2011 Volkswagen GTI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2011 Volkswagen GTI. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2011 Volkswagen GTI. Newest first.
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 comply with all of the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
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 Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
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 powered while the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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 replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Owner complaints
55 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling
See attached document for complaint
- Air bags · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that he lost the function of the steering wheel, horn, controls, and air bag. The air bag warning indicator light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The…
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that he lost the function of the steering wheel, horn, controls, and air bag. The air bag warning indicator light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the parts required were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
- Unknown or other
My horn had stopped working and I brought it to the dealership to get it diagnosed. They identified it as a clockspring issue, and with the knowledge that VW has an active recall for the clockspring, I was hoping that I could get the clockspring replaced under the warranty. However, VW of America…
My horn had stopped working and I brought it to the dealership to get it diagnosed. They identified it as a clockspring issue, and with the knowledge that VW has an active recall for the clockspring, I was hoping that I could get the clockspring replaced under the warranty. However, VW of America refuses to replace the clockspring under the warranty as my airbag light isn't on. I am frustrated because my horn issue is clearly due to the clockspring, and now I do not have a working horn and have to pay out of pocket to fix it. Also, there are no available parts for the clockspring, so even if I wanted to fix it I have to wait for months.
- Power train › Driveline › Chain/belt
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made…
The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
- Electrical system
I bought the car and a couple days later the dash started lighting up with a bunch of codes about exterior lights so we checked them all fine I went to the auto part store and they said that the vehichle I have has a known issue with the fuses burning so we pull the fuse and sure enough it melted…
I bought the car and a couple days later the dash started lighting up with a bunch of codes about exterior lights so we checked them all fine I went to the auto part store and they said that the vehichle I have has a known issue with the fuses burning so we pull the fuse and sure enough it melted and we replaced fuse drove a week longer and the fuse box caught fire so I took and had a new fuse box installed and it again is burning fuses. Flashing all kinds of code error lights on dash and the sunroof opens and closes by its self . I looked at other VIN OF SAME CAR SAME YEARS and they are recalled for this problem but my VIN is not for some reason
- Air bags · Electrical system
There are many cases of clock spring failure in my model as well as many others. The problem here is that this failure has caused my to lose the use of all my steering wheel controls, horn and airbag and shifters. VW has obliged about the problem and is willing to repair it under warranty. The…
There are many cases of clock spring failure in my model as well as many others. The problem here is that this failure has caused my to lose the use of all my steering wheel controls, horn and airbag and shifters. VW has obliged about the problem and is willing to repair it under warranty. The problem is, is that there are no parts available for the repair. I have no choice but to drive a car with many safety issues. Someone needs to look into allowing aftermarket parts to be used by dealer or expedite the manufacturer. This is putting many people in danger on the road, I am sure it's not only me. Thank You
- Electrical system
The horn works on some trips and not on others. I've brought it to the dealership near me and been told that it needs to be broken for them to be able to diagnose it. I hear a clicking sound from the steering wheel when i've needed to press the horn and it doesn't work. However, even if your horn…
The horn works on some trips and not on others. I've brought it to the dealership near me and been told that it needs to be broken for them to be able to diagnose it. I hear a clicking sound from the steering wheel when i've needed to press the horn and it doesn't work. However, even if your horn doesn't work on the last trip you had, it sounds fine when you click the key fob lock button. No lights come on anywhere to notify me that horn won't work today, only remembering to try it out in the driveway when I go out
- Air bags
Put my key into the ignition and recieved, "error: airbag" now my airbag light IS on and I didnt do anything to my electrical or airbag system.
- Unknown or other
When the key has been inserted into the ignition cylinder, the key will not turn all the way to turn on the vehicle. It will stop in the accessory setting and not go further. The key can be taken out again but same issue continues if you try again. The automatic transmission on my vehicle IS fully…
When the key has been inserted into the ignition cylinder, the key will not turn all the way to turn on the vehicle. It will stop in the accessory setting and not go further. The key can be taken out again but same issue continues if you try again. The automatic transmission on my vehicle IS fully engaged in park and the steering wheel IS not locked. The car will not turn on and will force me to have it towed to a mechanic to repair or replace the ignition lock cylinder that seems to be damaged. All accessories power on just fine when the accessory setting IS engaged so that leads me to believe the ignition switch IS fine but the cylinder IS damaged. replacement of this part requires the removal of the steering wheel, airbag, steering column arms and other electronics so I am taking it to a mechanic in fear that this IS too advanced a project for home repair. this issue was first documented on october 5TH 2019 and has never given any issues in the past.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that the diagnostic trouble code for the steering lock column flashed. Pugi volkswagen (2020 ogden ave, downers grove, il 60515, (630) 964-9500) was notified of the failure and cleared the code, but did not provide diagnostic testing.…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that the diagnostic trouble code for the steering lock column flashed. Pugi volkswagen (2020 ogden ave, downers grove, il 60515, (630) 964-9500) was notified of the failure and cleared the code, but did not provide diagnostic testing. The dealer did not verify if the vehicle was included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
- Engine
Timing chain or tensioner fails without warning leaving motorist in an unsafe situation especially if driving in metropolitan traffic
- Power train
Car has 67000 miles, driving home on a ~300 mile trip, received a warning that oil was low. Drove 8-10 miles to the closest gas station to check. Oil was leaking rapidly. Put in more to get to mechanic who confirmed rear main was leaking, was unwilling to do repairs. Drove to another mechanic…
Car has 67000 miles, driving home on a ~300 mile trip, received a warning that oil was low. Drove 8-10 miles to the closest gas station to check. Oil was leaking rapidly. Put in more to get to mechanic who confirmed rear main was leaking, was unwilling to do repairs. Drove to another mechanic willing to do repairs, who confirmed that the rear main seal/pcv valve had failed. This IS a well-known and common issue in 2.0 tsi engines across VW and audi.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Ongoing engine misfire issues. After 3 visits to dealership and replacement of coils, fuses, relays, etc, root cause determined to be a short between the after run coolant pump which causes a voltage draw and confuses the ecm. After talking with VW technician, I learned that this same exact part on…
Ongoing engine misfire issues. After 3 visits to dealership and replacement of coils, fuses, relays, etc, root cause determined to be a short between the after run coolant pump which causes a voltage draw and confuses the ecm. After talking with VW technician, I learned that this same exact part on audi vehicles IS under a safety recall for the shorting issue that my pump IS having because the short can cause fires. However, the VW part IS not under recall. My family could have been put in grave danger because this part IS in my car and has not been recalled. In addition, even though the part has failed, VW will not compensate me for the repair, so I have no choice but to pay $500 out of pocket to fix a safety hazard in my vehicle. for reference, audi recall number IS 18v229000.
- Electrical system
While driving at night I had several lights quit working simultaneously. A bulb warning light illuminated on the dash and messages for right front low beam, right front turn signal, left rear turn signal,left rear brake, right front high beam, right front fog light, left front side, right rear…
While driving at night I had several lights quit working simultaneously. A bulb warning light illuminated on the dash and messages for right front low beam, right front turn signal, left rear turn signal,left rear brake, right front high beam, right front fog light, left front side, right rear side, and license plate bulbs all appeared in the information screen. I checked outside the car and all of the lights that I got messages about were inoperative. As there was no chance that all of these bulbs failed simultaneously, I did some research to determine what might have caused this. Numerous internet searches for these symptoms seemed to indicate that a fuse in the under hood fuse panel could be to blame for this. I checked the F16 fuse and found it burned on one side of the fuse. The fuse panel was also slightly melted where this half of the fuse was inserted. Pictures are attached. My local VW dealer said the fuse panel will need to be replaced. Upon doing some research, there IS a safety recall on the 09-11 tiguan (code: 97Z9) and a service action on the 09-10 jetta and 09 GTI (code: 97AM) for the exact same issue I am experiencing. Both the dealer and VW USA say that I am 100% responsible for the cost because my model and vin aren't covered under any campaigns.
- Structure › Body
Headliner falling down, cut to short, glue failing, shrank. whitish powder coming from opening.
- Engine
My 2011 GTI has had constant issues since just after warratny ending. Since purchasing a new 2011 GTI I have had a water pump changed twice, intake manifold replaced four times , ignition coils and decarb service twice in less than 130K miles IS cause for concern and shows a lack of reliability…
My 2011 GTI has had constant issues since just after warratny ending. Since purchasing a new 2011 GTI I have had a water pump changed twice, intake manifold replaced four times , ignition coils and decarb service twice in less than 130K miles IS cause for concern and shows a lack of reliability of parts and/or workmanship. during services at 50005 mil - found code faults relating to manifold. Technician reset codes. 57711 mil - misfires occurred and returned to service. Found issues with faulty manifold. This was 4months after previous service. Manifold replaced. 69119 mil - multiple faults found. Misfires. Manifold replaced, faults still present. Found internal air leek. Replaced oil separator. 83991 mil - misfires on all cylinders. Leak in intake manifold. Replaced intake manifold. Replaced faulty fuel pump. Decarb recommended and serviced. 102300 mil - multiple misfires. Intake manifold leak. Replaced intake manifold, was told that there IS a large carbon build and need to decarb. Replaced all four ingnittion coils. 119406 mil - multiple misfires. Replaced all four ignition coils. Was told that the engine needed a decarb..again. 128700 mil - multiple misfires, manifold faulty, told to replace manifold, camshaft timing issues. Has jumped tooth. these are all repeated and known issues that have not been rectified and have contributed to current issues and many thousands of dollars in repairs. Also had the serpentine belt replaced at 110000 miles as it came shredded entering the freeway. all major services were completed at a VW dealership. it IS worth noting we have two 2011 gti's. The other vehicle had a broken camshaft at 96,000 miles.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen GTI. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled and lost power. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to hanlees hilltop volkswagen (3255 auto plaza, richmond, ca 94806, (510) 283-6300) where it was diagnosed that the timing chain…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 volkswagen GTI. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled and lost power. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to hanlees hilltop volkswagen (3255 auto plaza, richmond, ca 94806, (510) 283-6300) where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Unknown or other
'Takata recall' on the horn, it stopped working, checked the horn, and fuses and wasnt that. 'takata recall' on the front lights, checked the bulbs and it wasnt that, most likely IS the wiring
- Electrical system
The fuse box melted. This was caused by a terminal or a fuse over heating. This caused an outage for all the right-side lamps of the vehicle and some lamps on the left-side. the lamp error was reported by the vehicles multifunction display. the car was running fine in the morning and experienced…
The fuse box melted. This was caused by a terminal or a fuse over heating. This caused an outage for all the right-side lamps of the vehicle and some lamps on the left-side. the lamp error was reported by the vehicles multifunction display. the car was running fine in the morning and experienced this failure after starting up the vehicle at noon. I restarted the vehicle over and over trying to clear the error. the bulbs in question appeared to be fine. I drove the vehicle straight over to the VW dealership for service. Later, the dealership confirmed the fuse box had melted after I researched and discovered similar occurrences with other VW models. The cost of repair was $377.
- Engine
I purchased my car new and always had the dealer I bought it at do the service work. At the 100000 mile service interval I asked what I had to do with the timing chain and was assured that nothing needed to be looked at or replaced. At approximately 130000 miles I was traveling on I-88 at speed…
I purchased my car new and always had the dealer I bought it at do the service work. At the 100000 mile service interval I asked what I had to do with the timing chain and was assured that nothing needed to be looked at or replaced. At approximately 130000 miles I was traveling on I-88 at speed with heavy traffic when all of a sudden I lost all power and had to coast thru 4 lanes of traffic to make it to the right shoulder. I let the car cool down and when I was able to get it started 30 minutes later I nursed it home. The next day I was able to drive it to the dealer where I had all my service work done and they informed me that the timing chain had jumped, most likely the timing chain adjuster had failed, and it would cost between $7000 and $10000 to repair. This took place on sep 20 2016. The car IS still sitting in my driveway since I have been in and out of work for the last year and had to move in the meantime.
- Power train
Rough up and down shifts with the dsg transmission. I complained several times over the last 4-5 years to VW dealerships claiming that the transmission was making horrible clunking and clanking sounds in lower gears, and would have rougher than usual shifts normally in reverse to drive, and second…
Rough up and down shifts with the dsg transmission. I complained several times over the last 4-5 years to VW dealerships claiming that the transmission was making horrible clunking and clanking sounds in lower gears, and would have rougher than usual shifts normally in reverse to drive, and second gear to first gear, or first gear to neutral. They all but ignored it and blamed it on being the "nature of the car" and to "get used to it". This poses an issue though as the transmission IS sometimes slow or hesitant to give power or it'll cut power unexpectedly... So from a stop some power IS present, but can cut out for a second or two... Leaving the driver and passengers in a dangerous position. It also lurches forward from a cold start when shifting into drive. If someone did not have their brakes fully applied, they could easily hit someone or someone's property from this trait. now that the car IS well out of the 5 year powertrain warranty, VW techs only now recognize a problem with the dsg mechatronics unit, the same part that has an open recall for 10yr/100k on previous models of the GTI (2006-2010), and also reported problems on newer models as well (2014+). VW refuses to extend any coverage to the MK6 generation, and want a total of $2400 to replace the faulty mechatronics unit. Once again, VW refuses to learn from their mistakes and uses faulty parts on newer cars and when they too begin to show issues, they turn their back on their customers. VW might as well add mechatronics replacement on dsg equipped vehicles as part of their regular maintenance. I have lost all faith in this car brand.
- Unknown or other
This IS my third volkswagen GTI in three years, and for the second time in the 6 years I've owned this car, the headliner has detached and fallen down onto passenger. Three times if you count the sunroof visor shade cloth. This happened on both previously owned VW models as well. Volkswagen IS…
This IS my third volkswagen GTI in three years, and for the second time in the 6 years I've owned this car, the headliner has detached and fallen down onto passenger. Three times if you count the sunroof visor shade cloth. This happened on both previously owned VW models as well. Volkswagen IS incapable of making a quality cloth liner for the doors, roof, and other components covered by their fabrics/upholstery. VW claims this IS typical wear and tear and not a fault of their components, but then why does it occur every three years on every single model they produce?
- Unknown or other
This IS my third volkswagen model, particularly golf GTI model in ten years, and for the third time, like clockwork, the air con has died before 48K miles on the odometer. All signs point to a faulty sensor on the compressor that dies, and typically shrapnels the compressor, dry, and other critical…
This IS my third volkswagen model, particularly golf GTI model in ten years, and for the third time, like clockwork, the air con has died before 48K miles on the odometer. All signs point to a faulty sensor on the compressor that dies, and typically shrapnels the compressor, dry, and other critical air con systems, causing zero cold air to blow. VW has a recall or an open tsb for this faulty sensor and the parts affected by it on previous models after several complaints, but refuses to extend any compensation or assistance for the facelifted MK6 generation. VW IS cheapening out and using the same exact parts as before, and hoping to slide under the radar to avoid having to shell out costs to fix and repair for the newer generations. This IS absurd. VW should be ashamed for putting such a flawed combination of inept systems together and call it "the people's car". What a joke.
- Engine
I tried to start my car, which was parked in the driveway; the battery was working fine, but the engine would not start. I had it towed to a VW mechanic the next morning, 11/9/17. The VW mechanic informed me that my timing tensioner chain had broke causing my pistons to crash into one another…
I tried to start my car, which was parked in the driveway; the battery was working fine, but the engine would not start. I had it towed to a VW mechanic the next morning, 11/9/17. The VW mechanic informed me that my timing tensioner chain had broke causing my pistons to crash into one another, causing my engine to not work and need a total rebuild. My car had given no warning, no engine lights, nothing to allude to an impending catastrophic issue involving my engine. My car only has 59,000 miles on it, premature for this issue - especially with no warning. This issue IS not protected by warranty.
- Engine
My VW GTI has a failing timing chain tensioner that caused my valves to collide with pistons and required a rebuild of the engine (excluding timing chain). The engine IS not timed correctly and has lost a ton of power and IS rattling, if I continue to drive it will most likely cause the engine to seize again. The vehicle was stationary and initially broke upon turning it on.
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
- 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.This Recall Query has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA18-003) to further evaluate the scope and effectiveness of the remedy associated with 15V-483 and perform a 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, 107626
- Air Bag Clockspring Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of steering wheel clock spring/steering column control module (SCCM) failures in model year (MY) 2012 Volkswagen Passat and CC models.The SCCM is a module within the steering column that incorporates a spiral conductor (a…
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of steering wheel clock spring/steering column control module (SCCM) failures in model year (MY) 2012 Volkswagen Passat and CC models.The SCCM is a module within the steering column that incorporates a spiral conductor (a ribbon cable) to electrically connect the steering wheel to the vehicle's electrical system while allowing for the turning of the steering wheel.Complainants alleged that that the clock spring failed while driving and without warning.When the SCCM fails electrically, an air bag warning light is illuminated on the dash of the vehicle.If a vehicle with a failed SCCM were to be involved in a crash of sufficient severity to require deployment, the driver air bag may not deploy properly, or deploy at all.As the result of an Information Request response from Volkswagen, ODI determined that the same SCCM was used in several vehicle models and MYs including: 2010-2013 CC, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2013 Golf, 2012-2013 Jetta and Jetta SportWagen, 2010 and 2012-2014 Passat and 2011-2014 Tiguan.ODI identified a total of 29 NHTSA complaints across all affected vehicles potentially indicating a failed SCCM.Drivers often indicated that an audible noise was heard from the steering column when the unit failed. Some drivers also mentioned that there was a noticeable but minor resistance to turning of the steering wheel after the failure with noises coming from the steering column.The average failure mileage is approximately 30,500 miles and failures often occur outside of the factory warranty.There were no reported crashes or injuries identified in either the NHTSA or Volkswagen data as a result of SCCM failures.On July 30th, 2015 Volkswagen notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (15V-483) to remedy the SCCMs in 415,825 MY2010-2014 vehicles.According to Volkswagen, the SCCM can become contaminated with human hair or similar fibers entering the unit between the steering wheel and steering column.Over time this can cause the electrical cable to tear and lose connection between the steering wheel and vehicle.Volkswagen will install a cover that attaches over the SCCM to help prevent contaminants from entering the unit.A new SCCM designed to reduce outside contamination intrusion was previously introduced into new vehicle production during the 2014 model year; accordingly vehicles equipped with the new design SCCM are not included in the recall.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer addresses the safety risks identified by the investigation.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10760644, 10758777, 10748922, 110734168, 10731545, 10721424, 10717651, 10715305, 10713742, 10713139, 10712295, 10711945, 10704830, 10704221, 10702926, 10702212, 10701406, 10691906, 10683944, 10682136, 10672715, 10670517, 10669312, 10628549, 10607240, 10575783, 10561143, 10552113, 10397670.
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
- 10253216Keyless Entry Inoperative after Access / Start (KESSY) Module Replacement
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253207Washer Level Sensor
- 10253205Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 10253203Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252941Washer Level Sensor
- 10252937Vehicles equipped with Immobilizer 4 (Download) ? Adapting Keys after Vehicle Lock Set Replacement
- 10252935Equipped With KESSY ? Key Adaptation Tip
- 10252922Washer Level Sensor
- 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)
Every Volkswagen GTI model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.