NHTSA Data Explorer

Volkswagen GTI

Data refreshed May 30, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Volkswagen GTI.

Complaints

2,965

Active records

Recalls

65

Active records

TSBs

3,270

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

7

Injuries

152

Crashes

110

Fires

55

Top reported issues — Volkswagen GTI

Click a category to expand its values.

Operating state

935

Condition issue

776

Reporting mechanism

643

Engine behavior

578

Fluid issue

358

Safety restraint issue

357

Driver assistance issue

343

Performance issue

322

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

289

Noise

170

Safety restraint behavior

164

Thermal issue

149

Braking behavior

135

Access/entry issue

126

Vibration/harshness

126

Lighting behavior

95

Electrical issue

85

Steering behavior

82

Starting behavior

68

Smell

62

Powering on/off behavior

37

Infotainment behavior

33

Recent change

29

HVAC behavior

22

Ride/handling behavior

18

Wiper/washer behavior

17

Communication/network issue

7

Electrified system issue

3

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

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

2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Filed May 5, 2026


Driving my 2017Golf the check engine light came on. The light was steady. I called my dealer and got it in for service. They report to me that the Thermostat housing needs to be replaced and oxygen sensors need replacing also. I just had the manifold replaced 6 weeks ago. I found on line that this is a common problem . Why isn’t this a Recall Repair?

2021 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Filed Apr 27, 2026


Since shortly after purchase, the vehicle has experienced intermittent drivability and shifting issues along with repeated EPC and check engine warnings. Diagnostic trouble code P0111 (intake air temperature plausibility) has been present along with other electrical and engine management faults. A Volkswagen dealership diagnosis indicated that the intake air temperature sensor and an additional engine insulation “hood blanket” component (not originally installed on the vehicle) are required to…

2009 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Filed Apr 21, 2026


The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the ABS control unit indicator light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a communication loss; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability…

2024 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Filed Apr 13, 2026


The Hill Start Assist function does not behave as-stated in the owner's manual and I believe the way it's implemented is a potential safety issue. The manual states: To start driving, take your foot off the brake pedal and press the accelerator pedal immediately. The brakes will release gradually as you start driving. The holding function of the Hill Start Assist remains active only for a short time. Drive off within approx. two seconds. I owned a 2010 and a 2016 GTI prior to this one and on…

2024 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Filed Apr 3, 2026


Crash

The component that is failing is the infotainment center. Cruise control fails. Yes available for inspection. The safety of my car is compromised and puts myself and others at risk. The backup camera fails - the infotainment center is glitchy, the infotainment center will disconnect from phone calls while driving handsfree while plugged in via wired CarPlay (the car cannot do bluetooth for CarPlay). The infotainment center sometimes is completely unusable - including radio- directions for…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated May 30, 2026. Refreshed nightly.