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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2025

Volkswagen GTI recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 29 recall campaigns and 1,397 owner complaints for the Volkswagen GTI, covering model years 1995 to 2025. The 2019 model year drew the most complaints (179), and Engine is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Volkswagen GTI VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 29 recall campaigns on file
  • 1,397 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 31 model years with data (1995–2025)
  • most complaints: 2019 (179 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine (309 complaints)
  • latest recall 25V638000 (reported Sep 24, 2025)
  • 43 complaints reporting a crash (3.1%)
  • 17 complaints reporting a fire (1.2%)
  • 59 complaints reporting an injury (4.2%)
  • 5 complaints reporting a death (0.4%)

Volkswagen GTI complaints by model year

30 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2019 model year has the most complaints: 179 of 1,397, or 12.8%. Next come 2009 (167) and 2002 (124). The fewest are for 2021, with 4 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Volkswagen GTI owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2024Column chart of 1,397 complaints across 30 model years. The highest is 2019 with 179. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 18 complaints1819951996: 9 complaints919961997: 10 complaints1019971998: 10 complaints1019981999: 8 complaints819992000: 45 complaints4520002001: 74 complaints7420012002: 124 complaints12420022003: 53 complaints5320032004: 7 complaints720042005: 8 complaints820052006: 43 complaints4320062007: 77 complaints7720072008: 67 complaints6720082009: 167 complaints16720092010: 53 complaints5320102011: 55 complaints5520112012: 40 complaints4020122013: 34 complaints3420132014: 10 complaints1020142015: 97 complaints9720152016: 66 complaints6620162017: 52 complaints5220172018: 17 complaints1720182019: 179 complaints17920192020: 8 complaints820202021: 4 complaints420212022: 28 complaints2820222023: 6 complaints620232024: 28 complaints282024
Show the figures for all 30 model years
Volkswagen GTI complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Volkswagen GTI complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
1995181020
199690110
1997100100
1998101020
199980000
2000452100
2001742390
20021242090
2003537161
200470000
200580000
2006431310
2007774021
2008673020
20091675210
2010534010
2011550100
2012402100
2013341111
2014100100
20159721120
2016661040
2017521020
2018172022
20191790000
202080000
202140010
2022280010
202360000
2024282000
All model years1,3974317595

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Volkswagen GTI components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine is the component named most often, in 309 complaints (22.1% of all 1,397), followed by Power Train (306) and Electrical System (209).

Components named most often in Volkswagen GTI complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Volkswagen GTI complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine30922.1%
Power Train30621.9%
Electrical System20915.0%
Service Brakes1319.4%
Unknown or Other1269.0%
Air Bags1238.8%
Fuel/Propulsion System976.9%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)795.7%
Engine and Engine Cooling745.3%
Visibility584.2%
Fuel System, Gasoline463.3%
Structure453.2%
Steering433.1%
Exterior Lighting382.7%
Wheels312.2%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Volkswagen GTI recalls

29 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name GTI, newest first. The 29 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 2025. The 2015 and 2022 model years appear in the most campaigns (6 each).

  • 29 recall campaigns
  • 1 “Do Not Drive” advisory
Volkswagen GTI recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1995: 2 campaigns1996: 1 campaign1997: no campaigns1998: no campaigns1999: 2 campaigns
2000: 3 campaigns2001: 2 campaigns2002: 2 campaigns2003: 1 campaign2004: 1 campaign2005: 1 campaign2006: 2 campaigns2007: 1 campaign2008: 1 campaign2009: 2 campaigns
2010: 1 campaign2011: 2 campaigns2012: 2 campaigns2013: 2 campaigns2014: 1 campaign2015: 6 campaigns2016: 4 campaigns2017: 2 campaigns2018: 3 campaigns2019: 4 campaigns
2020: 3 campaigns2021: 1 campaign2022: 6 campaigns2023: 5 campaigns2024: 2 campaigns2025: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 25V638000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Retractor

    Model year 2025

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 GTI, Golf R, Audi A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, S5, S6 Sportback E-Tron, 2026 Q4 Sportback E-Tron, and Q4 E-Tron vehicles. The torsion bar in one or both front seat belt retractors may have been damaged during production.

    Consequence:
    In a crash, a damaged torsion bar in a retractor could fail. If this happens, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace one or both front seat belts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 30, 2025, and October 31, 2025. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834 or Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's number for this recall is 69UM; Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 694T. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 26, 2025.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 25V103000

    Reported

    Back Over Prevention › Software

    Model years 2022–2024

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf GTI vehicles. A software error may delay or deactivate the rearview camera image, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence:
    A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91SB.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 24V480000

    Reported

    Back Over Prevention › Software

    Model years 2022–2024

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf R, Golf GTI, 2024 Atlas, and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence:
    A rearview camera with a delayed or deactivated image reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2024, and July 16, 2024. Owners may contact VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298. VW's number for this recall is 91US.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 24V110000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline

    Model years 2015–2020

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.

    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 23V604000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

    Model years 2019–2020

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.

    Consequence:
    Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H7.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 23V437000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Macpherson Strut

    Model year 2023

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Golf R A8 and Golf GTI vehicles. The strut mount may be deformed, loosening the bolted connections to the suspension strut mounting.

    Consequence:
    Loose suspension connections can cause steering instability, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the right and/or left suspension strut mountings, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40T3.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 22V823000

    Reported

    Back Over Prevention › Display Function

    Model years 2022–2023

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Golf R A8, Audi S3, RS3 Sedan, Q4 E-Tron SUV, A3 Sedan, and 2022-2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI, and ID4 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be blank or unresponsive when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear or when the park function is manually activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence:
    An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Audi owners February 14, 2023. Volkswagen owners will receive an owner notification letter once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Volkswagen) 91EK and (Audi) 91EL.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 22V815000

    Reported

    Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems

    Model years 2019–2020

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

    Consequence:
    An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 22V707000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly

    Model years 2022–2023

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Golf R A8 and Golf GTI vehicles. The radiator may not have been attached correctly to the intercooler, which can result in a damaged coolant hose.

    Consequence:
    A damaged coolant hose can leak, causing the engine to overheat, and increasing the risk of fire. In addition, large amounts of coolant spilling onto the roadway can increase the risk of a crash to other vehicles.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the radiator and replace any damaged parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19Q8.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 22V543000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model year 2016

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. An improper air bag deployment may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69DY and 61C1.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Show 19 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 22V542000

    Reported

    Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly

    Model year 2022

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Golf R A8 and Golf GTI vehicles. The touch switch for the sunroof may be too sensitive, allowing it to be inadvertently pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

    Consequence:
    A sunroof switch that is inadvertently pressed can result in unintended auto-closure of the sunroof, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the roof module switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 23, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60F6.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 22V514000

    Reported

    Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Software; Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera

    Model year 2021

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence:
    A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 22V163000

    Reported

    Engine

    Model year 2022

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Golf GTI and Golf R vehicles. Certain driving situations, such as high acceleration driving maneuvers, may loosen the engine design cover.

    Consequence:
    A loose engine design cover may contact hot surfaces in the engine compartment and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will remove the engine design cover, free of charge. Once parts become available, Volkswagen will provide a free updated engine design cover under a separate Service Action. Owner notification letters were mailed by March 29, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10H5.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 19V615000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module; Steering › Column Locking › Anti-Theft Device

    Model years 2015–2019

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."

    Consequence:
    Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 18V369000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper

    Model year 2018

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.

    Consequence:
    A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 18V329000

    Reported

    Unknown or Other

    Model years 2011–2013

    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 applicable regulatory requirements.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 16V913000

    Reported

    Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

    Model year 2009

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.

    Consequence:
    A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 16V647000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline; Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control

    Model years 2015–2016

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.

    Consequence:
    As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 20Y6 and 20Y5. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 24V-110.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 15V483000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model years 2011–2014

    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 steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 15V229000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model year 2015

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Golf, and GTI manufactured on February 17, 2014, to May 22, 2014, and Audi A3 manufactured on February 16, 2013, to April 23, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.

    Consequence:
    If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle will not start, or if the engine is running, it will stop and the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any affected fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi at 1-800-253-2834.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  11. NHTSA campaign 15V028000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail

    Model year 2015

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.

    Consequence:
    A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  12. NHTSA campaign 14V412000

    Reported

    Steering

    Model year 2015

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured January 27, 2014, to May 12, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the stabilizer link fasteners may come loose and possibly interfere with the steering of the vehicle.

    Consequence:
    A loose stabilizer link may interfere with the vehicle's steering, requiring additional effort to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front stabilizer links, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40K9/1W.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  13. NHTSA campaign 09V333000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model years 2009–2010

    Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 passenger cars manufactured between September 2008 and August 2009. The wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the direct shift gearbox (DSG) may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped. With insufficiently crimped connector wires, a temperature sensor has the potential to falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to neutral. If this happens, the selector lever position indicator within the instrument panel will flash. In addition, the "depress brake pedal" indicator light will be illuminated, alerting the driver to apply the brakes.

    Consequence:
    The abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will reprogram the transmission control module with updated software free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2009. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  14. NHTSA campaign 07V442000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Headlights

    Model years 2006–2008

    Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." Some vehicles may not have had a required cap installed which disables the headlight horizontal aim and some vehicles may contain a cap that disables the vertical aiming screw.

    Consequence:
    Noncompliance can inhibit proper headlamp aim adjustment for roadway illumination, improperly aimed headlamps could cause reduced road visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect for the presence of a cap in the socket of the low beam horizontal aiming screw and install one if missing, and inspect for the presence of a cap in the socket of the vertical aiming screw and if present, the cap will be removed. The recall will begin on October 31, 2007. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  15. NHTSA campaign 07V063000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch

    Model years 1999–2006

    On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.

    Consequence:
    The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through September 21, 2007. Vehicles within the make, model, and model year of this population may be involved in either this recall or 06V-183, but not both. The remedy is the same for each recall. Volkswagen dealers will apply the remedy based on the VIN number of the vehicle. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  16. NHTSA campaign 05V154000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 1999–2000

    On certain passenger vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and double-layer fuel tanks, tension on the fuel supply line may cause the fuel pump supply nipple to crack which could result in a leak.

    Consequence:
    Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, may cause a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the fuel supply line for tension, and inspect the fuel pump supply nipple for cracking. If necessary the fuel line and the fuel pump will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2005. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  17. NHTSA campaign 04V584000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights › Switch

    Model years 2000–2002

    On certain passenger vehicles, the hazard switch and flasher system function may degrade over time because of distortion and material transfer of the contacts of certain hazard switch relays which occurs due to substantially increased electrical current load from higher wattage turn signal bulbs.

    Consequence:
    This may result in intermittent or inoperative turn signal and hazard flasher function.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the hazard flasher switch/relay kit. The recall began on March 31, 2005. Owners should contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  18. NHTSA campaign 98V195000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model year 1995

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear brake line on the passenger side was routed too close to the corner of the fuel tank. The line could be damaged by chafing against the fuel tank.

    Consequence:
    Repeated chafing could eventually result in a leaking brake line causing diminished braking in one brake circuit increasing the vehicle's stopping distance.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the brake line and replace any damaged lines.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  19. NHTSA campaign 98V160000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch

    Model years 1995–1996

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The bolts securing the front hood latch can loosen over time. The latch would move causing disengagement of the hood striker from the latch.

    Consequence:
    Unexpected opening of the hood could occur obstructing the driver's view of the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the hood latch and securing bolts and replace them if necessary.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Volkswagen GTI questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Volkswagen GTI have?

NHTSA lists 29 vehicle recall campaigns for the Volkswagen GTI, covering model years 1995 to 2025. The most recent, 25V638000, was reported on September 24, 2025 and is filed under “Seat belts”. The 2015 and 2022 model years are covered by the most campaigns (6 each).

Which Volkswagen GTI model year has the most complaints?

The 2019 model year, with 179 of the 1,397 complaints in NHTSA’s file (12.8%). The next are 2009 (167) and 2002 (124). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Volkswagen GTI complaint?

Engine is the component named most often: 309 complaints, or 22.1% of all 1,397. Power Train (306) and Electrical System (209) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Volkswagen GTI?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Volkswagen dealer.

How many Volkswagen GTI complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 1,397 complaints, 43 report a crash, 17 a fire, 59 at least one injury and 5 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Volkswagen models

8 models · most complaints first

The Volkswagen models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Volkswagen VIN decoder with every Volkswagen model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Volkswagen models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.