Volkswagen first launched the practical and economic Golf model in 1974 and then forever changed the automotive landscape with the GTI variant in 1984. The GTI was the car that brought the term “hot hatch” to the mainstream with a sport tuned suspension, a more powerful engine and all the practicality of the Golf’s boxy hatchback design. The Golf and GTI have continued to evolve over the years and are now offered in their 7th generation (MK7) form and are still considered one of the best choices in their class for a sporty and practical car with excellent highway manners, whether picking up the groceries or attending a local autocross event.
As of 2020, the Volkswagen Golf, in all of its different versions, is the third best selling car of all time. If you are one of these owners, or are considering buying a Golf or GTI, it’s important to be aware of the common maintenance and repairs for these vehicles so that you can plan ahead to avoid or address potential issues. Each generation of the Golf and GTI have their own nuances and issues, but many best practices are universal. In this article we are covering some of the most common maintenance and repairs for 2005+ Golf and GTI (MK5-MK7). We recommend consulting with a certified Volkswagen mechanic and researching online to learn more about your specific car.
Stay On Top Of The Recommended Maintenance Schedule
The best way to keep your Golf or GTI running optimally is to be proactive with following the recommended maintenance schedule, which can be found in your Owner’s Manual or in PDF format online. The Maintenance Schedule for Golfs and GTIs has actually simplified over time, so if you own a newer 6th or 7th generation vehicle, the most common maintenance items are oil changes and cabin air filters every 10,000, replacing the automatic transmission (DSG) fluid every 40,000 miles, replacing the coolant every 50,000 miles, and changing the spark plugs and engine air filter every 60,000 miles. The earlier MK5 GTI’s (2005-2009) came with the “FSI” 2.0 liter turbocharged engine that uses a timing belt to synchronize the internals of the motor. These timing belts are recommended to be replaced every 120,000 miles or 7 years. From 2009 forward, Volkswagen switched to a new engine design (“TSI”) that uses a timing chain which does not require replacement for the lifetime of the vehicle. Regular maintenance will also include wear items such as replacing brake pads, tires, and clutches in vehicles with manual transmissions.
Volkswagen Safety Recalls & Technical Service Bulletins
Sometimes a manufacturer will learn, after the vehicles have been sold to the public, that there was an engineering mistake or a defective part used in the vehicle’s production. When one of these issues poses a serious enough risk, Volkswagen will issue a Safety Recall and agree to fix all of the affected cars for free. When there is a common issue that does not pose a safety threat and warrant a recall, VW will often issue a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that describes the issue and the recommended fix for mechanics to reference.
For 2017-2020 (MK7) Golfs and GTIs, the only safety recall that has been issued so far is for a “microswitch” tied to the transmission and gear selector that can sometimes give a false reading to the car’s computer of whether the gear selector is in “Park” or not, generating warning messages and potentially causing the car to roll away when parked if the handbrake isn’t applied. Contact a VW dealership and they will schedule an appointment for a free repair.
There was an additional safety recall for 2015-2016 Golfs and GTIs for a faulty suction pump inside the fuel tank that increases the risk of a fire. These should all have been replaced by now, but double-check your records or contact a Volkswagen dealership with your VIN number to confirm.
Interior Issues
VW Golf and GTI interiors also have a few common issues to be aware of. On the earlier MK5 (2006-2009) cars, the headliner and door fabrics are known to separate and droop or fall off. These can be costly to repair or replace. Many owners also report that their airbag light is illuminated and often that is caused by a wire under the driver seat getting damaged.
On MK7 cars (2015-2020), one common interior issue is for the silver trim around the gear selector to crack and chip off in places which creates sharp jagged edges that might cut your fingers. Volkswagen only sells the entire shifter assembly if you need replacement trim, but there are cheaper alternatives online and your Volkswagen mechanic may be able to help you find a less labor-intensive solution.
Problems Specific to the 2015 Model Year
2015 was the first year for the 7th generation Golf and GTI, a completely new design at the time, and is noted for having more issues than in subsequent years, by which time the issues had gotten corrected at the factory. One major issue, which now has been addressed in virtually all affected 2015 models, was carbon buildup on the turbochargers that lead to their failure (and often serious engine damage).
The panoramic sunroofs on 2015 models are also known to often have problems and it is recommended to monitor and lube the sunroof components more frequently than suggested in the maintenance schedule. Additionally there have been reports of leaky sunroofs which may require a new seal. An unaddressed leaking hatch seal could lead to rusting.
Potential Pitfalls of the Early “TSI” Engine
While 2008.5-2013 TSi engines are generally known for their robustness and featured improvements over the previous “FSI” engine (such as a timing chain instead of a belt), there are some potentially significant issues that can arise if not properly maintained. The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) has been known to fail, leading to a blown rear main seal on the engine, loss of oil pressure and significant engine damage. The PCV should be inspected regularly and replaced when needed. Another item which should be inspected by a professional German auto mechanic are the timing chain tensioners. These parts, if they fail, can lead to serious internal engine damage.
This isn’t to say that all of these motors experience these issues or that you need to be overly worried about them, but you should consult with a VW mechanic and discuss their condition if you have never inspected them.
MK5 (2006-2009) Cam Follower Maintenance
The 5th generation Golf and GTI was a big leap forward for VW with a completely new design from the ground up. One of the most important issues to be aware of is with the engine’s Cam Follower. This part allows for the smooth rotation of the camshaft and they are known to wear out, potentially causing costly damage to the camshaft and fuel pump. Symptoms of your cam follower is failing include loss of power, rough running, and an illuminated check engine light. Savvy owners periodically pull the fuel pump and check the follower to avoid expensive repairs.
Common Issues Across All VW Golfs & GTIs
With all Golfs and GTIs it is important to regularly monitor oil levels, as they are known to sometimes burn some oil between changes and if a significant amount of oil is lost between changes, the engine could be seriously damaged.
Another common issue across multiple generations of Golfs and GTIs is torn CV axle boots. When the rubber boot tears, the grease that is sealed inside to lubricate the axle winds up being ejected onto the underside of the vehicle and the tires. Eventually the lack of lubrication will cause the axle to wear out prematurely and result in vibrations at speed and potentially dangerous driving conditions. If caught early, it is possible to replace the boot with new grease sealed inside, but it is generally recommended to replace the entire axle as the labor cost will be about the same either way.
Finally, it is common for air conditioning systems to leak and lose their ability to pump out that refreshing chilled air. Sometimes recharging the system with more refrigerant can solve the problem, but it may be only temporarily if there is a bad seal in the system. Air conditioning repairs should generally be left to professional mechanics, as precise pressures are needed and there are strict regulations of how the refrigerant can be stored and disposed of.
