Volkswagen GTI - How Reliable Are They Really?? Biggest Flaws...

What are some of the GTI's biggest inherent flaws? I've made a list of all the problems I've had with my MK6 (VI) GTI, and sorted out which issues are characteristically-Volkswagen traits. I've come to the conclusion that the VW GTI is predictably unreliable, with most of its issues steming from inherent Volkswagen design flaws.

Learn how to check your timing chain tensioner:

The diverter valve that I upgraded to:

The Stage 2 clutch that bought, but have yet to install:

The new subframe collars/bolts:

#MK6GTI #Reliability #notsohandycarguy

[trevorthomas]

I was really focused on the boots in the back seat

[tubejorrit]

Bought a DSG 2011 GTI last year, drove it for a year and decided it was a keeper for a few more years. I cleaned the intake (wasn't that bad tbh but just for peace of mind) with oven cleaner and the zip-tie method, saved me 850, - euro's by doing it myself. Then I got it tuned together with a DSG tune, that totally transformed the car! It's so fast and responsive now, but I lost the "farts" on upshifts because the DSG is shifting much faster now. Recently I had to replace a driveshaft (easy job) and changed the auxiliary belt and tensioner (pain in the ass because you have to loosen an engine mount to get the tensioner out) together with the PCV valve (also for peace of mind). Sadly the paint has a few scratches and the front bumper could use a respray because of rockchips. But the interior and mechanical parts are all in very good condition and I love to drive the car! (my other daily is a BMW 5 series so I set the bar pretty high for cars!)

[suprakilzz]

The Scotty K "rev up your engines" reference, I died laughing. Good on you bud lol!

[tommycarney]

With the timing chain issue, mine went one week after I bought mine. I had 98k miles, and there's actually another extended warranty for 10 years or 100k miles and I got it fixed for free. So, if it happens to you take it to a vw dealership and you'll get a free $1, 200-1, 800 repair. I'm just glad mine went while I still had under 100k.

[thisfool]

Thanks for the content. I have loved GTI since i was a kid and now i finally have the financial ablity to have a second car and im looking at the MK6 GTI. Your videos are tremendously helpful. It seems like most of the "reliability" issues can just be addressed upfront and resolved before they become an issue.

[mlb]

Gotta say out of all of the cars and trucks I've driven at my job, two of my favorites were a 2014 GTI and a 2017 Golf R. They rip, super fun and easy to drive, and they're affordable to buy. However, both of these cars had to be bought back by my dealership from the customers due to electronic issues, then sent to auction. The GTI had a reoccurring CEL and even the VW dealership we kept bringing it to couldn't get it sorted 😞

[darwinia]

Another informative and hilarious video. You are quickly becoming my favorite YouTuber!

[samchristenson]

The door seal issues are only on the 4 doors. Most of the 2 doors are quiter on the cabin due to having less doors

[tommycarney]

Just tuned my mk6 gti and it's so much better, and I just want to drive all the time. The biggest annoyance, like you said, is the creaking. Especially from the sunglasses holder (I don't even use it), but the occasional press on it stops it for a while. Also on the door, around the top, by the locks it creaks too, and a small press there keeps it quite for a while lol.

[nsbioy]

My 2017 GTI has had an oil leak from filter housing (warranty), a coolant leak at the thermostat (warranty) and another small oil leak at the oil sending unit. This is quite on par with its reputation. Oh, 25K miles.

[wolfaja]

I own a two door mk6 gti autobahn and I’ve never had the frame flexing issue. Also I’m used to working on tfsi engines so the tsi engine is basically heaven when it comes to maintenance because it doesn’t eat itself if you don’t replace random parts every thousand miles. I’ve managed to keep a tfsi running for 200k miles and I plan on keeping my tsi running for 250k miles.

[imBazem]

Yo what a great video. Thank you, sir. Mine is at 155k and $9k deep in repairs over the past year. However, all major things already done, with a new clutch, rear main seal, etc. Going in for a fuel leak (think injectors and o rings /manifold) but and a subframe issue + suspension refresh. Besides that I think it’s got another 60-90k miles left in her. Thanks for the video :)

[Cory_Talon]

Owned mark5 and sold it to get mark6, the best aging hot hatch! It has 3”dp, cts turbo intake, cts catch can, ecs st2 clutch, vta bov, st1+ tune. Thankfully all know issues (tensioner, water pump, flaps etc) are taken care of as costs double from mark5 to 6. For the people who don’t understand why we do it, it’s okay, that’s the first sign a Gti isn’t for you. These are truly a car for someone who has enthusiasm and love for their car, a person who pays attention to her needs lol.

[Gobliterator]

My pristine 07 MK5 was recently in a head-on collision. I found a pristine 12 MK6 Autobahn 2D, time for an upgrade. Can’t wait to see it this weekend!

[CogMarks]

I loved my GTIs. I had a 2007, a 2014, and a 2018. I only sold my green ‘18 because of the harsh ride. I replaced it with an Audi that had well cushioned seats. I think I finally got too old for the GTI.

[mkgolfguy]

Awesome vid! My CW MK6 GTI is @ 168k. I agree with your assessment....the car isn't unreliable but it is predictably unreliable. These cars definitely aren't met for people who don't intend to wrench a bit or don't have deep pockets/patience. Hope you continue to enjoy yours!

[markb]

The creaky noise when parking in a parking lot or making slow turns is actually the strut bearings. I just had mine replaced along with the struts and mounts. No more creaking!

[thetransporter]

Great vid, love my 13 gti as a daily / autocross toy. Dp, protune, coilovers and audi tt rs brakes = a good time indeed!

[mr.buddha]

I'm at 280, 000 miles on my 2012 GTI I bought new. That's K04 and full bolts ons since 10K. All the cars I saw die before mine, the owners went cheap on maintenance.

Don't skimp on fluids and clutches like many do. Change the oil every 5K and plugs every 10K with bigger turbo or 20K OEM turbo. Do these easy things and it'll last forever nearly. I'm finally planning on a new long block at 300K, just so I can trust it on long trips. Runs fine, but 280k makes me nervous.

[_Volkhunter_]

Bro got me when he pulled a scotty kilmer😂😂 “REV UP YOUR ENGINES!” 😂😂