8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$940
Average Mileage:
77,100 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. remove carbon build up (3 reports)
  2. replace timing chains, guides, tensioners, camshafts (2 reports)
  3. engine replacement (1 reports)
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problem #6

Apr 042023

GTI Autobahn, Dsg Ea888, 2.0t

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,000 miles

This is the SECOND time I am repairing the full timing chain system. Initially, I got it repaired the FIRST time under the VW of America timing chain and tensioner class action suit. Now, just 50k miles later, I have to have the same thing repaired, Again! Unfortunately, I am stuck with eating the costs of repairs because the number and website for the timing chain and tensioners litigation is now closed! I do not feel that I should have to pay out of pocket for this repair, especially, when I had already had this work done in the first place. So, I have to repair the timing chain and tensioners every 50k miles? Something does not add up here, this is unacceptable. VW of America should reimburse me for the repair costs, car rental, and uber I have been using since my car is no longer drivable!

I have everything on file, the claim form from the initial repair through the class action suit, as well as invoices. Everything shows when I had this done and when I filed a claim initially through the timing chain litigation through VW of America. I do not think this is right, the fact that I am making a SECOND repair so soon. Clearly, this is a faulty setup from the get go!

- Nicholas Salvatore L., Miami, FL, US

problem #5

Mar 032018

GTI Autobahn 2.0L 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 76,435 miles

Just very disappointed with VW that nothing was covered under warranty and that there was a lack of engineering and ownership by VW to prevent this issue or compensate.

The engine failure came at a rough time where disposable cash was not available and I had to cancel several plans and engagements in order to afford the repair.

- Eric W., Mount Tabor, NJ, US

problem #4

Jan 012017

GTI Autobahn 2.0L Turbo

  • Manual transmission
  • 45,000 miles

click to see larger images

misfiring

Intake valves were gummed up on the back side of the valve, causing a terrible misfire. I removed the intake (~1 hour), blasted the intake valves with walnut shells by using a sand blaster from Harbor Freight, while also using some dental picks to knock off the deposits that were really stuck on (2 hours), and re-assembled it with the newest plastic intake (hoping to eliminate another common problem with the P015 fault; that took another 1 hour).

It's my understanding that this is a common problem with Direct Gas Injection engines. BWM seems to have this same problem.

After doing this job, in no way do I think that you could just add something to the gas tank and get this problem to go away. Once the intake valves were cleaned up, the car ran great.

- john in dayton, Tipp City, US

problem #3

Apr 012016

GTI Autobahn Edition 2.0L Dsg

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

Fuel Injector malfunctioned. Dealer did not catch the cause of misfire. The next day engine failed. Second dealership claimed carbon build up. Later found injector was broken. Dealership tried to cover up. VW has little help to offer. Spent two month with no car or loaner. Third dealership broke air intake manifold and forgot to put sufficient amount of oil in car.

Told me a new engine will be installed, only to learn it was a re-manufactured, when I had specifically asked if it will be new vs re-manufactured.

- Kareem S., Miami, FL, US

problem #2

Mar 152016

GTI 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,913 miles

I really don't know where to begin. I bought my car a little over three years, and have only 58k miIeage on it. I have my car maintenance every 10k as manufacture recommended. Still I have so much problems with my car. This post only allow me to describe one category at a time. So in this will only tell you about the "Misfired".

I brought my car back to the dealer due to the malfunction light comes on. After diagnosis, they found bad intake manifold + fuel injector, which causing misfired, and carbon being build up. Fortunate the intake manifold & fuel injector were being covered. But they say it won't cover for cleaning the Carbon (Decarb). It was so clearly problem caused by those two bad parts. How come it would not being covered? SMH, I don't understand. I wish I could describe all the problems I had in here, so people understand how I feel, and have good inputs on what they might have in the future with their cars.

Please look for my other complains, especially about Oil Leak. I think I was being ripped off, but can't prove, because I am not a mechanical.

- Philip N., Medford, MA, US

problem #1

Apr 172015

GTI 1.8L

  • Manual transmission
  • 72,000 miles

Started to experience misfires on cold starts. Took it to the dealer for and assessment after the engine light came on. Said due to an excess carbon build up on the valves it was causing the car to misfire. Cost would be just shy of $900 to fix. Luckily, the intake manifold was throwing fault codes and was covered under the extended warranty that VW recently issued to 120k miles. Since they had to remake the intake anyway it dramatically reduced the cost of the carbon removal to $350. Also, for the 3rd time the water pump was replaced under a recall to replace with a new version that hopefully won't fail again.

- iddyott69, La Mesa, CA, US