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VIN REPORT

WVWFV71K27W2799502007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Risk Score
23
MODERATE RISK
out of 100
1 Found
1 campaign
77
Reported to NHTSA
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
19 yrs
Made in GERMANY
F
Score: 54/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. Owner complaints include 1 reported death and 2 injuries — an extremely serious pattern that warrants further investigation.

  • 1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • 1 death reported in owner complaints — a serious red flag
  • Electrical is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
  • Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
23/100
Moderate Risk
2 moderate risk signals detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 2 detected
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
1 model-wide recall on record
+3
Critical Alerts

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Make
VOLKSWAGEN
Model
GTI
Year
2007
Body Style
Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 1.984000L 200.00 hp
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
2
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN AG
Assembly
WOLFSBURG, GERMANY
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
CQuality55/100
Standard📍 WOLFSBURG, GERMANY

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety
F
Score: 54/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety28/30
Complaint History6/30
5/100Low

✓ No high-risk recall components found

2/100
Basic
1 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Moderate
  • 1 death(s) reported in complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Electrical
1 recall15 complaints

2.0L EA888 TSI: timing chain tensioner and water pump failures well-documented

Also affects: Golf, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, A3, Q3
Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam?Unknown
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera?Unknown
Electronic Stability Control?Unknown
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support?Unknown
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls
82/100
Critical Deferred Risk
Critical deferred failure risk — 5 safety-critical or high-cost components are past their service interval. Without immediate attention, repair costs will compound significantly.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~228,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
EST. OVERDUECriticalTiming Belt
Service interval: 7 yr · Vehicle age: 19 yr · Past due by age
Service Timing Belt immediately — already past the 90,000 mi / 7 yr interval
A snapped timing belt causes immediate, catastrophic engine damage — bent valves, destroyed pistons. No warning. Replace before the interval, not after.
EST. OVERDUECriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 19 yr · Past due by age
Service Timing Chain Tensioner immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 19 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 19 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 19 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 19 yr · Past due by age
Service Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
EST. OVERDUEModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 19 yr · Past due by age
Service Fuel Injectors immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
11 RECALL

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 1 recall is ~64%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

64%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

VOLKSWAGEN Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
84%Fair

VOLKSWAGEN completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~22 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~22 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
22mo
#07V442000
Invalid Date

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

SummaryCERTAIN 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceNONCOMPLIANCE CAN INHIBIT PROPER HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT FOR ROADWAY ILLUMINATION, IMPROPERLY AIMED HEADLAMPS COULD CAUSE REDUCED ROAD VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Electrical
0
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
1 in 33

1 death reported across 77 complaints — a rate of 1 in 77 complaints involving a fatality.

Complaints
Engine/Powertrain
44
Electrical
15
Safety Systems
3 crash2 inj8
Body/Structure
1 crash4
Fuel System
3
Other
3
2011
4
2012
3
2013
4
2014
2
2015
4
2016
2
2017
1
2019
1
2020
1
2023
2
78% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Declining -100%
0
Last 24 months
2
Prior 24 months
Engine stalling4
Electrical failure3
Transmission slip1
Sudden acceleration1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (20)Parking/low-speed (10)Startup (6)Rain/wet (4)Cold weather (1)
77HIGH VOLUME
4
Crashes
1
Death
2
Injuries
ODI #11529570AIR BAGSCRASH1 INJURY

I hydroplaned and was t-boned on the passenger side. The only air bags that went off were the side curtains on the passenger side

ODI #11500914AIR BAGS

The front passenger airbag has been verified by a service centre to have some kind of issue, is a safety hazard and they confirmed other of the same type airbags have had faults as well (in their experience).

ODI #11321979POWER TRAIN

THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER AUTOMATICALLY PUTS THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND WONT LET THE CAR MOVE FOWARD, ITS AN ELECTRONIC COMPONENT THAT TELLS THE TRANSMISSION WHAT GEAR THE CAR IS ON.

ODI #11184947AIR BAGS

AIR BAG FAILURE FOR CAR, TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND THERE IS A TSB 69-11-01 FOR UPDATING THE SEAT OCCUPANT MODULE J706 BUT FAULTS WOULD NOT CLEAR SO RECOMMEND REPLACE J706 WITH SEAT OCVUONAT SENSOR BUT VOLKSWAGEN SAYS THE PART IS OBSOLETE AND THEY DON'T MAKE IT ANYMORE AND THERE ARE NO AFTER MARKET MODULE AVAILABLE! THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS FAULTY AND WON'T WORK WITH OUT THIS MODULE AND NOW NO ONE CAN RIDE IN THE FAR!!

ODI #11002139AIR BAGSCRASH1 DEATH

TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNED A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS FATALLY INJURED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A STORAGE LOT WHERE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NO FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

ODI #10877027POWER TRAIN

THE GEARS ON THE SCREEN IN MY CAR START TO FLASH, THEN I CAN'T GO OVER 30 MPH NOR CAN I GO INTO REVERSE. I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD WHEN IT FIRST HAPPENS.

ODI #10850389AIR BAGSCRASH1 INJURY

I'VE ALREADY SPOKEN WITH VW OF AMERICA, AND THE DEALERSHIP MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM. BUT YESTERDAY 03/17/2016 AT APPROX 420AM MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE GTI TO WORK. IT WAS POURING DOWN RAIN AND MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE. A TXDOT LIGHT POLE FELL ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY HUSBAND HAD NO TIME TO STOP UNTIL HE WAS JUST ABOUT TO HIT IT. AFTER HITTING THE LIGHT POLE HE WENT AIR BORN, LANDED ON ALL 4 TIRES AND FISH TAILED. AFTER HE TRIED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, IT FLIPPED TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND ROLLED TO THE ROOF, WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP IT WAS ON THE DRIVER SIDE. HE WAS GOING ABOUT 30-40 MPH IF THAT. WHAT BLOWS MY MIND IS THE MINUTE THE VEHICLE FLIPPED AND LANDED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHICH CRUSHED THE DOORS AND FRAME NEAR WINDSHIELD. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. NOT SIDE, NOT FRONT. NOTHING. HE WALKED AWAY AFTER CRAWLING OUT THE SUNROOF. BUT HIS HANDS ARE CUT UP AND HE IS EXTREMELY SORE ON THE RIGHT SIDE. BUT THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. AND MIND YOU THE RADIATOR AND INTERCOOLER FELL OUT AFTER HE HIT THE POLE AND LANDED!!!!!!

ODI #10788488ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS

PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT (PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PHOTO "HEADLIGHT.JPG"): THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED FOR THE FIRST TIME THE DAY WE BOUGHT THE CAR, RIGHT AFTER WE PULLED OUT OF YOUR LOT. WE PULLED RIGHT BACK IN AFTER CIRCLING THE BLOCK, BUT AFTER LEORE TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND ON AGAIN EVERYTHING WAS FINE THEN. I HAVE NOT FOUND A WAY TO DUPLICATE THIS. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN RANDOMLY, BUT USUALLY WITHIN THE FIRST MINUTE OR SO OF DRIVING. THERE ALWAYS SEEMS TO BUT BE A BRIGHT FLASH FROM WHICH ONE OF THE LIGHTS DOES NOT RECOVER. DASHBOARD MESSAGE: THIS ONE LOOKS LIKE IT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FIRST ISSUE (AGAIN, PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PHOTO NAMED "MESSAGE.JPG"): THE MESSAGE READING "FRONT RIGHT DIPPED BEAM NOT WORKING!" USUALLY DISPLAYS WITHIN THE FIRST FEW SECONDS AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND A WAY TO DUPLICATE THIS AT WILL. IT ALSO SEEMS TO RANDOMLY HAPPEN, BUT A LOT MORE OFTEN THAN THE FAILING HEADLIGHT UNDER ISSUE #1 DOES. THE PASSENGER DOOR POWER LOCK SEEMS TO WORK ONLY ON AND OFF. ALL OTHER LOCKS (I'M NOT POSITIVE ABOUT THE TRUNK ACTUALLY) SEEM TO WORK FINE. ALIGNMENT: THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT ON THE FREEWAY. I BOUGHT A USED VEHICLE FROM STEVENS CREEK VOLKLSWAGEN THAT WAS UNSAFE WHICH WAS MY UNDERSTANDING IT WAS SAFE. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET IT RESOLVED THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER BUT MAJORITY OF THE ABOVE LISTED ITEMS IN FIRST PARAGRAPH (I.E., TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR, SPEED, HEADLIGHT) ARE STILL UNRESOLVED.

ODI #10786789POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING MY WAY TO WORK I PARKED THE CAR AND CAME OUT TO GO GRAB SOMETHING TO EAT. THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE TILL I NOTICED MY GEARS WERE FLASHING ON AND OFF (P,R,N,D,S). I COULDNT GET INTO ANY GEARS AT ALL AND SO I CALLED A TOW TRUCK. THEY CAME OUT AND I GAVE THEM THE KEY TO TRY AND MOVE THE CAR. THEY WERE ABLE TO GET INTO GEARS BUT I TOLD THEM I DIDNT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT SO I HAD THEM TOW IT HOME. THE NEXT DAY THE SAME THING HAPPENED INDEFINITELY. I DID NOT WANT TO PAY THE DEALER 5600 BUCKS TO FIX IT AS OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. IM WAITING ON VW TO EITHER DO A RECALL OR SOME KIND OF RESEARCH TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO CALLED VW AND THEY SAID THEY REPLACED THE MECHATRONIC UNIT FOR MY CAR ALREADY. BUT HOW WOULD IT FAIL AGAIN ALREADY? THERE WAS NO EXPLINATION THEREFORE I AM WAITING FOR A RESPONSE FROM VW OR GET A LETTER IN THE MAIL FOR A TOTAL RECALL.

ODI #10782590POWER TRAIN

2007 VW GTI. DIRECT SHIFT GEAR (DSG) FAILURE AT 43,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE. TRANSMISSION LOCKS IN EITHER "DRIVE" OR "NEUTRAL". "PARK" AND "REVERSE" ARE LOCKED OUT OF USE. CAR MUST BE LEFT IN "NEUTRAL" TO PARK AND DRIVER MUST UTILIZE EMERGENCY BRAKE SINCE "PARK" IS INOPERATIVE CREATING DANGEROUS CONDITION TO PARK VEHICLE. KEY CAN ONLY BE REMOVED BY DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY DUE TO TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK. VW EXCLUDED MY VIN RANGE FOR REPAIR / EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE UNDER OTHER RECALLS OR NHTSA ACTIONS REGARDING THE DSG TRANSMISSION. VW DEALER ESTIMATES REPAIR TO COST $5,600. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE DOES NOT BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND WILL NOT EXTEND WARRANTY TO COVER REPAIR COST.

ODI #10715426POWER TRAIN

I LIVE IN CT AND WAS VISITING COUSINS IN NJ ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 25, 2014. I TAKE THE EXIT OF THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE AND STOP AT THE FIRST LIGHT. I START TO GO AND THEN SEE THAT THE CAR WAS REVVING BUT NOT CHANGING GEARS. I SEE THE PRNDS LIGHTS ON THE DASH FLASH SIMULTANEOUSLY NON STOP. I JUST BARELY PULL OFF TO THE NEAREST PARKING LOT SINCE THERE WAS NO SHOULDER ON THE 50 MPH ROAD. I STOP THE CAR AND PUT IT IN PARK AND THE CAR DID NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK AFTER THAT. THE NEAREST DEALER HAD JUST CLOSED AND THEY SAID TO WAIT UNTIL MONDAY! I CALLED MY COUSINS WHO STILL LIVED AN HOUR AWAY TO SEE IF THEY HAD AAA AND LUCKILY THEY DID. I THEN TOWED THE CAR HOME OVER 300 MILES! APPARENTLY THE MECHATRONICS UNIT DIED (THE BRAINS OF THE TRANSMISSION) WITHOUT ANY ERROR CODES OR WARNING. THERE SEEM TO BE QUITE A FEW COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THESE UNITS WITH SOME FAILING WHILE PEOPLE ARE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY!! I GUESS I SHOULD CONSIDER MYSELF 'LUCKY' THAT IT DIED WHEN IT DID?! VW DEALER CHARGED ME OVER $2400 TO REPLACE IT. WHAT'S EVEN WORSE IS THAT THEY ONLY WARRANT THE NEW PART FOR 12 MONTHS/12,000 MILES SO I GUESS I BETTER NOT TAKE ANY LONG TRIPS WITH THIS CAR. *TR

ODI #10608492POWER TRAIN

I WAS DRIVING AS I DO 5 NIGHTS A WEEK TO WORK. TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH WHEN SUDDENLY, MY GTI EQUIPPED WITH A DSG TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED TO WHAT I BELIEVE WAS 1ST GEAR. THE REVS SUDDENLY WERE VERY HIGH. THE VEHICLES SPEED SEEMED TO DRASTICALLY LOWER TO 20MPH. I WAS ALMOST HIT BY MULTIPLE CARS BEHIND ME. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO LEAVE THE MIDDLE LANE AND GET ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY SAFELY. ONCE I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, MY PRNDS ON THE DASH WERE FLASHING. I TURNED THE CAR OVER AND STILL FLASHING. I CHECKED EVERY GEAR AND ON DRIVE I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME SLOWLY. IT SEEMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ONLY RAN ON 1ST GEAR. REVERSE GEAR IS COMPLETELY GONE. I CAN'T EVEN PROPERLY PARALLEL PARK MY CAR ANY MORE. VW SEEMS TO BE COVERING SOME MODEL YEAR DSG CARS. I HAVE READ SOME PLACES THAT 2008-2010 YEARS ARE COVERED, AND SOME PLACES WHERE FEBRUARY 2007 - 2010 PRODUCTION YEARS ARE COVERED. MINE IS A PRODUCTION YEAR OF JANUARY 2007. THIS DSG ISSUE IS WELL KNOWN FOR ALL YEARS. IT IS KNOWS AS THE "FLASH OF DEATH" OR FLASHING PRNDS. GOOGLE DSG FLASH OF DEATH AND THERE WILL BE MANY LINKS LINKED TO THIS ISSUE. I AM A HUGE VW FAN. I OWN A 2006 GLI 6 SPEED MANUAL AND THIS 2007 GTI WITH DSG TRANSMISSION. MY FATHER OWNS A 99 JETTA AND MY BROTHER AND SISTER BOTH OWN 2007 PASSATS. VWOA SHOULD KNOW THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, THEY SHOULD KNOW THAT THIS IS A KNOWN DSG DEFECT FOR ALL YEARS AND COVER ANY ISSUES RELATING TO IT. I HAVE DONE THE DSG SERVICE TWICE. I CALLED VWOA AND THEY SAID MY CAR HAS NO RECALLS RELATING TO THE DSG. I HAVE SCANNED THE CAR AND HAVE COME UP WITH THESE CODES, P0751= SHIFT SOLENOID 1 (N88). P1746= TRANS. SOLENOID POWER RELAY AND P2723 = PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID 5. VW HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN A FAILURE TO YOUR TRANSMISSION WITH NO WARNINGS? WHAT IF I GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT AND SOMEONE OR MY SELF WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURER DEFECT? *JS

ODI #10575372AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ENGINECRASH

I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN. I T-BONED THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT OF MY CAR IMPACTED THE FRONT PASSENGER FENDER AND DOOR OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. I DID NOT HAVE TIME TO APPLY THE BRAKE, ONLY ENOUGH TO LET OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL BEFORE THE COLLISION OCCURRED. I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND SUSTAINED FRONT END DAMAGE AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT DAMAGE. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH I WAS TRAVELING AT 40 MPH. *TR

ODI #10546017POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHILE TAKING AN ON-RAMP ONTO THE HIGHWAY MY CAR GOT STUCK IN 2ND GEAR AND WOULD NOT UPSHIFT. I TRIED SWITCHING TO MANUAL MODE BUT THAT DID NOT WORK EITHER. THE PRNDS WAS FLASHING AND I HAD TO PULL OVER AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. IT WORKED NORMAL AFTER THAT FOR A FEW MILES. I FILLED UP AT A GAS STATION AND WHEN LEAVING THE CAR WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND THE PRNDS WAS FLASHING AGAIN. *TR

ODI #10525836POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE (AUTO TRANSMISSION) APPEARED TO HAVE GONE INTO NEUTRAL AND THE GEARS ON DISPLAY BEGAN FLASHING. ONLY STOPPING, SHIFTING TO PARK, AND THEN BACK INTO GEAR WOULD ALLOW THE CAR TO ENGAGE GEARS AGAIN. 2007 VW GTI W/ DSG TRANSMISSION. *TR

ODI #10515881POWER TRAIN

AFTER STARTING FROM A STOP LIGHT, CAR WAS FINE, THEN WENT IN TO SECOND GEAR, AND CAR JERKED AS IF IT WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. CONTINUED DRIVING AND THIS HAPPENED AGAIN, BUT EACH TIME, IN A DIFFERENT GEAR. THE SECOND HAPPENING WAS JUST AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, EACH AFTER DRIVING AROUND FOR ABOUT MORE THAN A HOUR. *TR

ODI #10508498POWER TRAIN

I OWN A 2007 VW GTI WITH MECHATRONIC DSG. I WAS IN AN INTERSECTION WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED ACTING LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL BUT THE PNRDS WAS FLASHING. THE CAR HAD NO ACCELERATION OR RPM'S. TRAFFIC WAS DOGGING ME AND 15 CARS ALMOST HIT ME DUE TO THIS FAULTY TRANSMISSION INCIDENT. I CALLED VW OF AMERICA AND THEY INFORMED ME MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. ALSO THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY YEAR MAKE AND MODEL HAS NO RECALL OR PROBLEMS WITH THE DSG TRANSMISSION. VW OF AMERICA SAID SINCE MY CAR IS NOT A CERTIFIED VW FROM THEIR DEALERS IT ISN'T COVERED FOR A RECALL OR FACTORY WARRANTY. I FEEL COMPLETELY UNSAFE AND UN SATISFIED HOW THE REGIONAL MANGER OF SAFETY FROM VW OF AMERICA HANDLED THIS SITUATION. SHE WAS NOT FRIENDLY OR UNDERSTANDING AT ALL. *TR

ODI #10477062POWER TRAIN

EXPERIENCED MY GTI SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH. PRESSING THE PEDDLE REVVED THE ENGINE UP. PULLED OVER AND LET THE CAR SIT FOR A HALF HOUR AND THEN PROCEEDED AS NORMAL. HAS HAPPENED ON EVERY LONG TRIP OVER 2 HOURS. *TR

ODI #10473986AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO OFFERED TO COVER HALF OF THE REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

ODI #10459222UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITH NO ADVANCE NOTICE OF ANY PROBLEMS. THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AS THE VEHICLE WAS SHUTTING OFF. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RESTART. AFTER SIX TRIES, IN MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE FINALLY RESTARTED. SEVERAL VEHICLES HAD TO SWERVE AROUND ME TO KEEP FROM RUNNING IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AT LEAST ONE OTHE INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED SINCE THEN WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. *TT

ODI #10418171EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT HAS FAILED TO WORK AND WHILE THERE IS POWER TO THE POWER MODULE THERE IS NO WAY TO ACCESS THE LED BRAKE LIGHT PANEL WITHOUT REMOVING THE REAR SPOILER AND REPLACING IT WITH A NEW ONE WITH A COST OF $500 TO CHANGE THE LIGHT FOR INSPECTION. *TR

ODI #10405690POWER TRAIN

I DRIVE A 2007 VW GTI WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND THE "MECHATRONIC" UNIT LOCATED WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION IS BAD AND WILL COST UPWARDS OF $2000.00 TO HAVE IT REPLACED. THE CAR HAS 122,000 MILES ON IT. NOTHING LAST FOREVER AND I EXPECT CERTAIN FAILURES OVER TIME. HOWEVER, THE NATURE OF THE FAILURE IS A CONCERN WITH THIS UNIT AS, AT LEAST IN MY CASE, THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR ON ITS OWN WITHOUT WARNING. FORTUNATELY I WAS IN TOWN IN SLOW TRAFFIC AND WAS ABLE TO HANDLE THE SUDDEN DECELERATION. IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DIFFERENT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THERE IS NO WARNING OR INDICATION OF AN IMPENDING UNIT FAILURE. THE ONLY INDICATION I HAD SPANNED SEVERAL MONTHS IN A VERY INTERMITTENT MANNER: 1)A SLIGHT "SHUDDERING" WHEN ACCELERATING WHICH I THOUGHT WAS FUEL RELATED. 2) THE "PRNDS" DISPLAY WOULD FLASH REPEATEDLY EVEN THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION WOULD OPERATE JUST FINE. I COULD RESET THE DISPLAY BY TURNING OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTING IT. THIS PHENOMENON WAS VERY INTERMITTENT. I COULD FIND NO INFO ABOUT ANY OF THIS IN THE OWNERS MANUALS (I'VE HAD THE CAR SINCE NEW) OR ON LINE. *TR

ODI #10396426POWER TRAIN

WHEN THE CAR WAS COLD, UPON PLACING IT INTO DRIVE TO DEPART FOR THE DAY, THE TRANSMISSION WAS VERY INDECISIVE ABOUT RELEASING THE CLUTCH AND CAUSED A SEVERE BUCKING SENSATION AND MADE IT DANGEROUS TO ENTER TRAFFIC. FORTUNATELY THERE IS VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC ON MY STREET. A SOFTWARE UPDATE MADE IT BETTER, BUT IT STILL WAS DANGEROUS FROM TIME TO TIME. SOFTWARE UPDATE ALSO REDUCED AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY 2.5 MPG TO WHICH VW WILL NOT ADMIT FAULT. GOT A MECHATRONICS REPLACEMENT UNDER CAMPAIGN AND NEW MECHATRONICS IS LESS LIKELY TO BE BAD WHEN COLD BUT NEW MECHATRONICS BUCKS MUCH WORSE AND IS MUCH WORSE THAN ORIGINAL MECHATRONICS WHEN IT IS BEING BAD. NEW SOFTWARE HAS IMPROVED FUEL ECONOMY 2 MPG FROM THE LOW. NEW MECHATRONICS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY IN REVERSE ONTO A MODERATELY BUSY STREET AND THEN TRYING TO PULL AWAY UP A HILL ON THE BUSY STREET. IT IS VERY LIKELY TO BUCK AND BEHAVE UNPREDICTABLY AFTER THE EXTREMELY LONG DELAY FOR THE MECHATRONICS TO DECIDE TO GO AT ALL (HIT THE GAS, PRAY AND MAYBE WAIT, MAYBE GET WHIPLASH). IT WAS SCARY AND CAUSED A VEHICLE TO SLAM ON BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING ME BECAUSE MY CAR WOULD NOT GO. IT APPEARS THAT THE NEW MECHATRONIC UNIT HAS BROKEN THE CLUTCH AND VW NEEDS TO REPLACE MY ENTIRE DSG WITH A COMPLETELY BRAND NEW ONE WITH A NON-DEFECTIVE MECHATRONIC UNIT. THE ORIGINAL MECHATRONICS APPEARED TO ONLY HAVE ONE FLAW, THE COMPONENT THAT CONTROLLED THE RELEASE OF THE 1, 3, AND 5 CLUTCH, WHICH CAUSED THAT CLUTCH TO WEAR OUT. THE NEW MECHATRONIC UNIT HAS OTHER FLAWS IN ADDITION TO THIS ONE AND SOUNDS AS IF IT IS BREAKING THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION (NOT SAFETY RELATED HOWEVER). *TR

ODI #10395130POWER TRAIN

I WAS MERGING ON TO THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED TO LET CARS GO BY UNTIL IT WAS THERE TURN TO MERGE. THE CAR MERGED IT WAS MY TURN AND I HIT THE GAS AND MY CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND I HAD NO POWER, AND MY CAR HAD DRIFTED ENOUGH TO BE HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I LOOKED DOWN AND SAW THAT MY PRNDL LIGHTS ON THE DASH WERE FLASHING. I THOUGHT THE CAR STALLED SO I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON AGAIN AND HIT THE GAS, I HAD DRIVE POWER AGAIN. I CAME TO A STOP LIGHT AND THE PRNDL LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING AGAIN AND I HAD NO POWER, I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, RESTARTED AND HAD POWER. THIS CONTINUED FOR THE REMAINDER OF MY TRIP. *TR

ODI #10356744POWER TRAIN

MY CAR, AN AUTOMATIC DSG TRANSMISSION FROM VW, GOT STUCK IN 6TH GEAR ON NORTHBOUND 1-15, ALMOST CAUSING SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED AND A CODE WAS "THROWN," BUT THE EVENT WAS DISMISSED AS A POTENTIAL ISSUE WITH THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR. SINCE THEN, I HAVE EXPERIENCED EXTREMELY HARD SHIFTS AND UNRELIABLE ACCELERATION WITH MY VEHICLE. ESPECIALLY ON HILLS. THE MECHATRONICS UNIT HAS BEEN REPLACED AND THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME AS "GOOD TO GO." I DROVE THE CAR ONE MILE, THE ISSUE PERSISTED, AND I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER. THERE IS CLEARLY A PROBLEM WITH THE MECHATRONICS UNIT AND THE CLUTCHES, BUT THE DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE THEM CORRECTLY (UNDER WARRANTY). EACH TIME I AM TOLD MY CAR IS "FIXED," I PICK IT UP, DRIVE IT AND IT STILL HAS THE SHIFTING ISSUES. *TR

ODI #10349268ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI . WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 45 TO 85 MPH, THE VEHICLE RESPONDED AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL GEAR AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH DETERMINED THAT IT WAS THE CAM FOLLOWER THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAM FOLLOWER WAS REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77900 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78770.

ODI #10328050POWER TRAIN

WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE FINAL DOWNSHIFT FROM 2ND GEAR TO 1ST GEAR IS EXTREMELY VIOLENT. THE CAR RANDOMLY LUNGES FORWARD WHEN APPROACHING A FULL STOP. THIS HAS RESULTED IN A FEW NEAR-COLLISIONS. THE DEALERSHIP IS CURRENTLY TRYING TO DIAGNOSE ISSUE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN THIS PARTICULAR TRANSMISSION TYPE (DSG). *TR

ODI #10326814POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) I WAS DRIVING EAST ON INTERSTATE 95 WHEN THE ENGINE IN MY CAR (2007 VW GTI VIN: [XXX]) SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER. I WAS IN THE THIRD LANE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, TURNED THE AIR CONDITIONING ON AND A FEW SECONDS LATER, TURNED IT OFF. AT THAT INSTANT, THE CAR CEASED TO ACCELERATE. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, TURNED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND MANAGED TO SAFELY GLIDE OVER TO THE WARNING LANE, JUST BEYOND EXIT 22 OR JUST BEYOND THE OFF RAMP TO EXIT 21. I TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE TO NO AVAIL. THIS WAS A HIGHLY ALARMING INCIDENT SINCE THE CAR WAS JUST OVER THREE YEARS OLD AND HAD ONLY 64000 MILES ON IT AND WAS PROPERLY MAINTAINED SINCE I PURCHASED IT NEW IN 2007. I HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS LAST YEAR BUT THE ACCELERATION OF THE CAR WOULD QUICKLY KICK BACK IN. THIS TIME HOWEVER, IT WENT COMPLETELY KAPUT. I REPORTED THE PREVIOUS INCIDENTS TO A VW DEALER AND THEY HAD A TERRIBLE TIME ASCERTAINING WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. ULTIMATELY, THEY DETERMINED IT WAS A FUEL SENSOR ISSUE AND REPLACED THE FUEL SENSOR. AFTER THE APRIL 3RD INCIDENT, MY CAR WAS TOWED TO A VW DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT MY TIMING BELT HAD BROKEN AND THAT AS A RESULT, THERE WAS DAMAGE DONE TO THE ENGINE TO THE TUNE OF APPROXIMATELY 6K. I WANT TO REPORT THIS SINCE THIS COULD EASILY HAVE OCCURRED IN THE HOLLAND TUNNEL FOR EXAMPLE OR ON A DARK ONE LANE ROAD. IT WAS A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE AND I FEEL THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PREEMPT THIS FROM EVER HAPPENING. *TR

ODI #10317124ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

DESPITE REGULAR MAINTENANCE, THE CAM FOLLOWER AND CAM OF MY VW 2.0T FSI ENGINE FAILED IN UNDER 40K MILES. THIS RESULTED IN FUEL CUTS AND POWER DROP OFFS. A VERY DANGEROUS COMBINATION WHEN MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY. THESE ITEMS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WOULD HAVE COST ME NEARLY $1400 TO REPAIR IF THEY WEREN'T COVERED. *TR

ODI #10316117POWER TRAIN

FREQUENTLY WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR ACCELERATING AFTER SLOWING DOWN THE DSG TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO SELECT NEUTRAL FOR A SECOND OR TWO BEFORE SELECTING A GEAR. WHEN IT EVENTUALLY SELECTS A GEAR IT JERKS HARSHLY INDUCING WHEELSPIN. THIS HAPPENS IN ALL TYPES OF DRIVING CONDITIONS, BUT IS MORE LIKELY TO HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS COLD. MOSTLY, THIS IS JUST AN ANNOYANCE; HOWEVER, WHEN A TRUCK IS BEARING DOWN ON YOU WHILE YOU ARE MAKING A LEFT TURN IT CAN BE FRIGHTENING AND PERHAPS EVEN LIFE THREATENING. THE SERVICE MANAGER VW DEALER TELLS ME THIS IS NORMAL BEHAVIOR. HE IS WRONG. *TR

ODI #10314187POWER TRAIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 75 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL GEAR OWN ITS OWN. THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND BEGAN TO MOVE EXTREMELY SLOW WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS PRODUCED 3 WEEKS BEFORE THE RECALL ON THE DSG TRANSMISSION AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,950 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,100.

ODI #10312206POWER TRAIN

I HAVE A 2007 VW GTI WITH THE DSG TRANSMISSION. IT LOOSES THE GEAR, WON'T SHIFT AND THE GAS PEDAL SEEMS AS IF THERE IS NOTHING BEHIND IT ALMOST LIKE PUSHING ON AIR. I HAVE GONE TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY REFUSE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THIS IS THE SAME AS THE RECALL WHICH STOPPED IN 2008. *TR

ODI #10311674POWER TRAIN

2007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. DSG TRANSMISSION ISSUES. MY CAR WILL LUNGE IN REVERSE. LAG IN 1ST AND 2ND. BIGGEST ISSUE IS THE LUNGING IN REVERSE(THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT!!. I CONTACTED VW CARES YESTERDAY TO SEE IF MY VW IS COVERED UNDER THERE 10Y 100,000 MILE WARRANTY. THEY TOLD ME MY CAR DOES NOT FALL INTO THAT CATEGORY DUE TO MY VIN# ALTHOUGH IT FITS THE YEAR CRITERIA MY ISSUE IS THAT IF THIS IS A KNOW SAFETY PROBLEM AND MY CAR HAS THIS ISSUE. WHY WON'T IT BE INCLUDED ??!! *TR

ODI #10293537POWER TRAIN

MY 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI HAS A DSG TRANSMISSION. IT HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING "LURCHING" OR "JUMPING" WHILE THE CAR IS STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR IDLING AND THIS KICKS UP THE RPM'S AND MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE THE CAR IS EITHER GOING TO MOVE ON IT'S OWN OR IT MAKES IT FEEL AS IF YOU'VE BEEN HIT FROM THE REAR? I WILL TAKE THIS COMPLAINT TO VOLKSWAGEN AS WELL, SO WE SHALL SEE WHAT THEY SAY AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, DO. *TR

ODI #10290599POWER TRAIN

2007 VW GTI WITH DSG TRANSMISSION IS VERY HARD TO SHIFT INTO 1ST AND 2ND PLUS OTHER GEARS. CAR WENT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON BUSY ROAD (DANGEROUS!!!) AND "P R N D S" DISPLAY STARTED FLASHING. FIRST TRANSMISSION FAILURE I HAD WAS SIMILAR EXPECT I DIDN'T GET THE FLASHING ICONS. TOOK CAR IN AND THEY REPLACED THE MECHATRON UNIT (25,000 MILES). NOW ITS IN THE SHOP AGAIN FOR THE SAME UNIT AND SYMPTOMS ABOVE. (58,000 MILES). *TR

ODI #10284789POWER TRAIN

2007 VW GTI WITH DSG TRANSMISSION OCCASIONALLY SLAMS INTO A GEAR OCCASIONAL FEELING OF SLIPPING CLUTCH NOISE FROM TRANS AFTER STARTUP, DIAGNOSED AS "NOISY", BUT NOT FAULTY SOLENOID. *TR

ODI #10282884POWER TRAIN

DSG TRANSMISSION. THE CAR LURCHES FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR AND WHEN COMING TO A SLOW STOP. THIS ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO CARDINALE VW IN CORONA BUT THEY STATED THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM YET I EXPERIENCE IT DAILY. *TR

ODI #10282720POWER TRAIN

I WAS AT AN INTERSECTION WITH A TRAFFIC LIGHT, WAITING TO TURN LEFT. AS SOON AS THERE WAS A SAFE AND REASONABLE GAP BETWEEN ONCOMING CARS, I HIT THE GAS AT APPROXIMATELY 1/4 THROTTLE TO MAKE THE TURN. HOWEVER, THE CAR MOVED FOR A BIT AND THEN IT FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT ENGAGED ANYMORE. THE CAR WAS BASICALLY MOVING BY MOMENTUM AND NOT BY ENGINE POWER. I NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE SEEMS TO BE REVVING FREELY, AS THERE IS NO CORRELATION BETWEEN MY THROTTLE INPUT AND THE MOVEMENT OF THE CAR. IN FACT, WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING BY ENGINE POWER, I INSTINCTIVELY PUT MORE THROTTLE TO MORE THAN 1/2. IT MADE NO DIFFERENCE AND THAT WAS HOW I KNEW THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT ENGAGED. IF IT WAS TRACTION CONTROL, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT REV SINCE TRACTION CONTROL WOULD CUT THE FUEL. HENCE, IT IS MOST LIKELY THE TRANSMISSION, SPECIFICALLY, THE DSG TRANSMISSION. MY CAR COASTED TO SAFETY WITHOUT ANY INCIDENT, AND A FEW SECONDS LATER, THE CAR WENT BACK TO NORMAL. I HAVE HAD THIS EXPERIENCE SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE AND IT SCARED ME EVERY TIME BECAUSE I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN HIT BY THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC, IF THE VEHICLE DOES NOT SEE ME OR CANNOT STOP IN TIME. I MENTIONED THIS TO THE DEALER SERVICE THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, BUT THEY SAID THEY CANNOT REPLICATE IT AND THUS, THEY CAN'T AND WON'T DO ANYTHING. BUT, FOR ME, IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, WHETHER THEY CAN REPLICATE IT OR NOT. I JUST WANT THE VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR UNRELIABLE/ FAULTY TRANSMISSION. *TR

ODI #10282647POWER TRAIN

ISSUE WITH MY CAR SUDDENLY SWITCHING ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL EVEN THOUGH PHYSICALLY THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE. I WAS ON A BUSY STREET GOING 60MPH WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC, WHEN MY CAR SWITCHED TO NEUTRAL. THIS CAUSED MY CAR TO GO FROM 60MPH TO 20MPH IN A MATTER OF SECONDS IN WHICH CASE THE CAR BEYOND ME GOING 60MPH+ NEARLY REAR ENDED ME. *TR

ODI #10280181POWER TRAIN

THE CAR TAKES OFF VERY ROUGH IN DRIVE AND IN REVERSE. ITS NOT SMOOTH AT ALL FROM A STOP. *TR

ODI #10279118POWER TRAIN

WELL I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND WHEN I WENT TO GO IT REDLINE AND DIDNT GO ANYWHERE I WAS IN 1 GEAR IN DSG MODE I HAD TO PUT IT INTO PARK AND THAN BACK TO GEAR THEN THEIR WAS A DELAY THEN IT WENT . THIER ALSO TIMES THAT MY POWER PLUS ATES, ALSO GETTING ON TO THE FREEWAY IT SLIPS OUT OF POWER U GO TO SHIFT AND THIER NO POWER AT ALL, WHEN I LET THE CAR DOWN SHIFT IT IS REALLY HARD LIKE IT SHOCKS THE HOLE CARE BACK ITS SO ROUGH IT DOES IT MORE FROM 3 TO 2 BUT NOW LATLEY ITS BEEN 4 TO 3 AND 3 TO 2. *TR

ODI #10278173POWER TRAIN

THE DSG TRANSMISSION ON MY 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI QUIT OPERATING ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. ONCE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO THE LEAVE A STOP LIGHT, ONCE WHILE EXITING A FREEWAY, AND ONCE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE UP A SHORT PAVED HILL TO MY HOME. ON ALL OCCASIONS, THE CAR SUDDENLY LURCHES AND THEN LOSES ABILITY TO MOVE. THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN, BUT THE CAR ACTS AS THOUGH THERE IS A DISCONNECT BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. LUCKILY I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE TO AVOID BEING HIT BY OTHER VEHICLES. REPEATED (AND LONG TRIPS) TO THE DEALER HAVE PRODUCED CLAIMS BY THE DEALER THAT THE FAULTS LIE IN HAVING LESS THAN 1/4 TANK OF GAS, FUEL PRESSURE SENSORS, AND MY FAVORITE, A SHORT WHICH REQUIRED TEARING MY ENTIRE DASH APART. I FINALLY TRADED THE CAR BECAUSE IT BECAME A LIABILITY. INCIDENT DATES ARE APPROX AS THE CAR HAS SPENT A LOT OF THE LAST YEAR IN THE SHOP. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT OCCURRED IN MAY 2009. *TR

ODI #10278021POWER TRAIN

DSG TRANSMISSION LURCHES IN REVERSE EVERYTIME AND IS DANGEROUS WHEN GETTING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, WHEN DOWNSHIFT FROM A HIGHER GEAR LIKE 4TH OR 5TH THERE IS A SUDDEN LOSE OF POWER FOR A BRIEF MOMENT AND CAN BE DANGEROUS FOR THOSE BEHIND WHO DON'T ANTICIPATE THE SUDDEN SLOW DOWN. THERE IS ALSO A LAG ON TAKE OFF FROM A STOP WHICH CAUSE HAVOC FROM DRIVERS BEHIND. *TR

ODI #10278060POWER TRAIN

THE DSG TRANSMISSION IN MY 2007 VW GTI HAS SLIPPAGE AS WELL AS INCONSISTENT BEHAVIOR. *TR

ODI #10277708ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP CAM FOLLOWER SYSTEM ON THE 2.0T FSI MOTORS IS PRONE TO FAILURE, I HAD A FOLLOWER WEAR THROUGH THE PROTECTIVE COATING IN ABOUT 20,000 MILES, AND DUE TO THIS REASON FURTHER WEAR WOULD BE ACCELERATED, DAMAGING THE CAMSHAFT AND THE CAM LOBE, AS WELL AS THE FUEL PUMP, CAUSING THE CAR TO BE OUT OF SERVICE FOR AT LEAST FIFTEEN DAYS. I REPLACED THE FOLLOWER MYSELF BUT DEMAND THAT VOLKSWAGEN FINDS A REASONABLE SOLUTION TO FIX THIS. THEY REFUSE TO DO ANY REPAIRS UNTIL THERE IS A FAILURE. BUT WHEN A FAILURE OCCURS MORE THAN 5000 DOLLARS WITH OF LABOR AND PARTS MUST BE PUT INTO THE CAR TO FIX THIS ISSUE. AND IF IT IS PAST THE WARRANTY PERIOD THAN THIS PROBLEM IS JUST A TICKING TIME BOMB. THIS MUST BE SOLVED IN ORDER FOR THESE CARS TO HAVE AT LEAST SOME CHANCE AT LONGEVITY WITHOUT A REPAIR THAT WILL BREAK LATER ON. *TR

ODI #10277333POWER TRAIN

VW GTI DSG TRANSMISSION JERKING IN REVERSE COULD CAUSE YOU TO HIT ANOTHER CAR, OR HESITATION BEFORE LAUNCHING COULD CAUSE YOU TO PULL OUT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC TOO LATE, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TR

ODI #10277389POWER TRAIN

THE 5TH GENERATION VW GTI WITH DGS TRANSMISSION WILL JERK IN REVERSE THAT COULD CAUSE ONE TO HIT ANOTHER CAR. IT ALSO HESITATES BEFORE LAUNCHING AND THAT COULD CAUSE ONE TO PULL OUT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC TOO LATE, THUS CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TR

ODI #10276803POWER TRAIN

2007 VW GTI WITH DSG TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION SLAMS INTO GEAR WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND THEN ACCELERATING AGAIN, THIS COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENTS AND OR SERIOUS MECHANICAL FAILURE DUE TO THE STRESS ON THE DRIVETRAIN COMPONENTS, BROUGHT IT UP AT A SERVICE APPT AND TECHNICIAN SAID IT WAS NORMAL, I DO NOT BELIEVE HAVING A TRANSMISSION MAKING A LOUD BANG SOUND AND SLAMMING INTO GEAR, JERKING THE CAR FORWARD IS NORMAL. *TR

ODI #10273657VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THE CRUISE CONTROL DASH LIGHT WENT OUT DURING OPERATION WITHOUT WARNING. THE LIGHT WENT OFF AND ON FOR ABOUT A WEEK. THE LIGHT, AT THIS POINT HAD NO EFFECT ON THE FUNCTION OF THE CRUISE CONTROL TO MAINTAIN SPEED, SPEED UP OR SLOW DOWN; THE SPEED REMAINED STEADY EVEN WITHOUT A FUNCTIONING DASH LIGHT. ONE WEEK AFTER THE LIGHT BEGAN TO GO ON AND OFF, THE MALFUNCTION SPREAD TO AFFECT THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE OR FAILED TO WORK COMPLETELY. DURING OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AT 65 MPH AND USING THE CRUISE CONTROL, NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE TO 85 MPH BY ITS SELF WITHOUT PREVIOUSLY SETTING THAT SPEED OR WITHOUT EVEN PHYSICALLY INCITING CHANGE. THE LAST EXPERIENCE WITH USE OF CRUISE CONTROL THE MALFUNCTION CAUSED COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM AND SLOWED THE CAR WITHOUT WILL OF THE DRIVE. THE VEHICLE, ON THE HIGHWAY, BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN AS THOUGH THE GAS PEDAL HAD BEEN DEPRESSED. IT SHUTS ITS SELF OFF AS IT PLEASES, OR ACCELERATES AS IT PLEASES.THE USE OF CRUISE CONTROL HAS SINCE BEEN DISCONTINUED AND WILL NOT BE USED UNTIL FURTHER EVALUATION IS UNDERGONE. *TR

ODI #10264213STRUCTURE

RELEASE HOOD CABLE OUT OF ADJUSTMENT. *TR

ODI #10252334EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THERE WERE NO SPECIFIC EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE, ONLY TIME. THE HIGH MOUNTED 3RD BRAKELIGHT ON MY 2007 VW GTI IS FAILING. IT'S FULL OF CONDENSATION, AND THAT'S CAUSING THE BULBS INSIDE IT TO FAIL. WHEN I WENT TO REPLACE THEM, THE OWNERS MANUAL INFORMED ME THAT ONLY THE DEALER COULD DO SO. UPON TAKING IT TO THE DEALER, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY WOULD HAVE THE CAR SEVERAL DAYS AS THEY HAD TO DISMOUNT SEVERAL BODY PANELS, CUT THEM OPEN, THEN REPLACE THE BULBS AND GLUE EVERYTHING BACK TOGETHER. I WAS ALSO WARNED TO ESSENTIALLY EXPECT BODY DAMAGE, AND THAT THE BILL FOR ALL THIS WOULD BE SUBSTANTIAL. ALL THIS TO REPLACE A BULB? THAT'S INSANE, AND I FELT LIKE THAT WAS A POOR ENOUGH RESULT THAT MOST PEOPLE WOULD DEAL WITH THE SAFETY ISSUES INSTEAD OF REPLACING IT. *TR

ODI #10247981EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I WANT TO COMPLAINT ABOUT THE 3RD HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT ON MY 07 VOLKSWAGEN GTI THAT I HAVE ONE OF THE LIGHT OUT AMONG THE LIGHT AND I TRY TO REPLACE THE LIGHT IN A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE I ONLY HAVE ONE LIGHT OUT UNLESS I NEED FOUR LIGHT OUT WHICH I THINK IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE ALL LIGHTS ARE OUT WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD. I THINK THINK HAVE RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX IT BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH ONE LIGHT IS OUT IT ALREADY NOT OUT OF THE FACTORY CONDITION. I HAVE NO IDEA THAT THEY NEED TO WAIT 4 LIGHTS ARE OUT TO FIXED IT. ALSO I WANT TO COMPLAIN THAT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REPLACE IT BY YOURSELF BECAUSE IT IS MOUNT INSIDE THE SPOILER, THEREFORE I THINK THE DEALERSHIP HAVE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPLACE EVEN THOUGH IT CHARGES. *TR

ODI #10247902EXTERIOR LIGHTING

ON WASHING THE CAR (2007 VW GTI 2.0 2H) THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT CRACKED AND FELL FROM ITS HOUSING IN SEVERAL PIECES. THE MAIN BODY OF THE PART REMAINS ATTACHED BY THE ELECTRIC CABLE. THE FACTORY RESOLUTION IS TO SEND THE CAR TO A BODY SHOP TO REMOVE THE FACTORY SPOILER AND REPLACE THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE FACTORY MANUAL WARNS THAT THIS IS A MULTI-DAY JOB AND MAY RESULT IN A BROKEN SPOILER AND POSSIBLE BODY DAMAGE. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VIOLATION OF FMVSS 108 WHICH REQUIRES THAT REPLACING THE BULBS BE SIMPLE AND REQUIRE ONLY COMMON TOOLS. THE ADDED COSTS ARE BEYOND REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS AND WERE NOT SET FORTH AS PART OF THE PURCHASING DECISION. *TR

ODI #10246379EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE 3RD BRAKE LIKE ON MY 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI FORMED CONDENSATION AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT THE DEALER BY CUTTING OFF THE SPOILER SINCE IT WAS NOT REMOVABLE FROM THE OUTSIDE SURFACE. THE PROCESS OUTLINED BY VW WARNS OF POSSIBLE BODY DAMAGE DURING THIS PROCESS, WHICH I ALSO FOUND AFTER THE REPAIR. THIS PART IS NOT USER SERVICEABLE, AND IS VERY COSTLY IF IT HAS TO BE DONE OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. *TR

ODI #10246426EXTERIOR LIGHTING

REAR HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP ASSEMBLY FAILED( LED'S BURNED OUT) DUE TO MOISTURE GETTING IN. WHEN ASKED ABOUT REPLACING THE LAMP, VW'S RESPONSE IS THAT THE OLD SPOILER CONTAINING THE STOP LAMP HAS TO BE CUT OFF OF THE HATCH. THIS IS A VIOLATION OF FMVSS 108 WHICH REQUIRES THAT REPLACING THE BULBS BE SIMPLE AND REQUIRE ONLY COMMON TOOLS. THE CAR IS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD AND THEY WANT ME TO PAY 700 DOLLARS TO REPLACE A BRAKE LAMP. *TR

ODI #10242920ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SEATS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHEN A PASSENGER IS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATES AND DISPLAYS "PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS OFF". THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT WAS MADE, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE SEAT TENSIONER WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AS WELL. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WEATHER STRIPPING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES, IN ADDITION TO THE SUNROOF ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000.

ODI #10236842ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. SPORADICALLY, THE AIR BAG AND ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON TEN OCCASIONS AND THEY REPLACED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD SENSORS, THE REAR SEAL IN THE TRUNK,THE SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY, AND THE SEAT BELT POSITION SENSOR. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE, THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

ODI #10231668SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE

I OWN A 2007 GTI WHICH HAS WHAT I BELIEVE AND MANY OTHER OWNERS, A DEFECTIVE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. MY INCIDENT BEGAN SUMMER OF 2007 AFTER LESS THAN A YEAR OF OWNERSHIP MY VEHICLE STARTED SHOWING SYMPTOMS OF CLUNKING AND SNAPPING SOUNDS COMING FROM THE UNDERNEATH OF THE CAR IN THE FRONT. I WENT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO REPAIR IT AND OUT OF ALL THE VISITS OF WHICH I ONLY GOT 5 RECEIPTS AND 2 ATTEMPTS AT REPAIRS THE PROBLEM STILL CONTINUES. IT HAS BEGUN TO BE HARDER TO REPLICATE IN SOME INSTANCES AND WHEN I DID I FINALLY DECIDED TO MAKE A VIDEO OF THE ISSUE. THE SERVICE DEALERSHIPS REFUSED TO USE THE TAPE AS PROOF SO I MOVED ONTO CONTACTING VWOA OF WHICH IT DID NOT GET ME FAR. I SUPPLIED THE VIDEOS AND REPAIR BILLS AND UNLESS I CAN REPLICATE THE SOUND AT THE DEALER THEY CANT HELP. SO I FINALLY REPLICATED MY DEFECT AT ANOTHER VW SERVICE CENTER AND A SERVICE MANAGER WHO IS WELL AWARE OF THE ISSUE, AND WILLING TO WORK WITH ME AND VWOA. I CONTACTED VWOA AFTER THE VISIT AND HAVE YET TO HEAR A RESPONSE. WHAT THE SERVICE MANAGER SHOWED ME WAS PRETTY MUCH WHAT ME AND THE SEVERAL PEOPLE PRESUME IS MANUFACTURED WRONG. THE SUBFRAME ON THE VEHICLE SEEMS DEFECTIVE. IT ALSO SEEMS THAT THE SUBFRAME PUTS SOME EMPHASIS ON THE STEERING COMPONENTS ON THE VEHICLE WHICH MAY CAUSE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS EVEN HAZARDS IF INVESTIGATED FURTHER. AS OF RIGHT EVEN AFTER GIVEN REPAIRS, MY CAR IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS, SNAPPING SOUNDS DURING THE VEHICLE TURNING OR CLUNKING SOUNDS UNDER ENGINE LOADS AND TRANSMISSION LOADS. NO SOLUTION HAS BEEN OFFERED TO ME BY VWOA OTHER THAN TRY TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM WHICH I ALREADY HAVE WITH A VERY WILLING PERSON TO HELP BUT VWOA HAS YET TO CONTACT ME BACK ITS BEEN OVER A WEEK. HERE IS A LINK THAT PROVIDES MANY COMPLAINTS FROM A CAR CLUB WITH THIS PROBLEM (JUST COPY AND PASTE IT IN YOUR BROWSER) HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/ZEROTHREAD?ID=2721992&PAGE=1 AS YOU CAN SEE THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR ABOUT A GOOD 2 YEARS. *TR

ODI #10230073AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE

AS TYPICAL OF VWS, MY COMPLAINT IS NOT A SINGLE MAJOR ONE, BUT A LAUNDRY LIST OF MINOR FAILURES AND INCOMPETENCE OF DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENTS. THE LARGEST TWO COMPLAINTS DEAL WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM AND THE SUBFRAME. *TR

ODI #10225648POWER TRAIN

ENGINE AND/OR TRANSMISSION IS MAKING THIS "METAL CLASHING SOUND", LIKE GEARS AREN'T MESHING PROPERLY. THE CAR IS PRACTICALLY NEW, ONLY 8K MILES ON IT. IT'S BEEN BACK TO VW DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE TOOK THE TRANSMISSION DOWN AND REPLACED A COMPONENT. ONCE THEY PUT IT BACK TOGETHER AND TESTED, NOTHING CHANGED - THE CAR STILL MAKES THE SAME METAL GRINDING SOUND. I'M ACTUALLY ANNOYED BECAUSE PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT I WAS GOING TO TRADE IN MY GTI FOR AN R32 BUT NOW, I THINK I'LL GO WITH ANOTHER CAR ALTOGETHER. *TR

ODI #10219300EXTERIOR LIGHTING

VOLKSWAGEN GTI FAHRENHEIT 3RD BRAKE LIGHT NOT FUNCTIONING. TOOK THE CARE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CANNOT FIX IT . THEY NEED TO CUT THE SPOILER AND REPLACE THE ENTIRE SPOILER FOR JUST A LED. I ALSO FOUND THIS: S5.1.1.27 (A) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION, EACH PASSENGER CAR MANUFACTURED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 1985, AND EACH MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE, TRUCK, AND BUS, WHOSE OVERALL WIDTH IS LESS THAN 80 INCHES, WHOSE GVWR IS 10,000 POUNDS OR LESS, MANUFACTURED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 1993, SHALL BE EQUIPPED WITH A HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP WHICH:... (5) SHALL PROVIDE ACCESS FOR CONVENIENT REPLACEMENT OF THE BULB WITHOUT THE USE OF SPECIAL TOOLS. REMOVING THE REAR SPOILER REQUIRES SPECIAL TOOLS..." *TR

ODI #10217746POWER TRAIN

REGARDING THE DSG AUTO. TRANSMISSION IN THE 2006 AND 2007 VW GTI: UNDER SOME CONDITIONS THE CAR WILL HESITATE ABOUT 1 TO 2 SECONDS WHEN QUICKLY SWITCHING BETWEEN THE GAS PEDAL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL, SUCH AS WHEN MAKING A QUICK LEFT TURN TO BEAT THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. VW SIMPLY SAYS THAT "THEY ALL DO THAT". THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE SET UP AS A RECALL BY VW. *TR

ODI #10209373POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MY 2007 VW GTI DSG HAS TRANSMISSION SAFETY PROBLEMS THAT HAVE CAUSED ME TO NEARLY GET HIT NUMEROUS TIMES. THE PROBLEMS BEGAN WHEN THE CAR WAS LESS THAN 4 MONTHS OLD. WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR SLIPS OUT OF GEAR, LAGS, THEN GRABS GEAR AGAIN AND HAS TO RE-ACCELERATE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE SPEED. THIS HAS HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC AT SPEEDS OF 65 AS WELL AS IN CITY 30-45 MPH. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN PULLING OUT ONTO A BUSY TURNPIKE AND SUDDENLY HAVING THE CAR HAVE NO ACCELERATION POWER ALMOST CAUSING ME TO GET HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WHEN GOING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT HAS HAPPENED WITH NO WARNING AND SUDDENLY THE CAR DECELERATES AND THERE IS A SEVERAL SECOND LAG BEFORE IT GRABS AND DECIDES TO GO AGAIN. THIS CAN HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES CONSECUTIVELY WHICH IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE HAD THE CAR INTO THE DEALER AT LEAST 8-10 TIMES AND EVERYTIME THEY TELL ME IT IS FIXED AND THEN I PULL OUT AND IT SLIPS OUT OF GEAR AGAIN. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE MECATRONIC UNIT, REFLASHED THE ECM, ADDED IN A MISSING LAUNCH CONTROL PROGRAM AND REPLACED INTAKE FLAP MOTOR. THESE PROBLEM HAVE TAKEN ALL MY FAITH OUT OF THE VEHICLE. EVERYTIME I DRIVE I AM AFRAID. YOU DON'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL SLIP OUT OF GEAR AND LOSE POWER. I HEAR A LOUD THUNK FROM THE ENGINE AND IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR HAS BEEN HIT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I HAVE TO CONTINUE THIS ON ANOTHER COMPLAINT FORM B/C OF LENGTH, PLS. SEE PAGE 2 OF CHRIS DUNN 2007 VW GTI *TR

ODI #10209374POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS IS A CONTINUATION FROM CHRIS DUNN 2007 VW GTI AFTER THE MOST "FIX" FOR THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS - ONE WEEK AGO - THE CAR HAS DEVELOPED ANOTHER SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. WHEN STARTING THE CAR AND PRESSING ON THE GAS, YOU HEAR A LOUD THUNK AND FEEL HARD HIT AND THE CAR JERKS (LUNGES?) FORWARD ABOUT 5 FEET. SINCE THIS FIX, ONE WEEK AGO, THE CAR NOT ONLY DOES THE LUNGING FORWARD BUT NOW IS ALSO NEARLY STALLING. AFTER BEING AT A STOP AND YOU DEPRESS THE GAS THE CAR SHAKES AND HAS THE FEELING IT WILL STALL UNLESS YOU GIVE IT MORE GAS. IT THEN BEGINS TO ACCELERATE SLOWLY AT ABOUT 1/3 REGULAR POWER. THIS RECENTLY HAPPENED AS I WAS CROSSING AT A FOUR-WAY STOP AND BECAUSE OF THE HESITATION I NEARLY GOT HIT AGAIN. THEY ALSO REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES CAUSED EVERY TIME IT WAS HOT THAT CAUSED LACK OF INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND ALL DISPLAY INFO WOULD NOT BE VISIBLE. YOU DIDN'T KNOW WHAT GEAR YOU WERE IN,NO RADIO,MILES PER GALLON,OR ANY WARNINGS, ETC. HOWEVER, THIS WAS AN UNRELATED PROBLEM NOT THE TRANS PROBLEM WHICH WILL GET ME KILLED. I HAVE EXHAUSTED MY OPTIONS, HAVE RECEIVED NO COOPERATION FROM DEALERSHIP THAT SERVICED THE CAR WHICH IS CLOSER THAN THE DEALER I PURCHASED FROM. THE FIRST TIME I HAD THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, I TOOK TO WHERE I BOUGHT IT. THERE WAS A MAJOR DELAY BETWEEN THROTTLE INPUT AND VEHICLE ACCELERATION. THEY DROVE THE CAR AND DUPLICATED THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM OF THROTTLE DELAY. THEY SAID THE CAR SHIFTED AT 1000-1500 RPM'S PAST REDLINE AND ASKED IF I HAD DONE PERFORMANCE ENHANCING TUNING TO THE ECU. ---- I HAD NOT, ----THIS WAS A BRAND NEW CAR. THEY HAD ME SIGN A PAPER TO THAT EFFECT, WHICH I HAVE. THEY SAID THERE WAS PROBABLY TRANSMISSION DAMAGE TO THE CAR OR THERE "WOULD BE FUTURE TRANSMISSION DAMAGE" AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. I CALLED VWOF AMERICA AND GOT A "TOO BAD GOODBYE". SINCE THEN THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR AT LEAST 8-10 TIMES, SEVERAL DAYS AT A TIME ---AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. I AM GETTING NO HELP. *TR

ODI #10208601ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI IS OFF BY ABOUT 10 PERCENT OR TO PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE, WHEN MY SPEEDOMETER IS READING 90 MPH, ACTUAL SPEED IS 81-82 MPH ACCORDING TO MY GERMAN NAV SYSTEM. THE CAR IS AS IT LEFT THE FACTORY WITH FACTORY TIRES AND WHEELS. I BELIEVE MY ODOMETER MIGHT BE OFF A SIMILAR AMOUNT AS WELL. I CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN ON THE MATTER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE SPEEDOMETER TO BE OFF BY THAT MUCH. I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS AS MY 1995 FORD F-150 WORK TRUCK READS EXACTLY AS IT SHOULD !!! (AGAIN MEASURED BY MY PORTABLE NAV SYSTEM. I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY I WAS ALWAYS GETTING PASSED ON THE FREEWAY AND SOMETIMES GETTING RUDE VERBAL AND HAND GESTURES EVEN THOUGH I WAS TRAVELING ABOVE THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT. THIS HAS OCCURRED EVER SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR AND HAVE ONLY JUST DISCOVERED THE DISCREPANCY VERY RECENTLY (WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS). I HAVE LISTED THE NUMBER OF FAILURES AS 365 BECAUSE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE NEW AND BELIEVE THE SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER HAVE BEEN INCORRECT SINCE NEW. IM NOT EVEN GUESSING AS TO HOW MUCH THE MILEAGE ON MY CAR MIGHT BE OFF YET. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 11000 MILES. THIS IS A CONCERN WHICH SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO AND THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT WILLING TO DO A THING ABOUT IT APPARENTLY, SO I TURN TO YOUR ORGANIZATION IN HOPES THAT SOMETHING MIGHT BE DONE ABOUT THIS DISCREPANCY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER IN ADVANCE. *TR

ODI #10208162ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY CAR IS INACCURATE AND DISPLAYS A SPEED THAT IS 10% FASTER THAN I AM ACTUALLY TRAVELING. MY LOCAL DEALER APPLIED A PROGRAMMING FIX (TSB), BUT THAT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR

ODI #10195648FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE PERIODICALLY LOSES POWER, BUT HAS NOT SHUT OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING A NEW FUEL SENSOR AND FUEL PUMP. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL SENSOR ARE NOT MADE FOR HIGH ALTITUDES. IF THEY ARE REPLACED, THE SAME FAILURE WILL OCCUR. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 1,500.

ODI #10195195AIR BAGS

I HAVE TAKEN MY 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GTI IN 3 TIMES FOR AIRBAG RELATED ISSUES. AFTER 3 REPAIR ATTEMPTS AND REPLACING THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM, THE AIRBAG LIGHT STILL COMES ON AT RANDOM OCCASIONS. WHEN THE LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED, ALL AIRBAG SYSTEMS ARE DISABLED AND THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I AM CURRENTLY FILING FOR ARBITRATION WITH THE BBB BECAUSE MY CAR IS A LEMON. *TR

ODI #10190911ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE JUST ABOUT THREE MONTHS AGO WITH 146 MILES ON IT. NOW HAS JUST OVER 2400 MILES. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING IN 3RD GEAR AND WENT TO SHIFT INTO 4TH, A POP SOUND WAS HEARD. HE DELAYED FOR A MOMENT AND THEN WENT INTO 4TH GEAR. ONCE HE DID THE ENGINE STARTED CLINGING. HE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED DUE TO EXTENDED REDLINE. YET MY HUSBAND WAS ONLY AT 5000 RPMS WHEN IT HAPPENED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOR ANY OTHER INDICATOR EVER CAME ON AFTER IT HAPPENED. SINCE THE CAR HAD 146 MILES ON IT WHEN WE BOUGHT IT, I THINK THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE WAS DONE PRIOR TO OUR PURCHASE. HOWEVER I HAVE NO WAY TO PROVE IT. THEY WILL NOT COVER THE DAMAGE ON THE VEHICLE UNDER THE WARRANTY. I HAVE CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, THEY SAID I NEEDED TO HAVE THE ENGINE TORN DOWN, AND IF THEY FIND IT TO BE A DRIVER'S ERROR, THEN WE WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE TEAR DOWN AND THE REPAIRS. *AK

ODI #10188293UNKNOWN OR OTHER

(1) I HIT A POTHOLE IN THE RAIN. THE TIRE BURST OUT THE SIDEWALL. (2) THE JACK FAILED TO SUPPORT THE CAR TWICE DESPITE FOLLOWING THE VEHICAL'S OWNERS MANUAL. THE CAR FELL ONTO THE AWAITING SPARE THUS CRUSHING THE FENDER FROM INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL (3) BODYSHOP QUOTE (OLD PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE INCLUDING PICTURES)

ODI #10187444STRUCTURE

ICE FORMED IN THE BOTTOM FRONT CORNER OF BOTH FRONT DOORS, CAUSING THE CORNER OF THE DOOR TO BEND . THIS HAPPENED TWICE THIS WINTER. ONE AFTER I WAS ALREADY IN THE CAR, AND I COULDN'T GET OUT WITHOUT FORCING THE DOOR TO OPEN, CAUSING THE CORNER TO BEND. *AK

ODI #10186652ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I HAVE BEEN ENJOYING MY 2007 GTI BUT THERE IS ONE FEATURE THAT I THINK IS DANGEROUS AND INCONVENIENT AND REQUEST YOU CHANGE ON FUTURE MODELS. IF THE VEHICLE STALS, I FIND THAT I MUST TURN THE KEY COMPLETELY OFF BEFORE I CAN RESTART IT. WHEN I STALL IT ON RARE OCCASIONS, IT PUTS ME IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHERE TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. YOUR FEATURE 1. REQUIRES EXTRA TIME. 2. IT IS ILLOGICAL. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED IT TOOK ME AT LEAST 20 SECONDS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE SINCE I HAD TO FIGURE OUR THIS FEATURE. DURING THIS TIME I WAS SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC! 3. I LOOSE OTHER VEHICLE FUNCTIONS SUCH AS POWER STEERING WHEN I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY OFF. (THE VEHICLE COULD STILL BE MOVING). AS A RESULT IT INCREASES THE DRIVERS DANGER IN THESE SITUATIONS. PLEASE CHANGE THE ELECTRONICS SO THAT THE CAR CAN BE RESTARTED BY SIMPLY TURNING THE IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION. *JB

ODI #10185426ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE MIL OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON REPEATEDLY. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THE ERROR CODE WAS "FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR." AFTER 5 SEPERATE TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME ISSUE, THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, THE FUEL FILTER, THE FUEL REGULATOR, THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL SENSOR, AND MOST RECENTLY THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SENSOR. I BELIEVE THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SENSOR WAS AT FAULT FROM THE VERY BEGINNING.

ODI #10178009ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE: 2007 VW GTI W/DSG TRANSMISSION SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE CONSISENTLY OVERSTATES ACTUAL SPEED ABOVE 20 MPH. THE OVERSTATEMENT VARIES FROM 1 MPH (AT 30 MPH) TO 5-6 MPH (AT 65 MPH). THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE ALSO DISAGREES WITH THE SPEED REPORTED BY THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRONIC TRIP COMPUTER. BASED ON ALL MY TESTS IN OPEN-ROAD DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE ELECTRONIC TRIP COMPUTER IS PROVING ACCURATE INFORMATION-- THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE (WHICH GETS ITS INPUT FROM THE ELECTRONIC TRIP COMPUTER) HAS BEEN DELIBERATELY DESIGNED OR DELIBERATELY CALIBRATED TO OVERSTATE VEHICLE SPEED. THE DEALER HAS CHECKED THE ENTIRE SYSTEM OUT, FINDING NO RECORDED FAULTS IN THE SYSTEM. ALL KNOWN TSB'S HAVE BEEN APPLIED. THE DEALER REPORTED THAT THEY CHECKED OUT OTHER SIMILAR VEHICLES AND FOUND IDENTICAL SPEED OVERSTATEMENT ISSUES. THE DEALER FURTHER STATED THAT THEY HAD CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND WERE TOLD THAT THE OVERSTATEMENT OF SPEED WAS "WITHIN OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS". THE FUNCTION OF A SPEEDOMETER IS TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE DETERMINATION OF ACTUAL VEHICLE SPEED. WHILE A 1-2 MPH VARIANCE IS REASONABLE, A 5-6 MPH VARIANCE IS NOT. AT INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SPEEDS, DRIVERS ARE UNABLE TO REASONABLY DETERMINE THEIR SPEED WITHOUT MENTALLY ADJUSTING FOR A CORRECTABLE DESIGN DEFICIENCY

ODI #10176308ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ENGINE FAILURE AT ONLY 800 MILES. *NM

ODI #10170589ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2007 GTI 2.0, PACKAGE2, DSG. VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER IS NOT ACCURATE. IN ORDER TO TRAVEL 60 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER MUST READ 65 MPH. THE ONLY WAY TO SEE THE CORRECT SPEED, IS WITH THE CLIMATRONIC. HOLD DOWN ECON AND AIR UP BUTTONS AT SAME TIME. TURN DRIVER'S SIDE KNOB TO 19.0, TURN MIDDLE KNOB UNTIL SAYS 19.1. THE UNCORRECTED SPEED IS SHOWN IN THE PASSENGER SIDE CLIMATRONIC WINDOW. THE UNCORRECTED SPEED MATCHES UP TO OTHER VEHICLES AND IS ACCURATE FROM ALL TESTS. VOLKSWAGEN IS TAKING THE ACTUAL SPEED, AND MAKING IT WRONG, AND SENDING TO THE SPEEDOMETER. THE SAME HOLDS TRUE IN EVERY 2007 GTI WITH 18" WHEELS. A VEHICLE COSTING OVER $25,000 SHOULD AT LEAST BE ABLE TO GIVE ACCURATE SPEED. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE TO LOOK DOWN TO CLIMATRONC TO GET ACCURATE SPEED. *NM

ODI #10168123VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SPEEDOMETER IS ABOUT 9% OFF. (SPEEDOMETER READS 70 MPH, ACTUAL SPEED IS 63-64 MPH). *JB

Annual complaints and reliability score for VOLKSWAGEN GTI — recall years marked in red
091705010020062009201220152018202120242026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 77 total NHTSA complaints filed over 15 years, with the worst year being 2009 (17 complaints).

The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 92/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.

Notably, despite 77 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.

Red dots on the amber line flag 4 years (2014, 2016, 2017, 2023) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial
$48,614
~$810/mo over 5 yrs
$0.2/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$23,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $48,614 (~$810/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

1 open recall (unverified repair status)−$500
Total recommended deduction−$500
HIGH
Verify recall EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS has been repaired
Recall on record for: CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTI
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: AIR BAGS
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Full Coverage
$1,270–$1,620/yr
~$106–$135/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
19-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

VOLKSWAGEN has been fined $19000M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2017: Criminal plea agreement related to Dieselgate.

2016$14700MDieselgate settlement — defeat device software in TDI engines to cheat EPA emissions tests
2017$4300MCriminal plea agreement related to Dieselgate

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Vehicle Identity

VINWVWFV71K27W279950
Model Year2007
MakeVOLKSWAGEN
ModelGTI
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleHatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Doors2
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionAutomatic

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)1.984000
Horsepower200.00

Manufacturer

ManufacturerVOLKSWAGEN AG
Assembly CityWOLFSBURG
Assembly CountryGERMANY

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)WVW
Check Digit (Char 9)2
Model Year Code (Char 10)7
Plant Code (Char 11)W
Sequence (Chars 12–17)279950

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count1
NHTSA Complaint Count77
W
1
V
2
W
3
F
4
V
5
7
6
1
7
K
8
2
9
7
10
W
11
2
12
7
13
9
14
9
15
5
16
0
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
W
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
V
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
W
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
FV71K
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
2
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
7
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
W
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
279950
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Germany
From VIN position 1 (W)
Model Year Character
"7" → 2007
Unambiguous model year
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 4/15/2026, 9:35:39 AM.