RecallMyCar

Volkswagen GTI Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 34 safety recalls and 1,405 owner complaints across 41 model years of the Volkswagen GTI (1985–2025). The most-complained-about year is 2019.

34
safety recalls, all years
1,405
owner complaints, all years
2015
year with most recalls
2019
year with most complaints

Pick your Volkswagen GTI model year

Model yearRecallsComplaints
2025 Volkswagen GTI10
2024 Volkswagen GTI229
2023 Volkswagen GTI56
2022 Volkswagen GTI628
2021 Volkswagen GTI14
2020 Volkswagen GTI38
2019 Volkswagen GTI4179
2018 Volkswagen GTI317
2017 Volkswagen GTI252
2016 Volkswagen GTI466
2015 Volkswagen GTI697
2014 Volkswagen GTI110
2013 Volkswagen GTI234
2012 Volkswagen GTI240
2011 Volkswagen GTI255
2010 Volkswagen GTI153
2009 Volkswagen GTI2167
2008 Volkswagen GTI167
2007 Volkswagen GTI177
2006 Volkswagen GTI243
2005 Volkswagen GTI18
2004 Volkswagen GTI17
2003 Volkswagen GTI153
2002 Volkswagen GTI2124
2001 Volkswagen GTI274
2000 Volkswagen GTI345
1999 Volkswagen GTI28
1998 Volkswagen GTI010
1997 Volkswagen GTI010
1996 Volkswagen GTI19
1995 Volkswagen GTI218
1994 Volkswagen GTI20
1993 Volkswagen GTI20
1992 Volkswagen GTI10
1991 Volkswagen GTI11
1990 Volkswagen GTI20
1989 Volkswagen GTI10
1988 Volkswagen GTI10
1987 Volkswagen GTI22
1986 Volkswagen GTI32
1985 Volkswagen GTI22

What Volkswagen GTI owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 1,405 complaints with NHTSA. The 2019 model year has the most, with 179.

All Volkswagen GTI recalls (34)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Volkswagen GTI, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

  1. Retractor (seat belts)

    NHTSA 25V638000 Reported 1,042 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 GTI, Golf R, Audi A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, S5, S6 Sportback E-Tron, 2026 Q4 Sportback E-Tron, and Q4 E-Tron vehicles. The torsion bar in one or both front seat belt retractors may have been damaged during production.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both front seat belts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 30, 2025, and October 31, 2025. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834 or Volkswagen at…

    Model years: 2025

  2. Software (back over prevention)

    NHTSA 25V103000 Reported 8,237 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf GTI vehicles. A software error may delay or deactivate the rearview camera image, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…

    Remedy: Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this…

    Model years: 2022, 2023, 2024

  3. Software (back over prevention)

    NHTSA 24V480000 Reported 84,432 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf R, Golf GTI, 2024 Atlas, and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111,…

    Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2024, and July 16, 2024. Owners may contact VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298. VW's number for…

    Model years: 2022, 2023, 2024

  4. Fuel system, gasoline

    NHTSA 24V110000 Reported 261,257 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact…

    Model years: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

  5. Switch (electrical system)

    NHTSA 23V604000 Reported 62,538 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall…

    Model years: 2019, 2020

  6. Macpherson strut (suspension)

    NHTSA 23V437000 Reported 59 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Golf R A8 and Golf GTI vehicles. The strut mount may be deformed, loosening the bolted connections to the suspension strut mounting.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right and/or left suspension strut mountings, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's…

    Model years: 2023

  7. Display function (back over prevention)

    NHTSA 22V823000 Reported 2,607 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Golf R A8, Audi S3, RS3 Sedan, Q4 E-Tron SUV, A3 Sedan, and 2022-2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI, and ID4 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be blank or unresponsive when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear or when the park function is manually activated. As such,…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Audi owners February 14, 2023. Volkswagen owners will receive an owner notification letter once remedy parts become…

    Model years: 2022, 2023

  8. Pressure monitoring and regulating systems (tires)

    NHTSA 22V815000 Reported 296,044 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not…

    Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi’s customer service at…

    Model years: 2019, 2020

  9. Radiator assembly (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 22V707000 Reported 8,038 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Golf R A8 and Golf GTI vehicles. The radiator may not have been attached correctly to the intercooler, which can result in a damaged coolant hose.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the radiator and replace any damaged parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at…

    Model years: 2022, 2023

  10. Inflator module (air bags)

    NHTSA 22V543000 Reported 1,216 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer…

    Model years: 2016

  11. Sun/moon roof assembly (visibility)

    NHTSA 22V542000 Reported 2,238 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Golf R A8 and Golf GTI vehicles. The touch switch for the sunroof may be too sensitive, allowing it to be inadvertently pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the roof module switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 23, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's…

    Model years: 2022

  12. Software (equipment) and camera (back over prevention)

    NHTSA 22V514000 Reported 43,091 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to…

    Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's…

    Model years: 2021

  13. Engine

    NHTSA 22V163000 Reported 4,269 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Golf GTI and Golf R vehicles. Certain driving situations, such as high acceleration driving maneuvers, may loosen the engine design cover.

    Remedy: Dealers will remove the engine design cover, free of charge. Once parts become available, Volkswagen will provide a free updated engine design cover under a separate Service Action. Owner notification letters were…

    Model years: 2022

  14. Anti-theft device (steering) and electrical system: control module

    NHTSA 19V615000 Reported 679,027 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.…

    Model years: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

  15. Caliper (service brakes) Do not drive

    NHTSA 18V369000 Reported 10,225 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.

    Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the…

    Model years: 2018

  16. Unknown or other

    NHTSA 18V329000 Reported 252 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact…

    Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013

  17. Electronic stability control (esc) and antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (service brakes)

    NHTSA 16V913000 Reported 135,683 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC)…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will…

    Model years: 2009

  18. Fuel system, gasoline and emission control (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 16V647000 Reported 110,042 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, Audi owners may…

    Model years: 2015, 2016

  19. Air bags: frontal

    NHTSA 15V483000 Reported 415,825 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires…

    Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

  20. Fuel pump (fuel system)

    NHTSA 15V229000 Reported 6,205 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Golf, and GTI manufactured on February 17, 2014, to May 22, 2014, and Audi A3 manufactured on February 16, 2013, to April 23, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any affected fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi at…

    Model years: 2015

  21. Fuel rail (fuel system)

    NHTSA 15V028000 Reported 44,658 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's…

    Model years: 2015

  22. Steering

    NHTSA 14V412000 Reported 2,001 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured January 27, 2014, to May 12, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the stabilizer link fasteners may come loose and possibly interfere with the steering of the vehicle.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front stabilizer links, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number…

    Model years: 2015

  23. Automatic transmission (power train)

    NHTSA 09V333000 Reported 16,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 passenger cars manufactured between september 2008 and august 2009. The wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the direct shift gearbox (dsg) may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped. With insufficiently crimped connector wires, a temperature sensor has the…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will reprogram the transmission control module with updated software free of charge. The recall began on october 20, 2009. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Model years: 2009, 2010

  24. Headlights (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 07V442000 Reported 340,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." some vehicles may not have had a required cap installed which disables the headlight horizontal aim and some vehicles may contain a cap that disables the vertical aiming screw.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect for the presence of a cap in the socket of the low beam horizontal aiming screw and install one if missing, and inspect for the presence of a cap in the socket of the vertical aiming screw and if…

    Model years: 2006, 2007, 2008

  25. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 07V063000 Reported 1,002,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.

    Remedy: Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on april 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through september 21, 2007. Vehicles within the make,…

    Model years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

  26. Fuel pump (fuel system)

    NHTSA 05V154000 Reported 30,708 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    On certain passenger vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and double-layer fuel tanks, tension on the fuel supply line may cause the fuel pump supply nipple to crack which could result in a leak.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel supply line for tension, and inspect the fuel pump supply nipple for cracking. If necessary the fuel line and the fuel pump will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on july 25,…

    Model years: 1999, 2000

  27. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 04V584000 Reported 410,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    On certain passenger vehicles, the hazard switch and flasher system function may degrade over time because of distortion and material transfer of the contacts of certain hazard switch relays which occurs due to substantially increased electrical current load from higher wattage turn signal bulbs.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the hazard flasher switch/relay kit. The recall began on march 31, 2005. Owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Model years: 2000, 2001, 2002

  28. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 98V195000 Reported 153,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear brake line on the passenger side was routed too close to the corner of the fuel tank. The line could be damaged by chafing against the fuel tank.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake line and replace any damaged lines.

    Model years: 1993, 1994, 1995

  29. Latch (latches/locks/linkages)

    NHTSA 98V160000 Reported 238,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The bolts securing the front hood latch can loosen over time. The latch would move causing disengagement of the hood striker from the latch.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the hood latch and securing bolts and replace them if necessary.

    Model years: 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

  30. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 92V131000 Reported 12,650 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    The venturi tube located in the throttle valve housing can become loose and fall against the throttle plate.

    Remedy: Replace the press-fit venturi tube with a thread type tube.

    Model years: 1990, 1991, 1992

  31. Heater core (visibility)

    NHTSA 92V050000 Reported 650,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    The end cap connecting the heat exchanger's core to the engine cooling system could rupture and allow hot coolant to escape into the passenger compartment.

    Remedy: Replace the heater core with an improved heater core.

    Model years: 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990

  32. Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (wheels)

    NHTSA 87V063000 Reported 10,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    The front left wheel lug nuts may have been improperly torqued.

    Remedy: Inspect and re-torque left front wheel lug nuts.

    Model years: 1987

  33. Tank assembly (fuel system)

    NHTSA 86V149000 Reported 23,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    More fuel than permitted by FMVSS 301 may escape from the fuel tank assembly. Consequence of defect: cars are not in compliance with FMVSS 301.

    Remedy: Replace the fuel tank assembly with a modified unit.

    Model years: 1986

  34. Tank assembly (fuel system)

    NHTSA 86V029000 Reported 77,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    More fuel than permitted by FMVSS 301 may escape from the fuel tank assembly under the test conditions described in the standard. Consequence of defect: if the car is involved in an accident, the fuel spillage may result in a fire.

    Remedy: Replace the fuel tank assembly with a modified unit.

    Model years: 1985, 1986

Other Volkswagen models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.