VW Golf GTI Maintenance
Below is a list of the VW GTI common problems based on car owner complaints:
- Owners of 2019 VW GTIs reported stalling problems
- High mileage automatic transmissions experienced shifting problems
- VW Golf GTI electrical problems included sunroof, starter and power window concerns
- The VW GTI had air conditioning problems
- Reverse Gear Failures were noted.
- The VW GTI had electrical problems including sun roof problems and power window failure
Ignition Coil, Wires and Spark Plug Failure - VW GTI fuel pump problems were another concern to customers
The GTI model also experienced many of the less-severe issues that the GOLF owners reported. However, the Golf GTI’s annual maintenance cost was much higher than the VW Golf, averaging $791 yearly.
Below are some of the average costs on common GTI repairs and services.
AC Recharge
$142 – $179
Blower Motor Resistor Replacement
$109 – $118
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Relearn
$40 – $51
Battery Test
$40 – $51
Engine Front Cover Gasket Replacement
$311 – $360
Brake System Inspect
$101 – $128
Tire & Wheel Assembly Rotate & Balance
$91 – $115
Fuel Pressure Sensor Replacement
$190 – $209
Variable Valve Timing Control Solenoid Replacement
$391 – $412
Seat Heater Replacement
$600 – $647
Of course, you should know that repair and maintenance costs can vary depending on the vehicle’s age, the mileage driven, and the location where repairs are made.
So how can you reasonably compare all this information? Withclutch.com took this a step further by reporting “service frequency” scores showing that the GTI required more unscheduled, major service visits (at costs over $1000 per visit) in a 3 year period, than other models studied. The VW Golf GTI scored 2.88 visits in a three years period in comparison to an industry average of only 1.3 in the same three year period. This should make potential buys nervous. Read more on this reporting and see how other auto manufacturer’s makes and models compared
https://www.withclutch.com/maintenance-cost/volkswagen-gti
Volkswagen Golf History and Overview
So now that you’re aware that not all model s are equal – let’s looks at the model. While we won’t say that there is any “bad” Volkswagen models, there are, however, versions that may not be as desirable as others, especially in older model years. Check out these numbers…
The Volkswagen Golf has evolved over the last decade. As of 2018, it has grown to become one of the top three best selling vehicles in the world, next to the Ford F-Series and the Toyota Corolla.
Just so that you know, VW vehicles are titled according to their “generation” by the acronym “MK”, meaning “mark”. So, for example, the sixth generation of the VW Golf is often referred to as the Golf MK6.
It is also helpful to know that a generation is a collection of years for a specific model where there is not much change in the design, parts, or manufacturing process. Therefore, model years within a generation often share many of the same problems. Consider, for example, the 5th generation Jetta. All Jettas from 2006-2019 should be avoided, they are dead last in the VW generation reliability rankings.
To explain the generation categories further:
2012 – Present is the 7th Generation
2008 – 2012 is the 6th Generation
2003 – 2008 is the 5th Generation
1997 – 2003 is the 4th Generation
1991 – 1997 is the 3rd Generation
1983 – 1991 is the 2nd Generation
1974 – 1984 was the 1st Generation
The original Golf model was manufactured to replace the VW Beetle. In 1975, it was sold under the name “Rabbit”.
And, as with most things, “new and improved” can be used to describe Volkswagens. Recent CarBuyer research verifies that the Golf Mk6 model is considered more reliable than the Golf Mk5. It only makes sense that the Mk7s and next generation Mk8s will continue to outshine previous model years.
So there’s your Volkswagen history lesson. But let’s move quickly through time to examine how this iconic car has fared and progressed in the reliability arena.
VW Golf GTI
Although we generally like to talk about used vehicles dating back 5 years or less, we feel that we must go back further back when examining the VW Golf GTI reliability issues.
The Consumer Report VW GTI reliability studies recommend avoiding the 2010 and 2012 GTI models completely. In fact, 2012 is rated as the worst Volkswagen GTI model year ever reported. Model years 2013 and 2014 proved to be a bit more reliable, yet there were still numerous reports of 2014 VW GTI reliability problems. In fact, the GTI has had 3 generations, generation 6 (2009-2014) being the least reliable. The stories of VW Golf GTI Mk6 problems were widespread.
Looking at more recent models, in 2015 Volkswagen introduced the MK 7 GTI offering – a 2.0 liter turbo charged four-cylinder engine, but alas, the 2015 VW Golf GTI reliability was also one of the most unreliable model years reported for the GTI. And unfortunately, the next year was no better and the 2016 VW Golf GTI problems persisted. Both 2015 and 2016 models were both reported to suffer with catastrophic turbo failures.
But these issues appear to have been resolved with the 2017 model year. The 2017 VW Golf GTI reliability took a turn for the better! How reliable are VW GTIs now? Most of the “modern” MK 7 Volkswagen GTIs are MUCH more reliable – and predictably – more expensive than previous versions.
VW Golf
The Golf has 6 generations under its belt, with the 6th (2010 to 2013) being the least reliable.
Released in the U.S. in 2015, the VW Golf MK 7 offered an improved safety rating and updated features giving a much needed reprise from the VW Golf Mk6 problems. This newer version Volkswagen also offered a smoother, more refined turbo engine, propelling this new, improved VW Golf onto the Reliability Index Top 100 car list.
Generally speaking, new model Golfs are about average when you talk specifically about the frequency of service and the severity of service they require. Being more specific repairpal.com reports the probability of a Volkswagen Golf having major issues is 11%. That is compared to the same 11% for other compact cars and 12% of all vehicle models.
Likewise, unscheduled repairs average .3 times per year – the same as other compact cars. (All vehicle models average .4, incase you were wondering.) Owners of Golfs that are older than 3 years report that they had to seek service about once a year, but few experienced severe system failures.
Again, the VW Golf has an annual service cost estimated to be approximately $630, while other compact car’s annual service expense was lower at $562. But, when looking at all vehicle models in this class, their annual service cost came in at $652, making the VW Golf a less expensive choice if you’re basing your decision on repair costs. Golf years to avoid? Buyers should pay special attention to VW Golf DSG problems (direct gear shiftbox) . You might want to avoid Golfs with that transmission before the 2013/2014 model year. Carguide.com suggests that you buy one with a manual gearbox or purchase a later Golf model.
Which VW Golf Model Should You Choose?
Here is a quick Pros & Cons listing for both cars:
Golf GTI Pros & Cons
- Responsive handling and exceptional driving enjoyment
- Powerful engine
- Ample space for passengers and cargo
- Luxurious, well-appointed interior
- Unimpressive fuel economy
- Infotainment system is slow
GOLF Pros & Cons
- Excellent steering and superb handling
- Quiet and comfortable ride
- Exceptional outward visibility from the co*ckpit
- Large storage areas
- Touchy brakes
- Excessive amounts of hard plastics appear “tacky”
One final note, 2021 will be the last year that the VW Golf model will be available in the U.S. It will be replaced by the sporty GTI and Volkswagen R versions.
