NHTSA Data Explorer

Volkswagen GTI

Data refreshed September 6, 2026

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

Complaints

2,830

Active records

Recalls

64

Active records

TSBs

2,198

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

6

Injuries

147

Crashes

99

Fires

45

Top reported issues — Volkswagen GTI

Click a category to expand its values.

Operating state

553

Reporting mechanism

327

Engine behavior

323

Condition issue

316

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

206

Driver assistance issue

197

Performance issue

184

Fluid issue

135

Safety restraint issue

132

Vibration/harshness

82

Braking behavior

77

Safety restraint behavior

73

Noise

68

Thermal issue

54

Steering behavior

42

Lighting behavior

38

Access/entry issue

37

Electrical issue

32

Starting behavior

28

Smell

20

Recent change

18

Infotainment behavior

14

Powering on/off behavior

14

HVAC behavior

7

Wiper/washer behavior

7

Ride/handling behavior

5

Communication/network issue

2

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2022 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Filed Sep 1, 2026


While driving, the vehicle developed uneven acceleration and an audible metallic rattling/buzzing sound. Shortly after, the engine locked up, stalled, and jerked the car to a stop while in traffic. A Volkswagen dealership has confirmed the engine failed and locked up, at 26,127 miles, but could not yet identify the specific internal components which failed. They indicated the engine cannot be turned over and the oil is full of metallic flakes. This created substantial danger to myself and…

2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Filed Aug 25, 2026


The tire sidewall blew out. We were driving at 65 mph on an interstate highway in an urban area and had to change the tire in the triangular space between the highway lanes and an exit - very dangerous. These were sold as 60,000 mile tires, and this tire had 20,200 miles on it. It was maintained at proper pressure. Conditions were clear, dry, summer weather in Albuquerque, NM. The problem has not yet been confirmed by the service center, but we will be taking the damaged tire there because it…

2011 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Filed Aug 21, 2026


See attached document for complaint

2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Filed Aug 15, 2026


While driving at approx 65 mph on a highway, I heard a loud thunk from the left rear side of my 2015 VW Golf and the car swerved a little bit. I was thankfully able to control the car and get myself to safety. A family member looked under the car and the broken coil spring was clearly visible, with a very sharp end at the point it broke, right next to the tire... could have been a disaster. I had the car towed to a local VW dealership where they confirmed the broken spring and replaced both…

2021 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Filed Aug 5, 2026


my car is 5 years old, only has 37291miles. Failed Component: Seat Belts (Right Rear Passenger Buckle) Description of Incident: The right rear passenger seat belt buckle assembly has suffered a complete mechanical latch failure. When attempting to insert the seat belt tongue into the buckle receptacle, the internal latching mechanism fails to engage, catch, or lock. The seat belt cannot be secured under any amount of pressure, rendering the entire passenger seating position completely unusable…

2019 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Filed Aug 5, 2026


I own a vehicle built from two salvage vehicles: a 2019 VW Golf Sportwagen (VIN [XXX] - the body) and a 2019 VW GTI (VIN [XXX] - the engine, suspension, fuel tank/system, etc). The vehicle is registered and titled under the Sportwagen VIN. Safety Recall 20UF requires replacement of the suction jet pump to prevent risk of fire. The recall was performed on the Sportwagen prior to its crash, but not on the GTI. Since the Sportwagen no longer has it's original engine/fuel tank, but that from…

2021 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Filed Jul 29, 2026


What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Component: The MIB3 Infotainment Head Unit (specifically the internal eMMC memory chip) and the motorized rearview camera trunk emblem assembly.Inspection: Yes, the vehicle and all malfunctioning components are fully available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?Risk: The backup camera screen completely freezes or goes black when reversing,…

2017 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Filed Jul 28, 2026


Fuel pump and thermostat failure. Known issue on 2017 GTI models and VW corporate will not grant an exception for the class action settlement since vehicle is outside of coverage period. All scheduled maintenance on vehicle has been done at a dealership and i have had no issues. Spoke with VW Corporate and they will not grant an exception or allow me to speak to anyone else after requesting an escalation request to a supervisor. They also said filing a complaint will not do anything since the…

2017 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Filed Jul 24, 2026


On June 24, 2026, Safety Recall 20UF (Suction Jet Pump) was completed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer. Upon leaving the dealership, the vehicle immediately experienced a severe engine stall and extended no-start condition. During the recall service, liquid fuel flooded the EVAP lines and charcoal canister, saturating the intake with raw fuel. This caused an immediate safety hazard, stalling the vehicle in active traffic in 110+ degree summer heat. The vehicle was brought back to the dealer,…

2022 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Filed Jul 18, 2026


On July 16, 2026, a remote Over-the-Air (OTA) software update was initiated by Volkswagen. Prior to this update, the infotainment system functioned correctly (backup camera and other safety features are displayed on this screen. Immediately following the installation, the system module failed, rendering it unusable and multiple safety features negated by this failure. Although the vehicle is outside the standard factory warranty period, this failure is a direct result of a…

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

Updated September 6, 2026. Refreshed nightly.