CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Volkswagen GTI has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 1 fire.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (13 reports).
2012 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 2012 Volkswagen GTI problems
Problem areas named in the 40 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 13 |
| Power Train | 7 |
| Service Brakes | 5 |
| Air Bags | 5 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 |
| Electrical System | 4 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
| Tires | 1 |
| Visibility | 1 |
What owners report
ABS Control Module short and failure occurred. Trouble codes generated include 01325 - Tire Pressure Monitoring Control Module No signal/communication and 01130 - ABS Operation Implausible signal static. Upon visiting an Authorized Volkswagen dealer service center was charged $200 for ABS diagnostic fee and told the ABS Control Module has failed and I will need to pay >$2900 to replace. ABS, ESP/ASR, airbag, and parking brake lights are now permanently active as a result and not certain these systems are functioning.
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. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had been persistent, and the water pump had been replaced three times previously. The contact was informed that oil leaked onto the gasket and caused the housing of the water pump to crack, which caused the engine to overheat. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of
My Air bag light came on. Plus all the controls on my steering column do not work, including the horn. I called the VW dealer. They knew exactly what it was. The Clock Spring. This happened in early May. I was told the part has been on back order for 6 months. The dealer does not have any cars to give me until the part comes in. I was told 6 other cars have the same problem This to me is a major safety issue. I HAVE to drive my car, and I am not comfortable with that.
A MONTH AGO I NOTICED MY GTI WAS STALLING WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE AFTER A STOP. WENT ON A DRIVE WITH A LOT OF HILL CLIMBING AND THE CAR STARTING TO STALL ON THE UPHILL PORTIONS. THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICEABLY WORSE AFTER THAT, SO I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SHOP. THEY WEREN'T ENTIRELY SURE BUT PUT IN A NEW FUEL FILTER. THE PROBLEM DID NOT GET BETTER. TODAY, A MONTH LATER, I TOOK MY CAR TO A DIFFERENT SHOP FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSIS AND THEY DETERMINED IT WAS A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP/CAMSHAFT FAILURE. THE CAR IS NOT PERFORMING SAFELY DUE TO STALLING AND A LAG IN ACCELERATION.
THE CLOCK SPRING IN MY STEERING WHEEL HAS BROKEN/QUIT WORKING, VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO REPLACE IT UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT FLAGGED DURING THE RECALL, THE AIRBAG LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ARE ALL ON, MY MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT TO BE THE CLOCK SPRING CAUSING THE ISSUE.
2012 Volkswagen GTI questions
Does the 2012 Volkswagen GTI have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2012 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 2012 Volkswagen GTI?
Based on 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (13), Power Train (7), Service Brakes (5).
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 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.