2012 Volkswagen GTI problems and complaints

Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Volkswagen GTI. The most-reported areas: Engine (13), Power Train (7), Service Brakes (5).

Key takeaways

  • 40 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 2 involve a crash, 1 a fire, 0 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1333%
Power Train718%
Service Brakes513%
Air Bags513%
Fuel/Propulsion System410%
Electrical System410%
Vehicle Speed Control410%
Unknown Or Other38%
Engine And Engine Cooling13%
Structure13%
Steering13%
Exterior Lighting13%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2012 Volkswagen GTI 4 DR FWDNot ratedNot ratedNot rated4/5
2012 Volkswagen GTI 2 DR FWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes - filed 2024-07-29

ABS Control Module short and failure occurred. Trouble codes generated include 01325 - Tire Pressure Monitoring Control Module No signal/communication and 01130 - ABS Operation Implausible signal static. Upon visiting an Authorized Volkswagen dealer service center was charged $200 for ABS diagnostic fee and told the AB...

Engine,engine And Engine Cooling - filed 2023-12-28

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant level warning light illuminated. The contact stopped and refilled the coolant reservoir bottle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed water pump. The contact was info...

Air Bags - filed 2022-08-30

My Air bag light came on. Plus all the controls on my steering column do not work, including the horn. I called the VW dealer. They knew exactly what it was. The Clock Spring. This happened in early May. I was told the part has been on back order for 6 months. The dealer does not have any cars to give me until t...

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More for the 2012 Volkswagen GTI

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.