repaired · 2020 Q1
Unknown or other
Risk. If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
2012 Volkswagen GTIProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 40 owner complaints about the 2012 Volkswagen GTI, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-483 the manufacturer reports only 76% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 29, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Volkswagen GTI has problems
40 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
13Engine2 crash/fire/injury
7Power train2 crash/fire/injury
5Air bags
5Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
4Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
4Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
4Electrical system
1Tires
1Visibility
55 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 13 | 2 |
| Power train | 7 | 2 |
| Air bags | 5 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 5 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2012 Volkswagen GTI recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2017 Q2
Air bags: frontal
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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other GTI year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the GTI median. How we score
'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Volkswagen GTI safety ratings
2012 Volkswagen GTI 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (12.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Volkswagen GTI, and the recalls they led to.
- Clockspring failureNo recall
- Air Bag Clockspring FailureLed to recall 15V-483
- Air Bag Clockspring FailureNo recall
In owners' words
What GTI owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant level warning light illuminated. The contact stopped and refilled the coolant reservoir bottle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed water pump.…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, IT RATTLED INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEMONTROND VOLKSWAGEN (14101 NORTH FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77090, [PHONE]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN AND THE TIMING TENSIONER NEEDED TO BE…
AT 68,000 MILES ON MY 2012 VW GTI, I HAD TO HAVE THE TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER REPLACED. HOWEVER, WHEN I TRIED TO REPORT MY REPAIRS FOR COST REIMBURSEMENT PER THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VIN WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THESE PARTS. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MY VIN…
Own a 2012 GTI?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.