NHTSA Data Explorer
Volkswagen GTI
Data refreshed June 26, 2026
Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Volkswagen GTI.
Complaints
2,818
Active records
Recalls
31
Active records
TSBs
3,255
Active records
Filing history
Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.
Reported severity
Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.
Deaths
6
Injuries
147
Crashes
99
Fires
45
Top reported issues — Volkswagen GTI
Click a category to expand its values.
Operating state
Reporting mechanism
Engine behavior
Condition issue
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Driver assistance issue
Performance issue
Fluid issue
Safety restraint issue
Vibration/harshness
Braking behavior
Safety restraint behavior
Noise
Thermal issue
Steering behavior
Lighting behavior
Access/entry issue
Electrical issue
Starting behavior
Smell
Recent change
Powering on/off behavior
Infotainment behavior
HVAC behavior
Wiper/washer behavior
Ride/handling behavior
Communication/network issue
Recent filings
The 10 most recent filings for each type.
2022 VOLKSWAGEN GTI
Filed Jun 17, 2026
Sos travel assist, Warning lights come on with such frequency the are very distracting. they even come on and the emergency braking system starts up This is a know problem that VW refuses to address. They have replace the entire system on future models. leaving current owners left hanging with this safety issue with random sensors going off whenever they dam please I'm on my 3rd steering wheel, yea the thing that controls the whole vehicle. This is a known problem and VW chooses not to…
2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Filed Jun 17, 2026
Rear strut completely broke
2022 VOLKSWAGEN GTI
Filed Jun 13, 2026
The warning Travel Assist chimes and lights up on dashboard repeatedly. It is a defective warning, signifying nothing. The dealer said the repair requires a new steering wheel, an extremely expensive yet uncertain remedy.
2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Filed Jun 8, 2026
I am reporting a severe safety system failure regarding the airbag deployment force on a 2016 Volkswagen Golf SE. The vehicle was involved in a collision where the frontal/side air bag safety systems engaged. While the impact speed was moderate, the airbag deployment was violently disproportionate, resulting in severe, direct injuries to the occupant rather than providing the intended safety cushioning or protection. The force of the deployment appeared heavily uncalibrated, acting as a primary…
2018 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Filed May 31, 2026
Vehicle brought in for Recall 20UF (fuel tank suction pump fire risk) on 04/15/2026. Upon pickup after approximately one week of dealer service, a strong chemical odor was present in the cabin that did not exist prior to service. Odor persists despite cabin air filter replacement with activated charcoal filter, professional carpet shampooing, and extended airing out over several weeks. Dealer dismissed concerns and suggested owner pay for cabin filter replacement which had no effect. VW's own…
2014 VOLKSWAGEN GTI
Filed May 27, 2026
I started my car and drove to a local 7-11 on my way to work and could not turn the key to shut the engine off. I proceeded to work and asked my friend to help me. After a struggle he got the key out,and 3 days later parked my car at a clients only to not be able to start the car. My steering wheel locking was random and was afraid it would lock up while driving. Was told at the dealership there was no recall even after I searched and found this to be problem enough that VW extended their…
2018 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Filed May 26, 2026
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION OF ODI COMPLAINT NUMBER 11740201. I am submitting critical supplemental information to my active safety complaint regarding a 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen (1.8T engine). My primary safety issues are a severe drop in fuel efficiency (cut completely in half), heavy vehicle hesitation/jerking during acceleration, and a powerful raw gasoline smell inside the cabin immediately after fueling. These symptoms heavily align with the known physical failures covered under…
2018 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Filed May 26, 2026
Took my car into VW in Johnson City TN because my millage has been dropping drastically. Went from about 420 miles to a tank, down to less than 300. There is hesitation and jerking when I accelerate as well as a gasoline odor in the cab of the vehicle after refueling. Service manager said there was no code thrown and when he took it for a drive her drove “conservatively” and the mpg was normal. They did not physically inspect the fuel pump jet and gaslit me saying it was how I’m driving.…
2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Filed May 22, 2026
The right rear coil spring on my 2015 Volkswagen Golf fractured suddenly while the vehicle was completely stationary in a parking lot. There was no collision, pothole impact, curb strike, road hazard, or other external event that could reasonably explain the failure. The incident was captured on dash cam video. The failed component is the right rear suspension coil spring. I will retain the broken component and make it available for inspection upon request, although the vehicle must be…
2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Filed May 8, 2026
Heated seats get extremely hot. Smell of burning. Possible to catch fire or burn people Vw patrick volkswagen auburn ma confirmed that electrical inspection to rule out seat recall No. No recall has been submitted yet When i first bought the car in 2025