2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI
1 recalls, 76 complaints - 637 TSBs
07V442000 Sep 24, 2007
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Defect Description
CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." SOME VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE HAD A REQUIRED CAP INSTALLED WHICH DISABLES THE HEADLIGHT HORIZONTAL AIM AND SOME VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN A CAP THA... Read more
Consequence
NONCOMPLIANCE CAN INHIBIT PROPER HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT FOR ROADWAY ILLUMINATION, IMPROPERLY AIMED HEADLAMPS COULD CAUSE REDUCED ROAD VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF A CAP IN THE SOCKET OF THE LOW BEAM HORIZONTAL AIMING SCREW AND INSTALL ONE IF MISSING, AND INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF A CAP IN THE SOCKET OF THE VERTICAL AIMING SCREW AND IF PRESENT, THE CAP WILL BE REMOVED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 31, 2007. OWNE... Read more
Complaint Statistics
76 total complaints
3 crashes 2 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 33 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 7 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 4 |
| ENGINE | 4 |
| TIRES | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 2 |
| POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 2 |
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 19, 2020
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
THE RPMS ONLY GO TO 4000 THE HEADLIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY BLOWN, ONE OF THE FANS DOES NOT WORK ....THERE ARE A LOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, THE MASS AIR INTAKE FLOW ISSUES WITH THAT THERE'S JUST A LOT OF ISSUES. IT'S AFFECTED THE ELECTRICAL, SPEED CONTROL, AIRBAGS, VISIBILITY AND WIPER,LIGHTING, FUEL SY... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jul 19, 2020
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
THE RPMS ONLY GO TO 4000 THE HEADLIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY BLOWN, ONE OF THE FANS DOES NOT WORK ....THERE ARE A LOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, THE MASS AIR INTAKE FLOW ISSUES WITH THAT THERE'S JUST A LOT OF ISSUES. IT'S AFFECTED THE ELECTRICAL, SPEED CONTROL, AIRBAGS, VISIBILITY AND WIPER,LIGHTING, FUEL SY... Read more
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Jul 19, 2020
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
THE RPMS ONLY GO TO 4000 THE HEADLIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY BLOWN, ONE OF THE FANS DOES NOT WORK ....THERE ARE A LOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, THE MASS AIR INTAKE FLOW ISSUES WITH THAT THERE'S JUST A LOT OF ISSUES. IT'S AFFECTED THE ELECTRICAL, SPEED CONTROL, AIRBAGS, VISIBILITY AND WIPER,LIGHTING, FUEL SY... Read more
ENGINE
Jul 2, 2019
Incident date: Mar 12, 2018
EA888 HAS A KNOWN TIMING CHAIN AND CHAIN TENSIONER ISSUE THAT CAUSES ENGINE FAILURE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 12, 2018
Incident date: Jul 9, 2018
THE CAR JERKS OUT WHEN U ACCELERATE. THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT'S IN MANUAL WHEN TAKING OFF.
ENGINE
Feb 14, 2018
Incident date: Aug 1, 2017
2.0 T USE OF EXCESSIVE OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 21, 2017
Incident date: Jun 12, 2017
CAR LOSS POWER HAD TO BE TOWED TO VOLTSWAGON LATER THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WAS FOUND TO HAVE FAILED CAUSING A LOST OF POWER WHILE ON THE ON RAMP TO THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS ALSO DAMAGE DONE TO THE MOTOR FROM THE INTERNAL METAL FRAGMENTS FROM WHERE THE PUMP WORKS WITH THE CAM SHAFT AND THE METAL ... Read more
ENGINE
Nov 16, 2016
Incident date: Nov 15, 2016
RECENTLY I PREFORMED A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECK ON MY VEHICLE AND AS SUGGESTED BY ALL MARK 5 GTI OWNERS I CHECKED THE CAM FOLLOWER. I FOUND THE CAM FOLLOWER COMPLETELY WORN THROUGH. I CONTACTED VW TO MAKE SURE I WAS UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HANDED OUT TO ALL 2006-2007 AND SOME 2008 OWNERS TO FIN... Read more
ENGINE
Aug 29, 2016
Incident date: Aug 15, 2016
THE CAM FOLLOWER HAS PREMATURELY WARN OUT CAUSING THE INTAKE CAMSHAFT TO WEAR PREMATURELY AS WELL, WHICH HAS IN TURN CAUSED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP TO FAIL. THIS IS A LONG-TERM, DEGENERATIVE ISSUE. VOLKSWAGEN HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THESE PARTS FOR SOME 2006-2008 GTI'S BUT NOT MY VIN... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 30, 2016
Incident date: Mar 29, 2016
I'VE RECENTLY HAD FREQUENT HEADLIGHT BULB FAILURES AND OTHER HEADLIGHT RELATED ISSUES DURING MY OWNERSHIP OF THE CAR. PRIOR TO INSTALLING ANOTHER EXPENSIVE NEW BULB I DID SOME INVESTIGATION INTO THE WIRING INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING AND I WAS COMPLETELY STUNNED AND CONCERNED AT WHAT I FOUND. THE... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 25, 2015
Incident date: Sep 12, 2013
SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING MY 08 GTI WITH THE FSI MOTOR, I WAS SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR COMMON ISSUES TO WATCH OUT FOR. THE CAM FOLLOWER WHICH SITS BETWEEN THE CAMSHAFT AND HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WAS SEEN MULTIPLE TIMES ONLINE AS AN ISSUE DUE TO WEARING THROUGH ALLOWING THE CAM SHAFT TO INTERACT WI... Read more
SEAT BELTS
Jun 28, 2015
Incident date: Jun 28, 2015
WHEN BUCKLING THE DRIVERSIDE SEATBELT BEFORE BACKING UP, IT WOULD NOT LATCH.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dec 2, 2014
Incident date: Nov 17, 2014
VEHICLE REQUIRED EXTRA CRANKING BEFORE STARTING. UPON STARTING AND BEGINNING TO DRIVE, THERE WAS LACK OF POWER AND RPMS DID NOT WANT TO GO ABOVE 4K. AFTER APPROX. 1/4-1/2 MILE ENGINE BEGAN TO RESPOND NORMALLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS. TOLD THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, CAM FOLLO... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Nov 14, 2014
Incident date: Oct 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE KEY HAD TO BE PLACED IN ACCESSORY MODE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN ON. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER STA... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Sep 4, 2014
Incident date: Oct 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND AS A RESULT A FLUSH NEEDED TO PERFORM. THE... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 20, 2014
Incident date: May 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS DID NOT PROJECT. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT AIMED PROPERLY AND CAUSED REDUCED ROAD VISIBILITY INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT USED THE HIGH BEAMS AS AN INTERIM FIX DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED TO BE... Read more
AIR BAGS
Jul 20, 2012
Incident date: Jul 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROV... Read more
AIR BAGS
Jun 13, 2012
Incident date: Jun 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE DRIVER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISES AFTER HITTING HER HEAD ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Mar 19, 2012
Incident date: Dec 19, 2011
WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION DOG BONE MOUNT BOLT BROKE. THIS DAMAGED: THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING - THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING SUPPORT - THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER ASSEMBLY - STEERING - THE WIRING HARNESS - THE RADIATOR - THE RADIATOR FAN - ADDITIONAL ITEMS. THE LOSS OF CONTROL THAT RESULTED COULD H... Read more
TIRES
Dec 1, 2011
Incident date: Jul 8, 2011
2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. CONSUMER STATED THEY HIT A POTHOLE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT IN THE POCONE PA AREA. THE TIRE WAS LESS THAN ONE MONTH OLD. HAD ALL FOUR TIRES REPLACED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN JUNE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE LOW PROFILE HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRES WERE PRONE TO FREQUENT B... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Jun 8, 2011
Incident date: May 19, 2011
2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DISCONTENT RELATED TO VEHICLE PERFORMANCE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED DURING A 70,000 MILE SERVICE MAINTENANCE, SHE WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW $2300 TURBO ON A THREE YEAR OLD VEHICLE. *JB UPDATED 06/09/11
POWER TRAIN
Dec 17, 2010
Incident date: Nov 2, 2010
CAME TO COMPLETE STOP. PRESSED ON GAS PEDAL TO MOVE FORWARD INTO INTERSECTION. AFTER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO 2ND, THE CAR LOSS ALL ENGAGEMENT AND FELT AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. I STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL FURTHER AND AFTER 5 SECONDS, THE ENGINE RPM"S INCREASED AND THE TRANSMISSION LUNGED F... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 1, 2010
Incident date: Sep 1, 2010
2008 VW GTI DSG--AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEM: THE CAR "JUMPS" RANDOMLY WHEN RELEASING FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AT A RED LIGHT, OR WHEN ENGAGING FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND RELEASING BRAKE. MANY "CLOSE CALLS" TO CRASHING AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE DUE TO KNOWN ISSUE, ESPECIALLY WHEN PARALLEL PARKED ON STREET... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Sep 1, 2010
Incident date: Sep 1, 2010
2008 VW GTI DSG--AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEM: THE CAR "JUMPS" RANDOMLY WHEN RELEASING FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AT A RED LIGHT, OR WHEN ENGAGING FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND RELEASING BRAKE. MANY "CLOSE CALLS" TO CRASHING AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE DUE TO KNOWN ISSUE, ESPECIALLY WHEN PARALLEL PARKED ON STREET... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Sep 1, 2010
Incident date: Sep 1, 2010
2008 VW GTI DSG--AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEM: THE CAR "JUMPS" RANDOMLY WHEN RELEASING FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AT A RED LIGHT, OR WHEN ENGAGING FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND RELEASING BRAKE. MANY "CLOSE CALLS" TO CRASHING AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE DUE TO KNOWN ISSUE, ESPECIALLY WHEN PARALLEL PARKED ON STREET... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Aug 28, 2010
Incident date: Aug 11, 2010
AUG 11TH I TURNED A CORNER IN MY 2008 VW GTI WITH ~29,8XX MILES ON THE ODOMETER, ACCELERATED BRISKLY IN 2ND GEAR AT APPROX 4000 RPM THE CAR BUCKED AND SHUDDERED AND LOST POWER. WHEN THE RPM'S DROPPED ABOUT 500RPM THE MOTOR REGAINED POWER UNTIL ABOUT 4000 RPM AND THEN THE CAR BUCKED, SHUDDERED AND L... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Aug 28, 2010
Incident date: Aug 11, 2010
AUG 11TH I TURNED A CORNER IN MY 2008 VW GTI WITH ~29,8XX MILES ON THE ODOMETER, ACCELERATED BRISKLY IN 2ND GEAR AT APPROX 4000 RPM THE CAR BUCKED AND SHUDDERED AND LOST POWER. WHEN THE RPM'S DROPPED ABOUT 500RPM THE MOTOR REGAINED POWER UNTIL ABOUT 4000 RPM AND THEN THE CAR BUCKED, SHUDDERED AND L... Read more
TIRES
Aug 17, 2010
Incident date: Aug 4, 2010
HARSH SHIFTING DURING ACCELERATION IN 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI WITH DSG TRANSMISSION. *TR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Aug 17, 2010
Incident date: Aug 4, 2010
HARSH SHIFTING DURING ACCELERATION IN 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI WITH DSG TRANSMISSION. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 6, 2010
Incident date: Dec 15, 2007
THE ENGINE CONSUMES 3-4 EXTRA QUARTS OF SYNTHETIC OIL BETWEEN 5,000 MILE OIL CHANGE INTERVALS AS INSTRUCTED BY MANUFACTURER. ITS A 2.0T ENGINE THAT USES SYNTHETIC OIL. I HAD PREVIOUS VERSION OF 1.8T AND IT DID NOT CONSUME ANY OIL AT ALL. IF THE OIL IS NOT ADDED, THE CAR WOULD TAKE 2-3 TIMES TO STAR... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
May 3, 2010
Incident date: May 3, 2010
MY CAR IS A 2008 VW GTI WITH THE DSG TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION IS VERY NOISY, EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AT LOW SPEEDS, AND IS JERKY AND BUCKS WHEN DOWNSHIFTING. AT LOW SPEEDS, THE CLUTCH ENGAGES WITH A JERK AND THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD TO ACCELERATE. WHEN DOWN SHIFTING, IT IS DIFFICULT TO BRA... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Apr 27, 2010
Incident date: Apr 27, 2010
HARD JERKING BASED IN AUTO TRANSMISSION OCCURRING WHEN IN DRIVE AT A STOP WITH NO PRESSURE APPLIED TO EITHER THE BRAKE OR THE GAS. THIS OCCURS CONSISTENTLY AND DAILY UNDER NORMAL, IN-TOWN DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TR
TIRES
Mar 4, 2010
Incident date: Feb 24, 2010
I PURCHASED A NEW 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI IN SEPT, 2008 WHICH CAME WITH DUNLOP SP SPORT 01 AS SIZE 225/40R/18 TIRES. WITHIN THE FIRST FEW MONTHS I EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT OF THE FRONT LEFT TIRE WHEN AT VERY LOW SPEED (APPROX 5 MPH I HIT A SMALL POTHOLE. IN THE YEAR SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD THREE MORE TIRE... Read more
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Dec 19, 2009
Incident date: Dec 10, 2009
I OWN A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI AND AM HAVING MANUAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, THREE MONTHS OF OWNING THE CAR MY FIRST GEAR SCYNRO HAS GONE OUT,(DISINTEGRATED) THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. AND NOW HAS GONE OUT A SECOND AND A THIRD TIME. THE SECOND TIME SAME DEALER SAME WARRANTY REPAIR. ... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Dec 6, 2009
Incident date: Dec 5, 2009
THE CAR LURCHES WHEN MOVING FROM A STOP. THIS IS A BIG ISSUE IN TRAFFIC DUE TO THE LAG THAT EXISTS IN APPLICATION OF THROTTLE TO ACTUAL MOVEMENT. WHAT ALSO HAPPENS IS A MOMENTARY NEUTRAL WHEN YOU APPLY FULL THROTTLE WHEN MOVING. THIS IS NOT LIKE A NORMAL KICKDOWN, THE CAR DOES NOTHING AT FIRST THEN ... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Nov 20, 2009
Incident date: Sep 16, 2009
MY CAR (2008 VW GTI W/DSG) RUNS VERY CHOPPY AT LOW SPEEDS AND IN REVERSE. OFTEN TIMES AT A STOP LIGHT, THE CAR WOULD SHIFT VERY HARD INTO FIRST GEAR WHEN I LET GO OF THE BRAKE. *TR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Oct 30, 2009
Incident date: Oct 18, 2009
NORMAL ACCELERATION FROM A STOP OR ROLLING, THE DSG TRANSMISSION WILL HESITATE AND PRODUCE A VERY ROUGH SHIFT TO THE NEXT GEAR. THIS IS INTERMITTENT BUT ALMOST DAILY. CAR IS NOW IN THE VW DEALERS REPAIR SHOP. *TR
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
Oct 30, 2009
Incident date: Oct 18, 2009
NORMAL ACCELERATION FROM A STOP OR ROLLING, THE DSG TRANSMISSION WILL HESITATE AND PRODUCE A VERY ROUGH SHIFT TO THE NEXT GEAR. THIS IS INTERMITTENT BUT ALMOST DAILY. CAR IS NOW IN THE VW DEALERS REPAIR SHOP. *TR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Oct 14, 2009
Incident date: Aug 30, 2009
2008 VW GTI DSG TRANSMISSION, DRIVING APPROX 30-40KM/H, TRANSMISSION LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING, VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN FIRST GEAR. *TR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Sep 10, 2009
Incident date: Aug 30, 2009
I OWN A 2008 VW MKV GTI WITH DSG TRANSMISSION, AND I HAVE ENCOUNTERED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS. 1. AFTER A 700 MILE DRIVE, I NOTICED THAT THE PRDNS DISPLAY WAS FLASHING, AND THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS LOCKED IN 2ND GEAR, NO OTHER GEARS COULD BE USED INCLUDING REVERSE AFTE... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Sep 4, 2009
Incident date: Jun 1, 2009
1. PROBLEM - ROUGH UP AND DOWNSHIFTS IN D, MANUAL/TIPTRONIC MODE, AND S MODES (ALL MODES AVAILABLE IN THE CAR). 2. WHEN MANUALLY DOWNSHIFTING/UPSHIFTING THE CAR OR WHEN ALLOWING THE CAR TO DO SO ON ITS OWN, YOU OFTEN GET A SLIGHT TO SEVERE JERK. PROBLEM OCCURS ON 90% OF ALL SHIFTS. 3. BEEN... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Aug 28, 2009
Incident date: Jan 6, 2007
JERKING WHEN GOING IN REVERSE OR WHEN TAKING OF FROM A STAND STILL. *TR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Aug 24, 2009
Incident date: Jun 13, 2009
WHEN BEGINNING TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP THE CAR LUNGES AND/OR IS VERY JERKY (EXTREMELY SUDDEN STARTS AND STOPS). IF THE CAR IS ON A HILL THE CAR ROLLS BACK VERY QUICKLY AND TAKES A WHILE TO START MOVING FORWARD, IF THE VEHICLE BEHIND IS TOO CLOSE ITS POSSIBLE TO ACCIDENTALLY HIT THEM. DURI... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Aug 12, 2009
Incident date: Aug 8, 2009
I'VE NOTICED STARTING THIS SUMMER MY CAR HAS BEEN REALLY JERKY, EVEN SURGING FORWARD WHEN STOPPED OCCASIONALLY. A FEW DAYS AGO IT ACTUALLY LOST POWER WHILE I WAS AT SPEED ON THE FREEWAY. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER TIME WITH ICY CONDITIONS WHERE I LIVE. AFTER RESEARCHING TH... Read more
VISIBILITY
Aug 12, 2009
Incident date: Jul 1, 2008
WHEN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE ON IN THE SLOW CONSTANT (AKA 'LOW' OR IN THE VW OWNERS MANUAL "POSITION 2") AND I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE WIPERS STOP AND GO TO A LONG DELAY INTERVAL. ONCE I START MOVING AGAIN, THEY GO BACK TO 'NORMAL'. I FIND THIS TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN IT IS RAI... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Aug 11, 2009
Incident date: Jul 16, 2009
I WILL START WITH THE MOST SERIOUS INCIDENT FIRST. AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT I WAS DRIVING UP A HILL MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO A SIDE STREET. I STOPPED TO WAIT FOR TRAFFIC TO CLEAR, WHEN TRAFFIC CLEARED I LET OFF THE BRAKE AND PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. THE CAR SLOWLY STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD AS I APPROACHED... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Aug 11, 2009
Incident date: Jul 16, 2009
I WILL START WITH THE MOST SERIOUS INCIDENT FIRST. AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT I WAS DRIVING UP A HILL MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO A SIDE STREET. I STOPPED TO WAIT FOR TRAFFIC TO CLEAR, WHEN TRAFFIC CLEARED I LET OFF THE BRAKE AND PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. THE CAR SLOWLY STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD AS I APPROACHED... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Aug 2, 2009
Incident date: Jun 29, 2009
-WHEN I LIFT MY FOOT OF THE BRAKE AND APPLY GAS AFTER COMING TO A STOP, THE CAR WILL HESITATE AND THEN VIOLENTLY LURCH FORWARD AS IT SHIFTS INTO GEAR, THIS IS EXTREMELY BOTHERSOME WHEN IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC SITUATIONS, WHEN I HAVE MANY TIMES LIFTED MY FOOT OF THE BRAKE, APPLIED NO PRESSURE TO ... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Jul 31, 2009
Incident date: Jul 15, 2009
PURCHASED A NEW 2008 VW GTI WITH THE DSG TRANSMISSION. AFTER 3 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP, I NOTICED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM: WHEN VEHICLE STARTS TO SLOWLY ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP, VEHICLE SURGES BACK AND FORTH (JERKS) CONSTANTLY UNTIL YOU PICK UP SPEED THEN CONDITION GOES AWAY. THIS IS MORE PREVALEN... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Jul 29, 2009
Incident date: Feb 1, 2009
DSG TRANSMISSION JUMPING OUT OF GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO SLOW DRAMATICALLY. WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP THERE IS A DELAY BETWEEN THROTTLE INPUT AND ACTUAL MOVEMENT. THE CAR WILL REV, AND THEN "LURCH" HEAVILY AND SUDDENLY FORWARD. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS DUE TO THES... Read more
Showing 50 of 76 complaints.
EPA Fuel Economy, 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive) | 22.0 | 29.0 | 25.0 | Premium | $3,050 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 20.0 | 29.0 | 24.0 | Premium | $3,150 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI
637 manufacturer communications from 399 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 72 |
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 65 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 60 |
| 355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL | 58 |
| 060000 ENGINE (PWS) | 51 |
| 070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 26 |
| 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18 |
| 118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE | 17 |
V171901201285567
Oct 30, 2023
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
VW Engine oil quality standards
V171905201285566
Sep 28, 2023
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
VW Engine oil quality standards
V271901201189425
Sep 7, 2023
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000VAS Charger. Update Tool terminology
V0018092053065_4
Sep 5, 2023
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
V171901201285565
Aug 21, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
V271503201607612
Jul 13, 2023
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Diagnostic assistance for excessive static current draw
V171901201285564
Jul 10, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V2719012011894_2
Jun 28, 2023
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Testing and Charging using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000 Vas Charger
V271901201189424
Jun 28, 2023
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Battery Testing and Charging using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000 Vas Charger
V011812201460319
Jun 27, 2023
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Software Version Management (SVM) instruction.
V171901201285563
Jun 20, 2023
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards, updated to include model year 2024.
V171806201781318
Jun 20, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine Oil Consumption Measurement Instruction and Work sheet.
V171806201781318
Jun 20, 2023
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Engine Oil Consumption Measurement Instruction and Work sheet.
V171901201285563
Jun 20, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards, updated to include model year 2024.
V011615201481517
Jun 15, 2023
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Gasoline quality information in regards to gasoline engine performance.
V011615201481517
Jun 15, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Gasoline quality information in regards to gasoline engine performance.
V001713203384619
Jun 15, 2023
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Gasoline fuel additive
V0116132033805_8
Jun 15, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Diagnostic Aid for engine misfire.
V171901201285562
May 30, 2023
061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V191701202254810
May 22, 2023
062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Introduce new engine coolant compatible with all models and all model years.
V171901201285560
Apr 24, 2023
061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V171901201285559
Mar 21, 2023
061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards
V4016012043146_2
Feb 20, 2023
160000 STRUCTURE
Strut or Shock leak assessment.
VWP-23-01
Feb 6, 2023
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This Document informs dealers on VWP-23-01
V171901201285558
Feb 6, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments (excludes Routan & ID.4).
V691901201047915
Feb 2, 2023
150000 SEAT BELTS
VW contact when reporting a Airbag or Pyrotechnic safety belt deployment. Update to model year applicability.
V691901201047915
Feb 2, 2023
140000 AIR BAGS
VW contact when reporting a Airbag or Pyrotechnic safety belt deployment. Update to model year applicability.
V171901201285557
Jan 12, 2023
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments (excludes Routan & ID.4).
V941901201152119
Dec 12, 2022
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Update model year applicability to include 2023.
V171901201285556
Dec 12, 2022
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments (excludes Routan & ID.4).
V271901201189422
Dec 6, 2022
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
WLA-22-15
Nov 16, 2022
263000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
ACC Calibration Process
V171901201285555
Nov 1, 2022
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments (excludes Routan & ID.4).
V171901201285554
Oct 18, 2022
061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil ) excluding Routan & ID.4attachments. (excludes Routan & ID.4)
V241801204513812
Sep 7, 2022
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Update warranty table labor operation numbers due to recent Saga updates.
V171901201285553
Aug 30, 2022
061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments. (excludes Routan & ID.4)
V241801204513811
Aug 25, 2022
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Update warranty table labor operation numbers due to recent Saga updates.
CT_batt_charger
Aug 22, 2022
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Minimum battery charger requirements during software updates
V171901201285551
Aug 3, 2022
350000 EQUIPMENT
Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments. (excludes Routan & ID.4)
V171901201285551
Aug 3, 2022
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments. (excludes Routan & ID.4)
V171901201285550
Jun 28, 2022
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include model year 2023 and the latest Engine Oil attachments. (excludes Routan & ID.4)
V171806201781317
Jun 28, 2022
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine oil consumption measurement.
V011812201460318
Jun 22, 2022
119111 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM):SOFTWARE
Software Version Management (SVM) instruction. Update to require 70amp minimum battery charger during procedure.
V011812201460318
Jun 22, 2022
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Software Version Management (SVM) instruction. Update to require 70amp minimum battery charger during procedure.
V171901201285548
Jun 15, 2022
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
VW engine oil specifications. Update to model year applicability.
V171901201285548
Jun 15, 2022
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
VW engine oil specifications. Update to model year applicability.
V011615201481514
Jun 15, 2022
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Gasoline quality.
V0116132033805_6
Jun 15, 2022
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine misfire diagnostic aid.
V3718022033975_8
Jun 14, 2022
100000 POWER TRAIN
Auto Trans fluid requirements.
V001713203384615
Jun 14, 2022
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Recommended fuel additive to avoid engine misfires.
V271901201189420
Jun 8, 2022
119100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
Battery Testing and Charging using VAS6161 and or GRX3000VAS
V271901201189420
Jun 8, 2022
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Battery Testing and Charging using VAS6161 and or GRX3000VAS
V171901201285547
Jun 6, 2022
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
VW engine oil specifications. Update to attachments.
V171901201285547
Jun 6, 2022
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
VW engine oil specifications. Update to attachments.
TT 13 20 01_2
May 26, 2022
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Engine oil pressure priming.
TT 13 20 01_2
May 26, 2022
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine oil pressure priming.
V871812200556627
May 18, 2022
138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Cleaning of Heating and Ventilation system, Updated to include additional model year applicability and cost of cleaning solution in warranty table.
V271901201189419
May 16, 2022
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Testing and Charging using recommended VW test equipment.
TT 27-10-02_4
May 12, 2022
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Tester VAS 6161 introduction.
V171901201285546
Apr 26, 2022
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V941901201152118
Apr 7, 2022
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation. Update model year applicability to include 2022.
V171901201285545
Mar 22, 2022
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V171806201781316
Mar 14, 2022
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine oil consumption measurement. Update procedure and work sheet.
V271503201607611
Mar 2, 2022
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Discharged Battery, Diagnosis for excessive current draw.
V1917012022548_9
Feb 24, 2022
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Update model and model year applicability, introduce new coolant G12Evo.
V171901201285544
Feb 21, 2022
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V171901201285543
Jan 21, 2022
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V171901201285543
Jan 21, 2022
350000 EQUIPMENT
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V171901201285543
Jan 21, 2022
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
A002155201173212
Dec 15, 2021
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
This bulletin contains general instructions for software updates.
V171901201285542
Dec 13, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V271901201189417
Dec 6, 2021
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery testing using VW special tools, updated to include additional model year applicability and include I.D.4.
TT 01 21 03
Dec 3, 2021
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Explanation of error message received from scan tool when erasing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in Control Module -623- after repair.
V171901201285541
Dec 1, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V691901201047914
Nov 8, 2021
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Update to model year applicability.
V171901201285540
Oct 28, 2021
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V0018092053065_3
Oct 26, 2021
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Additional safety related Inquiry and Reporting instruction.
V171901201285539
Sep 28, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V171901201285539
Sep 28, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V2418012045138_9
Sep 2, 2021
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Update to model year applicability.
V171901201285537
Jul 28, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V171901201285537
Jul 28, 2021
061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V171901201285536
Jun 29, 2021
061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V001713203384614
Jun 22, 2021
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
V001713203384614
Jun 22, 2021
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
V171806201781315
Jun 22, 2021
061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Engine oil consumption measurement.
V0116132033805_5
Jun 22, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid. Updated to include additional model and model year applicability.
V0116132033805_5
Jun 22, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid. Updated to include additional model and model year applicability.
V011615201481513
Jun 21, 2021
090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
VW approved gasoline fuel additive, update to include additional models and model year applicability.
V011615201481513
Jun 21, 2021
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
VW approved gasoline fuel additive, update to include additional models and model year applicability.
V011812201460317
Jun 21, 2021
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Software Version Management (SVM)
V171901201285535
Jun 3, 2021
061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V871812200556626
May 18, 2021
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Removing musty odor from A/C system. Updated to include additional model and model year applicability.
V171901201285534
May 11, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
ELSAallignVW
Apr 30, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
Elsa2Go campaign information is now 100% aligned with ElsaPro. This update to Elsa2Go ensures that both systems are displaying the same campaign information, including OPEN/CLOSED status, repair date as well as criterions at the same time w
CustomerLetterB
Apr 23, 2021
073000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Warranty Extension for Intake Manifold & Fuel Injectors Certain 2008-2011
CustomerLetterB
Apr 23, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Warranty Extension for Intake Manifold & Fuel Injectors Certain 2008-2011
TT 00 13 04_6
Apr 9, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
Parts ordering information
V171901201285533
Apr 5, 2021
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
V171901201285533
Apr 5, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)
Showing 100 of 637 bulletins.
VOLKSWAGEN GTI - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the VOLKSWAGEN GTI across all model years (1985, 2025).
83
Total Recalls
1,949
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
67
Reported Crashes
26
Reported Fires
7
Reported Deaths
VOLKSWAGEN GTI - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2024 | 2 | 40 | View |
| 2023 | 5 | 11 | View |
| 2022 | 6 | 56 | View |
| 2021 | 1 | 8 | View |
| 2020 | 3 | 10 | View |
| 2019 | 4 | 288 | View |
| 2018 | 3 | 21 | View |
| 2017 | 2 | 57 | View |
| 2016 | 4 | 84 | View |
| 2015 | 6 | 123 | View |
| 2014 | 1 | 18 | View |
| 2013 | 2 | 42 | View |
| 2012 | 2 | 52 | View |
| 2011 | 2 | 65 | View |
| 2010 | 1 | 68 | View |
| 2009 | 2 | 295 | View |
| 2008 (current) | 1 | 76 | |
| 2007 | 1 | 102 | View |
| 2006 | 2 | 57 | View |
| 2005 | 1 | 12 | View |
| 2004 | 1 | 13 | View |
| 2003 | 1 | 72 | View |
| 2002 | 2 | 141 | View |
| 2001 | 2 | 97 | View |
| 2000 | 3 | 58 | View |
| 1999 | 2 | 11 | View |
| 1998 | 0 | 12 | View |
| 1997 | 0 | 12 | View |
| 1996 | 1 | 11 | View |
| 1995 | 2 | 28 | View |
| 1994 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1993 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1992 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1991 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 1990 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1989 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1988 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1987 | 2 | 2 | View |
| 1986 | 3 | 2 | View |
| 1985 | 2 | 3 | View |