Used Volkswagen Golf (MK6) review

Exterior:

The Golf can be prone to electrical problems, such as the sunroof not working or the windows not rolling down.

Interior:

There are several reports of drainage issues causing water to accumulate near the bottoms of the doors. This can lead to damaged trim and rust.

Some owners have reported seatbelts failing to lock into place correctly.

There are sporadic reports of the steering becoming loose.

Worryingly, there are also reports of airbags firing inadvertently.

Mechanically:

This is a notorious issue with the Golf. The fuel pump should be replaced every 20k miles, even if you can’t hear the rattling sound that is caused by it.

The Golf can be prone to suspension problems, especially if it is not well-maintained.

The timing belt should be changed every 60k miles. If it is not changed, it can cause serious engine damage.

In some early Mk6 Golfs, a faulty component in the mechatronic unit would cause jerky gearshifts.

Specifically in terms of the GTi variants:

• There are multiple reports of timing chain tensioner failures
• The high-pressure fuel pump can also fail on the MK6 GTI. This can cause the engine to misfire or not start.
• Carbon buildup on the valves can cause the engine to misfire or run rough.
• The intake manifold on the MK6 GTI can develop cracks. This can cause the engine to lose power or run rough.
• Ignition coils on the MK6 GTI can fail. This can cause the engine to misfire or not start.
• The coolant temperature sensor on the MK6 GTI can fail. This can cause the engine to overheat or run poorly.
• The wastegate on the MK6 GTI can rattle. This is usually not a serious problem, but it can be annoying.
• The PCV valve on the MK6 GTI can fail. This can cause oil to build up in the engine and can lead to other problems.

Recalls:

• February 2012 – Certain units of Volksagen Golf, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, and Transporter from 2009-2011 are affected by engine resonances causing cracks in the injection pipe, which may result in diesel fuel leakage and potentially lead to vehicle fires.
• June 2013 – Faulty DSG 7-speed transmissions in Volkswagen Polo, Golf, Jetta, Passat & Caddy models produced between 2008 and 2011, affecting 25,698 units, can experience power supply failure causing the clutch to open and potentially leading to a sudden loss of power while driving, posing an accident hazard to occupants and other road users.
• November 2013 – A fault related to electrolysis in the gearbox of Volkswagen Polo, Golf & Wagon, Cabriolet, Beetle, Jetta Passat & Caddy models manufactured between 2012 and 2013 affects 11,043 units, causing conductive particles to accumulate and potentially leading to an electrical short circuit, blowing the gearbox fuse and resulting in a complete loss of power to the wheels while driving, posing hazards to occupants and other road users.
• March 2017 – A fault in the ABS control unit of Volkswagen EOS, Golf, Jetta, Scirocco, and Caddy models from 2008 to 2010 affects 13,249 units, potentially causing a loss of ABS functionality and increasing the risk of accidents, particularly in critical driving situations.
• March 2018 – The fault in Volkswagen Golf, Passat & Passat CC models from 2010 to 2012, affecting 841 units, involves a bent or broken spring obstructing the clearance of the spindle in the starter motor relay, leading to a blockage and potential permanent current supply to the relay, which can result in overheating and local scorching damage, posing a risk of vehicle fire.
• April 2020 – A production fault in Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, Passat, Polo, Caddy, and Beetle models manufactured between 2009 and 2015 has led to a crack in the transmissions pressure accumulator, causing the loss of oil and pressure in the gearbox and increasing the risk of accidents for the 119,138 affected units.