I'm on my way to work on the highway going uphill and the temperature red light starts flashing. I decided to slow down because the flashing light had me concerned. The temperature gauge stayed at normal position so I was able to bring it home. I waited awhile and then checked under the hood for coolant level and it was down to the bottom barely any left. So I bought the recommended coolant by VW and filled it up to level. I drove the next day and parked in my drive way and later that day I saw coolant puddle on concrete dripped from engine. I suspect it's the water pump again. I had this problem with this car before with cooling system twice. The first time the dealership dealt with it by replacing water pump while it was under warranty. The second time I took it to mechanic and they were able to replace water pump and fix the problem. I was able find the leak and take pictures. It seems to be leaking near the water pump. So right now I'm filling coolant almost everyday until I can get to the dealership.

- Hercules, CA, USA

Intake manifold was replaced under warranty in 2015. In late 2019 the vehicle displayed a service engine warning which turned out to be the intake manifold again. Out of warranty the service cost me in excess of $1000. I see the warranty was extended on older years for the same exact reason but not the 2013. This needs to be remedied as soon as possible.

- Rockford, MI, USA

My car's engine makes a ticking sound when I start it and when it's in idle. I was told that it could be the timing chain tensioner, since there have been issues with that with the 2013 models. I don't want to wait until my engine is ruined. Timing chain tensioner should not be going bad or showing symptoms with only 71,500 miles yet. I can't show you pictures, since it is hard to remove the cap covering the timing chain.

- Provo, UT, USA

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Gti. The contact stated that the fuel cap warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to neftin westlake Volkswagen (3550 auto mall dr, thousand oaks, ca 91362, (805) 497-9404) where the dealer stated that no recalls were associated with the VIN. The contact stated that an unknown failure was not determined. Upon picking up the vehicle, the warning indicator was no longer illuminated. That after leaving the dealer, the check engine indicator illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to be diagnosed. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.

- Simi Valley, CA, USA

Coolant pump leaking

- Sterling, VA, USA

Vehicle displaying mil light @ 68,948 miles. Dealer diagnosis:to correct fault, requires replacement of intake manifold assembly & fuel filter, recommended cleaning of intake valves while the intake manifold was removed.

- Williamsburg, VA, USA

My 2013 VW Gti has had defective water (coolant) pump. I have already had three (3!) major repairs to replace the faulty water pump and fix the leak of coolant. The issue first started at about 10,000 miles and reoccured at 15,000 miles and then at 25,000. I always maintained and repaired my car at VW dealerships. The issue with the water pump usually started while the car was in motion on a major road or a freeway with my family (including 2 children) inside. The light would usually turn on on the dashboard. Fortunately, in all the instances, we've been not far from the home or a safe location to park and request roadside assistance. These incidents with water pump, while the car is in motion can lead to crash or other serious consequences.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

Had car for not even two years and been through two water pumps that have went for no reason at all. The dealer when asked am I the only one with this problem and the answer has been only one other person had this issue but I'm the only one that has been back for the second time for faulty water pumps and the dealer cannot figure out why this has continued to happen.

- Kaneohe, HI, USA

Reported recurring coolant smell to dealer at first post-purchase maintenance visit (5,000 miles), but dealer failed to find a cause. At 14,000 miles, pulled into my garage. Several minutes later, backed out of my garage and discovered a large puddle of fluid where the car had been parked, as well as trails of fluid in the driveway from pulling in previously. Dealer diagnosis: The water pump had failed. When I noted my previous coolant odor complaint, the dealership service advisor replied that "they know about this problem, but we can't fix it until it fails." The car now has 18,000 miles, and the recurring coolant smell has started again.

- Valley Village, CA, USA

I drove 4 miles and notice my coolant light come on and decide to park my vehicle. The very next day I notice coolant was very low and had big leak. I jacked the car up and notice the leak was coming from engine and not the radiator. Having much experience working on cars. I dissemble the entire front to my engine and notice the water pump/thermostat housing profusely leaking. It was not a gasket job, but a warp and hairline fracture coming from under the thermostat housing. I purchase a new water pump/thermostat housing for $317 at the dealer although it was under warranty. It was very meticulous work and did not want the dealer (teddy Volkswagen) to do a slopping job. They already did a sloppy job on previous radiator inspection. I demand a refund and the service lady ( [xxx]) stated they have to do the work. I said forget it and storm out of the dealer. I am 100% sure this will occur again, it is a bad design to use plastic in a high heat area in the belly of a turbo engine that warps and cracks the plastic housing -- metal design withstand the heat much better!!!!! bad engineering!! why plastic "???" this needs investigation and recall asap on Volkswagen behalf! information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Bronx, NY, USA

Took car for first drive. After traveling 145 miles into this trip when trouble started. Ambient temp was 101F. Drive time was just over 2.5 hours. Gas tank was slightly over half empty. Car stalled taking off from stop. Engine running but car would not accelerate. Engine then stopped. Cranked over (started) and went about 2 blocks. Car stalled again. This time it was difficult to get started again. Had to crank it 3-4 times. Started then stalled. Engine malfunction light came on. Eventually started. While driving on highway at 55mph engine turned off without warning. I pointed car to the shoulder and braked to a stop. Two more stop light incidents where car stalled and quit running at and in intersections. Pulled over and called dealer. Talked to service consultant. Discussed options. Engine malfunction light on all the time. Even though roadside assistance was offered, service consultant stated that since the engine light was steady amber it should be ok to drive if I was comfortable doing it. I determined my best option was to drive it back to tucson. Waiting for roadside assistance on hwy 191 between safford and willcox in 100F+ sunshine would have been unacceptable, if not more dangerous than driving the car - because of the remote location and the extreme heat. Made it back to tucson. Drove straight to service and dropped the car off. Total mileage on car 353 miles. Note that I had not added any gas to the vehicle, and was still using the gas provided by dealer upon delivery. (I mention this because a tech asked if diesel fuel was put in the tank instead of gas. No!) dealer service confirmed fuel pump not working properly and replicated problem. Noted fuel pump extremely hot and discovered associated electrical damage to fuel control module with strong potential for fire. In my opinion, this is a critical safety problem and should be investigated.

- Tucson, AZ, USA