Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Volkswagen GTI
Volkswagen GTI Models:
Volkswagen GTI Problems
High Mileage Automatic Transmissions May Have Shifting Problems
Shifting issues due to internal problems in high mileage automatic transmissions can be difficult to resolve without transmission replacement.
Reverse Gear Failures and/or Noise From Manual Transmission
Reverse gear failures and noise in the manual transmission models are common.
Power Window May Fail Due to Window Regulator
One or more power windows may fail. Our technicians tell us this is commonly due to a failed window regulator which will require replacement.
One or Both Head Lights May Not Work
One or both head lights may not work due to premature head light bulb burnout and/or bulb harness failure. Care should be taken to inspect the head light harness connector for damage when replacing bulbs. Damaged connectors should be replaced.
Check Engine Light Due to Dirty/Failed Throttle Body
A dirty or failed throttle body can cause various drivability issues and illumination of the Check Engine Light.
Volkswagen GTI Recalls (Recent)
Automatic Transmission Shifts Into Neutral Without Warning
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Connectors for a temperature sensor inside the direct shift gearbox (DSG) transmission may have been insufficiently crimped. They could incorrectly read a high transmission oil temperature, and abruptly shift into neutral. The shift position indicator in the instrument panel would begin to flash and the "Depress Brake Pedal" indicator light will be illuminated to alert the driver to apply the brakes. The abrupt shift could lead to a crash. Volkswagen and Audi dealers will reprogram the transmission control module (TCM) with updated software. The recall began October 20, 2009. The Volkswagen recall number is 37E3/S7 and the Audi recall number is 37E5/J7.
Learn more »Volkswagen GTI Questions and Answers
pictures and step by step instructions
hi everyone
first of all my car is not on the list
i have a MK2 Golf GTI from 1986 (year i was born lol)
my question is:
my car alarm is preventing my car from starting and need to remove it....
I have a 1986 volkswagon gti that dies while driving. It will crank over like it wants to start, but wont. After a while it will start again. It will run for a day or so, and do it again. I had the...
Have a 90 golf gti 1.8 & car was running fine till one day it quits on me. engine turn over but, wont start. replaced the whole distributor with a new one & still wouldn't start. another mechanic t...
not so sure if there is a relay or fuse on vw gti headlight.. i don't like fixing these kind of car it's my friends ride.
Volkswagen GTI Stories
This car has been amazing to have. I feel like its super sexy and makes me stand out from my friends lame looking, no power car. However, its getting fairly old and I'm having lots of issues with it in the cold. Last summer I paid around 700 to fix the a/c and now my heat isn't getting very warm this winter. I had to fix vacuum leaks the only day and a broken glove box for 400 dollars. the oil changes are super high but I only change it every 4k. Recently its had a rough idle when I start it and sometime its rough when I idle even at a stop light, almost as if it wants to shut off. I'd be super pissed if I had to get rid of this car. I love how it looks and how fast it can go, but I'm unemployed right now and this car makes me want to cry lately.
I drive a 2003 GTI V6, and am very happy with this car, which is very fun to drive. It has a lot of power, and very responsive handling. My only recurring problem has been the thermostat, which has gone 3 times (twice under warrantee.) My car has only 60,000 miles on it and I expect to keep it another 60,000. Lately have been less happy with the suspension, which has gotten rough, but it's worth replacing the struts to keep it longer.
My girlfriend has a 2008 GTI 4 door automatic. After 2 years we noticed the car would always have a little trouble starting almost like the battery was drained. Also at idle the car acted like it would shut off it was very rough. Then a noise from the front passenger side wheel began to happen. It sounded like a loud coffee maker. Today she took it in for her regular oil change and the mechanic explained the turbo is damaged and needs to be replaced. She only has 59,600 miles!!! She always changes her oil every 3k miles. I knew to stay away from VW's after visiting www.myvwlemon.com but now I know for sure to stay away. My 2003 Acura CL w/108k miles has never had 1 problem.
I have mixed feelings on this car.. I love how it drives, handles and responds to the road. I HATE fixing them-parts are expensive, seem made to break and it's laborious to do even the simplest jobs. I've sunk over $5k into this piece of sh*t, and it only has 66k miles on it. I think I got stuck with a lemon, but considering how unreliable VWs seem to be I won't ever buy another one.
After reading all the reveiws about the GTI's mentioned here, I honestly cannot believe all the negative remarks & complaints. I LOVE MY GTI, & would definately purchase one again. I live in the suburbs of N.Y.C. & this car gets me all over the 5 boroughs, at a quick, responsive, thrill-to-drive rate.Let's face it people, ALL vehicles are an expense to own, but this car is an all around winner...Chrystofur