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

I was really focused on the boots in the back seat

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

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

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 😞

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.

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!)

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.

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.

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.

You all be like "That's a lot of miles" My 2010 mk6 GTI DSG has 250k miles on it and still going strong, did the chain tentioner update and had a new intake on it and that's it.

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.

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.

Another informative and hilarious video. You are quickly becoming my favorite RU-vidr!

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!

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.

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 :)

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

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

I love my mk2 gti but its kinda like death of 1000 cuts, i dont normally get the huge problems and the ones i do get are quick fixes. To be fair the car is 31 years old now with 270k miles and it sat for 14 years before i bought it

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.

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!

I bought a pedalbox for my mk6(not gti) and I love it! Really improves the throttle response for me. Definitely worth it to check it out at least, you can return it and get your money back if you don't like it.

My Audi A3 8P Quattro with the EA888 has been great and has 154k on it, Runs awesome. But I knew it had to have chains done before I even bought it. Had the OEM tensioner still even. Ah, And usually on the GTI's the RPM's hang because they have a Dual Mass flywheel. I did a clutch job and flywheel upgrade on my buddies Mk6 GTI and ill tell you, that Dual Mass Flywheel they come with weighs a metric ton. If you are doing a clutch job, Swap that behemoth of a flywheel.

I pretty much have had the same things happen. But I am in Florida and have had the heater core plastic connector breaking twice, PVC no good with hot coolant. I just bypassed the heater core. Also I have the same clutch and it works great.

I made it to 115k with my biggest repair being my suspension which was probably do to a pot hole. I should have noticed that something was up but until I had to do my wheel bearings I didn't notice I had snapped a rear spring (car still handled pretty well). At 115k that was when I needed a timing chain service and I had a bit of a leak so I decided to trade it in for a MK7 GTI... 🤔

My 2012, 2 liter gti has the red oil light and beep even though i changed the oil and the sensor, 100k miles, the engine sounds fine, what could be my problem?

Had an ‘07, 2011 and currently drive a 2017 with zero issues. The MK5 and MK6 went over 100k with stock clutch and flywheel and I daily the MK7 sport dsg in Buffalo winters with no problems ever. I have an ‘04 24v VR6 that is also bulletproof, leather even looks new. Buy a Toyota if you don’t wanna take care of your car.

2013, 66k miles, 8 years of ownership- new clutch, fuel pump, water pump, abs module, roof liner, 5 batteries, multiple sensors, melted interior plastic, coolant leakage in engine compartment, and a whole lot more.. over $10k in mechanic fees. Gti is engineered to fail reliability.

One thing i did to my mk6 was to upgrade to a stage 2 clutch with a light weight flywheel and the rpm’s drop way quicker and no more rev hang

Problem is most previous owners do not use high quality engine oil, they do the quick stop $15.99 change. Plus, always check your oil level on fill up, you can prevent serious carbon deposits by catching oil consumption. On direct injection you'll never stop it, because the fuel, 93 with detergents or not, never touches the valves. Never had a huge problem in my MK V, just the cold side, and walnuts is the only way, not seafoam. My MK VI is still pristine at 31k, but it is inevitable.

Really Appreciate the effort you put into this video. I am currently looking at GTIs and this was a big help! Thanks.

I drive a 2011 2.5 Jetta, probably one of the most reliable of the gas engines they made. That said, Some of the problems I had are the same thing a 91 MK1 had. Door latches, ignition switch, wiper motor and rear brakes calipers. It's like they made all the parts 30 years ago and kept putting them in....(not the ignition switch, they updated that with one that fails too) I'm pretty Handy, so tinkering with the car is not a problem. For a GERMAN(Mexican) CAR its pretty good. LOL

The blow off sounds in the beginning was all I needed to hear, that turbo flutter is so bad for the ko3. The TSI 2 liter is designed for a recirculating diverter valve. Most VW owner don’t take care and maintain them. Changing oil every 5k and keeping up to date with routine maintenance is the key, if you want the Mk6 then stick with the 2014 model, they fixed the common issues with timing chain tensioner and water pump. I have 178k on mine, stage 2 with zero issues and never a check engine.

Had an mk7 I drove for 6 years until 180,000 miles ihad some recurring alternator problems and a door issue but nothing major ever went wrong with it. I bought an mk8 and have had to take it to the dealership 3 times for various electric issues. Idgaf they are still my favorite cars I've ever owned even more than my wife's G70

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!

Came across this video as I say goodbye to my MK6 soon. Has 106k on it and have had to replace the following: 1 recall water pump and 1 that failed, so it's on its 3rd currently. Radiator, turbocharger, 2 sets of ignition coils, fuel injectors, rear passenger side door lock, o2 sensors, belt tensioner, missing some small other replacements. It left me stranded a couple times as well and had bad misfiring issues until someone correctly diagnosed that it was carbon buildup. My advice would be to do your research on the car before buying, ones that have a history of breaking down are going to continue to have issues going forward. Otherwise, they drive great and are very practical.

159k on my mk7 gti (stock). Only regular maintenance performed so far

I love the looks with a fairly low profile tire and larger rims and tinted windows. No douche mods and stance garbage. I’m also a GTI nerd, I’ve owned two MK2 GTIs, one had the rare 9A 2.0l 16 valve, and another that I dumped a 16V into. I’ve also owned 2 Jetta’s and a Passat. If there’s anything that I’m a fanboy for, it’s VWs lol.

I just bought a 2019 Golf GTI. I'm here for the horror stories. 😄

6:12 "Rev up your engines" 😂😂😂

i am currently looking for my first car and mk6s caught my eye ive been researching them quite a bit and i feel like its a chance on reliability people have been saying great car little to know issues and other people saying that its been terrible i go to mechanics school and i dont have deep pockets but all around it looks like a very fun car easy to mod and tune

I know the Mk6’s have their known failures, just like any car, but the MK7 GTI is actually a pretty reliable car. It looks like you have modded your MK6, so it’s hard to say if your car is just unreliable or is it unreliable BECAUSE you have modded it? This is a question I will be addressing in an upcoming video I will be making on my MK7 GTI. I am decently heavily modded, and though I have had failures on my GTI, almost all of it is because of my mods. I am at 82k miles, and will be making a 100k mile reliability review when I got 100k miles (in a few months), so keep a lookout for my video!

Sea foam in the gas really wont help with the carbon build up that causes issues since it would be directly injected with the fuel which causes the problem to begin with. The carbon build up that causes issues is on the valves and intake manifold. You can use the spray sea foam used through the intake though and that may help a little.

Car wheel: Exists German Engineer: What is this simplified technology? Humans aren't cavemen no longer!

My brain: "shoes, shoes, shoes, shoes!"

I’m thinking on buying a mk6 2010 with and 150,000 miles on it, have a lot of aftermarket parts and body kits , it’s manual trans and looks gorgeous, the owner ask 7,000 , If he down mow the price to 6,000 I would buy it, but I’m afraid of wasting my money if they are bad cars.

2016, used. Less than 60K, coolant leak, sensor problem which had to drain transmission for replacement. Costing 3k on repair now

@6:14 Scotty is that you!

Depends on the year. The 2014 model solved most of these issues. I have 130K and zero issues.

Am I the only one who actually loves the old tractor sound? LoL

Love the Scotty Kilmer reference 6:12 👌😂

Just got a new mk6 gti and I’m in love.

If you have the cash to upkeep it, a GTI is a fun car If you don’t have or want the extra maintenance, a Mazda3 hatchback (non-turbo) is a great option. 2014 & up are direct injection but I’ve read they don’t build as much carbon as VW does.

I may be too late but always get a dual mass flywheel and a clutch meant for a dual mass flywheel. The clutch you have is meant for a single mass flywheel which means it won’t work with a dual mass. Also a single mass flywheel and clutch will cause mechanical shock which shreds your transmission within 150 miles.

Ah the creaking door seals -drives me mad. I apply silicone spray which more or less stops it but needs re-applying every month or so. I do wonder if the seals have hardened over time and if fitting new ones would fix it - I can't imagine they would have been that bad when the car was new?

Great video man I think everybody should make a video like this who owns Volkswagens for a significant amount of time. just things to look out for. And potential problem areas.

The rev hang is without a doubt due to carbon build up. I was having horrible cold start idle and massive amounts of rev hang. I tore into it and did the carbon clean up on the intake valves myself. I did the manifold and water pump at the same time and it was like new. 2013 2dr.

How Can i know if i need to change the time chain of my Gti 2012 ?

Almost everyone I know with a gti it's been the ones that are modified give the most problems my factory 2017 autobahn runs great no issues and fun to drive keep up with maintenance and don't jack with it with aftermarket crap

How much hp can the 2013 GTI OEM brakes and pads handle I want to install unitronic cold air intake and turbo back exhaust for my first upgrade’s

I was like meh on this video - it was fine, no judgement, but then you made the scotty kilmer joke and i DIED laughing lol.

I mean some generations are super reliable if you take care the maintenance and don't drive it like you stole it 24/7. Turbos are the biggest expense you can expect if you want to drive it like a race car and don't change your oil.

I had a 92 GTI that i sold in 04 . The only problem I had was the seat level.It broke 2 years after I paid it off . Every review I ever heard dogs the GTI . They need to let an owner do a review who's not getting paid.

I love the sound your car makes

i have a 2016 vw GTI 77k miles. No problems up until this year. It’s turning into a money pit. My gas mileage has been HORRIFIC and unexplainable driving worse than a v8. My EPC light keeps coming on . I’ve changed the coils , spark plugs, filters . My car last month out of no where wouldn’t turn on and was completely broken down, Germaine auto specialist mechanic stated it was “ carbon in the valves ….” New fuel injectors, fuel pump good… I don’t know where else to turn. If you have heard of these things or have any ideas of what could be going on . Thank you

Are you still interested in reducing rev hang? It can be fixed for about $30, let me know.

This guy has a 4runner that looks just like my old one i miss it😢 he has both my dream mobiles lol

The only thing I don’t like about the mk6 is the gas pedal. It’s that stupid pedal that comes up from the floor and is set back further than the brake so it’s near impossible to heal toe in this thing. Is what led me to just go with the dsg

Currently have a Mk7.5 now and the chassis issue/creaking still exists.

Nice informative video, thanks!

you're ruining it! You're ruining it! Voice Command. I feel ya! Every Track weekend! Drives me nuts!

Would you recommend a 2013 model with 104k miles ? CARFAX shows good maintenance record too

The CCT problem is nothing new. The older 1.8Ts had a timing belt between the crank and the exhaust cam and a chain from the exhaust cam to the intake cam. The CCT/CCA (adjuster) was a frequent failure point (been there ... done that ... fixed under warranty at the 4-year mark).

whats the intake setup on your car? the turbo sound is amazing!

I really hope someone can help me with some guidance, I'd appreciate it in advance, great video btw, very helpful and informative! I've been looking to pick up a 2012 Volkswagen GTI MK6 (4 door manual for those curious) and after doing a lot of research, I've seen that the timing chains is the biggest engine killer for this generation of GTIs. I've decided that changing the chains is 100% necessary and alongside doing it's regularly scheduled maintenance. I'm reaching the point where I want to go out and buy one however I can't shake the fear/concern of the tensioner knock and blowing up the engine. PCV valve is something else I'll get done once picking up an MK6 Anything else I can look out for or hidden areas to check to be sure? Thanks again in advance!

Great review. Very refreshing

haha love the jab at scotty kilmer with the rev up your engines comment :)

I hate that voice button. I was thinking to try to cut off the wire. What do you think?

The "radiator identification sensor" only sold bundled with the radiator makes me so angry!

Wait, 8 way adjustable seats for a generation of car that came out in '10 is considered "minimal adjustability"?

Ayyyyy, he's back

Great vid. Helped me buy a 2010 GTI....

Great vid! 👌🏻

Really looking to get a mk6 and throwing some nice rotiforms on it

I am exactly what you said, a teenage no good doer, and I’m looking to buy a gti

How did you have a tensioner problem they implemented the new tensioners in July 2012?

What turbo is making that sound?

Unexpected therapy expenses 😂😂😂

Gotta say the chassis flex is bad on the mk6. Mine creaked so bad on driveway, especially with a stiffer rear sway bar. The tunnel brace helped a lot. Overall man I absolutely miss my manual mk6 gti so much. It was a blast to drive , low end torque and very go kart feely at stage 2. Awesome video man as always 💯

I found a gti I think a mk6 with 107,000 miles on it the guy said it runs good nothings wrong with it for just under 8k is it worth it and will I run into any problems?

Looking at your car . I think my turbo may be blown . Someone put water in my gas tank . I emptied the gas tank and fuel rail and its still pumping white smoke . Fuel pump was new befor the water the fuel injector aren’t sticking . My opinion for the smoke “I THINK” is the turbo or fuel pump

Performance clutch and lightweight flywheel should resolve your RPM hang. Has to do with the dual mass flywheel. Where in MA are you?

those sound bites were scrumptious

Love the fall out boy reference 😂

What is that kettle whistle sound when boosting or did your downpipe cause that sound because our vw t4 2.5 tdi also make this sound

as long as you look after these cars they will live for ages, less reliability comes with buying a performance vehicle if you want reliability get a camry

Light weight flywheel for the rpm hang

You need to loose the laugh track, dude!

How on earth do you drive 40k miles in a year? I think VW get a lot complaints on reliability. If you take care of it, they will be a good car. So many people pound the crap out of their VW, dont change the oil enough or do regular maintnence and wonder why they have problems. My 86 golf went to the junkyard at 290k miles, my b5.5 passat has 155k and is going strong.

I might buy a 2014 gti wolfberg edition with 140,000 miles for $9,000 should I do it?