2012 Volkswagen GTI recalls and problems
The 2012 Volkswagen GTI has 2 safety recalls and 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Volkswagen GTI vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Volkswagen GTI recalls
Recall 18V-329: Unknown or Other
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Recall 15V-483: Air Bags
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Risk: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
2012 Volkswagen GTI problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 13 | |
| Power Train | 7 | |
| Service Brakes | 5 | |
| Air Bags | 5 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | |
| Electrical System | 4 | |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | |
| Tires | 1 | |
| Visibility | 1 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
- Structure › Body — 1
- Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Volkswagen GTI complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Volkswagen GTI years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Volkswagen GTI have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Volkswagen GTI: 18V-329 (unknown or other), 15V-483 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Volkswagen GTI?
Owners report engine problems most often (13 reports), followed by power train (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.
Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.