Model-year record

2012 Volkswagen GTI
See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.
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Complaints filed
40
Reports to NHTSA, 2012
Safety recalls
2
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
26
EPA estimate
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (20% of 40 reports), followed by power train (18%).
+ 6 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 40 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11562435, ODI 11267382, ODI 11140291, ODI 11130037, ODI 11058173.
Individual complaint reports(40)
Showing the 40 most recent reportsService BrakesJul 2024 · ODI 11605256Details +Close −
ABS Control Module short and failure occurred. Trouble codes generated include 01325 - Tire Pressure Monitoring Control Module No signal/communication and 01130 - ABS Operation Implausible signal static. Upon visiting an Authorized Volkswagen dealer service center was charged $200 for ABS diagnostic fee and told the ABS Control Module has failed and I will need to pay >$2900 to replace. ABS, ESP/ASR, airbag, and parking brake lights are now permanently active as a result and not certain these systems are functioning.
- Reported
- Jul 2024
- Incident date
- Apr 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineDec 2023 · ODI 11562435Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant level warning light illuminated. The contact stopped and refilled the coolant reservoir bottle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed water pump. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had been persistent, and the water pump had been replaced three times previously. The contact was informed that oil leaked onto the gasket and caused the housing of the water pump to crack, which caused the engine to overheat. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
- Reported
- Dec 2023
- Incident date
- Dec 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsAug 2022 · ODI 11482092Details +Close −
My Air bag light came on. Plus all the controls on my steering column do not work, including the horn. I called the VW dealer. They knew exactly what it was. The Clock Spring. This happened in early May. I was told the part has been on back order for 6 months. The dealer does not have any cars to give me until the part comes in. I was told 6 other cars have the same problem This to me is a major safety issue. I HAVE to drive my car, and I am not comfortable with that.
- Reported
- Aug 2022
- Incident date
- May 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel/Propulsion SystemAug 2020 · ODI 11349341Details +Close −
A MONTH AGO I NOTICED MY GTI WAS STALLING WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE AFTER A STOP. WENT ON A DRIVE WITH A LOT OF HILL CLIMBING AND THE CAR STARTING TO STALL ON THE UPHILL PORTIONS. THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICEABLY WORSE AFTER THAT, SO I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SHOP. THEY WEREN'T ENTIRELY SURE BUT PUT IN A NEW FUEL FILTER. THE PROBLEM DID NOT GET BETTER. TODAY, A MONTH LATER, I TOOK MY CAR TO A DIFFERENT SHOP FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSIS AND THEY DETERMINED IT WAS A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP/CAMSHAFT FAILURE. THE CAR IS NOT PERFORMING SAFELY DUE TO STALLING AND A LAG IN ACCELERATION.
- Reported
- Aug 2020
- Incident date
- Aug 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsDec 2019 · ODI 11287820Details +Close −
THE CLOCK SPRING IN MY STEERING WHEEL HAS BROKEN/QUIT WORKING, VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO REPLACE IT UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT FLAGGED DURING THE RECALL, THE AIRBAG LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ARE ALL ON, MY MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT TO BE THE CLOCK SPRING CAUSING THE ISSUE.
- Reported
- Dec 2019
- Incident date
- Feb 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineOct 2019 · ODI 11267382Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, IT RATTLED INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEMONTROND VOLKSWAGEN (14101 NORTH FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77090, (281) 872-3855) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN AND THE TIMING TENSIONER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 190-669-582. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,000.
- Reported
- Oct 2019
- Incident date
- Aug 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Service BrakesFeb 2019 · ODI 11174233Details +Close −
WHILE CAR WAS STOPPED BUT RUNNING THE VACUUM PUMP 'BROKE' WITH A LOUD GRINDING SOUND AND OIL STARTED LEAKING EVERYWHERE. PUTTING THE CAR IN MOTION WASN'T A PROBLEM DISPITE THE GRINDING SOUND BUT BRAKES WERE *VERY* HARD TO PRESS AND WAS *VERY* DIFFICULT TO STOP THE CAR. DECIDED THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE TO THE DEALER. THEY REPLACED THE VACUUM PUMP AT MY EXPENSE.
- Reported
- Feb 2019
- Incident date
- Jan 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
StructureFeb 2019 · ODI 11174238Details +Close −
WHEN THE SUN BEATS DOWN ON MY PASSENGER DOOR OR ON A VERY HOT DAY, AND THE DOOR IS THEN OPENED, IT WILL NOT LATCH.IT WILL SWING OPEN WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE TO HOLD SHUT WITH A ROPE. IF THE CAR IS PARKED WITH SUN ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN. APPARENTLY THE CABLE STRETCHES WHEN IT GETS HOT PREVENTING THE LATCH FROM OPERATING. IT WILL RETURN TO NORMAL OPERATION WHEN PARTS COOL DOWN EITHER DURING THE RIDE OR ONCE AT HOME IN DARK GARAGE. AT THAT POINT THE LATCH WILL WORK AND DOOR WILL CLOSE. THIS HAS PREVIOUSLY HAPPENED ON MY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. I AM NOW PAST MY MAXIMUM MILEAGE WARRANTY SO IT WILL NOT BE COVERED.
- Reported
- Feb 2019
- Incident date
- Sep 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemDec 2018 · ODI 11163121Details +Close −
UPON TURNING MY CAR ON TODAY I RECEIVED 9 SEPARATE BULB OUT WARNINGS. AFTER A LITTLE WHILE WENT AND TRIED THE CAR AGAIN AND ALL THE WARNINGS WENT AWAY. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I COME TO FIND THAT ONE OF MY FUSES IS NOT BLOWN BUT MELTED AND SO IS THE FUSE BLOCK UNDER THE HOOD. HAVE SEEN THAT OTHER VOLKSWAGEN GTI HAVE HAD A RECALL FOR THE FUSE BLOCK IN THE PAST FOR 2009 GTI BUT NOT FOR MINE EVEN THOUGH I AM CURRENTLY SUFFERING FROM THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AS THAT ONE.
- Reported
- Dec 2018
- Incident date
- Dec 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsDec 2018 · ODI 11160754Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG MIGHT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VOLKSWAGEN NORTH SCOTTSDALE (LOCATED AT 7001 E CHAUNCEY LANE, PHOENIX, AZ 85054) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCKSPRING FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
- Reported
- Dec 2018
- Incident date
- Dec 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineOct 2018 · ODI 11140291Details +Close −
AT 68,000 MILES ON MY 2012 VW GTI, I HAD TO HAVE THE TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER REPLACED. HOWEVER, WHEN I TRIED TO REPORT MY REPAIRS FOR COST REIMBURSEMENT PER THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VIN WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THESE PARTS. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MY VIN REVISITED AS CLEARLY, THOSE FAULTY PARTS WERE INCLUDED WITHIN MY VEHICLE AS THEY HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 68,000 MILES. THE NEED FOR THE REPAIR WAS DETERMINED WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP HERE IN GREENVILLE, SC. ALL REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE HAVE BEEN DONE AT THIS DEALERSHIP SINCE THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO ME.
- Reported
- Oct 2018
- Incident date
- Apr 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherSep 2018 · ODI 11130939Details +Close −
MY CAR IS DISPLAYING THE SAME SIMPTOMS LISTED AT SEVICE CODE 19K5 BUT VW IS REFUSING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I TALKED TO A REPRESENTATIVE FROM VW AND SHE SAID MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED. PLEASE ANY HELP OR ADVISE 407-790-5101. THE WATER PUMP IS LEAKING
- Reported
- Sep 2018
- Incident date
- Sep 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineSep 2018 · ODI 11130037Details +Close −
ENGINE IS MISFIRING AT 84K MILES CAUSING THE CAR TO NEED A WHOLE NEW ENGINE REBUILD. I HAVE GOTTEN THE VEHICLE SERVICED REGULARLY TO PREVENT SUCH ISSUE. FUEL INJECTORS, INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS, AND INTAKE MANIFOLD WERE REPLACED ON 2/21/18 AND I ALSO HAD A CARBON CLEANING THIS DAY AS WELL AT 79K. ALL FOUR SPARK PLUGS, AND IGNITION COILS HAVE ALSO BEEN REPLACED. WITH ALL THESE PREVENTATIVE REPAIRS I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING TO REPLACE MY ENGINE ONLY 5K MILES ARE ALL THOSE REPAIRS.
- Reported
- Sep 2018
- Incident date
- Sep 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringApr 2018 · ODI 11088908Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AND WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WARRANTY REPAIRS FOR GENERAL FAILURES EXPIRED AT 36,000 MILES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
- Reported
- Apr 2018
- Incident date
- Apr 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Vehicle Speed ControlMar 2018 · ODI 11081932 · crashDetails +Close −
CRUISE CONTROL & DISENGAGING FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL BY APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL. ON TUESDAY, MARCH 27TH, 2018 I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON I-15 COMING FROM MESQUITE, NEVADA AND HEADED BACK INTO THE LAS VEGAS VALLEY. AS I PASSED THE EXIT TO TAKE THE GREAT BASIN HIGHWAY WEST TOWARDS THE TOWN OF PIOCHE, NEVADA THERE WAS A LONG SEMI TRUCK IN THE #2 LANE AND I WAS IN THE #1 LANE ON THIS TWO LANE HIGHWAY. THE SEMI TRUCK MADE A LANE CHANGE INTO MY LANE BECAUSE HE WANTED TO GET AROUND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM, AFTER THE TRUCK CAME INTO MY LANE I HAD TO ADJUST MY SPEED. AT THAT MOMENT, I HAD MY CRUISE CONTROL ON DOING 77 MPH, I APPLIED MY BRAKE PEDAL TO DECREASE MY FOLLOWING DISTANCE NOW THAT THE TRUCK WAS IN FRONT OF ME. AS I APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WASN'T BRAKING AND STARTED TO GO FASTER TOWARDS THE BOTTOM BUMPER OF THE TRUCK. I COULDN'T STOP MY VEHICLE OR MAKE IT SLOW DOWN AND EVENTUALLY ENDED UP RUNNING INTO THE BACK BUMPER OF THE TRUCK. DEBRIS FROM THE IMPACT STARTED FLYING ALL OVER THE ROADWAY AND THEN MY ENGINE HOOD FLEW BACKWARDS AND INTO MY FRONT WINDSHIELD. I THEN TRIED TO SAFELY PULL MY VEHICLE OVER TO THE RIGHT AND ONTO THE SHOULDER . THE ENGINE HOOD CAME BACK FURTHER AND WAS RESTING AGAINST THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WHERE MY VISION WAS TOTALLY BLOCKED. PRIOR TO THAT I SAW THE DRIVER OF THE SEMI MOVING ONTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, BUT WHEN THE ENGINE HOOD WAS FIRMLY AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD I JUST STOPPED ROLLING FORWARD FOR THE FEAR OF RUNNING INTO THE BACK OF THE TRUCK AGAIN BECAUSE I COULDN'T SEE IF AND WHERE EXACTLY HE STOPPED. IMMEDIATELY AFTER I CAME TO A FULL STOP, I HAD MY PASSENGER MAKE A CALL TO THE NEVADA HIGHWAY PATROL AND GIVE OUR LOCATION AND THE DETAILS OF WHAT OCCURRED. LUCKILY WE WERE SAFE AND ALIVE, ALTHOUGH A BIT SHAKEN.
- Reported
- Mar 2018
- Incident date
- Mar 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash
EngineJan 2018 · ODI 11058173Details +Close −
THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE ON MY VW GTI 2012 EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO INSTRUCTION FROM VW TO REPLACE THE CHAIN AT 97 K MILES. IT IS ESTIMATED TO COST ME $7000.00 TO FIX THIS CAR. I SEE THAT THE TIMING CHAIN HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR THE VW GTI CARS AND IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED WITH THE MANUFACTURER.
- Reported
- Jan 2018
- Incident date
- Dec 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineDec 2017 · ODI 11053440Details +Close −
ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 29, 2017 I FOUND THAT MY 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GTI WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE HAS 73,530 MILES AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BY A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN SEPTEMBER OF 2013. I DROVE THE VEHICLE AND PARKED IT IN MY GARAGE THE NIGHT OF NOVEMBER 28 WITH NO ISSUES OR INDICATIONS THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG. THERE WERE NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO BETTEN IMPORTS IN GRAND RAPIDS, MI FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN, KEVIN, FOUND THAT THE TIMING CHAIN HAD JUMPED TIME DUE TO A FAILED TENSIONER WHICH RESULTED IN DAMAGE NOT ONLY TO THE TIMING CHAIN BUT ALSO THE HEAD. THE ESTIMATED COST OF THIS REPAIR IS $3700. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN CARE AND SPOKE WITH PAUL ON THE AFTERNOON OF DECEMBER 4, 2017. HE INFORMED ME THAT SINCE I DID NOT PURCHASE THE VEHICLE FROM AN AUTHORIZED VOLKSWAGEN DEALER, VOLKSWAGEN WOULD NOT OFFER TO COVER ANY OF THE REPAIR EXPENSES EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE OF AN ISSUE WITH THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER AND HAVE ACTUALLY ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THE PROBLEM. AT NO POINT DURING MY MAINTENANCE VISITS TO THE DEALERSHIP DID THEY EVER INFORM ME OF THE ISSUE OR POSSIBILITY OF PART FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR A NEW TIMING CHAIN WHICH IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE ON DECEMBER 18, 2018.
- Reported
- Dec 2017
- Incident date
- Nov 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel/Propulsion SystemOct 2017 · ODI 11035149Details +Close −
ON OCTOBER 9TH, I ATTEMPTED TO START MY CAR. IT WOULD TURN OVER BUT WOULD NOT START. I HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST VW DEALERSHIP. AFTER INSPECTION, I'M TOLD THAT THE TIMING 'MYSTERIOUSLY' ADVANCED AND DESTROYED ALL THE ENGINE VALVES. AND NOW MY ONLY TWO OPTIONS ARE TO EITHER REPLACE THE ENGINE OR THINK ABOUT BUYING ANOTHER CAR. MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 85K MILES, ALWAYS MAINTAINED AT A VW BRANDED MAINTENANCE FACILITY, AND EVERYTHING KEPT FACTORY STANDARD (NO AFTERMARKET OR THIRD-PARTY COMPONENTS). THANKFULLY THIS DID NOT OCCUR WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY EARLIER IN THE DAY. ACCORDING TO NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS BY OTHER VW OWNERS, THERE WAS A COMMON CULPRIT THAT LED TO THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM. MANY REPORT A DEFECTIVE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER THAT BROKE AROUND THE SAME MILEAGE, WHICH THEN LED TO IMMEDIATE DESTRUCTION OF THE ENGINE. I CONTACTED VW HQ DIRECTLY AND PLEADED MY CASE. UNFORTUNATELY, THEY WILL DO NOTHING TO ASSIST ME FINANCIALLY IN REPAIRING/REPLACING MY CAR. NOW I'M SEEKING OTHER AVENUES TO HOLD VW RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWINGLY INSTALLING DEFECTIVE PARTS ON THEIR VEHICLES.
- Reported
- Oct 2017
- Incident date
- Oct 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainOct 2017 · ODI 11031471 · fireDetails +Close −
WATER PUMP FAILED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. HAD THE FUEL PUMP FAIL, AIR INTAKE, EXCESS CARBON BUILD UP ON VALVES, AND NOW TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. THE ROCKER ARM FOR NUMBER 3 CYLINDER BROKE IN HALF CAUSING TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION DURING ALL OF THE EVENTS. VW WON'T ASSIST IN REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH THE 2.0 TSI ENGINE HAS A WELL DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF ENGINE FAILURE WHEN THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILS. THEY WON'T FIX IT UNLESS IT IS UNDER WARRANTY. IF YOU HAVE THIS MODEL OF ENGINE GET IT CHECKED BEFORE YOU ARE OUT AN ENGINE.
- Reported
- Oct 2017
- Incident date
- Sep 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Fire
EngineMay 2017 · ODI 10991666Details +Close −
P2015 INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER POSITION SENSOR/SWITCH CIRCUIT RANGE/ PERFORMANCE BANK 1.
- Reported
- May 2017
- Incident date
- May 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineFeb 2017 · ODI 10949643Details +Close −
THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER IS FAULTY
- Reported
- Feb 2017
- Incident date
- Feb 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherNov 2016 · ODI 10927115Details +Close −
SUNROOF EXPLODED LIKE A GUN SHOT WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY 60 MPH. HAD JUST ENTERED EXPRESS LANE AND FOUND IT VERY DISORIENTING AND DISTRACTING SINCE I THOUGHT I HAD BEEN SHOT AT. HAD TO CHECK ALL THE WINDOWS AND MY PERSON FOR GLASS OR INJURY BEFORE I LOOKED UP AND SAW THE LARGE HOLE IN THE SUNROOF. SUNROOF GLASS APPEARS TO BE PROTRUDING OUTWARD - LIKE IT WAS PUSHED OUT FROM THE INTERIOR. NOT ALL THE GLASS CHIPS RECOVERED INSIDE THE CAR APPEAR TO EQUAL THE AREA OF THE HOLE IN THE SUNROOF.
- Reported
- Nov 2016
- Incident date
- Nov 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Service BrakesJul 2016 · ODI 10883458Details +Close −
WHILE DRIVING, I PRESSED THE BRAKES ONE TIME AND THEY WORKED, THE NEXT TIME THEY DIDN'T. NO SLOW DEGRADATION, THEY JUST WENT FROM WORKING FINE TO NOT WORKING AT ALL. THE VACUUM BOOSTER FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY SUCH THAT THERE WAS NO ASSIST AND WHEN MORE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED BRAKE FLUID SQUIRTED ONTO THE ENGINE RESULTING IN BASICALLY NO STOPPING OF ANY KIND. NO WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN CONTACTING VW ABOUT THIS, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WASN'T EVEN EQUIPPED WITH A SENSOR CAPABLE OF DETECTING THAT THE BRAKES HAD COMPLETELY FAILED. THIS DESPITE THE FACT THAT THEIR MANUAL EXPLICITLY CALLS OUT THE DANGERS OF OPERATING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT THE VACUUM BOOSTER. WITH SOMETHING SO IMPORTANT AS THE BRAKES, SHOULDN'T THERE BE AT LEAST A WARNING LIGHT? LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AT LOW SPEED, BUT THAT WAS JUST BLIND LUCK.
- Reported
- Jul 2016
- Incident date
- Jun 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Exterior LightingJun 2016 · ODI 10872104Details +Close −
WAS DRIVING UNDER NORMAL, DRY CONDITIONS WHEN I BEGAN TO GET MDI NOTIFICATIONS ABOUT FAILED LIGHTING. A TOTAL OF 11 NOTIFICATIONS CAME ACROSS. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH I DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM. THE 30A FUSE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUSE BOX HAD MELTED. THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR....THE PLASTIC MELTED WITHOUT BURNING OUT THE FUSE. THIS ISSUE AFFECTS A WIDE RANGE OF YEARS AND MODELS AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED JUST ON THE TIQUAN???. IT IS MIND BOGGLING THAT THIS IS NOT A RECALL ITEM ON ALL MODELS AS THE LACK OF LIGHTING IS MOST DEFINITELY A SAFETY CONCERN.
- Reported
- Jun 2016
- Incident date
- Jun 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemApr 2016 · ODI 10861973Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICEL DAILED TO START. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
- Reported
- Apr 2016
- Incident date
- Dec 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsSep 2015 · ODI 10776477Details +Close −
TODAY, WHILE BUYING A NEW CAR I WAS INFORMED OF AN OPEN PENDING RECALL ON THE STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING. I HAVE HAD NO NOTIFICATION ON THIS AND, AS A RESULT I LOST ABOUT $2000 ON MY TRADE-IN. AREN'T COMPANIES REQUIRED TO RESOLVE ISSUES QUICKLY? I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PART AFFECTS RELEASE OF THE AIR BAG AND THEREFORE COULD BE SERIOUS. I BELIEVE VW SHOULD COMPENSATE ME FOR AT LEAST PART OF THE LOST VALUE.
- Reported
- Sep 2015
- Incident date
- Sep 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJul 2015 · ODI 10736006Details +Close −
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 FOR A KEY REPLACEMENT. I WAS HINTED THAT OTHER OWNERS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I BELIEVE THE STEEL USED FOR THE BLADE HOLDER (IT'S LIKE A CASING) IS BRITTLE AND FATIGUES ABNORMALLY.
- Reported
- Jul 2015
- Incident date
- Jan 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJul 2015 · ODI 10736011Details +Close −
ENGINE STARTED SHAKING / RUNNING ROUGH. SIGNIFICANT POWER LOSS DURING ACCELERATION / TAKEOFF. I WAS NOT FAR FROM THE DEALER WHEN IT HAPPENED - I DROVE IT IN RIGHT AWAY AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS BAD IGNITION COIL. SINCE THEN, OVER THE NEXT 6 MONTHS, I REPLACED (ON MY OWN) THE REMAINING 3 IGNITION COILS AS THE ORIGINALS WOULD FAIL. IT COSTS ~$18 TO BUY A NEW IGNITION COIL (VERSUS $50 FROM THE DEALER). HOWEVER, I WAS DRIVING WITH SPARE COILS IN THE TRUNK.
- Reported
- Jul 2015
- Incident date
- Jul 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainMay 2015 · ODI 10716470Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.
- Reported
- May 2015
- Incident date
- Jul 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemMar 2015 · ODI 10691598Details +Close −
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 WARRANTY, AND REPAIRS ARE BEING FILED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR
- Reported
- Mar 2015
- Incident date
- Mar 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainFeb 2015 · ODI 10689703Details +Close −
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 ACCELERATOR SEEMS TO HELP THE CAR FROM STALLING. IT IS DIFFICULT TO DUPLICATE THIS BEHAVIOR, THERE ARE NO WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING WHAT THE ISSUE MAY BE, AND IT SEEMS THAT THERE IS EITHER NO FAULT CODE GENERATED BY THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OR IT IS BEING ERASED PERIODICALLY. THIS HAS MADE IT DIFFICULT TO HAVE THE ISSUE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED BY DEALER SERVICE CENTERS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, CONSIDERING IT MAY CAUSE THE CAR TO STOP IN TRAFFIC LEADING TO AN INCREASED RISK OF CRASH. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED REPORT, THERE ARE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE AND ON SEVERAL VW FORUMS POSTED ONLINE (THESE ACCOUNTS INCLUDE SEVERAL VIDEOS THAT CONFIRM THIS IS A CONSISTENTLY EXPERIENCED PROBLEM). POTENTIAL ISSUES COMMONLY IDENTIFIED INCLUDE THE FUEL PUMP, FUEL FILTER, OR THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE. ANOTHER VW VEHICLE - VW TIGUAN, MODEL YEAR 2007-2014, HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE ATTRIBUTED TO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
- Reported
- Feb 2015
- Incident date
- Jan 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Vehicle Speed ControlJan 2015 · ODI 10670411Details +Close −
WHILE USING CRUISE CONTROL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE CRUISE CONTROL'S ACCELERATE AND DECELERATE BUTTONS OCCASIONALLY PERFORM THE OPPOSITE FUNCTION: PRESSING DECELERATE WILL ACCELERATE THE CAR, PRESSING ACCELERATE WILL DECELERATE THE CAR. THIS ONLY HAPPENS FOR THE FIRST 1-2 BUTTON PRESSES, THEN THE BUTTONS RETURN TO THEIR NORMAL FUNCTION. THIS HAS OCCURRED 6-7 TIMES IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS.
- Reported
- Jan 2015
- Incident date
- Dec 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Visibility/WiperMay 2014 · ODI 10588645Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWN A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN IT RAINED HARD, THE WINDSHIELD RETAINED WATER AFTER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000.
- Reported
- May 2014
- Incident date
- Feb 2012
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
VisibilityOct 2013 · ODI 10549608Details +Close −
DRIVING DOWN NEW MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE IN BATON ROUGE, HEADING WEST, HEAR A LOUD BANG, AND A FEW PIECES OF GLASS CAME OUT OF THE SUN SHIELD OF THE SUN ROOF, WHEN IT WAS SAFE TO STOP, GOT OUT OF CAR TO FIND A MY SUN ROOF HAD A HOLE IN IT, AND THE GLASS WAS SHATTERED. *TR
- Reported
- Oct 2013
- Incident date
- Oct 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Vehicle Speed ControlSep 2013 · ODI 10542975Details +Close −
IN SLOWING TO PASS THROUGH HEAVY TRAFFIC I DISENGAGED CRUISE CONTROL (WHICH HAD BEEN SET TO 70MPH) BY HITTING THE BRAKES. SEVERAL MINUTES LATER WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 15MPH - THE CRUISE CONTROL RE-ENGAGED SPONTANEOUSLY CAUSING THE CAR TO ACCELERATE FORWARD. I SLAMMED THE BRAKES AGAIN - WHICH CAUSED THE CRUISE TO DISENGAGE AGAIN - AT WHICH POINT I SWITCHED CRUISE CONTROL OFF. *TR
- Reported
- Sep 2013
- Incident date
- Sep 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
TiresMar 2013 · ODI 10502198Details +Close −
UPON SLOWING TO MY EXIT FROM THE HIGHWAY SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I THOUGHT I WAS GETTING A FLAT AND PULLED IMMEDIATELY INTO THE NEAREST GAS STATION. WHEN I CAME AROUND TO THE RIGHT FRONT THERE WAS NO TIRE! I CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN AND MADE A VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE EVERYTHING INSPECTED. THE TECH'S SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. I WENT TO ORDER A NEW TIRE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REMAINING THREE WERE BUBBLING AND ALSO BAD. THE AUTHORIZED PIRELLI DEALER THAT I VISITED SAID THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING UNLESS I BOUGHT THE TIRE FROM THEM. TO MY SURPRISE AND UTTER DISBELIEF, THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP SAID THE TIRES ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOR THIS. ONE OF THE HIGHEST RATED VEHICLES IN THE CATEGORY OF SAFETY HAS TIRES THAT ARE UNRELIABLE, AND DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS! I JUST ORDERED FOUR NEW TIRES THAT ARE NOT PIRELLI AS I DO NOT TRUST THIS PRODUCT WHICH FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND SHOWS SIGNS OF INFERIOR QUALITY. *TR
- Reported
- Mar 2013
- Incident date
- Feb 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJan 2013 · ODI 10490920Details +Close −
WHILE PULLING AWAY FROM A FULL STOP (LIGHT) THE ENGINE RPM SURGED TO APPROXIMATELY 4000 AND THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHED (A "WRENCH" ICON). THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV BUT THERE WAS NO MOVEMENT OF THE CAR AS IF THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTED IT. THE CAR THEN SHIFTED PROPERLY AND THE "WRENCH" ICON HAD DISAPPEARED. THIS OCCURRED WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. *TR
- Reported
- Jan 2013
- Incident date
- Dec 2012
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainSep 2012 · ODI 10475406 · crashDetails +Close −
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 AND WAS STOPPED BY TURNING THE VEHICLE INTO THE SIDEWALK. TOWED THE VEHICLE TO BOARDWALK VW IN REDWOOD CITY, CA AND THE SERVICE PERSONNEL AND TOW TRUCK DRIVER WITNESSED THAT THE VEHICLE'S REVERSE POWER TRAIN WAS NOT ENGAGING PROPERLY. AFTER 2 DAYS OF DIAGNOSTICS, THE TECHNICIANS WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE AND CONCLUDED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING WITHIN MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS. NO REPAIR WAS FORMALLY PERFORMED. *TR
- Reported
- Sep 2012
- Incident date
- Aug 2012
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash
Power TrainJun 2012 · ODI 10461621Details +Close −
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WAS COMING TO A STOP SIGN. I HAD THE CLUTCH ALL OF THE WAY IN AND SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WHILE SLOWING DOWN I PUT IT INTO 1ST GEAR WITH THE CLUTCH ALL THE WAY IN AND THE CLUTCH ENGAGED, CAUSING THE CAR TO JERK VIOLENTLY. IT WENT FROM 2200 RPM TO OVER 6000 IMMEDIATELY. AFTER GETTING STOPPED AND IN NEUTRAL I RELEASED THE CLUTCH PEDAL FOR IT TO STAY SLAMMED TO THE FLOOR. IT WOULD NOT GO INTO FIRST EASILY WITH THE CLUTCH ALL THE WAY IN. *TR
- Reported
- Jun 2012
- Incident date
- Jun 2012
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJan 2012 · ODI 10442762Details +Close −
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 THERE IS NOT A CAR WITHIN 1/4 MILE BEHIND ME WHEN I CHANGE LANES BECAUSE THE CAR FREQUENTLY ALMOST STALLS. THIS ALSO HAPPENS SOMETIMES WHEN I MAKE A TURN - AGAIN, I HAVE TO MAKE SURE THERE ISN'T A CAR WITHIN ABOUT 1/4 MILE BECAUSE I MAY END UP PRACTICALLY STOPPED RIGHT IN FRONT OF AN ONCOMING CAR. IT GENERALLY HAPPENS WHEN I DECELERATE AND THEN ACCELERATE AND THE TRANSMISSION IS IN DRIVE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR ITS 3-MONTH CHECKUP AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THIS. THEY HAD A DSG SOFTWARE UPGRADE WHICH THEY INSTALLED. NEITHER VW NOR THE DEALER HAD NOTIFIED ME OF THIS UPGRADE EVEN THOUGH IT APPLIED TO MY CAR. UNFORTUNATELY, THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS ON AN ALMOST DAILY BASIS. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO LET THEM KNOW IF I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM WHEN I COME BACK FOR THE 10,000-MILE SERVICE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH SHOULD BE ADDRESSED NOW, NOT IN 7000 MILES. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED IN GTI'S WITH DSG TRANSMISSIONS SINCE 2009, BUT VW STILL HAS NOT CORRECTED IT. *TR
- Reported
- Jan 2012
- Incident date
- Sep 2011
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Recalls(2)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Air BagsApr 2015 · 15V483000Details +Close −
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Risk: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Unknown Or Other · 18V329000Details +Close −
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Open full NHTSA recall record →A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
3 NHTSA investigations on record
Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel mounted controls.The loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag will result in illumination of the air bag warning light and will prevent operation of the front driver air bag in a crash of sufficient severity requiring a commanded deployment.In November 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ17-009) after the agency received 90 complaints alleging failure of the clockspring in the subject models.Several of the complaints allege failure of the clockspring after receiving the recall remedy.The majority of the complaints allege the same failure mode without being included in the original recall, 15V-483.In its March 2018 response to ODI's Information Request under the Recall Query, Volkswagen provided approximately 700 consumer complaints and field reports on the recalled vehicles.These reports allege clockspring failure similar to the NHTSA reports described above.To date, NHTSA has received approximately 154 allegations of clockspring failure since the recall has launched.The total of 852 reports shown in the table above eliminates 6 duplicative reports received by ODI and the manufacturer.An Engineering Analysis has been opened to further evaluate the scope and effectiveness of the remedy associated with 15V-483 and perform a thorough review of the design changes implemented by Volkswagen and its suppliers to address this issue.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11080741, 11079877, 11079805, 11079124, 11076709, 11076645, 11076297, 11076249, 11076133, 11075756, 11075726, 11075358, 11075259, 11075055, 11074920, 11074565, 11073090, 11072745, 11072457, 11072089, 11071933, 11071880, 11071630, 11071592, 11067396, 11067061, 11066738, 11066601, 11066511, 11065909, 11065871, 11065262, 11064701, 11064564, 11064544, 11064531, 11063961, 11063501, 11063095, 11062772, 11062464, 11062353, 11062344, 11061463, 11061310, 11061311, 11060735, 11058154, 11057519, 11057477, 11057341, 11056793, 11056243, 11056063, 11055639, 11054279, 11052812, 11052678, 11052384, 11052228, 11051336, 11051155, 11051074, 11048803, 11047037, 11044226, 11043653, 11039142, 11033893, 11033330, 11032548, 11025475, 11025356, 11024647, 11023423, 11020570, 11020312, 11019415, 11019067, 11015441, 11015431, 11014595, 11014016, 11013709, 11013415, 11012596, 11011753, 11006668, 11006521, 11006307, 11006181, 11005301, 11003865, 11001780, 11001783, 11001334, 10994184, 10993360, 10993524, 10992490, 10985926, 10983678, 10981220, 10980831, 10980941, 10980549, 10979418, 10971152, 10967344, 10967155, 10959968, 10958624, 10957279, 10956488, 10949129, 10947562, 10945122, 10936498, 10936543, 10933950, 10927311, 10925421, 10924034, 10915612, 10915569, 10911171, 10902066, 10898733, 10896537, 10896510, 10895526, 10893938, 10891686, 10864967, 10863742, 10861984, 10851242, 10822505, 10821562, 10818403, 10795068, 10794402, 10788738, 10787804, 10782544, 10780725, 10780145, 10779145, 10776477, 10775448, 10763492, 10763423, 10763289, 10762670, 10760644, 10758777, 10749901, 10748922
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel mounted controls.The loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag will result in illumination of the air bag warning light and will prevent operation of the front driver air bag in a crash of sufficient severity requiring a commanded deployment.In November 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ17-009) after the agency received 90 complaints alleging failure of the clockspring in the subject models.Several of the complaints allege failure of the clockspring after receiving the recall remedy.The majority of the complaints allege the same failure mode without being included in the original recall, 15V-483.In its March 2018 response to ODI's Information Request under the Recall Query, Volkswagen provided approximately 700 consumer complaints and field reports on the recalled vehicles.These reports allege clockspring failure similar to the NHTSA reports described above.To date, NHTSA has received approximately 154 allegations of clockspring failure since the recall has launched.The total of 852 reports shown in the table above eliminates 6 duplicative reports received by ODI and the manufacturer.This Recall Query has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA18-003) to further evaluate the scope and effectiveness of the remedy associated with 15V-483 and perform a review of the design changes implemented by Volkswagen and its suppliers to address this issue.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11080741, 11079877, 11079805, 11079124, 11076709, 11076645, 11076297, 11076249, 11076133, 11075756, 11075726, 11075358, 11075259, 11075055, 11074920, 11074565, 11073090, 11072745, 11072457, 11072089, 11071933, 11071880, 11071630, 11071592, 11067396, 11067061, 11066738, 11066601, 11066511, 11065909, 11065871, 11065262, 11064701, 11064564, 11064544, 11064531, 11063961, 11063501, 11063095, 11062772, 11062464, 11062353, 11062344, 11061463, 11061310, 11061311, 11060735, 11058154, 11057519, 11057477, 11057341, 11056793, 11056243, 11056063, 11055639, 11054279, 11052812, 11052678, 11052384, 11052228, 11051336, 11051155, 11051074, 11048803, 11047037, 11044226, 11043653, 11039142, 11033893, 11033330, 11032548, 11025475, 11025356, 11024647, 11023423, 11020570, 11020312, 11019415, 11019067, 11015441, 11015431, 11014595, 11014016, 11013709, 11013415, 11012596, 11011753, 11006668, 11006521, 11006307, 11006181, 11005301, 11003865, 11001780, 11001783, 11001334, 10994184, 10993360, 10993524, 10992490, 10985926, 10983678, 10981220, 10980831, 10980941, 10980549, 10979418, 10971152, 10967344, 10967155, 10959968, 10958624, 10957279, 10956488, 10949129, 10947562, 10945122, 10936498, 10936543, 10933950, 10927311, 10925421, 10924034, 10915612, 10915569, 10911171, 10902066, 10898733, 10896537, 10896510, 10895526, 10893938, 10891686, 10864967, 10863742, 10861984, 10851242, 10822505, 10821562, 10818403, 10795068, 10794402, 10788738, 10787804, 10782544, 10780725, 10780145, 10779145, 10776477, 10775448, 10763492, 10763423, 10763289, 107626
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of steering wheel clock spring/steering column control module (SCCM) failures in model year (MY) 2012 Volkswagen Passat and CC models.The SCCM is a module within the steering column that incorporates a spiral conductor (a ribbon cable) to electrically connect the steering wheel to the vehicle's electrical system while allowing for the turning of the steering wheel.Complainants alleged that that the clock spring failed while driving and without warning.When the SCCM fails electrically, an air bag warning light is illuminated on the dash of the vehicle.If a vehicle with a failed SCCM were to be involved in a crash of sufficient severity to require deployment, the driver air bag may not deploy properly, or deploy at all.As the result of an Information Request response from Volkswagen, ODI determined that the same SCCM was used in several vehicle models and MYs including: 2010-2013 CC, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2013 Golf, 2012-2013 Jetta and Jetta SportWagen, 2010 and 2012-2014 Passat and 2011-2014 Tiguan.ODI identified a total of 29 NHTSA complaints across all affected vehicles potentially indicating a failed SCCM.Drivers often indicated that an audible noise was heard from the steering column when the unit failed. Some drivers also mentioned that there was a noticeable but minor resistance to turning of the steering wheel after the failure with noises coming from the steering column.The average failure mileage is approximately 30,500 miles and failures often occur outside of the factory warranty.There were no reported crashes or injuries identified in either the NHTSA or Volkswagen data as a result of SCCM failures.On July 30th, 2015 Volkswagen notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (15V-483) to remedy the SCCMs in 415,825 MY2010-2014 vehicles.According to Volkswagen, the SCCM can become contaminated with human hair or similar fibers entering the unit between the steering wheel and steering column.Over time this can cause the electrical cable to tear and lose connection between the steering wheel and vehicle.Volkswagen will install a cover that attaches over the SCCM to help prevent contaminants from entering the unit.A new SCCM designed to reduce outside contamination intrusion was previously introduced into new vehicle production during the 2014 model year; accordingly vehicles equipped with the new design SCCM are not included in the recall.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer addresses the safety risks identified by the investigation.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10760644, 10758777, 10748922, 110734168, 10731545, 10721424, 10717651, 10715305, 10713742, 10713139, 10712295, 10711945, 10704830, 10704221, 10702926, 10702212, 10701406, 10691906, 10683944, 10682136, 10672715, 10670517, 10669312, 10628549, 10607240, 10575783, 10561143, 10552113, 10397670.
Crash-test ratings
2012 Volkswagen GTI 2 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
- Not rated
2012 Volkswagen GTI 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTI | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 24 | 33 | 27 |
| GTI | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 21 | 31 | 25 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare the year-by-year record
Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.
2012 Volkswagen GTI: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Volkswagen GTI?
Owners filed 40 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Volkswagen GTI. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2012 Volkswagen GTI?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (20% of complaints) and power train (18%).
How many recalls does the 2012 Volkswagen GTI have?
2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2012 Volkswagen GTI, covering components such as air bags. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Volkswagen GTI get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Volkswagen GTI between 25 and 27 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.