2008 Volkswagen GTI: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jul 19, 2020 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · 10 miles · OH

The rpms only go to 4000 the headlights are constantly blown, one of the fans does not work ....there are a lot of electrical problems, the mass air intake flow issues with that there's just a lot of issues. It's affected the electrical, speed control, airbags, visibility and wiper,lighting, fuel system mass air intake sensor

Filed Mar 30, 2016 · Electrical · 103,257 miles · FL

I've recently had frequent headlight bulb failures and other headlight related issues during my ownership of the car. Prior to installing another expensive new bulb I did some investigation into the wiring inside the headlight housing and I was completely stunned and concerned at what I found. The wiring insulation/covering is missing on the majority of the wires. Especially at the main connector where the covering on all wires is missing. The majority, approximately 80% of the wires are bare. Any wire insulation remaining is cracked and frail. I am concerned about the safety of this vehicles wiring and the potential for fire due to electrical shorts as well as the potential for this issue to cause other problems with the electrical circuit of the car. There is no routine maintenance as an owner that could have prevented this from happening. I contacted volkswagen of america and I was told that due to the age and mileage (103,257) of the vehicle they couldn't do anything. I believe this to be an engineering failure to provide adequate insulation to the wiring in an environment prone to heat and should be subject to a formal inquiry of other vehicles of the same make and model. The headlight failure indicator on the dash came as I started the car and I verified the light was out. The wiring issue was found while the car was stationary during the replacement of the bulb.

Filed May 20, 2014 · Lights · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 volkswagen gti. The contact stated that the low beam headlights did not project. The headlights were not aimed properly and caused reduced road visibility intermittently. The contact used the high beams as an interim fix due to the failure. The vehicle was scheduled to be inspected, diagnosed and repaired by an authorized dealer. The contacts VIN was not included in the federal safety agency recall campaign number: 07v442000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 4, 2009 · Lights · 3,231 miles · TX

The headlights for my 2008 volkswagen gti mkv must have some form of a hole or insufficient sealant because when it was cold outside allot of moisture built up inside the headlights and made my visibility so hard to see on the highway I almost ran into 1 car and while I was exiting and getting onto the service road I was going to make a right turn onto my street when I almost hit 2 parked cars. My friend has also been having the same issues with his car.

Filed Nov 9, 2008 · Lights · CA

The 2008 vw gti uses the headlights as running lights. When the car is started and the parking brake is released the headlights turn on. This occurs regardless of the position of the headlight switch. This causes a hazard as at night the driver is likely to start the car and proceed to drive. Usually one would not proceed to drive without turning the lights on however the headlights are turned on automatically. Now you are driving with headlights but no taillights. This feature is creating a hazard and should be changed. I inquired at the dealer and they stated 'that is the way it is designed to work'. I have not had an accident because of this deficiency.

Filed Oct 30, 2008 · Lights · AL

The 2008 vw gti uses the headlights as running lights. When the car is started and the parking brake is released the headlights turn on. This occurs regardless of the position of the headlight switch. This causes a hazard as at night the driver is likely to start the car and proceed to drive. Usually one would not proceed to drive without turning the lights on however the headlights are turned on automatically. Now you are driving with headlights but no taillights. This feature is creating a hazard and should be changed. I inquired at the dealer and they stated 'that is the way it is designed to work'. I have not had an accident because of this deficiency.