RoadVitals

2011 Volkswagen GTI Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
54
Latest Aug 10, 2022
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Volkswagen GTI, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine2033.3%
  • Fuel system35.0%
  • Airbags35.0%
  • Exterior lighting23.3%
  • Steering23.3%
  • Transmission23.3%
  • Seat belts11.7%
  • Visibility11.7%
  • Suspension11.7%
  • Brakes11.7%
  • Body & structure11.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TIMING CHAIN OR TENSIONER FAILS WITHOUT WARNING LEAVING MOTORIST IN AN UNSAFE SITUATION ESPECIALLY IF DRIVING IN METROPOLITAN TRAFFIC

NHTSA ID 11218076 · filed Jun 5, 2019

ONGOING ENGINE MISFIRE ISSUES. AFTER 3 VISITS TO DEALERSHIP AND REPLACEMENT OF COILS, FUSES, RELAYS, ETC, ROOT CAUSE DETERMINED TO BE A SHORT BETWEEN THE AFTER RUN COOLANT PUMP WHICH CAUSES A VOLTAGE DRAW AND CONFUSES THE ECM. AFTER TALKING WITH VW TECHNICIAN, I LEARNED THAT THIS SAME EXACT PART ON AUDI VEHICLES IS UNDER A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE SHORTING ISSUE THAT MY PUMP IS HAVING BECAUSE THE SHORT CAN CAUSE FIRES. HOWEVER, THE VW PART IS NOT UNDER RECALL. MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN PUT IN GRAVE DANGER BECAUSE THIS PART IS IN MY CAR AND HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. IN ADDITION, EVEN THOUGH THE PART HAS FAILED, VW WILL NOT COMPENSATE ME FOR THE REPAIR, SO I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY $500 OUT OF POCKET TO FIX A SAFETY HAZARD IN MY VEHICLE. FOR REFERENCE, AUDI RECALL NUMBER IS 18V229000.

NHTSA ID 11152113 · filed Nov 16, 2018
All 20 reports naming engine

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA ID 11465936 · filed May 24, 2022

CAR HAS 67000 MILES, DRIVING HOME ON A ~300 MILE TRIP, RECEIVED A WARNING THAT OIL WAS LOW. DROVE 8-10 MILES TO THE CLOSEST GAS STATION TO CHECK. OIL WAS LEAKING RAPIDLY. PUT IN MORE TO GET TO MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED REAR MAIN WAS LEAKING, WAS UNWILLING TO DO REPAIRS. DROVE TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WILLING TO DO REPAIRS, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR MAIN SEAL/PCV VALVE HAD FAILED. THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN AND COMMON ISSUE IN 2.0 TSI ENGINES ACROSS VW AND AUDI.

NHTSA ID 11217847 · filed Jun 4, 2019
All 15 reports naming powertrain (other)

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that he lost the function of the steering wheel, horn, controls, and air bag. The air bag warning indicator light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the parts required were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ID 11478572 · filed Aug 10, 2022

I bought the car and a couple days later the dash started lighting up with a bunch of codes about exterior lights so we checked them all fine I went to the auto part store and they said that the vehichle I have has a known issue with the fuses burning so we pull the fuse and sure enough it melted and we replaced fuse drove a week longer and the fuse box caught fire so I took and had a new fuse box installed and it again is burning fuses. Flashing all kinds of code error lights on dash and the sunroof opens and closes by its self . I looked at other VIN OF SAME CAR SAME YEARS and they are recalled for this problem but my VIN is not for some reason

NHTSA ID 11457483 · filed Mar 20, 2022
All 8 reports naming electrical

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ONGOING ENGINE MISFIRE ISSUES. AFTER 3 VISITS TO DEALERSHIP AND REPLACEMENT OF COILS, FUSES, RELAYS, ETC, ROOT CAUSE DETERMINED TO BE A SHORT BETWEEN THE AFTER RUN COOLANT PUMP WHICH CAUSES A VOLTAGE DRAW AND CONFUSES THE ECM. AFTER TALKING WITH VW TECHNICIAN, I LEARNED THAT THIS SAME EXACT PART ON AUDI VEHICLES IS UNDER A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE SHORTING ISSUE THAT MY PUMP IS HAVING BECAUSE THE SHORT CAN CAUSE FIRES. HOWEVER, THE VW PART IS NOT UNDER RECALL. MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN PUT IN GRAVE DANGER BECAUSE THIS PART IS IN MY CAR AND HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. IN ADDITION, EVEN THOUGH THE PART HAS FAILED, VW WILL NOT COMPENSATE ME FOR THE REPAIR, SO I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY $500 OUT OF POCKET TO FIX A SAFETY HAZARD IN MY VEHICLE. FOR REFERENCE, AUDI RECALL NUMBER IS 18V229000.

NHTSA ID 11152113 · filed Nov 16, 2018

CAR BUCKED AND SHUT OFF MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DROVING VEHICLE. WAS DETERMINED IT WAS DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP.

NHTSA ID 10854218 · filed Apr 7, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that he lost the function of the steering wheel, horn, controls, and air bag. The air bag warning indicator light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the parts required were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ID 11478572 · filed Aug 10, 2022

There are many cases of clock spring failure in my model as well as many others. The problem here is that this failure has caused my to lose the use of all my steering wheel controls, horn and airbag and shifters. VW has obliged about the problem and is willing to repair it under warranty. The problem is, is that there are no parts available for the repair. I have no choice but to drive a car with many safety issues. Someone needs to look into allowing aftermarket parts to be used by dealer or expedite the manufacturer. This is putting many people in danger on the road, I am sure it's not only me. Thank You

NHTSA ID 11448621 · filed Jan 24, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

'TAKATA RECALL' ON THE HORN, IT STOPPED WORKING, CHECKED THE HORN, AND FUSES AND WASNT THAT. 'TAKATA RECALL' ON THE FRONT LIGHTS, CHECKED THE BULBS AND IT WASNT THAT, MOST LIKELY IS THE WIRING

NHTSA ID 11090192 · filed Apr 25, 2018

INTERMITTENT, PARTIAL OR FULL LOSS OF OF EXTERIOR LIGHTING. WARNING LAMP INSIDE DID PROVIDE THE NAMES OF MULTIPLE, RANDOM LIGHTS THAT HAD FAILED, SOMETIMES ACCURATE, OTHER TIMES INACCURATE. LIGHTS WOULD FAIL AT RANDOM WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. FUSE F16 OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE FUSE BOX EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V569000, AND VW SAFETY RECALL 97Z9. VOLKSWAGEN ASSURED ME THE PARTS ARE NOT RELATED AND THAT THE TIGUAN RECALL DOES NOT AFFECT MY MODEL, BUT COME ON.

NHTSA ID 10810589 · filed Dec 15, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE FOR THE STEERING LOCK COLUMN FLASHED. PUGI VOLKSWAGEN (2020 OGDEN AVE, DOWNERS GROVE, IL 60515, (630) 964-9500) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CLEARED THE CODE, BUT DID NOT PROVIDE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER DID NOT VERIFY IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 11235115 · filed Jul 26, 2019

LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN TRYING TO CHANGE FROM ONE LANE TO ANOTHER.TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THEY FOUND THE SAME ISSUE. THEY REPLACED: 1K1-423-055-MX STEERING AND CORE RETURN, 1K0-498-970-A REPAIR SET, 1K1-971-111-AJ STEERING RACK WIRING HARNESS THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT BEFORE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10584602 · filed Apr 24, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 INTO NEUTRAL AT HIGHWAY SPEED. AT 65-70MPH IT WILL WITHOUT WARNING OR NOTICE GO INTO NEUTRAL AND SOMETIMES WILL NOT GO BACK INTO GEAR UNTIL THE VEHICLE HAS COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I HAVE HAD THE CAR INTO THE DEALER MANY TIMES AND IT IS THE SAME STORY AGAIN AND AGAIN, UNLESS I CAN REPLICATE THE PROBLEM WITH A MECHANIC IN THE CAR THEY CANT FIX ANYTHING. I BROUGHT THE ISSUE TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT THE SECOND DAY OF OWNERSHIP AND THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID IT IS FINE, AND THAT I'M JUST NOT USE TO THE CAR YET. AFTER TWO ACCIDENTS AVOIDED I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR AND DO NOT WANT IT. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT! *KB

NHTSA ID 10425417 · filed Sep 14, 2011

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 NORMALLY. THIS BEHAVIOR IS INFREQUENT OCCURRING, 6 TIMES OVER ~ 3000 MILES. THIS BEHAVIOR IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THERE IS A RISK OF AN ACCIDENT IF IT WERE TO OCCUR WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN EVALUATED BY THE DEALER BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM OR FIND ANY DEFECT. *KB

NHTSA ID 10413815 · filed Jul 20, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

SEAT BELT ROLLER FAILURE. CAME HOME FROM RUNNING A FEW ERRANDS, CAR HAS ABOUT 43K MILES ON IT, AND I NOTICED THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT FULLY. I TRIED TO PULL IT AND GET IT TO FUNCTION CORRECTLY, BUT IT WOULDN'T BUDGE IN OR OUT. AFTER A FEW TRIES, I MANAGED TO GET IT TO RELEASE FULLY, BUT IT STILL WILL NOT RETRACT FULLY. SEEMS LIKE REPLACEMENT OF THE ROLLER IS NEEDED TO REPAIR.

NHTSA ID 10971449 · filed Apr 8, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, CONDENSATION COVERED ALL OF THE WINDOWS PREVENTING HIM FROM SEEING THE ROADWAY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED FIVE TIMES AND EACH TIME THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER CONTACTED THE TECHNICAL SUPPORT DEPARTMENT, WHO INSTRUCTED THEM TO TEST A SIMILAR VEHICLE. THE TEST WAS PERFORMED AND THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED ON THE SECOND VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA ID 10491983 · filed Jan 9, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I'VE HAD QUITE A FEW PARTS ON THIS CAR REPLACED. 2 DEFECTIVE WATER PUMPS, 2 DEFECTIVE CLUTCHES, 1 FLYWHEEL, 1 TURBO OIL LINE, DOOR SEALS AND VARIOUS ELECTRONIC SWITCHES. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY SITTING IN THE DEALERSHIP DUE A BLOWN UPPER TIMING BELT COVER GASKET, A LOWER TIMING BELT COVER GASKET AND A SUSPECTED FAULTY OIL PAN GASKET AS WELL. ALL 3 SEALS SEEM TO HAVE SUDDENLY FAILED AT THE SAME TIME AND YET VW DOES NOT WANT TO REPLACE THESE UNDER THE FACTORY POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. THE OTHER REASON MY CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP IS FOR "STRETCHED" SUB-FRAME BOLTS. ACCORDING TO VW IT IS PERFECTLY NORMAL FOR THE BOLTS WHICH HOLD THE SUB-FRAME TO THE CAR FOR THESE BOLTS TO STRETCH WITH TIME AND CAUSE THE SUBFRAME TO SHIFT AROUND. THERE ARE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON THE CC, PASSAT AND VARIOUS AUDI MODELS TO HAVE THESE BOLTS REPLACED WHEN A CUSTOMER COMPLAINS AND YET GTI, GOLF AND JETTA DO NOT HAVE TSB AND THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE 400$ TO REPLACE THESE BOLTS... AGAIN ITEM NOT UNDER WARRANTY.

NHTSA ID 10819196 · filed Jan 10, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 PUMP THAT CAME LOOSE. I ASKED HIM IF IT WAS A USER ERROR, HE SAID NO, BUT HAD REPLACED THE "BRAKE BOOSTER" WITH A BRAND NEW ONE. IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT SOMETHING LIKE THIS I FEEL SHOULD NOT FAIL AT 34K MILES, ESPECIALLY WHEN I HAVE VALUABLE PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10567933 · filed Mar 8, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

HEADLINER FALLING DOWN, CUT TO SHORT, GLUE FAILING, SHRANK. WHITISH POWDER COMING FROM OPENING.

NHTSA ID 11124010 · filed Sep 2, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .