2.4

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
64,871 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #18

Jan 172020

GTI

  • 114,000 miles
My prnds lights flashing. When I put car in D or R nothing happens. Acts like its in neutral. Happened while driving 65mph on why. Fix this problem now.

- Peyton, CO, USA

problem #17

Aug 012016

GTI

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Gti. The contact stated that the ABS brake module malfunctioned. Several years ago, the vehicle was taken to be repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 16V913000 (power train) by heritage Volkswagen parkville (9215 harford rd, parkville, md 21234, (877) 398-1963). After a couple of days, the dealer refused to perform the recall repairs because the vehicle was showing the incorrect failure codes. The contact received a second recall notice in the mail and was informed by the dealer that the vehicle would be repaired. The contact stated that the brakes started grinding and twitching and the entire instrument panel illuminated. In addition, the speedometer stopped working, the steering became loose, and the vehicle stopped accelerating after the accelerator pedal was initially depressed. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer and they stated that the repairs would be covered; however, they later called the contact back stating the recall repairs would not be covered. The incorrect failure codes were vag00290 (driver's side rear ABS wheel speed sensor with mechanical function) and vag00285 (passenger side front ABS speed sensor). The contact stated that she received a letter from the dealer that the recall had to match two of the specific codes, which was why the recall repairs were not performed. The contact was instructed to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that they would contact the dealer. The contact received the run around for a week with both the dealer and manufacturer, stating they were waiting to hear from each other. Recently, the contact was informed that the recall repairs would not be performed and the contact made arrangements to have the vehicle repaired by an independent mechanic. The failure mileage was 110,000.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #16

Apr 102019

GTI

  • 100,000 miles
The vehicle shifted gears in motion while driving on city streets. Parked the car in may of 2017 and haven't driven it since. VW has refused to take responsibility, even though I've brought the issue of the vehicle having trouble switching to reverse from a parked position while I was at the dealership for service. Have received multiple occasions where the ABS/check engine light came on. Repeatedly taking it into the dealership to no avail. ** note: VW has refused to repair the issues "free of charge" as stated. That I'd have to pay for inspection by a dealership and since I'm 'out of warranty', I'm sure they'd charge me for the service as well. In addition, there was no 'open inspections' done to look into the recall before my purchase of the vehicle as a pre-owned certified car from the VW dealership. This was in Dec. 2010. ** tried submitting this before, which caused an error and fail. It erased all my data. Please review my attached document.

- Encino, CA, USA

problem #15

Mar 132019

GTI

  • 120,000 miles
My car disengages itself when shifting in reverse I give it gas it suddenly catches gear and almost caused an accident. 2009 Volkswagen Gti. Volkswagen dealer will not take responsibility for this recall telling me there are non but when checked on the NHTSA website there is.direct shift gearbox dsg recall#09V333000

- Hickory Hills, IL, USA

problem #14

Oct 092017

GTI

  • 50,000 miles
Defective timing chain tensioner went and destroyed the entire engine that has less than 50,000 miles on it. Apparently this is a known issue with VW that I found out about after the fact. Luckily it happened in my driveway.

- Levittown, PA, USA

problem #13

Aug 132017

GTI

  • 101,000 miles
While driving down a rural highway in clear conditions and light traffic, at about 45 mph, several lights came on the dash, and the tachometer started jumping up and down I had no acceleration, and was lucky to be in a place to get off the road. I don't recall if I touched the brakes or not just before this happened, as it is sometimes necessary when driving with other cars on the road, but there was no hard braking. I was just driving normally. If I touched them at all, it would have been lightly, .the car would start fine but no gears. Towed to dealership. Their report said "small metal shards about the size of a grain of sand" in the trans fluid, and "it appears the transmission commuter did not disengage the clutch in use as it engaged the clutch for the next gear and tried running the vehicle in two gears at the same time at cruising speed., which in turn damaged the transmission internally and destroyed the dual clutch friction discs." I recently found out that there is a recall for the ABS module on my vehicle. Another driver (NHTSA id 10944646) indicated that when his ABS module failed, that his vehicle randomly downshifts to first gear, and is unable to switch back. He said "what starts as a simple brake problem is now an undriveable car". is this what happened to my car" could my ABS module failure cause the transmission to downshift while travelling at 45 mph? should the transmission repair be included in the ABS recall program" this was a very dangerous situation, and I had no warning before it happened. Also, it was very hot out, about 90 degrees, if temperature plays a role in this situation. I am making an appointment to have the ABS issue repaired under the recall, but volkswagon is taking no responsibility for the transmission failure. They said it is out of warranty. I think they may be related, and customers need to know if this is a possibility.

- Suttons Bay, MI, USA

problem #12

Sep 062016

GTI

  • 55,000 miles
I submitted a complaint last year with complaint #: 10907462. Summary of the unexpected ABS module breakdown that happened last year. The module broke down the first time on 09/06/216 on my way to work and it occurred while I was driving on the highway. I slowed down the speed to around 45 after I lost control of the vehicle when it happened and the lights and beeping did not stop with the engine light turned on. The car was eventually towed and repaired (paid out of pocket) at VW dealership. After searching online, the ABS module apparently has been a problem on Gti and gli jetta. Most recently, there is a recall on the ABS modules on certain VW vehicles; however my car was not one of them even though it is the same part that almost caused me a car crash on the highway! please investigate into this problem and have the VW officially extend their qualification for recalls. It is not right to only recall certain vehicles as other care models/years also use the exact same manufacturer defect ABS modules!

- Somerville, MA, USA

problem #11

Feb 042017

GTI

  • 84,000 miles
ABS and stability control lights on permanently. Brake light blinks always. Steering wheel, epc and check engine like all come out intermittently. When steering wheel light is on steering is stiff at low speeds. Speedometer only works intermittently. Engine fault workshop and please refuel come up randomly on the info screen even when gas is full. When speedometer is not working, automatic dsg transmission will randomly downshift gears making car quickly and dangerously decelerate. Has almost caused accidents while driving on wet or snowy roads. Car has also locked doors while in park when speedometer not working, locking me out of the car. Girlfriend also witnessed it happen while waiting in idling car.

- Allston, MA, USA

problem #10

Oct 012016

GTI

  • miles
2009 89,000 miles. ABS control module failure for the past couple of weeks my car would intermittently throw up the ABS and traction lights but this would go away shortly afterwards. I get in my car about 30 minutes and start driving for maybe 1/16th of a mile and everything just freaks out. Speedometer is dropping to zero (while in motion doing about 15 mph) and fluctuates all over between 0 and 20 mph. Brake light is on. Traction light is on. ABS light is on. Steering light is on. Epc light is on. Check engine light is on. And the mfd is saying "engine fault workshop". as time has gone on it now tends to happen atleast 15+ times a day. It now happens as soon as I turn the key on. I'm to scared to even drive it. I don't want to drive my 10 year old son in it. Please do a recall, not something we should have to pay out of pocket for!!!

- Sanford, FL, USA

problem #9

Nov 142016

GTI

  • 93,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Gti. While the vehicle was idling, the rpms revved to a higher level and an oil leak was noticed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear main seal was leaking, which caused the vehicle to surge. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

- Panama City, FL, USA

problem #8

Nov 172016

GTI

  • 93,706 miles
I took my car to gunther Volkswagen in ft lauderdale, fl. My automatic dsg transmission was not shifting into gear on many occasions as I was driving, parking stopped at a light. On several occasions this problem had resulted in some near accidents with other cars, and on two occasions I had hit a pole and a wall. The near accidents with cars had occurred in parking situations as well as on the street at traffic lights when my car would not move and cars behind me almost hit me. Another occasion my car would not move when I was at an intersection waiting for traffic to clear to turn left, and the light changed. When this problem was occurring the shift indicator letters in the electronic display would flash with boxes around them. It was discovered by the dealer that the transmission problem I was having was the subject of a voluntary recall by Volkswagen. I was told that the mechatronic unit of my transmission would be replaced under this voluntary recall as well as the other fuse recall. Later in the day I was called by car dealership and they informed me that the fuse recall work would be done but the transmission recall would not be done because my car had a rebuilt title. The car had been in an accident where it sustained damage to right front suspension and insurance company had paid out claim and declared vehicle a total loss. I bought "salvaged" vehicle and repaired damage for under $1,000 and retitled (rebuilt) vehicle under Florida law. According to what I have read on NHTSA website if vehicle is on the road and being driven around manufacturers are required to perform recall repairs on them. The recall on this transmission issue was subject of an investigation by NHTSA (action number peo9035) several accidents had occurred because of it but no injuries were reported. Can you please advise if VW is required to repair my vehicle under this voluntary recall?

- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

problem #7

Sep 092015

GTI

  • 52,500 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Gti. While driving 15 mph and coming to a stop, the vehicle jerked forward without warning and the contact heard a loud noise coming from the transmission. After coming to a stop, the vehicle was not able to move and the gear selector lights were illuminated. The vehicle was shut off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,500.

- Flushing, NY, USA

problem #6

Sep 142011

GTI

  • 51,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Gti. While at a stop light, the vehicle stalled and all of the warning indicators illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was repaired according to NHTSA campaign number: 09V333000 (power train); however, the failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that the dsg gear box needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 51,000.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #5

Aug 122013

GTI 4-cyl

  • 52,574 miles
Purchased used 2009 VW Gti with dsg transmission on 03 Aug 13. On 06 Aug 13 upon braking and turning a corner the transmission seemingly dropped out of gear, engine revved freely, the transmission re-engaged with a loud clunk in the driveline. Over the next week the frequency of this same problem happening increased until 12 Aug 13. On 12 Aug 13 the transmission would take several seconds(upwards of 30) to engage either 1st or reverse and in doing so would again clunk on engagement. Also, while driving on a state highway at 55 mph the transmission downshifted to an unknown gear, the lights on the shift indicator started to flash, and the transmission would not shift. Had to pull to the shoulder and turn off the engine and restart to continue. Within one mile the same process had to be repeated. This continued for the rest of the 10 mile trip to my home. This car is one that was affected by the recall. The recall has been performed on this car but obviously still has issues. Car will be taken to a dealership on 16 Aug 13 to have it diagnosed.

- Shawnee, OK, USA

problem #4

Oct 092012

GTI 4-cyl

  • 42,000 miles
Two out of the four engine coils went bad at the exact same moment causing the car to loose two out of four cylinders. This made the engine not able to idle or run. Had this happened while trying to clear an intersection or say merging on a highway the result could be catastrophic. VW insists that this is normal wear and tear and not even covered by it's 5-year 60K mile power train warranty. Even though these coils that provide spark to the engine, and vital to it's safe operation, they insist that are only covered by the vehicle's 3-year 36-K mile warranty. Looking at VW chat logs it clear that this has been an ongoing problem with VW Gti for numerous years and needs to revisited for the 2009 model year.

- South Riding, VA, USA

problem #3

Mar 122012

GTI

  • 31,500 miles
Problem occurred occasionally, mostly when the speed was around 0-30mph. The transmission seemed to have a problem in upshifting/downshifting between 1st-3rd gear. While acceleration from stationary, there was a lag in upshifting from 1st-2nd-3rd gear. Sometimes it did not upshift at all. When you released the accelerator and re-applied it again, it would be back to normal. While downshifting from 2nd to 1st gear, it seemed like being pushed by something from the back.

- Mountain View, CA, USA

problem #2

Jul 102009

GTI 4-cyl

  • 400 miles
After purchasing a new 2009 Gti I noticed some hesitation in the car upon take off/slow down. I took the vehicle directly to the dealership and was told that this was normal for this car and its dsg transmission. I later in the year took it back with the same result. I also contacted VW customer care and was given a case number but no one ever called me back and I was once again was referred back to my local dealership via email. This is a serious safety hazard! my wife has just taken the Gti again, Sept. 6th, 2011 and after 3 days with the Gti we received the same response - "this is normal for dsg transmission". this is not normal!!!! our best description of the safety hazard. When driving the vehicle in sport (s) mode it will often hesitate to pull off from a stop. When attempting to pull out into traffic and this occurs there is about a two second delay from the time the accelerator pedal is depressed to finally taking off. We have observed the tachometer when this problem occurs (without any approaching traffic, and the rpms barely go beyond idle even though the accelerator is pressed down 1/4 to 1/2 way down. When the car does finally take off, it is abruptly, due to the fact that the accelerator pedal is depressed already. When attempting to pull into traffic or turn across it, this delay and then abrupt response could result in serious injury or worse to us or the occupants of my vehicle. Please help us as corporate VW and our local dealership don't care about our safety or the safety of others and its just a matter of when a serious accident occurs because of this safety hazard. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Evans, GA, USA

problem #1

Nov 112009

GTI

  • 17,000 miles
Experiencing several safety issues with VW dsg transmission in my 2009 Gti. First, shifting into park. When shifting from either reverse or drive into park on a hill, vehicle rolls 3 feet and then hits a hard "stop". second, very hard downshifting/engine braking in automatic mode when slowing down. This happens at 20 mph and then again at 10 mph. If you are applying the brakes when this engine braking happens it is impossible to stop at a desired point. You can be smoothly applying the brake and then when you slow to 20 mph the engine braking drastically slows the vehicle even more. It's like shifting into a lower gear at too high a speed while simultaneously applying the brakes. Very dangerous! third, lurch/surge when starting on a hill. When backing out of a spot on a hill or starting forward on a hill having just put the vehicle in drive the engine revs for 3 seconds as if it is not in gear and then lurches suddenly forward.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA