Recalls: Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTi
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTi
2008-09 Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTi with 6sp DQ250 DSG: loss of drive
In June 2013, a recall was issued for Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf vehicles that had six-speed DQ250 Direct Shift Gearboxes (DSGs); AustralianCar.Reviews understands that the recalled vehicles were manufactured from 1 September 2008 to 31 August 2009. In these vehicles, the wiring harness of a temperature sensor within the transmission may have insufficiently crimped connector wires. This could cause the temperature sensor to incorrectly detect high gearbox oil temperatures and activate the clutch protection function – this would illuminate a flashing gear warning light and cause 1) juddering of the vehicle, 2) a reduction in engine torque, and 3) opening of the clutch (as if the gearbox were in ‘neutral’). As such, loss of power to the wheels could pose a hazard to occupants of the vehicle and other road users. For the recalled vehicles, Volkswagen provided a software update for the gearbox control unit (PRA 2013/13625).
2009 and 2010 model year Volkswagen Golf: ABS and ESC may not operate
In March 2017, a recall was issued for 2009 and 2010 model year Volkswagen Golf vehicles. In these vehicles, thermal overload within the ABS/ESC control unit could interrupt the current flow and this could prevent the ABS and ESC systems from functioning as intended; a warning light would also illuminate on the dashboard. In critical driving situations, the absence of ABS and ESC could increase the risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants. As part of the recall, the software for the ABS/ESC control unit would be updated to regularly check the operation of the unit (PRA 2017/15956).
2011-12 model year Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTi: overheating of starter motor relay
In March 2018, a recall was issued for 2011 and 2012 ‘model year’ Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTi vehicles. In these vehicles, a bent or broken spring could obstruct the clearance of the spindle in the starter motor relay. Over time, this could cause a blockage, a permanent current supply to the starter motor and overheating of the starter motor relay. If the current supply was not detected, overheating of the starter motor relay could cause local scorching damage and a possible vehicle fire. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16669.
2009-12 Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTi: Takata airbag recall
In December 2018, recall campaign 69Q7 was issued for Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTi vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 6 February 2009. These vehicles had Takata airbags and the propellant wafers in these airbags could absorb moisture over time. In the event of airbag deployment, excessive internal pressure could cause the metal inflator housing to rupture and metallic fragments could be projected through the airbag cushion towards vehicle occupants – these fragments posed a risk of serious injury and fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/17197.
2009-12 Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTi: Takata airbag recall
In June 2019, recall campaign 69Q7 was issued for Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTi vehicles. These vehicles had Takata driver’s airbags and propellant wafers inside these airbags could absorb moisture over time. In the event of airbag deployment, excessive pressure in the airbag inflator housing could cause it to rupture and metal fragments could be projected through the airbag cushion and into the vehicle’s cabin. These metal fragments posed a risk of serious injury and fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17582.
Problems and faults: Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTi
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2008-12 Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTi: chain tensioner retainer failure
For 1.8 TFSI/TSI and 2.0 TFSI/TSI EA888 engines – such as the Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTi’s 2.0 TFSI (engine code: CCZB) – that were manufactured from 2008 to 1 May 2012, the chain tensioner retainer was susceptible to failure. If this occurred, the pistons and valves could collide and cause serious engine damage. The chain tensioners could fail as early as 30,000 kilometres and it is recommended that owners have the most recent chain tensioner retainer fitted as a preventative measure.
Background
The tensioner on the camshaft chain used oil pressure to maintain tension. When there was no or low oil pressure, the tensioner would fall back on its ratchet to maintain tension. The ratchet, however, could slip and release chain tension – this would cause the chain to move on the sprockets and skip a couple of teeth before sufficient oil pressure accumulated to tension the chain. By skipping teeth, the engine’s camshaft timing was altered and the ECU would continue to adjust camshaft timing – generally, this caused either rough running or the vehicle would not start. It is understood that if the chain skipped around six teeth, then the pistons could collide with the valves in the cylinder head such that the engine had to be rebuilt or replaced.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a failed chain tensioner retainer include:
- The engine won’t start;
- On start-up, there is a rattling noise from the engine bay for a few seconds (until sufficient oil pressure accumulated);
- Illumination of the ‘check engine’ light illuminated, potentially accompanied by camshaft timing errors; and,
- Misfires (if the valves are bent).
Retainer revisions
The part number for the original chain tensioner retainer was 06H 109 467 AB. While a revised chain tensioner retainer was first introduced in engines built from 17 May 2010 and a second revision was introduced for engines built from December 2011, it is the third revision of the retainer – part number 06K 109 467 K – which was introduced for engines built from 1 May 2012 which fixed the problem. For further information on this problem, please see Golf GTi UK Forum: Timing Chain Tensioner Failure.
Volkswagen USA: DQ250 DSG fault and extended warranty
In December 2009, Volkswagen USA initiated a ‘Customer Satisfaction Campaign‘ for 2007-09 ‘model year’ Volkswagen vehicles that had six-speed DSG transmissions.
Faulty component and jerky gearshifts
According to Volkswagen, the six-speed DQ250 DSG transmissions of a limited number of 2007-09 ‘model year’ Volkswagen vehicles had a faulty component inside the transmission’s Mechatronic unit. Specifically, the bushings of two solenoid valves inside the mechatronic unit could wear prematurely, causing the clutches inside the transmission to ‘operate less smoothly than before’ and provide jerky gearshifts. According to Volkswagen, the vehicle remained safe to drive since it did not affect forward or rearward motion of the vehicle. As part of the ‘Customer Satisfaction Campaign’, Volkswagen would replace mechatronic units that were identified as faulty by Volkswagen’s diagnostic tool.
Extended DSG warranty
As part of the Customer Satisfaction Campaign, Volkswagen extended the warranty on the DQ250 DSG transmission to ten years or 100,000 miles (160,900 kilometres) – whichever occurred first – from the vehicle’s original ‘in-service’ date. The ‘in-service’ date was defined as the date that the vehicle was delivered to the original purchaser/lessee or, if the vehicle was a demonstrator, the date that the vehicle commenced service.
Under the extended warranty, the Volkswagen dealer was responsible for diagnosing and repairing the DSG transmission at no cost to the owner provided that the vehicle was maintained in accordance with the requirements in the owner’s manual.
2009-10 Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTi: wastegate rattle
In August 2010, Volkswagen Group of America issued technical bulletin 2024061 for vehicles which had 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines; while the bulletin identified 2.0 TFSI engines with the codes CBFA and CCTA, the bulletin is also understood to apply to the CAWB, CCZA and CCZB engines and therefore includes the Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTi which was offered in Australia with the CCZB engine from 2009.
In these vehicles, the driver may hear a rattling noise from the engine or exhaust engine when accelerating and with engine speeds in the range of 1800-3000 rpm. To diagnose that the noise was combing from the turbocharger,
- The turbocharger was to be inspected for internal or external damage;
- If there was no damage, the vehicle was to be taken for a test drive. The rattling noise could typically be reproduced when driving up a moderate incline, starting at 35 mph (56 km/h) in fourth gear and accelerating through the rev range from 1800-3000 rpm under moderate to heavy throttle;
- Once detected, a two ounce wheel weight was to be applied to the wastegate actuator rod and another test drive performed. If the rattling noise was quieter or changed in pitch, this indicated that the noise was due to exhaust gas pulsations that caused the wastegate flap and actuator rod to vibrate at the introduction of boost pressure.
To fix, a replacement clip (part no. 06J145220A) was to be fitted to the end of the wastegate actuator. As shown in the HumbleMechanic video below, however, the clip only prevented wastegate rattle at that location.
Coil pack failure
- For the Golf GTi, there have been reports of oil leaking into the coil packs and causing them to fail.
Problems and faults: Volkswagen Mk.6 Golf GTi
- A lack of drainage may result in rainwater accumulating in the bottom of the doors.
- The alarm may be set off for no apparent reason – a software update is available for this problem.
