Which year to buy
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2014GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.8× usual Extended coverage
8 serious complaints of 10, the most about engine (4) and steering (2); per car on the road, 0.8× this model's usual year. 1 recall. NHTSA investigation EA18003: air bag clockspring failure. NHTSA investigation RQ17009: air bag clockspring failure.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated while shifting the vehicle into drive(D) there was a lag before the vehicle responded. The contact stated that the engine revved before the transmission jolted into gear. The contact stated that the vehicle shook abnormally.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Mar 2023
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage This Document informs dealers on VWP-18-11 for the Steering Wheel Clock Spring Limited Warranty Extension (VWP-18-11, Oct 2018)
- Extended coverage This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. (Turbocharger, Sep 2025)
- Extended coverage This Document informs dealers on the the new Water Pump Limited Warranty Extension (VWP-19, Dec 2019)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
10 owner complaints · 1 recall (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 25–27 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated
2013GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.8× usual Extended coverage
29 serious complaints of 34, the most about engine (11) and fuel system (7); per car on the road, 0.8× this model's usual year. 2 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA18003: air bag clockspring failure. NHTSA investigation RQ17009: air bag clockspring failure.
What owners report
“I'm on my way to work on the highway going uphill and the temperature red light starts flashing. I decided to slow down because the flashing light had me concerned. The temperature gauge stayed at normal position so I was able to bring it home.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Mar 2021
“I've started to notice that after driving my car and using the dsg shifter or sport mode, my car will not start back up for a while after parked. Seems only to happen after warm engine. I will start the car and then it will sputter before the engine shuts off. After about an hour or maybe longer, I am able to crank it and drive.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the fuel system, Feb 2018
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage This Document informs dealers on VWP-18-11 for the Steering Wheel Clock Spring Limited Warranty Extension (VWP-18-11, Oct 2018)
- Extended coverage This Document informs dealers on the the new Water Pump Limited Warranty Extension (VWP-19, Dec 2019)
- Extended coverage This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. (Turbocharger, Sep 2025)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
34 owner complaints · 2 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 25–27 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated
2012GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.9× usual Extended coverage
31 serious complaints of 40, the most about engine (13) and power train (7); per car on the road, 0.9× this model's usual year. 2 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA18003: air bag clockspring failure. NHTSA investigation RQ17009: air bag clockspring failure.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 volkswagen gti. The contact stated that when the engine was started, it rattled inside. The vehicle was taken to demontrond volkswagen (14101 north fwy, houston, tx 77090, (281) 872-3855) where it was diagnosed that the timing chain and the timing tensioner needed to be replaced.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Oct 2019
“Water pump failed on 3 separate occasions. Had the fuel pump fail, air intake, excess carbon build up on valves, and now total engine failure. The rocker arm for number 3 cylinder broke in half causing total engine failure. Vehicle was in motion during all of the events.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Oct 2017
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP COMMUNICATION: Volkswagen announced a warranty extension program to cover the High Pressure Fuel Pump on 2009-2012 model year TDI Clean Diesel Engine vehicles (Dealer, Apr 2015)
- Extended coverage This document advises dealers regarding the Timing Chain/Timing Chain Tensioner Limited Warranty Extension (VWP-18, Aug 2018)
- Extended coverage This Document informs dealers on VWP-18-11 for the Steering Wheel Clock Spring Limited Warranty Extension (VWP-18-11, Oct 2018)
- Extended coverage The Vehicle Maintenance Declaration has been added back to WISE for the Timing Chain Warranty Extension. (Vehicle, Jan 2019)
- Extended coverage This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. (Turbocharger, Sep 2025)
- Extended coverage This Document informs dealers on the the new Water Pump Limited Warranty Extension (VWP-19, Dec 2019)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
40 owner complaints · 2 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 25–27 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated
2011GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.1× usual Extended coverage
44 serious complaints of 55, the most about engine (20) and power train (16); per car on the road, 1.1× this model's usual year. 2 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA18003: air bag clockspring failure. NHTSA investigation RQ17009: air bag clockspring failure.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2011 volkswagen gti. While parked, it took multiple attempts to start the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain tensioner failed and needed to be replaced.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Mar 2016
“False neutral with dsg transmission: I was in manual mode when I downshifted as I came into a corner. Once around the corner I depressing the throttle, the engine began to rev freely as if in neutral for several seconds. I was able to regain power by allowing the rpm to drop to idle, then down shifting into second.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Feb 2013
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage This document advises dealers regarding the Timing Chain/Timing Chain Tensioner Limited Warranty Extension (VWP-18, Aug 2018)
- Extended coverage This Document informs dealers on VWP-18-11 for the Steering Wheel Clock Spring Limited Warranty Extension (VWP-18-11, Oct 2018)
- Extended coverage This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. (Turbocharger, Sep 2025)
- Extended coverage VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP COMMUNICATION: Volkswagen announced a warranty extension program to cover the High Pressure Fuel Pump on 2009-2012 model year TDI Clean Diesel Engine vehicles (Dealer, Apr 2015)
- Extended coverage The Vehicle Maintenance Declaration has been added back to WISE for the Timing Chain Warranty Extension. (Vehicle, Jan 2019)
- Extended coverage This Document informs dealers on the the new Water Pump Limited Warranty Extension (VWP-19, Dec 2019)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
55 owner complaints · 2 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 25–27 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated
2010CAREFULSerious complaints 1.5× usual, mostly engine and power train Extended coverage
43 serious complaints of 53, the most about engine (17) and power train (14); per car on the road, 1.5× this model's usual year. 1 recall. NHTSA investigation EA18003: air bag clockspring failure.
What owners report
“Vehicle was purchased from a volkswagen dealer with 61557 miles and maintained through service at dealership including regular oil changes. Less than two years later, at roughly 106,000 miles the timing chain tensioner failed randomly while driving resulting in valve damage and ultimately full engine failure.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Feb 2018
“The vehicle I purchased was under used dealer warranty engine and transmission I went ahead and did almost $4000 in repairs to this car to make it drive somewhat normal from the original jerky start from after purchase (no it did not drive like this when I test drove) I attempted to get a new transmission because vw recommended this to remedy the issue but…”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Jan 2021
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage This document advises dealers regarding the Timing Chain/Timing Chain Tensioner Limited Warranty Extension (VWP-18, Aug 2018)
- Extended coverage This Document informs dealers on VWP-18-11 for the Steering Wheel Clock Spring Limited Warranty Extension (VWP-18-11, Oct 2018)
- Extended coverage This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. (Turbocharger, Sep 2025)
- Extended coverage VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP COMMUNICATION: Volkswagen announced a warranty extension program to cover the High Pressure Fuel Pump on 2009-2012 model year TDI Clean Diesel Engine vehicles (Dealer, Apr 2015)
- Extended coverage The Vehicle Maintenance Declaration has been added back to WISE for the Timing Chain Warranty Extension. (Vehicle, Jan 2019)
- Extended coverage This Document informs dealers on the the new Water Pump Limited Warranty Extension (VWP-19, Dec 2019)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
53 owner complaints · 1 recall (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 25–27 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo manual available | FWD | 25–27 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 10 | Engine (4) | — |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo manual available | FWD | 25–27 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 34 | Engine (11) | — |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo manual available | FWD | 25–27 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 40 | Engine (13) | — |
| 2011 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo manual available | FWD | 25–27 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 55 | Engine (20) | — |
| 2010 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo manual available | FWD | 25–27 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 53 | Engine (17) | — |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Trim-by-trim features for Volkswagen aren't in our data yet: so far we have them for BMW, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Subaru, Toyota, and more brands are on the way.
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Volkswagen GTI 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 10 |
| 2014 | Volkswagen GTI 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 10 |
| 2013 | Volkswagen GTI 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 34 |
| 2013 | Volkswagen GTI 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 34 |
| 2012 | Volkswagen GTI 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 40 |
| 2012 | Volkswagen GTI 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 40 |
| 2011 | Volkswagen GTI 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 55 |
| 2011 | Volkswagen GTI 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 55 |
| 2010 | Volkswagen GTI 2-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 53 |
| 2010 | Volkswagen GTI 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 53 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | GTI | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–27 |
| 2013 | GTI | Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–27 |
| 2012 | GTI | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–27 |
| 2011 | GTI | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–27 |
| 2010 | GTI | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–27 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.