CarRecallWatchThe 2011 Volkswagen GTI has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 fire.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (20 reports).
2011 Volkswagen GTI recalls
Modified VWs May Not Meet Federal Safety Rules
Some 2011-2017 Volkswagen vehicles were modified while they were in an internal evaluation period, and those changes may mean the vehicles do not fully comply with all applicable federal regulatory requirements.
Driver Front Airbag May Not Deploy in a Crash
Debris can contaminate the steering wheel clock spring, a flat spiral cable that keeps the driver's front airbag electrically connected while the wheel turns.
Most common 2011 Volkswagen GTI problems
Problem areas named in the 55 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 20 |
| Power Train | 17 |
| Electrical System | 8 |
| Unknown Or Other | 5 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 |
| Air Bags | 3 |
| Steering | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
What owners report
See attached document for complaint
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.
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.
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.
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
2011 Volkswagen GTI questions
Does the 2011 Volkswagen GTI have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2011 Volkswagen GTI: Modified VWs May Not Meet Federal Safety Rules; Driver Front Airbag May Not Deploy in a Crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volkswagen GTI?
Based on 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (20), Power Train (17), Electrical System (8).
How do I check if a recall on my 2011 Volkswagen GTI has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.