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Model year record

2010 Volkswagen GTI recalls & problems

The 2010 Volkswagen GTI has 1 safety recall and 53 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (17 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls
Complaints53filed by owners
Crashes · fires4 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Power trainAug 20, 2009

Automatic transmission

Recall 09V33300016,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2008 AND AUGUST 2009. THE WIRING HARNESS OF A TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DSG) MAY HAVE CONNECTOR WIRES THAT WERE INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED. WITH INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED CONNECTOR WIRES, A TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO FALSELY DETECT A HIGH GEARBOX OIL TEMPERATURE, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO ABRUPTLY SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SELECTOR LEVER POSITION INDICATOR WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL FLASH. IN ADDITION, THE "DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL" INDICATOR LIGHT WILL BE ILLUMINATED, ALERTING THE DRIVER TO APPLY THE BRAKES.
Risk
THE ABRUPT SHIFT TO NEUTRAL COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix
VOLKSWAGEN WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2010 Volkswagen GTI 2-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

2010 Volkswagen GTI 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

GTI

27mpg combined
City / highway24 / 32 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

GTI

25mpg combined
City / highway21 / 31 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,300/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine1700080,989 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission1420138,000 mi
Electrical systemHorn; 12v/24v/48v battery900054,650 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine60009,400 mi
Fuel/propulsion system400069,750 mi
VisibilityRear window wiper/washer; Sun/moon roof assembly2000—
Seat belts2100—
Air bags2101—
Service brakes2201—
Electronic stability control (esc)2000—
Equipment1000—
Fuel system, gasoline1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations