2010 Volkswagen GTI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Volkswagen › GTI › 2010
These records cover every 2010 Volkswagen GTI. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2010 Volkswagen GTI. Newest first.
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 potential to falsely…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.
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.
Owner complaints
53 complaints4 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts
The seatbelt is failing as it does not retract back into its holder and I am uncertain as to how safe and effective it is. Note that I have not done anything to cause this damage to it, it is through use and time. Volkswagen Group should approve fixes to it without additional cost to the customer.
- Service brakes
under emergency braking at around 70mph all 4 wheels locked up and abs/traction lights illuminated on dash. Caused a minor accident and flat spot on all 4 tires. ABS did not work. This is a know recall for 2009 models of the same vehicle. I replicated the issue a second time at a slower speed on a…
under emergency braking at around 70mph all 4 wheels locked up and abs/traction lights illuminated on dash. Caused a minor accident and flat spot on all 4 tires. ABS did not work. This is a know recall for 2009 models of the same vehicle. I replicated the issue a second time at a slower speed on a secluded road with the same results. There are numerous complaints about the same situation on this and other model VW cars of this year all over the internet forums. The ABS module was diagnosed as defective by mechanic shop.
- Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking
About a month ago, while driving , the abs light, brake light and ESP light came on. After about 2 weeks of troubleshooting, a local mechanic troubleshot the issues to a faulty ABS module. After many phone calls with my local VW dealership I was able to set an appointment for a diagnostic. They…
About a month ago, while driving , the abs light, brake light and ESP light came on. After about 2 weeks of troubleshooting, a local mechanic troubleshot the issues to a faulty ABS module. After many phone calls with my local VW dealership I was able to set an appointment for a diagnostic. They determined " Diag ABS system no communication advised on replacement module". The module costing $2,886.04 in parts and labor. With the part not in stock and the dealership saying " no way of knowing when we'll get one in". Over 130,000 VW's same year and model have had this same issue and been recalled but for some reason my vehicle doesn't have a recall on this vin. Both the VW dealership and VW customer care refuse to do anything. I believe this vehicle like many others were missed or ignored during the recall. My vehicle brakes have been sticking and have locked on me once already in the last month while driving. It is a safety hazard to drive.
- Electrical system
Steering lock mechanism has broke twice. Key cannot be removed from steering lock causing it to run and not able to turn off. Once car eventually can be turned off or dies you can no longer remove the key or start the car.
- Engine
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle started jerking and failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who…
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle started jerking and failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the intake manifold was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 67,000.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
When hot transmission IS getting stuck! When warm I cannot go onto reverse when shifter IS in r pushing the gas does not get it to move! Also when driving will d on dash board will start blinking and will no longer switch gears accelerator will go into red! I need to pull over and restart car to…
When hot transmission IS getting stuck! When warm I cannot go onto reverse when shifter IS in r pushing the gas does not get it to move! Also when driving will d on dash board will start blinking and will no longer switch gears accelerator will go into red! I need to pull over and restart car to continue driving! I have read only that other VW models had recalls because of wires it was switching to n !i think this car IS also having a similar problem and be included! It does it more once the car IS warm and some times the check oil pressure in the engine light will flash when driving long distances! I have read online a lot of other people with similar problem and needed to replace transmission and or get new car!
- Power train
My vehicle will automatically go from being in drive to acting like its in neutral. And will not move or go anywhere. And this all happenened when I was in dr9ve drving down the road.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2010 volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that while her son was driving 25 mph, the gear shift warning indicator was flashing. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed about nhtsa campaign number…
TL* the contact owns a 2010 volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that while her son was driving 25 mph, the gear shift warning indicator was flashing. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed about nhtsa campaign number: 09v333000 (power train) however, the vin was not included. The contact called cox chevrolet incorporated (2900 cortez rd w, bradenton, fl 34207, (941)348-6417) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to nhtsa for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
- Power train
The vehicle I purchased was under used dealer warranty engine and transmission I went ahead and did almost $4000 in repairs to this car to make it drive somewhat normal from the original jerky start from after purchase (no it did not drive like this when I test drove) I attempted to get a new…
The vehicle I purchased was under used dealer warranty engine and transmission I went ahead and did almost $4000 in repairs to this car to make it drive somewhat normal from the original jerky start from after purchase (no it did not drive like this when I test drove) I attempted to get a new transmission because VW recommended this to remedy the issue but when I tried to contact the dealer he told me that I should stop beating on it I have come across a lot of research showing there IS an open recall on this car for the sudden shifts and bucking I already had the intake manifold repaired by VW but I need help getting the transmission recall that went unnoticed by volkswagen its a real problem in this year and marque
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
I was driving on the freeway mesa,az at the rate of speed 72 mph and the car just shut off, I put it in neutral and coasted through traffic, I was able to get it from the fast lane to shoulder, my heart was racing, I put the car in park try to start it didn't start for a few minutes, drove home few…
I was driving on the freeway mesa,az at the rate of speed 72 mph and the car just shut off, I put it in neutral and coasted through traffic, I was able to get it from the fast lane to shoulder, my heart was racing, I put the car in park try to start it didn't start for a few minutes, drove home few miles away. With no problems. Next morning wouldn't start. With 59,500 miles I was stocked. Had the codes read coils, spark plugs, so I changed them. Still didn't start. 3 day later, (she's garage kept) and started up. Well in the last 6 month's it has done the same thing 9 times on the freeway, 4 times in the city. Took it to VW dealership they read codes p0087 witch IS low pressure fuel pump, fuel pump control module, fuel filter. So buying all new parts, I got fuel pump control module & fuel filter at VW dealership, fuel pump over the internet all new parts. The VW parts manager told me that VW has had problems with control module on other models, I think he said that they were recalled on jetta's, golf's and VW has updated the fuel pump control module on my 2010 VW GTI 2.0 turbo 3OR4 times. I asked how do I know if I'm buying updated version or not, he pointed out the different part numbers and said your good to go. I youtube video of r & r fuel pump, fuel pump control module, and fuel filter. My car ran great for 20.5 miles, starting it up two days later at home, I'm letting it warm up the motor for a few minutes and just quit again wouldn't start up. Then I find out there's a updated & upgraded fuel pump control module that's has 32 amps. Going to the fuel pump, wires, device, clips for $699.00 after I spent $500.00 on the parts installed. My point IS that someone who IS not smart enough, strong enough, and road conditions vary may not get to the side of the road with no power steering, power brakes, everything on a car quits. Hope nobody gets hurt/ killed. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine
During moderate acceleration, engine cuts power, epc light and check engine light comes on. Vehicle goes into limp mode, and engine will not turn more than 3000 rpm, and has no power to accelerate. Engine develops misfires and idles very roughly. Engine may stall. Turning key off and back on does…
During moderate acceleration, engine cuts power, epc light and check engine light comes on. Vehicle goes into limp mode, and engine will not turn more than 3000 rpm, and has no power to accelerate. Engine develops misfires and idles very roughly. Engine may stall. Turning key off and back on does not remedy the problem. Disconnecting the battery will turn the epc and check engine lights off, but under next moderate acceleration, epc and check engine lights come back on, and problems come back. Check engine dtc codes range from misfires to system too lean and air intake leaks, and for accelerator/throttle position sensor b malfunctions. These problems have happened multiple times in traffic on the interstate and in the city. The vehicle has stalled at stop signs and traffic lights. It has also stalled during acceleration. This problem started happening on august 6TH 2019 and has continued to happen.
- Power train
Rear main seal fails under 60K miles happen to a lot of 2.0T engines. volkswagen should provide extended warranty
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine
While driving the steering wheel, gas pedal and engine will studder and cause epc light to come on with check engine light. Turning off the car and turning back on will sometimes correct problem but will come back shortly after. Car will not accelerate without stalling out. Almost like the…
While driving the steering wheel, gas pedal and engine will studder and cause epc light to come on with check engine light. Turning off the car and turning back on will sometimes correct problem but will come back shortly after. Car will not accelerate without stalling out. Almost like the computers forgot how to accelerate the car and use the engine. Car was getting onto highway when this happened but does happen during regular driving. Car jumps and studders and the engine wants to shut down since it cant accelerate or shift higher, rpms go down to point of car stalling.
- Air bags · Power train · Service brakes
Traveling at 45 mph down a two way highway, I went to pass a slow moving vehicle when the epc turned on once again.i lost power and tried to return back into my lane the vehicle in front spiked on the brakes, I tried stopping but due to the ABS module going bad (VW knows about the problems with…
Traveling at 45 mph down a two way highway, I went to pass a slow moving vehicle when the epc turned on once again.i lost power and tried to return back into my lane the vehicle in front spiked on the brakes, I tried stopping but due to the ABS module going bad (VW knows about the problems with them) I had no ABS, traction control, or airbags. The brakes locked causing me to go off the road way hitting a berm along with a tree causing my vehicle to flip over onto the roof. Upon impact the airbag system did not activate causing minor injuries. I contacted the volkswagen manufacture to inform them of the problems with the vehicle some time ago, they told me that there was not recall and that they were not going to do anything about the problems. There has been a service bulletin about the epc with a recommend fix. The six gold pins were put in to replace the original ones which worked for some time but failed again. Thankfully I did not have my two very small children with me.
- Power train
Water pump failure, two failures in 8 years, the second failure with 20,000 miles on the pump. It failed while I was driving and car began to overheat.
- Engine
Car overheated and broke down on route 95 in virginia due to a defective water pump. This IS the third water pump in less than 3 years and 6332 miles that has gone bad in this vehicle. The currently has 28314 miles. The first water pump failed 11-20-15 with 21982 miles. the second pump failed…
Car overheated and broke down on route 95 in virginia due to a defective water pump. This IS the third water pump in less than 3 years and 6332 miles that has gone bad in this vehicle. The currently has 28314 miles. The first water pump failed 11-20-15 with 21982 miles. the second pump failed 2-27-16 with 22767 miles. The third pump failed 3-27-18 with 28314 miles. There IS no reason for water pump failures this frequently. All service was done at volkswagen of fredericksburg 540-898-1600.
- Engine
Have a GTI where there IS a known issue with the timing chain tensioner failing. VW recommends replacement of these parts which cost over $1300. There IS a service bulletin for this issue. And of course VW knowing this was a problem changed the design in newer cars.
- Engine
Vehicle was purchased from a volkswagen dealer with 61557 miles and maintained through service at dealership including regular oil changes. Less than two years later, at roughly 106,000 miles the timing chain tensioner failed randomly while driving resulting in valve damage and ultimately full…
Vehicle was purchased from a volkswagen dealer with 61557 miles and maintained through service at dealership including regular oil changes. Less than two years later, at roughly 106,000 miles the timing chain tensioner failed randomly while driving resulting in valve damage and ultimately full engine failure. Vehicle was coming out of a turn at approximately 24 mph, safely in 3RD gear, and failed about 2 seconds after throttle was applied. No possible warning from VW or their service techs and no scheduled maintenance interval for this part. Had this happened in a more traffic filled area, there may have been a very high chance of a collision or other safety concern.
- Engine
The timing chain tensioner slipped and blew the cams. the clutch was also bad. every person I talked to when I had to buy a new engine knew that VW GTI or golfs had this notorious issue. We had only owned the car for 9 months and had to buy an entire new engine because of this problem that everyone in the car industry knew about already.
- Air bags
Takata recall 2010 volskwagen GTI did not fall under the takata recall vin numbers, however my front left airbag IS needing a complete replacement. The airbag service indicator light came on when I started my vehicle up in the driveway. It was brough to a mechanic checked the issue. It was found…
Takata recall 2010 volskwagen GTI did not fall under the takata recall vin numbers, however my front left airbag IS needing a complete replacement. The airbag service indicator light came on when I started my vehicle up in the driveway. It was brough to a mechanic checked the issue. It was found with the following fault code: "code b10001b, drive airbag igniter resistance too high // inspect plug" though the same exact make/model/year of my vehicle fall under the takata recall I was told by volkswagen that my vehicle's vin did not fall under the recall. I find it unlikely that a vehicle made just a few days after mine could fall under this recall, but mine does not. I have an example of this airbag from takata failing, but am expected to pay for the repair myself.
- Engine
Around 40-50,000 miles, the VW golf GTI usually has runner flap actuator/intake manifold failure. this IS common on all VW gtis. this failure usually occurs just after the VW warranty expires on the car. VW has made a 2017 upgrade manifold to fix this problem but they refuse to recall their crappy cars in order to fix this known problem. owners are getting stuck with a $1000-$2000 repair bill to fix this problem.
- Steering
Could not turn the wheel at all, steering was out. The voice command came on saying get assistance immediately. this was repeated over and over. turned vehicle off, re-started and it was now working. I drove to a shop they said this does happen with this year maybe once a year.
- Engine
I was driving in traffic when the engine started to run rough and loud. I had to pull over and turn it off. When trying to turn it back on it started up and continued to run rough. I had the vehicle towed to the shop. When they looked at it they told me the engine needed to be replaced due to the…
I was driving in traffic when the engine started to run rough and loud. I had to pull over and turn it off. When trying to turn it back on it started up and continued to run rough. I had the vehicle towed to the shop. When they looked at it they told me the engine needed to be replaced due to the timing chain tensioner failing. When I asked about when I was supposed to have this service done they told me its not listed in the owners manuel or at any service interval up to this point. The part IS not on any list of service for the car yet failed at 93K miles. VW should issue a recall for this problem because they didn't report it to me as something that could break. I was told when I bought the car that the timing chain and tensioner should last the life of the vehicle which should be much higher then 93K. This IS a common issue in all VW tsi engines and can happen as early as 40K, VW needs to fix this and warn existing customers.
- Power train
Dsg transmission mechatronics unit failed at 70,000 miles july 2016. Transmission goes into limp mode...won't go into reverse and jumps down to and remains in first gear when in d. all service done on schedule. mfr refuses to cover replacement of unit due to limited warranty.
- Engine
Vehicle was stationary and parked. it would not start. the engine tried to turn over but would not stay running. it was taken to a volkswagen dealer service department for diagnosis. the result IS a timing chain tensioner failure and very large $2200 repair fee with the potential for a…
Vehicle was stationary and parked. it would not start. the engine tried to turn over but would not stay running. it was taken to a volkswagen dealer service department for diagnosis. the result IS a timing chain tensioner failure and very large $2200 repair fee with the potential for a significant rebuild of the engine if more damage IS found. after some research it appears that this IS a known design issue with the tensioner part and there IS a technical service bulletin (tsb 1512-01) issued for it but no recall. it IS very like to occur for all volkswagen models with the 2.0 tsi engine produced between 2008-2013. this could have been life threatening if the failure had occurred while the vehicle was in motion, especially at higher speeds.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Air Bag Clockspring Failure
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of…
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel mounted controls.The loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag will result in illumination of the air bag warning light and will prevent operation of the front driver air bag in a crash of sufficient severity requiring a commanded deployment.In November 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ17-009) after the agency received 90 complaints alleging failure of the clockspring in the subject models.Several of the complaints allege failure of the clockspring after receiving the recall remedy.The majority of the complaints allege the same failure mode without being included in the original recall, 15V-483.In its March 2018 response to ODI's Information Request under the Recall Query, Volkswagen provided approximately 700 consumer complaints and field reports on the recalled vehicles.These reports allege clockspring failure similar to the NHTSA reports described above.To date, NHTSA has received approximately 154 allegations of clockspring failure since the recall has launched.The total of 852 reports shown in the table above eliminates 6 duplicative reports received by ODI and the manufacturer.An Engineering Analysis has been opened to further evaluate the scope and effectiveness of the remedy associated with 15V-483 and perform a thorough review of the design changes implemented by Volkswagen and its suppliers to address this issue.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11080741, 11079877, 11079805, 11079124, 11076709, 11076645, 11076297, 11076249, 11076133, 11075756, 11075726, 11075358, 11075259, 11075055, 11074920, 11074565, 11073090, 11072745, 11072457, 11072089, 11071933, 11071880, 11071630, 11071592, 11067396, 11067061, 11066738, 11066601, 11066511, 11065909, 11065871, 11065262, 11064701, 11064564, 11064544, 11064531, 11063961, 11063501, 11063095, 11062772, 11062464, 11062353, 11062344, 11061463, 11061310, 11061311, 11060735, 11058154, 11057519, 11057477, 11057341, 11056793, 11056243, 11056063, 11055639, 11054279, 11052812, 11052678, 11052384, 11052228, 11051336, 11051155, 11051074, 11048803, 11047037, 11044226, 11043653, 11039142, 11033893, 11033330, 11032548, 11025475, 11025356, 11024647, 11023423, 11020570, 11020312, 11019415, 11019067, 11015441, 11015431, 11014595, 11014016, 11013709, 11013415, 11012596, 11011753, 11006668, 11006521, 11006307, 11006181, 11005301, 11003865, 11001780, 11001783, 11001334, 10994184, 10993360, 10993524, 10992490, 10985926, 10983678, 10981220, 10980831, 10980941, 10980549, 10979418, 10971152, 10967344, 10967155, 10959968, 10958624, 10957279, 10956488, 10949129, 10947562, 10945122, 10936498, 10936543, 10933950, 10927311, 10925421, 10924034, 10915612, 10915569, 10911171, 10902066, 10898733, 10896537, 10896510, 10895526, 10893938, 10891686, 10864967, 10863742, 10861984, 10851242, 10822505, 10821562, 10818403, 10795068, 10794402, 10788738, 10787804, 10782544, 10780725, 10780145, 10779145, 10776477, 10775448, 10763492, 10763423, 10763289, 10762670, 10760644, 10758777, 10749901, 10748922
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010024Lack of paint under roof
- 11010022Engine Oil Standards
- 11010021Additional reporting
- 11010011Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11008861Fluid requirements
- 11008858A list of engine oil that meet Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11008857How to perform the engine oil consumption measurement
- 11008856Checking Engine Oil and correctly reading dip stick
- 11008853How to manage software versions using VW diagnostic Tool
- 11008852Recommended Gasoline Quality
- 11008851Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008850Fuel additive to help with misfire faults
- 11008846Wind & Water Leak Checking
- 11007398Battery testing
- 11007393Engine Oil Standards
- 11005825Engine oil quality standards
- 11005820Engine Assembly Tip
- 11005819Engine Replacement Tip
- 11002875Engine oil quality standards
- 11001508Engine oil quality standards
- 10253483Engine Exhaust Flap Limited Warranty Extension
- 10253439Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program ? Gasoline Engines (Except Routan) - REVISED
- 10253262VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253205Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 10253203Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 10253184Update Programming Radio, RCD 510 (Premium 8) for Various Functionality Concerns
- 10253183Update Programming Radio, RCD 510 (Premium 8) for Various Functionality Concerns
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252937Vehicles equipped with Immobilizer 4 (Download) ? Adapting Keys after Vehicle Lock Set Replacement
- 10252916Coding Information for Replacing ?AC? Suffix Radios with ?AF? Suffix Replacement Unit
- 10252915MDI Functions with iPhone 5 Variants (5, 5c, 5s and iPad fourth generation, iPod Nano seventh generation)
- 10252909Equipped with RCD-510 Premium 8 Radio ? Radio Switches to Bluetooth Audio without Input
- 10252907Radio Navigation Unit Security Label
- 10252905MDI Control of Apple Devices with Lightning Connector (iPhone 5, iPad fourth generation, iPod Nano seventh generation)
- 10252900GPS Antenna Concerns
- 10252239Emission Label
- 10252227Replacement Radio/Navigation Unit has no Sound
Every Volkswagen GTI model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.