Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Safety recall
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
35
Most reports here involve sudden stalling.
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11465936 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
6
Most reports here involve electrical shorts.
Read full complaint
I bought the car and a couple days later the dash started lighting up with a bunch of codes about exterior lights so we checked them all fine I went to the auto part store and they said that the vehichle I have has a known issue with the fuses burning so we pull the fuse and sure enough it melted and we replaced fuse drove a week longer and the fuse box caught fire so I took and had a new fuse box installed and it again is burning fuses. Flashing all kinds of code error lights on dash and the sunroof opens and closes by its self . I looked at other VIN OF SAME CAR SAME YEARS and they are recalled for this problem but my VIN is not for some reason
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11457483 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
1
Most reports here involve loss of braking.
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING NO A DOWNHILL INCLINE PICKING UP SPEED BUT NO MORE THAN 40 MPH. I HAD MY DAUGHTER IN THE BACK OF MY CAR, AND REALIZED THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING THE WAY THEY SHOULD. I HAVE A STANDARD SHIFT CAR AND DOWNSHIFTED QUICKLY FROM 6TH GEAR TO 3RD GEAR AND HAD TO PUT MY WHOLE WEIGHT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR AND KEPT MY HAND ON THE E-BRAKE AS MY LAST RESORT. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT THE EXPERIENCE WAS NOT A GOOD ONE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT CHECKED. THE TECH STATED IT WAS THE BRAKEBOOSTER AND A PIN WITHIN THE PUMP THAT CAME LOOSE. I ASKED HIM IF IT WAS A USER ERROR, HE SAID NO, BUT HAD REPLACED THE "BRAKE BOOSTER" WITH A BRAND NEW ONE. IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT SOMETHING LIKE THIS I FEEL SHOULD NOT FAIL AT 34K MILES, ESPECIALLY WHEN I HAVE VALUABLE PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE CAR. *TR
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10567933 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
5
Most reports here involve loss of steering.
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that he lost the function of the steering wheel, horn, controls, and air bag. The air bag warning indicator light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the parts required were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11478572 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
2
Most reports here involve software faults.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11373144 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
6
Most reports here involve premature wear.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11758501 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2011 has 55 complaints on file, more than the 2010 (53) and more than the 2012 (40). Of the 12 model years of the Volkswagen GTI we cover, the 2019 has the most (179). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.