FOR THE REPAIR. UPON CHECKING, HE SAID THE IT FAILED NOT BECAUSE OF ANY USER ERROR, AND THE CONTROL UNIT SHOULD LAST A LONG TIME. LOOKS LIKE THERE WERE RECALLS FOR VW CAR FROM 2008-2009 FOR A S…

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110.0%
ODI 11062173 · 28,335 mi

AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS THE ABS LIGHT, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT, STEERING WHEEL FAULT WARNING LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LIT UP WITHOUT ANY WARNING PROMPTING A FAULT DESCRIPTION ON MY CENTER DASH SAYING "FAULT: ABS/ELECTRONIC STABILIZATION CONTROL". FROM MY RESEARCH THIS FAULT WAS ALSO FOUND IN THE 2009 (MK5) GTI WHICH SHARES THE SAME ENGINE, ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND DRIVETRAIN AS THE 2010-2014 (MK6). ON THE DIFFERENT VOLKSWAGEN FORUMS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY IT IS STILL AN APPARENT FAU…

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66.2%
ODI 10748708 · 6,000 mi

UPON BRAKING, THE BRAKE PEDAL CAME OFF RESULTING IN MY ALMOST REAR ENDING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME.

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23.0%
ODI 11175968 · 20 mi

MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER FAILURE CAUSING MY BRAKES TO NOT WORK AND ENDANGERED MY SAFETY ON THE ROAD. NO INDICATIONS OF FAILURE UNTIL I WAS ALREADY ON THE ROAD WITH NO BRAKE FLUID IN THE CYLINDER. NO LEAK BRAKE FLUID ALL DRAINED TO THE BOOST PUMP AND FAILED.

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11.9%
ODI 11030608 · 9,000 mi

THERE IS A PIECE OF RUBBER PROTRUDING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT BECAME ENTANGLED ON THE LACE OF MY RIGHT SHOE, AND I WAS UNABLE TO USE MY RIGHT FOOT TO BRAKE (THE FOOT WAS TRAPPED UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL). I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO BRAKE USING MY LEFT FOOT. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME, ON I-95. TRAFFIC WAS RAPIDLY SLOWING DOWN AT THE TIME. I ALMOST REAR-ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME.

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635.3%
ODI 11184755 · 7,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO SLOW DOWN/STOP THE CAR AT 50 YARDS OUT GOING 30 MILES PER HOUR RESULTING IN A COLLISION. MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP SINCE JUNE 2018 AND ITS CURRENTLY MARCH 2019.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

27.1%
ODI 11615444

This is in regard the hill hold assist on the manual transmission vehicles. The hill hold assist holds the brake for 2-3 seconds after the brake has been released, causing a delay in movement which if trying to make a quick maneuver, could cause a delay in start which could cause an accident if the driver was not prepared for it. Personally, it caused me to stall the vehicle on a hill, stopping the flow of traffic for a further 3-5 seconds as I started the vehicle back up. This seems to be a common problem in 2022-2024 model manual GTI’s and Go…

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116.7%
ODI 11641871

The hill assist feature causes the vehicle to stall due to long hold times. It's caused me to back up traffic numerous times and has almost caused people behind me to rear end me

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725.0%
ODI 11629010

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 …

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0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
59.1%
ODI 11051326 · 48,556 mi

THIS IS MY THIRD VOLKSWAGEN MODEL, PARTICULARLY GOLF GTI MODEL IN TEN YEARS, AND FOR THE THIRD TIME, LIKE CLOCKWORK, THE AIR CON HAS DIED BEFORE 48K MILES ON THE ODOMETER. ALL SIGNS POINT TO A FAULTY SENSOR ON THE COMPRESSOR THAT DIES, AND TYPICALLY SHRAPNELS THE COMPRESSOR, DRY, AND OTHER CRITICAL AIR CON SYSTEMS, CAUSING ZERO COLD AIR TO BLOW. VW HAS A RECALL OR AN OPEN TSB FOR THIS FAULTY SENSOR AND THE PARTS AFFECTED BY IT ON PREVIOUS MODELS AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS, BUT REFUSES TO EXTEND ANY COMPENSATION OR ASSISTANCE FOR THE FACELIFTED MK…

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37.5%
ODI 10736006 · 35,267 mi

IN THE FIRST INCIDENT DATED 1/27/2014, THE BLADE HOLDER BROKE OFF THE IGNITION KEY. MY VW DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION KEY UNDER WARRANTY. IN THE SECOND INCIDENT DATED 7/23/2015 (62800 MILES), THE KEY BLADE HOLDER BROKE OFF AGAIN, ALL OF A SUDDEN, WHILE I WAS DRIVING. OBVIOUSLY, THE KEY BLADE REMAINED INSIDE THE IGNITION SWITCH, WHILE THE REMOTE PART OF THE KEY FELL OFF. I WAS NOT FAR FROM HOME SO I COULD DRIVE BACK AND EXTRACT THE KEY BLADE EASILY WITH NOSE PLIERS. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED I HAVE TO TALK TO VW AMERICA F…

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12.9%
ODI 11128430

HEADLINER IS SAGGING.

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330.0%
ODI 10582830 · 746 mi

SUBMITTAL TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA 04/08/2014 4:03AM I WOULD LIKE THIS EMAIL TO BE THE BEGINNING OF DOCUMENTATION OF A SERIOUS ISSUE I'M EXPERIENCING WITH THE NEW VW GTI I PURCHASED ONLY TWO WEEKS AGO. SAID ISSUE INVOLVES OCCASIONAL ZERO THROTTLE RESPONSE, WHICH HAS HAPPENED ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS SINCE DELIVERY. FOR YOUR REFERENCE, THIS MODEL GTI IS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. MY COMPLAINT: OCCASIONALLY AT VERY SLOW SPEEDS (APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 20MPH) WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL (EVEN TO THE FLOOR) THE VEHICLE WI…

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2020.6%
ODI 10956665 · 22,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY IN JACKSONVILLE, FL WHEN MY SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED SENDING GLASS SHARDS EVERYWHERE. THE GLASS BROKE FROM THE INSIDE OUT BASED ON THE ORIENTATION OF THE REMAINING SHARDS ATTACHED TO THE SUNROOF FRAME. THIS WAS AT 8:45AM WHILE TRAVELING IN MORNING WORK TRAFFIC. THE LOUDNESS AND INTENSITY OF THE GLASS BREAKING NEARLY CAUSED ME LOSE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. TOM BUSH VOLKSWAGEN JACKSONVILLE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO COVER THE DAMAGE EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS UNDER MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. I RECEIVED MI…

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1015.2%
ODI 11104517 · 14,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING AT AROUND 15MPH IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA WHEN I HEARD THE LOUD SOUND LIKE A GUNSHOT. I STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND WENT OUTSIDE TO FIND THAT MY SUNROOF WAS SHATTERED. THAT WAS NOTHING ON THE GROUND THAT COULD'VE HIT THE SUNROOF OR WAS THERE ANYTHING HIGH NEARBY (TREES, BUILDINGS, ETC.) THAT SOMETHING COULD'VE FELL FROM.

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35.8%
ODI 11387242

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 INFOR…

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211.8%
ODI 11112054 · 3,000 mi

THE "FRONT ASSIST" AUTOMATIC FORWARD COLLISION WARNING AND BRAKING SYSTEM RANDOMLY ACTIVATES WHEN DRIVING, BRAKING THE CAR WHEN THERE IS NOTHING TO TRIGGER IT. (THIS IS OCCURRING EVEN ON EMPTY ROADS WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES IN SIGHT) THE LAST OCCURRENCE WAS ON AN EMPTY 4-LANE SUBURBAN STREET. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A GENTLE CURVE IN THE ROAD WHEN THE WARNING SOUND ACTIVATED AND THE CAR BRAKED.

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3720.7%
ODI 11194331 · 200 mi

I PURCHASED A 2019 GTI S ON MARCH 30TH 2019 AND IN ONE WEEK'S TIME I STALLED OUT 7 TIMES. 3 OF THOSE 7 TIMES WERE WHEN I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, IN NEUTRAL WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE ONLY (NOT ON THE CLUTCH). THE OTHER 4 TIMES WERE IN 2ND GEAR AT LOW SPEEDS BETWEEN 8 AND 10 MPH WHEN I WAS EITHER PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY OR GOING OVER A LONG BUT LOW AND NOT AGGRESSIVE SPEED BUMP. THE STALL WOULD HAPPEN WHEN I WOULD DEPRESS THE CLUTCH, NOT ON THE RELEASE.

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112.5%
ODI 11395528 · 3,500 mi

VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLS AT LOW SPEEDS AND WHEN IDLING.

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125.0%
ODI 11753561

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Component: The MIB3 Infotainment Head Unit (specifically the internal eMMC memory chip) and the motorized rearview camera trunk emblem assembly.Inspection: Yes, the vehicle and all malfunctioning components are fully available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?Risk: The backup camera screen completely freezes or goes black when reversing, causing a total loss of rear visibility that violates Fed…

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517.9%
ODI 11610756

Lost my key fob during a hike. The key was attached to my belt through the key ring. Must have accidentally brushed release button for the emergency key, which dropped the key fob somewhere along a ten-mile (16 K) hike. Thought I could start the car using the emergency key. That is not possible. I became stranded. The key fob for 2022 GT1 includes an “emergency” key. The emergency key contains a metallic loop, which is the only way to attach the key fob to a key chain. The emergency key is released by pushing an exposed button on the si…

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233.3%
ODI 11622570

Backup camera, parking sensors, traffic sensors, A/C frequently are disabled. “Component protection mode” is activated and it says it must be taken to the dealer for these items to work. I must manually reset the system in order to get these to work, resetting the system only sometimes fixes the issue. It makes parking and backing out of spots very dangerous at times. VW has stated they were working a on a fix for a long time but it has never come and makes this car unsafe at times.

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828.6%
ODI 11614671

Rearview Camera. When I changed the gear into reverse, sometimes my rearview Camera does not turn on, the screen only goes black. It happens multiple times in a month and it's a risk for the driver as well as other outside the car. I heard there's a recall exactly like this for my same model, same car and there's no recall for my particular model.

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0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel/Propulsion System
35.5%
ODI 10652930 · 45,000 mi

ENGINE WILL STALL AND DIE WITHIN 5-20 SECONDS AFTER STARTING. HAPPENS ON A WARM ENGINE AFTER IT SITS FOR 45-60 MINUTES. HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, EACH AFTER ENGINE HAS REACHED OPERATING TEMPERATURE. THIS IS POTENTIALLY A DEADLY PROBLEM IF THE CAR DIES ON A STREET, AS IT WON'T STEER OR HAVE PROPULSION! HAD IT SEEN AT VW DEALER: THEY SUSPECT IT IS THE "IN-TANK FUEL PUMP" BUT THIS PART IS NOT COVERED UNDER DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY? I CALLED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT THEY SAID THEY CAN'T HELP ON THIS $834 REPAIR. I'M PERPLEXED HOW A FUEL PUMP GOES BAD ON…

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410.0%
ODI 10689703 · 37,200 mi

WITHIN SECONDS OF STARTING, THE ENGINE STALLS (MAKING A SPUTTERING SOUND) AND DIES. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN ON WARM STARTS, NOT HOT, NOT COLD. I'M TYPICALLY ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR (ONLY A FEW FEET) BEFORE THE STALL OUT OCCURS. THE TEMPERATURE GAGE SEEMS TO BE AROUND THE 11 O' CLOCK MARK WHEN THIS OCCURS. SPECIFICALLY, IT'S HAPPENED AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR 20-40 MINUTES, THEN LETTING THE CAR SIT FOR 1-2 HOURS. THE CAR STARTS UP AGAIN AND RUNS ANYWHERE FROM 30 MINUTES TO 1 HOUR AFTER THE INCIDENT - CLOSER TO THE 30 MINUTE MARK, PRESSING THE ACCELERA…

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720.6%
ODI 10536206 · 242 mi

TOOK CAR FOR FIRST DRIVE. AFTER TRAVELING 145 MILES INTO THIS TRIP WHEN TROUBLE STARTED. AMBIENT TEMP WAS 101F. DRIVE TIME WAS JUST OVER 2.5 HOURS. GAS TANK WAS SLIGHTLY OVER HALF EMPTY. CAR STALLED TAKING OFF FROM STOP. ENGINE RUNNING BUT CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. ENGINE THEN STOPPED. CRANKED OVER (STARTED) AND WENT ABOUT 2 BLOCKS. CAR STALLED AGAIN. THIS TIME IT WAS DIFFICULT TO GET STARTED AGAIN. HAD TO CRANK IT 3-4 TIMES. STARTED THEN STALLED. ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON. EVENTUALLY STARTED. WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 55MPH ENGINE TU…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1313.4%
ODI 10882763

WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY WE WERE NEVER INFORMED OF THE 3 RECALLS ON OUR 2015 VW GTI. STARTED INVESTIGATING AFTER OUR 2015 VW PASSAT HAS THE BAD AIRBAGS IN THEM. ALSO OWN THE GTI AND WE INVESTIGATED TO SEE IF THE BAD AIRBAGS ARE IN THERE TOO. THAT IS WHEN WE FOUND PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL PUMP WHICH WAS RECALLED IN JUNE 2015, WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED, ALSO A FUEL LEAK OF AN IGNITION SOURCE...NEVER NOTIFIED AND A LOOSE STABILIZER LINK IN THE STEERING. WHO WANTS TO DRIVE THIS CAR. WHY WERE WE NOT NOTIFIED OF THESE THREE RECALLS. WE NEVER MOVED, I W…

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1319.7%
ODI 10907164 · 1,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL NEAR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.

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1528.8%
ODI 11265912 · 50,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL SPILLED ONTO THE GROUND WHILE THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO FILL THE FUEL TANK. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO FILL UP THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL HAD DROPPED. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT FUEL SPILLED OUT OF THE FUEL TANK WHILE DRIVING AND THE FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000…

Look up ODI 11265912 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

2312.8%
ODI 11194331 · 200 mi

I PURCHASED A 2019 GTI S ON MARCH 30TH 2019 AND IN ONE WEEK'S TIME I STALLED OUT 7 TIMES. 3 OF THOSE 7 TIMES WERE WHEN I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, IN NEUTRAL WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE ONLY (NOT ON THE CLUTCH). THE OTHER 4 TIMES WERE IN 2ND GEAR AT LOW SPEEDS BETWEEN 8 AND 10 MPH WHEN I WAS EITHER PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY OR GOING OVER A LONG BUT LOW AND NOT AGGRESSIVE SPEED BUMP. THE STALL WOULD HAPPEN WHEN I WOULD DEPRESS THE CLUTCH, NOT ON THE RELEASE.

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112.5%
ODI 11594227

Upon driving the car ,noticed fuel odor and found fuel leak by rear passenger inner fender cover.

Look up ODI 11594227 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

116.7%
ODI 11624393

I have a 2023 VW GTI with a manual transmission. It has a feature called "Hill Hold Assist", where it enables the parking brake when you are uphill and at a stop, at a red traffic light, for example. The issue is the feature does not disengage the parking brake for about 3 seconds after you engage the gas to begin moving the car. It basically holds the car for too long when you are trying to get moving. This feature has become more of a hinderance and safety concern, than an assistance: 1) Almost rear ended by another car as the Hill Hold A…

Look up ODI 11624393 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
23.6%
ODI 10413815 · 14,000 mi

THE VEHICLE IS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GTI EQUIPPED WITH A DSG TRANSMISSION. THE GTI IS NOT OFFERED AS CHOICE WHEN SELECTING VEHICLE MODEL USING THIS ON-LINE COMPLIANT FORM. OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE FAILS TO ACCELERATE OR ACCELERATES VERY SLOWLY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MOVE FORWARD FROM A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE ENGINE REVOLUTIONS WILL INCREASE BUT WITH LITTLE OR NO FORWARD MOTION, AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN NEUTRAL. AFTER SEVERAL SECONDS AT HIGH RPM (~3000 -4000) THE ENGINE REVS DROP, SOMETIMES ABRUPTLY AND THE CAR BEGINS TO ACCELERATE N…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

25.9%
ODI 11064483 · 18,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL CAP WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEFTIN WESTLAKE VOLKSWAGEN (3550 AUTO MALL DR, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91362, [phone removed]) WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT NO RECALLS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. UPON PICKING UP THE VEHICLE, THE WARNING INDICATOR WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. THAT AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILU…

Look up ODI 11064483 at NHTSA ↗

110.0%
ODI 11062173 · 28,335 mi

AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS THE ABS LIGHT, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT, STEERING WHEEL FAULT WARNING LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LIT UP WITHOUT ANY WARNING PROMPTING A FAULT DESCRIPTION ON MY CENTER DASH SAYING "FAULT: ABS/ELECTRONIC STABILIZATION CONTROL". FROM MY RESEARCH THIS FAULT WAS ALSO FOUND IN THE 2009 (MK5) GTI WHICH SHARES THE SAME ENGINE, ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND DRIVETRAIN AS THE 2010-2014 (MK6). ON THE DIFFERENT VOLKSWAGEN FORUMS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY IT IS STILL AN APPARENT FAU…

Look up ODI 11062173 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

31.7%
ODI 11229097 · 70 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11229097 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Power Train:Clutch Assembly14,000–39,750 mi22,500 mi9
ODI 10058586 · 14,000 mi

MY CLUTCH FAILED AT 14,000 MILES. MY IGNITION FAILS REGULARILY, THE IGNITION COIL HAS BEEN RECALLED AND NOW I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I HAVE OWNED VW'S ALL OF MY LIFE AND TRADED IN MY LAST VW THAT HAD 170K ON AN ORIGINAL CLUTCH.*AK

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ODI 10063426 · 8,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH RPM INDICATOR BEGAN TO FLUCTUATE, AND DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH FELT SPONGY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A CHECK UP. BY THE TIME THE VEHICLE ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP THE CLUTCH WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CLUTCH. CURRENTLY ANOTHER CLUTCH WAS NEEDED. *AK

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ODI 10064136 · 22,500 mi

2003 VR6 GTI CATASTROPHIC CLUTCH FAILURE. EVERYTHING WAS FINE AND THEN I COMPLETELY LOST ALL OF THE PRESSURE. ALMOST GOT MYSELF KILLED. II THINK IT IS THE SLAVE CYLINDER AS I NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEM WITH THE CLUTCH AND THIS HAPPENED DURING NORMAL CRUISING.*AK

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Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range45,000 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10102480 · 17,367 mi

EVENTS LEADING UP TO FAILURE WAS A FRONT END COLLISION, IN WHICH MY CAR WAS IN A FRONT IMPACT ACCIDENT WITH A SUV. MY CAR IS A LITTLE 2 DOOR VW GTI VR6 2003. THE SUV WAS A HONDA PILOT. THE FAILURE WAS THAT MY CAR WAS CONSIDERED TOTALED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND BY THE BODY SHOP MY CAR WAS TOWED TO AND THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF. THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS CRACKED AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WENT OFF, BUT I WAS THE ONLY PERSON IN THE VEHICLE. I HAD MY SEAT BELT ON AND MY AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE THAT MY NECK AND BACK HURT …

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ODI 10190955 · 45,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A POTHOLE AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE EMULATED A CRASH AND ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 60,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 06/08/07. *JB

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ODI 10207349 · 68,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE BECAUSE THE RESISTANCE IN THE IGNITER WAS TOO HIGH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 68,000. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ UPDATED *JB

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Air Bags:Side/Window26,150–60,881 mi53,800 mi6
ODI 10095966 · 18,000 mi

HIT A CURB AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED ( LESS THAN 5MPH) AND DRIVER SIDE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYED. ONLY EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO CAR WAS FLAT TIRE.*AK

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ODI 10111254 · 7,950 mi

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 5 MPH AND STRUCK A POT HOLE AND SIDE DOOR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. ALSO, SIDE WINDOW MALFUNCTIONED, AND SEAT RECLINER BROKE. *AK

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ODI 10141578 · 57,000 mi

I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN ACROSS A MAJOR HIGHWAY. PULLED INTO THE LANE OF TRAFFIC WHEN AN ONCOMING CAR MOVED INTO MY LANE. I WAS TRAVELING AROUND 20 MPH, AND CONSEQUENTLY SLOWED TO APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. IN AVOIDING THE CAR I TURNED LEFT AND THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR HIT A CURB. THE CAR DROVE UP ONTO THE CURB AND THEN QUICKLY OFF OF IT. IT WAS NOT A DIRECT IMPACT, THE CURB WAS HIT AT AN ANGLE. THE CURTAIN AND SIDE AIRBAGS BOTH FIRED ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THERE WAS NO SIGNIFICANT DECELERATION, AND I HAVE HIT POTHOLE HARDER THAN THIS IMPACT …

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Air BagsToo few reports for a range85,400 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10546813 · 67,800 mi

2003 VW GTI AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT, COLLISION, BUMP OR CRASH AND STAYED ON ALL THE TIME, THIS CONDITION MAKES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM INOPERATIVE AT THE TIME OF A REAL COLLISION, I BELONG TO A VW CLUB ( VWVOERTWX.COM) AND THIS SEEMS TO BE VERY POPULAR ISSUE AMONG VW GTI TWO DOOR, TECHNICALLY THIS HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT VW SHOULD BE OBLIGATED TO CORRECT. *TR

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ODI 10717435 · 103,000 mi

THE AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. VW VOTEX WEB PAGE (FOR VW ENTHUIASTS) LISTS THAT IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH A SEAT BELT SENSOR THAT TRIGGERS AND AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. I HAVE HAD IT RESET THREE TIMES AT 60.00 A SESSION...FOR A KNOWN PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING SOME TIME WITH THE LIGHT ON. I HAVE SOME CONCERN THAT THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE WRITTEN VW ABOUT IT AND WAS GIVEN A LAME EXCUSE AND THEN IGNORED.

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Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range67,800 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10197565 · 35,900 mi

(1) CAR ENGINE OVERHEATED WITH AIR CONDITIONING UNIT ON WITH 35K MILES (4 YEAR OLD CAR). (2) DEALER REPAIR SERVICE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED BOTH AUXILARY FANS (290" AND 345") FAILED TO SPIN AT LOW SPEEDS AND OPERATE ONLY AT HIGH SPEEDS CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT WHEN CAR IS BETWEEN 0 TO 30 MPH. DEALER DIRECTED CONSUMER PARTS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY (4 YEARS, 50,000 MILES) AND CONSIDERED ELECTRICAL PARTS AND TO REPAIR AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE ($918). CORPORATE OFFICE EVENTUALLY COVERED PART AND CONSUMER COVERED LABOR EXPENSES. SEVE…

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ODI 10245315 · 77,451 mi

#1 IGNITION COIL FAILED. CAR REPAIRED BY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, AND WITHIN 50 MILES, THE #3 COIL FAILED. REPLACED ALL IGNITION COILS AT 77K MILES. SEEMS PREMATURE FOR A 5 YEAR CAR. *TR

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ODI 10546813 · 67,800 mi

2003 VW GTI AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT, COLLISION, BUMP OR CRASH AND STAYED ON ALL THE TIME, THIS CONDITION MAKES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM INOPERATIVE AT THE TIME OF A REAL COLLISION, I BELONG TO A VW CLUB ( VWVOERTWX.COM) AND THIS SEEMS TO BE VERY POPULAR ISSUE AMONG VW GTI TWO DOOR, TECHNICALLY THIS HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT VW SHOULD BE OBLIGATED TO CORRECT. *TR

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Electrical System:IgnitionToo few reports for a range44,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10010580 · 10,000 mi

2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. IGNITION COIL FAILURE. DEALER REPLACED (1) OF (6) COILS FOR THIS VEHICLE. WEEK LATER, ANOTHER COIL FAILED. SUGGEST DEALER REPLACES ALL COILS WHEN PROBLEM EXISTS SO CUSTOMER WITH A (6) CYLINDER VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE TO COME BACK SIX TIME FOR A REPAIR. *NLM

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ODI 10325865 · 78,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROADWAY WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE HE WAS ADVISED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO FAILED IGNITION COIL PACKS. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

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Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control ModuleToo few reports for a range31,850 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10104208 · 31,850 mi

AS I WAS GETTING INTO MY CAR AT NIGHT (2003 VW GTI) I NOTICED IT WAS VERY COLD. I THEN PROCEEDED TO TRY TO TURN THE CAR ON BUT THE STARTER WOULD NOT GIVE, THEN TO NO AVAIL I NOTICED THAT THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT WOULD NOT TURN OFF. ROADSIDE ASSITANCE THROUGH VW WAS CONTACTED AND STATED UNFORTUNATLY UNDER THE EXTREME COLD AND DUE TO IT BEING SO LATE AT NIGHT THEY COULD NOT CONTACT A TOW TO ASSIST ME . *AK

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Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range27,609 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10115871 · 15,000 mi

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE SERVICED AT CONSUMER'S COST. ALSO, CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON.*AK

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ODI 10240631 · 40,218 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR 40,000 MILE SERVICE. AT THAT TIME, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN OIL PAN LEAK. THE OIL PAN WAS ALUMINUM AND THE OIL PAN DRAIN BOLT WAS MADE OF STEEL, WHICH HAS BECOME STRIPPED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. THE STRIPPED BOLT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE OIL LEAK. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE OIL PAN AT HER EXPENSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40,218.

Look up ODI 10240631 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 216 reports

2022: 16 complaints · 2023: 5 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
20225516
2023135
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20222800
2023501

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentPower Train:Clutch AssemblyAir Bags:FrontalAir Bags:Side/WindowAir BagsElectrical SystemElectrical System:IgnitionAir Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control ModuleEngine And Engine Cooling
Power Train:Clutch Assembly—0000000
Air Bags:Frontal0—0000
1
ODI 10102562

WHEN THE 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI VR6 WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITH A SUV AND AS A RESULT WAS TOTALED THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF. IT SEEMS THERE MAY BE MORE FAULTY AIG BAGS OUT THERE IN THE 2003 YEAR MODEL GTI'S. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. PEOPLE, YOU'RE SAFETY IS AT RISK.*AK

Look up ODI 10102562 at NHTSA ↗

0
Air Bags:Side/Window00—00000
Air Bags000—
1
ODI 10546813 · 67,800 mi

2003 VW GTI AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT, COLLISION, BUMP OR CRASH AND STAYED ON ALL THE TIME, THIS CONDITION MAKES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM INOPERATIVE AT THE TIME OF A REAL COLLISION, I BELONG TO A VW CLUB ( VWVOERTWX.COM) AND THIS SEEMS TO BE VERY POPULAR ISSUE AMONG VW GTI TWO DOOR, TECHNICALLY THIS HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT VW SHOULD BE OBLIGATED TO CORRECT. *TR

Look up ODI 10546813 at NHTSA ↗

000
Electrical System000
1
ODI 10546813 · 67,800 mi

2003 VW GTI AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT, COLLISION, BUMP OR CRASH AND STAYED ON ALL THE TIME, THIS CONDITION MAKES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM INOPERATIVE AT THE TIME OF A REAL COLLISION, I BELONG TO A VW CLUB ( VWVOERTWX.COM) AND THIS SEEMS TO BE VERY POPULAR ISSUE AMONG VW GTI TWO DOOR, TECHNICALLY THIS HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT VW SHOULD BE OBLIGATED TO CORRECT. *TR

Look up ODI 10546813 at NHTSA ↗

—000
Electrical System:Ignition00000—00
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module0
1
ODI 10102562

WHEN THE 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI VR6 WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITH A SUV AND AS A RESULT WAS TOTALED THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF. IT SEEMS THERE MAY BE MORE FAULTY AIG BAGS OUT THERE IN THE 2003 YEAR MODEL GTI'S. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. PEOPLE, YOU'RE SAFETY IS AT RISK.*AK

Look up ODI 10102562 at NHTSA ↗

0000—0
Engine And Engine Cooling0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

2 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

6 mentions · 11.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 46,800 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10093728 · 18,720 mi

COOLANT LEAKAGE FROM HOSE ON RIGHT HAND SIDE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS HAS HAPPEN A LEAST 3 TIMES ALSO MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AT LEAST 3 TIMES. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO VW SERVICE THEY RESET THE ENGINE LIGHT AND TOLD ME IT WAS THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR WHICH THEY CLAIM THEY CHANGE BUT A MONTH LATER SAME THING HAPPEN AGIAN. I'M SCHEDULE AGIAN FOR OCT 11 2004 FOR COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE SAME HOSE THAT I BROUGHT TO THEM SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE. AFTER READING A POST HERE I'VE ALSO NOTICE THAT MY 03 VR6 GTI FEELS FAST SOME DAYS AND SLOW OTHERS WON…

Look up ODI 10093728 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10115871 · 15,000 mi

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE SERVICED AT CONSUMER'S COST. ALSO, CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON.*AK

Look up ODI 10115871 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10218893 · 36,000 mi

(1) CAR OVERHEATED AUGUST 2007 (2) ORIGINALLY ASSUMED THERMOSTAT WAS THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER BOTH RADIATOR FANS WERE DETERMINED FAULTY (DID NOT OPERATE IN LOW SPEEDS) AND REPLACED (PARTS COVERED BY CORPORATE, LABOR BY CONSUMER). PROBLEM DETERMINED RESOLVED. NEXT MONTH (SEPTEMBER 2007), CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON, BUT CAR NOT OVERHEATING. SERVICE TECHNICAL SAYS THERMOSTAT SHUT OPEN AND ECT TEMP SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE ($546). ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM COULD OVERHEAT IN HOT WEATHER. WILL DETERMINE OUTCOME WITH VW CORPORATE A…

Look up ODI 10218893 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

4 mentions · 7.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 78,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10005919

VEHICLE HESITATES/STALLS DUE TO IGNITION COIL FAILUE. DEALER NOTIFIED. PH. *AK

Look up ODI 10005919 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10091600

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED/LOST POWER, UPON ENTERING THE FREEWAY AND WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE DID NOT GAIN SPEED. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

Look up ODI 10091600 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10325865 · 78,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROADWAY WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE HE WAS ADVISED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO FAILED IGNITION COIL PACKS. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

Look up ODI 10325865 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b