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    2016
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

    Volkswagen GTI Change Vehicle

    Taut, agile and quick, the latest version of Volkswagen's venerable hot hatch is fun to drive and so much more. The GTI is one of the most practical, easy-to-live-with choices among sporty cars. It's quiet and civilized enough that it doesn't wear you out on a long drive. The interior is very well finished, with luxurious materials, comfortable and supportive seats, and a comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system.
    Alerts
    There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
    2016
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

    Volkswagen GTI

    Reliability
    See All
    Owner Satisfaction
    See All
    Crash and Rollover Tests
    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Good
    IIHS Side Crash Good
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
    See All

    Road Test Results

    Performance
    Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
    0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
    Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
    Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
    CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
    CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
    CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
    Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
    Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
    Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
    Comfort / Convenience
    Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
    Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
    Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
    Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
    Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
    Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

    Owner Reports

    Worse Better
    Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    NA
    2001
    NA
    2002
    NA
    2003
    NA
    2004
    NA
    2005
    NA
    2006
    NA
    2007
    NA
    2008
    NA
    2009
    NA
    2010
    2011
    NA
    2012
    2013
    NA
    2014
    NA
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    Reliability Trouble Spots
    Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
    Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
    Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
    Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
    View all Reliability
    Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    NA
    2001
    NA
    2002
    NA
    2003
    NA
    2004
    NA
    2005
    NA
    2006
    NA
    2007
    2008
    NA
    2009
    NA
    2010
    2011
    2012
    2013
    2014
    NA
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
    Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
    Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
    Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
    View all Owner Satisfaction
    Safety Equipment
    ABS standard. Head protection air bags standard from 2002. ESC available from 2002, standard from 2006.
    Road Test

    Taut, agile and quick, the latest version of Volkswagen's venerable hot hatch is fun to drive and so much more. The GTI is one of the most practical, easy-to-live-with choices among sporty cars. It's quiet and civilized enough that it doesn't wear you out on a long drive. The interior is very well finished, with luxurious materials, comfortable and supportive seats, and a comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system. Now in its seventh generation, the GTI has matured into a capable, refined, and sophisticated piece of machinery with the latest electronic features.

    Power comes from a 210-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine shared with other members of the Audi and VW family, matched with either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch (DSG) automatic transmission. The engine provides plenty of grunt with either transmission, although the DSG lacks the finesse of a conventional automatic around town. We recorded 29 mpg overall with our manual transmission car, which is commendable for a car with this kind of performance.

    Seating
    2 front, 3 rear
    Drive Wheels
    Front
    Warranty

    In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

    Read more about extended warranties
    Body Styles
    2-door hatchback
    4-door hatchback
    Transmissions Available
    • 6-speed Sequential
    • 6-speed Manual
    Engines Available
    • 2-liter 4 turbo (220 hp)
    • 2-liter 4 turbo (210 hp)

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Volkswagen GTI owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Body Integrity

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    “Well my GTI suffered from a cracked sunroof frame which there was a technical service bulletin for (TSB). A TSB is ther version of an internal recall. I literally had water pouring in through my passenger side visor. They "patched" the roof and had to replace my headliner and carpets. When I went to pick the car up, they had washed it and the new headliner was soaked through. I ended up getting VW to buy this car back and I bought the Honda”

    Jonathan N., MA (2016 Volkswagen GTI SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “cracked sunroof frame”

    Anonymous, CT (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “Sunroof leaked water into passenger visor then into the cabin”

    Anonymous, PA (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Seals and/or weather-stripping

    “Found water dripping out of overhead console after a heavy rain. Assumed to be a leak around sunroof weather seal (or possibly upper windshield). Only happened once. Has not happened in previous or subsequent hard rains or car washes. Sunroof had not been opened in the rain. Possibly a simple piece of trash (leaf, twig, etc.)”

    Anonymous, AR (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Squeaks or rattles

    “Persistent squeak and rattle in sunroof. 4 trips to service dept have yet to fix it”

    Anonymous, CA (2016 Volkswagen GTI SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “Window rubbed against seal when opening and closing creating noise”

    Anonymous, NJ (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “The sunroof trim squeaks when it gets wet. The dealer tried to fix it but they couldn't come up with a very good solution”

    Daniel H., WA (2016 Volkswagen GTI SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “Minor rattle started after hitting a number of potholes”

    Joseph S., NJ (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Wind noise

    “driver door wind noise”

    Anonymous, CT (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Load more

    Electric System

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

    What Owners Say

    Exterior lights (other than headlights)

    “So my driver side parking light kept flickering. They replaced the socket because they said it was damaged. Turned out to not be that. They then replaced the body control module at which point my keys ceased to function from more than 5 feet away and sometimes the car wouldn't even recognize the key in the car. They were just happy the light was fixed. They replaced the body control module again and that fixed the keys”

    Jonathan N., MA (2016 Volkswagen GTI SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Interior lights

    “LED light built into door interior stopped working. Entire door panel had to be replaced under warranty”

    Patrick K., PA (2016 Volkswagen GTI SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “Both Batteries died on remotes within six months of owning car”

    Anonymous, NJ (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Difficult to fill up gas tank

    “The gas tank on my GTI and many other GTIs are of a faulty design. Its difficult to fill. During fillup at gas stations the first click would happen very early, when there is still room for couple more gallons fuel. For the remaining portion after first click, you'd have to fillup very slowly and caredully. VW replaced my gas tank and some other parts to mitigate the issue. Living in Oregon where I can not take my own gas, it was very difficult for me. Before the fix from VW, i would be able to”

    Anonymous, OR (2016 Volkswagen GTI S 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Fuel leaks

    “there was a recall for smell of fuel, we had issue corrected”

    Anonymous, NJ (2016 Volkswagen GTI SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Body Hardware

    Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

    What Owners Say

    Glass defects

    “Rear passenger door glass shattered overnight while parked in a locked garage. Dealer attributed breakage to manufacturing defect. Glass replaced under VW warranty at no cost to consumer”

    V M., WV (2016 Volkswagen GTI S 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Tailgate, hatch or trunk

    “The rear spoiler glue became loose and was making a squeaking sound. It was removed and re-glued by the dealer”

    Daniel H., WA (2016 Volkswagen GTI SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    In-car Electronics

    CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen freezes up

    “Display screen freeze and i have to restart car to repair problem”

    Anonymous, QC (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    “GPS Antenna reception issue. Wiring came loose and dealer repaired at no cost”

    Anonymous, FL (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Brakes

    Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

    What Owners Say

    Parking brake

    “Parking Brake lever won't stay locked”

    Anonymous, MD (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Squeaking

    “The rear brakes squeak when you finally stop of the vehicle in reverse or drive. They squeak more when they're cold but continue to swing through out the driver”

    Anonymous, FL (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Fuel System

    Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

    What Owners Say

    Emission control devices (includes EGR)

    “Check engine light went on after about 3 months after receipt. Took dealer a week to figure out what was causing it and fix it”

    Anonymous, WA (2016 Volkswagen GTI S 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Power Equipment

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

    What Owners Say

    Coil

    “The cam shaft solenoid coil burned, and I'd lose power at high RPM. VW fixed the issue by replacing the coild, took about 4 days”

    Anonymous, OR (2016 Volkswagen GTI S 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Clutch replacement

    “At 9000 miles clutch burned out, required total replacement. Car has been driven very gently.l by a driver with 30+ years experience with manual transmission”

    David K., WA (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Wheel bearings

    “Both bearings went out at about 1500 miles. Replaced under warranty. But still”

    Stephen H., MI (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Climate System

    Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

    What Owners Say

    Heater system

    “Servo motor that controls heat regulation failed. Troubleshooting and repair took almost a week”

    Marc C., CA (2016 Volkswagen GTI Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    “There was chipping where the bumper cowling met the fender. It was satisfactorily fixed by the dealer”

    Peggy S., ME (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

    Change Vehicle