MK5 GTI / GLI - Common Problems (2006-2010)

Looking to buy a Volkswagen GTI? Check out this extensive list of problems that tend to come up! I go over, in detail, issues that occur, from body issues, engine problems, suspension failures, and more. This video should teach you about common issues to help analyze cars you're looking to purchase, guide you towards problems with your current car and suggest maintenance to prevent these problems.

Major MK5 GTI / GLI issues include:
Rust, on suspension components, the wheel arches, rockers, and below the emblem
Broken Coil Springs
Tired Struts and Shocks
Soft Touch Interior Coatings
Cam Follower / High Pressure Fuel Pump / Intake Cam
Ignition Coils / Spark Plugs
Timing Belt / Waterpump
Carbon buildup on valves
Motor / Transmission mounts
PCV Valve / system
Diverter Valve boost leaks
DSG control unit failure
Semi-weak clutch
Electronic gremlins

Note that this guide is specifically for the MK5 Volkswagen GTI and GLI, though these problems often come up on other MK5s (2006-2010), including the Jetta, Passat, R32 and vehicles that share the 2.0l TSI or FSI engines. Also, similar problems are known to come up on the MK6, and can be used as a buying guide.

[saulelabra]

Excelent video, I have a 2006 mk5 gli and some of these problems appeared on it, now I have more idea on what to replace / check. Thanks!!

[chrisward]

Thanks for the vid. My last mkv Gti I took from 66k to 189k and was still going strong. Only replaced one suspension coil rear and a rad. Have another one now and gone from 52k to 65k already. Love these cars sooo much!! Both dsg and never had any issues

[allosaurusfragilis]

Do love the mk 5. The wife has had an r32 mk 5 for nearly ten years. One or two problems but highly recommended overall. Dont know about the states but they have held big value over here. (Uk)

[ClaudiuB]

Man, your outfit and the location makes me wanna rewatch South Park again. You look like one of the characters (not sure which one). Anyway, in a positive way of saying this, not negative, mmmkay? Cheers

[FTZ]

I've had electrical problems with my 09 gli. Right rear door didn't lock and the sunroof broke (I had to take it to a VW dealer for that fix) the door lock was kinda a pain to fix but I did have to troubleshoot quite a bit ( found out it was the lock motor and I just bought another one and it works flawlessly now) and my fuel gauge only reads about 3/4 full on a full tank ( I think it's a sending unit common problem on all "older" cars) but VW has a digital read out for fuel range so I just use that and it works fine. Other than that it's just common problems from 10 year old + cars headlights were foggy but I put new lenses on and some cosmetic stuff but nothing major. Each car is and individual thing so keep that in mind not every car has the same story to tell and the problems can be just as different. Definitely don't be afraid to buy a mk5 though. Mechanically mine had been fine and started up 100% of the time I turn the key and it's so fun to drive and mod so don't be afraid to buy one even if it has problems. Nothing is perfect especially used cars but forums and videos like this help out so much so don't be afraid to work on your own car!

[spencerquimby]

I bought a 2009 MkV in 2020 with about 118, 000Km (72, 000 miles). I replaced the intake manifold with the update that fixes the runner flap actuator issue and the updated diverter valve. The DSG is amazing as long as you change the fluid regularly and don't treat it like and automatic. It's an (automated) manual. Use the same throttle manners you would use with a manual transmission or you'll feather the clutches into oblivion, especially on hills. And for God sake downshift once in a while for compression braking. Also the 40, 000km recommended intervals for transmission fluid change is...generous. 25-30k changes while make you and your car very happy. If you can do it yourself it's not that much more than a full synthetic oil change.

[thingsandstuff]

This is super helpful, thanks for the vid

[markoberstecher]

Bought my 07 GTI new. Has 139k miles.. Did all factory maintenance till 120K miles.. Totally disappointing. Cam follower was the only recalled item that fell under warranty.. needed ignition tumbler replaced twice.. Burns 1 quart oil per 1500mi... Headliner fell... Sunroof drains are shit.. keyless locks work intermittently...so many electrical, engine, and suspension parts have taken a shit I can't remember them all.. Currently in the shop because AC took a shit and is bogging.. Yea it is a fun car to drive, just not to own.

[hipeople]

Got a deal on one of these cause my buddy burned through 3 half shafts in 1 year. It was the mounts. And even brand new ones had more slop than I liked.

So what i did for the engine/tranny mounts. I actually had some gas cylinders laying around from the trunk of another car and made some custom brackets.

1 for the top of theengine to strut well.

1 for the bottom of the tranny to the frame.

I also loaded the lower mount with poly to stiffen it up.

Combats the counterclockwise force applied moving forward. Can feel the slop when reversing still, so I may add another even.

But moral of the story. 1 solid rubber mount, 2 hydraulic mounts, and 2 (or more) gas mounts is what it took to hold this motor still 😂😂

[sheldonm]

Inside Front fenders have a sponge that should be removed as it collects moisture and will rust. Headliner usually is bc ppl don’t leave the windows down a little bit so the car gets too hot inside. Good film Tinted windows and a front windshield visor will help.

[LowkeyTanks]

Really appreciate the video! Thank you🙏🏾

[bolt]

Great video. I'm looking to get into one of these cars soon.

[dillanmistry]

My mom had a gti it was lovely to have, smooth in sport mode but a huge amount of mechanical problems, sad that it looks and would be a great car, just not reliable

[hotrodjcc]

I have had a timing chain break and the motor still be good. I had a VW specialist say if the timing belt goes the valves will be trashed. He said if the chain breaks there is a good chance the engine is still good.

[harisyoung]

this video make me change mind to find used one, luckily found a45 edition 1 used for sale...

[triciaphillips]

Do you have any links to what was said in the video

[simonhare]

Should probably point out that the ABS unit will almost certainly fail, unless its been replaced with hydraulic unit 1KO 614 517 (no letter afterwards).

[Vodafonev]

Great info bro! Appreciate it since I am looking into buying a Mk5 GTi. Still can't decide wether a DSG or a stick. I do love driving stick, but that will mean my wife doesn't get to drive... EVER. LoL

[duanedonaldson]

If you have trouble to pull the oil filler cap or the dip stick and you have a lot of vacuum then the PCV is torn and will need to be replaced. Be careful when doing a tune-up and pulling the ignition coils, the connectors tend to break easily due to all the heat at the top of the engine.

[tkoborny]

My transmission mount failed on my MK6 and broke the coolant flange that goes thru the firewall.