The 2012 VW GTI has a known problem with the timing tensioner. I am aware of at least 3 class-action lawsuits brought against Volkswagen over this issue. Unfortunately, I did not realize this until after buying the car.

I made the decision to have my timing tensioner replaced preemptively, as the belt needed to be replaced anyway. I went to an independent mechanic who specializes in VWs. He told me after swapping out the tensioner that it wasn't operating correctly and it probably would have failed down the line.

While swapping the tensioner has probably saved my engine from destruction, this car has constantly burned through oil. I first realized this while on an out-of-state road trip: I got a warning light about my camshaft and figured out my oil was dangerously low. Now I have to add 1L of oil every week (approximately 400-500 miles), which makes long stretches of driving impossible.

I have had two independent mechanics try to troubleshoot the oil issue to no avail. One found absolutely nothing wrong. The other, who specializes in Volkswagens, was skeptical of it burning oil (you could not smell it whatsoever) but tested it anyway and found trace amounts in the exhaust. Unfortunately he had no real solution for the problem, so it is now something to live with. The car has leaked oil once or twice (all in one spurt) over a period of 3 years, but it does not leak anything at all on a regular basis.

Dealer Clay Cooley of Richardson says engine oil was 3qts low. I have documentation that the oil was just changed 3K miles ago in January, so in about 9 weeks the car burned 3qts of oil with clean exhaust and they told me it had no leaks. BS.

They don't want to honor the class action settlement on this car for jumping timing. blaming it on lack of oil. I service my car at 4-5K miles with full synthetic and take pride in my cars.

I own 2 VW's and now have had to replace the engine in both for the same issue. Think these will be my last VW cars. They do not take care of their customers and come up with untruthful reasons as to my my engine failed.

There is no mention by VW that the timing chain needs to be replaced at 97 K miles. I have had the oil changed every 7000 miles using full synthetic oil. Just out of the blue the car won't start and I am told that it is the timing chain and that the engine is ruined and needs to be replaced at $7000.00.

I bought this at a VW dealer used 60 K miles but with 24 month warranty. It is no longer under warranty BUT VW has not instructed owners to replace timing chain. I always follow suggested maintenance.

I see online that this is an issue with these cars and I cannot afford to buy another car or to spend $7 grand on my car.