2011 Volkswagen GTI transmission problems

Filed May 24, 2022 · Transmission · 108,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Filed Jun 4, 2019 · Transmission · 67,000 miles · PA

Car has 67000 miles, driving home on a ~300 mile trip, received a warning that oil was low. Drove 8-10 miles to the closest gas station to check. Oil was leaking rapidly. Put in more to get to mechanic who confirmed rear main was leaking, was unwilling to do repairs. Drove to another mechanic willing to do repairs, who confirmed that the rear main seal/pcv valve had failed. This is a well-known and common issue in 2.0 tsi engines across vw and audi.

Filed Nov 29, 2017 · Transmission · 47,556 miles · FL

Rough up and down shifts with the dsg transmission. I complained several times over the last 4-5 years to vw dealerships claiming that the transmission was making horrible clunking and clanking sounds in lower gears, and would have rougher than usual shifts normally in reverse to drive, and second gear to first gear, or first gear to neutral. They all but ignored it and blamed it on being the "nature of the car" and to "get used to it". This poses an issue though as the transmission is sometimes slow or hesitant to give power or it'll cut power unexpectedly... So from a stop some power is present, but can cut out for a second or two... Leaving the driver and passengers in a dangerous position. It also lurches forward from a cold start when shifting into drive. If someone did not have their brakes fully applied, they could easily hit someone or someone's property from this trait. Now that the car is well out of the 5 year powertrain warranty, vw techs only now recognize a problem with the dsg mechatronics unit, the same part that has an open recall for 10yr/100k on previous models of the gti (2006-2010), and also reported problems on newer models as well (2014+). Vw refuses to extend any coverage to the mk6 generation, and want a total of $2400 to replace the faulty mechatronics unit. Once again, vw refuses to learn from their mistakes and uses faulty parts on newer cars and when they too begin to show issues, they turn their back on their customers. Vw might as well add mechatronics replacement on dsg equipped vehicles as part of their regular maintenance. I have lost all faith in this car brand.

Filed Sep 8, 2017 · Transmission · 76 miles · NY

Check engine light came suddenly came on. Engine had a hard time starting. There was a noticeable roughness to the motor while running. Brought it to the mechanic the following day and found many codes were up. Diagnosis is broken timing chain tensioner. Resulting in an. Engine failure . Mechanic said it cannot be repaired and will need a new engine. Odometer is only 76k

Filed Jul 15, 2017 · Transmission · 47,346 miles · FL

(dsg automatic) harsh shifting from park to reverse, and from reverse to drive. Hesitation from a stop to go. Car feels like it shudders or jerks from a stop to go, and when braking to a stop. Dealer states it's a faulty mechatronics unit and needs to be replaced. Same issues that plagued the last generation of vehicles, and vw was forced to issue a recall due to safety concerns. Dealer tried to get vw to cover cost of repair, but they refused. Dealer wants $2500 to repair. Vehicle currently has 47,346 miles. Currently discussing legal action with an attorney.

Filed Dec 22, 2015 · Transmission · CA

Clutch makes a loud metallic groaning sound when engaging first gear or reverse. Loudest on cold days and when driving the car for the first time every day. Has been occurring for the past year. Many others have reported this issue online and vw has issued a technical service bulletin regarding the issue. They have admitted that this issue is due to a faulty clutch assembly/throwout bearing and have issued a redesigned part to fix the problem, but they are still very inconsistent in covering the cost of replacement for the defective part.

Filed Nov 9, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 43,000 miles · SC

Came outside to a failed water pump. This is a common problem with various volkswagens. Many shop techs are very familiar with this issue. It is unsafe for the driver and other cars. There is a chance the pump could fail while driving or a person may not notice the coolant on the ground. That can lead to the car overheating and causing expensive damage. You could also be left stranded on the side of the road. Any instance when a person or car are left on the side of the road is a road and health risk. Also when these pumps fail they often leak coolant. The coolant is not safe for the environment. When the pumps do get replaced the issue often comes back repeatedly. This is partly due to the poor design of the system. A revision of the waterpump should be made. Also an extension on the warranty of said part should be made for owners. This is a significant problem that needs to be taken care of. For personal and environmental risks.

Filed Nov 5, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 45,000 miles · MD

Engine will stall and die within 5-20 seconds after starting. Happens on a warm engine after it sits for 45-60 minutes. Happened multiple times, each after engine has reached operating temperature. This is potentially a deadly problem if the car dies on a street, as it won't steer or have propulsion! Had it seen at vw dealer: they suspect it is the "in-tank fuel pump" but this part is not covered under drivetrain warranty? I called vw customer service but they said they can't help on this $834 repair. I'm perplexed how a fuel pump goes bad on a 2011 with only 45k miles, and that a vital component that will make the car stall & die is not covered under drivetrain warranty. This is a potentially deadly problem if it dies suddenly and cars following cannot swerve around. Very disappointed. This will be my last vw, ever. If you own a vw with 2.0 tsi you should look into this.

Filed Feb 26, 2013 · Transmission · 19,000 miles · CA

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. This issue has only happened once in 19k miles slow reaction with dsg transmission: while moving and coming to a rolling stop and then accelerating to proceed, the transmission would not shift into a lower gear. This issue happens all the time.

Filed Oct 24, 2011 · Transmission · 3,000 miles · CA

When accelerating after having slowed down for a turn, the clutch fails to engage and I get a false neutral. The RPM goes all the way to 5000, 6000, but the car doesn't speed up because it's in neutral, even when the gear selector is in d. This is difficult to replicate because it happens spontaneously. Volkswagen refuses to recognize problem because it cannot be immediately replicated at the dealership.