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
Reporting mechanism
Engine behavior
Condition issue
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Driver assistance issue
Performance issue
Fluid issue
Safety restraint issue
Vibration/harshness
Braking behavior
Safety restraint behavior
Noise
Thermal issue
Steering behavior
Lighting behavior
Access/entry issue
Electrical issue
Starting behavior
Smell
Recent change
Infotainment behavior
Powering on/off behavior
HVAC behavior
Wiper/washer behavior
Ride/handling behavior
Communication/network issue
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…