2012 Volkswagen GTI problems
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Volkswagen GTI. Engine is the most reported problem area, at 27% of complaints. Next are drivetrain & axles (13%) and air bags (10%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 52 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Engine 27% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 5 and 3
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 50,000 miles 45 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 11 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 7 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 8 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 7 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 9 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 3 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 45 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 50,000 miles. For engine specifically, the median reported mileage is about 50,000 miles (13 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 5 complaints mention a crash; 3 complaints mention a fire.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2012 ranks 15th most-complained-about out of 19 model years of the Volkswagen GTI with enough data (36 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 2 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
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. VW won't assist in repairs even though the 2.0 tsi engine has a well documented history of engine failure when the timing chain tensioner fails. They won't fix it unless it is under warranty.
This morning on the way to work, I experienced shaking and hesitation upon accelerating. I turned around and went back home and immediately got the car into the dealer. I was told that the number 2 ignition coil was failing, which was causing the problem. I looked up the problem and found this link: [link removed] which specifically instructs to contact you to file the complaint. I bought the car on 9/30/2011 brand new.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 volkswagen gti. The contact stated that when the engine was started, it rattled inside. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic where the repair was completed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 190-669-582. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.