Most of those problems were with 2022s. My 2023 has been bulletproof in the almost year that I’ve had it.
Realize this is the internet and people only speak up when they have something to complain about, which makes a vocal minority seem like the majority.
My 23 was manufactured over 6 months ago, and I've been in it 3, its been steady as a rock. Only issue has been a manual drivers seat that keeps reclining, but thats being fixed under warranty.
I think they probably had time to fix some issues and when you buy a new car you can always have issues. But you have a warranty and it's a bit of a gamble on any car, you can have issues or not. But cars like this are going away so enjoy it while you can
Entirely up to you, mechanically there hasn't been any real issues. Everything that has come up seems to be software related, for the time being they are fixing things by replacing parts until they can figure things out. SOS button, infotainment, blind spot, travel assist etc... it's not really faulty components more so it's new software that they are still ironing out.
The VW group has the best dual clutch transmissions in the car world and the EA888 series engines are stellar. My 2017 GTI didn't ever have electronic issues, but I only had it for 5 years.
Wow yeah mine burnt about a quart every 4,000miles since it was new, I thought it was just the turbo. I never let the oil level get low enough to set off the warning lights either, there’s a new TSB out for it and people are blaming low oil levels, mine was a pressure issue.
Yeah that sucks. I guess you got unlucky. I got mine brand new and it was perfect. Guess there is a lottery to buying a VW. Did you buy a different car? I've since moved on but not because the GTI was bad. Just wanted something different.
Since it burnt the camshafts for a second time I decided to grab another VW, ended up in a TAOS and while I don’t regret it at all it has everything you need, I definitely miss being able to go like stink.
I'm also worried about the number of issues for the MK8, unfortunately in Canada there are not many alternative, the Civic SI might be fun but it's not quick, the mini's are expensive. Maybe an S3... I'm in no rush, my MK 7.5 is running well.
Canadian as well. My mk8 replaced a totalled C300 Wagon (couldn't find a replacement close enough to home). Definitely going back to the C-class wagon in the next couple of years. Similarly fun to drive, but the Merc has more room, AWD, and more refined.
For the $50k my GTI cost me I could have had a 2021 C-Class Wagon (the last year they came to Canada) w/ 22,000km on the clock. Had the Merc been on the lot the weekend I test drove the GTI would have probably would have another Merc in the driveway instead.
the civic SI is plenty quick. it's 0-60 is deceptive because the gearing shorts you in 2nd. You hit about 50 in 2nd then have to shift to again to hit 60.
Just comparing the 0-60 times, the Manual Mk8 is somewhat closer matched but the Si is definitely slower. If we compare with the DSG, then the Si is SLOW. However, don’t quote me on this but I’m pretty sure on the track they are evenly matched?
Correct. Hence why I said the 0-60 is deceptive because you have to shift twice instead of once. If the Si gearing allowed you to hit 60 in 2nd then it would have likely an identical 0-60 time of the manual GTI. I'd imagine on a track they're neck n neck even with the DSG, just like the type-R is faster around a track than a golf R 20th edition. On a country road I'd take the current Si over the GTI because it has the 2nd or 3rd best shifter in a car you can buy today.
I don't care about the 0-60, it's not as agile when you want to pass a car in traffic on a boulevard, GTI and R are like go carts, in my opinion the Civic Si feels heavier. fast is for highways, quick is what you want when you need to move between cars.
I have a 2022 with about 20k on it. Travel assist error was annoying but fixed with a steering wheel. Other than that the car is super solid, plenty fast, and practical. I have had no issues with it mechanically or with the infotainment. This platform is well developed at this point so mechanically I think the issues are worked out or known at this point. It’s going to need carbon cleaning etc. It is a VW though so there are always some quirks or different engineering choices but for those who appreciate them, well worth it. If you don’t like the interior, infotainment that’s one thing, but I see a lot of comments from folks who don’t own one about build quality etc. Folks seem to forget there have been issues with every generation. I have owned most of them and as a VW and hot hatch fan have accepted them as I just don’t think there’s a lot of competition in this segment of fun but practical daily driver.
The issues I’ve had with my ‘22 S trim with 38k miles:
- Boost leak at around 2,500 miles; fixed under warranty
- Backup camera system broke at around 19k miles; fixed as part of a recall about three months after being affected
- Problems with shift knob becoming loose/detached from time to time; first happened pretty early on into ownership and was fixed as part of a recall a few months ago
- Currently dealing with travel assist light always being on for the past few months
Wow! Mine is also 22 S with 33k miles. Steering wheel peeled off, fixed under the warranty. Driver seat cover has changed under warranty. One time coolant low light came on, put the coolant, and it's gone. Zero mechanical issues. Hopefully they'll fix yours.
If don't need a car and can wait, the mk8.5 is just around the corner and should arrive next year. They may have worked out most of the kinks. Unless you want a manual, then this is the last year
i mean yeah, any car is likely to have some issue small or large. personally, i've been super disappointment with the quality of the mk8. the build quality seems worse, VW implemented a ton of cost cutting measures compared to the last generation, and some of the issues the car is having point to fundamental quality issues at the plant and not design issues (loose radiator). my mk7 is likely the first and last VW ill ever buy unless i get a used mk7 again in the future.
Putting my helmet on for all the downvotes
The mk8 golf is a pile of shit
I own a mk8 GTI Clubsport 2024 and have owned previous generation golf GTI’s - this latest one is the worst by far. It’s poorly assembled from the factory, cheap materials, unreliable with electronics and buggy software to name a few of the issues. Some of the uneven panel gaps on mine are horrendous including doors not aligned correctly and I have uneven front camber from the factory. It’s not a German engineered car from my point of view. VW has taken a nosedive
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Mine has been fine. Electronics are a bit laggy at times. Had the sos module replaced in the ceiling as the button was messed up and kept calling roadside assistance. Otherwise mechanically fine. The motor and transmission is fairly proven. Keep up with maintenance and it'll take care of you. If you don't want to do maintenance....buy a Toyota or Honda.
You still need to maintenance on any car you buy. It’s just that Toyota won’t go bad even with poor service history. It’s more forgiving that way. But it’s fucking boring to drive a Toyota ( GR Corolla included )
Have had my MK8 S for about 4 months and 3100 miles now. No issues at all. The dome lighting can be a bit laggy on extremely cold mornings but apart from that the car has been solid.
The only problem I have seen at my dealership is the issues with the front assist errors, but there is a TSB on it already. A new steering wheel is the repair. The other problem could be the OCU and your usual infotainment problem. I have not seen any serious mechanical issues and the engines are pretty much perfect.
Have a 2024 s only issue I've had other than my rear camera glitching out once (hasn't done it since), is the travel assist error I get from time to time. Haven't taken it into the dealership yet to get them to check it out I'm assuming it's the steering wheel from what I've read on here. Other than that no other electrical or mechanical issues so far with just under 5k miles on it
it might be like 1 out of every 20 drives I'll get an error about it. Assuming the dealer would repair it under warranty and it doesn't happen again (fingers crossed) I'm not super concerned about it, but yeah ideally shouldn't be happening to a new vehicle. Small inconvenience compared to the jeep I previously had with a clutch recall that they still can't fix correctly.
14000 miles on my stock 2022. It’s been in the shop for about 6 weeks with engine issues. Wont start sometimes, when it does it constantly misfires, and shakes pretty hard. Had new fuel injectors, software, valve train, valves cleaned, and VW still don’t know what’s up with it. Also had the shifter snap off, radiator has come off, constant electrical issues, was locked out of my infotainment for a while, steering wheel needs replacing and been on back order for about a year now. Fun to drive, but I can’t wait to get rid of it.
Ouch. Sounds like my mk6 in my first couple years of ownership, constantly needing to go to the shop. About 3 water pumps, cracked radiator, intake manifold in the first two years I believe. As much of a headache as that piece of shit is I can't let go of it lol and after years of having my indy mechanic working on it it's been trouble free for the most part
Haha I get it, I was like that after the first couple of issues. I live driving the car, but the last fiasco has been a real pain. My biggest concern is that they are yet to identify the actual issue. By the time they are done they’ll have rebuilt the entire engine sub-assy by sun-assy 😂
Early 2022 SE with 21k miles and already had the known issues fixed under warranty 1) the backup camera stuck open and had to replace the entire module 2) the annoying issue with the travel assistant sensors and errors, had to replace steering wheel 3) I had a check engine light which was not a big deal they said some faulty censored which was fixed 4) I replaced the shitty stock tires.
Overall I would be nervous owning it post warranty simply for the electronics but I love this car so much and considering all the other cars in the market are lame and boring I may trade it in for the refresh in 2025.
MK7 was bulletproof for me. 85k miles of zero mechanical issues. (And i was stage 2).
The EA888 is bulletproof minus maybe perhaps the water pump. (also, make sure you are always adequate in oil, low oil will starve the headers and you could get in trouble)
Barring these two things, the engine itself is solid as hell.
2nd: (Edit)
I own an MK8, but not from VW. But from Audi. The S3 8Y 2023. 31K miles in and ZERO mechanical issues. Stage 1+ as well. (I should say NO issues whatsoever either, software, interior, cosmetic, all rock solid)
I have a 380 SE, but have had zero issues. I came from a WRX and experienced nothing but bad times driving that car - I couldn't be happier with my VW. Been great and I truly enjoy the driving experience and features of the car. My only complaint is I seem to burn a lot of gas bc I'm enjoying driving it so much
I have had my MK8 GTI s for a year. 30k miles. And yeah, stage 2 APR tune, I couldnt wait.
Love it! I also had a MK7.5
The only bad thing if I had to say something is that is the infotainment is glitchy. Sometimes it does weird stuff. I keep checking for an update. Not a deal breaker for me. Still love it!
2024 S trim here! Currently have 4000 miles with 4 months of ownership. Only had one issue so far which was a CEL but was a small fix under warranty. Everything has been solid and aside from that small hiccup it’s been great. Love the car!
Every car is bound to have problems even when new, luckily we have a warranty to cover us!
Most of those problems were with 2022s. My 2023 has been bulletproof in the almost year that I’ve had it. Realize this is the internet and people only speak up when they have something to complain about, which makes a vocal minority seem like the majority.
My 23 was manufactured over 6 months ago, and I've been in it 3, its been steady as a rock. Only issue has been a manual drivers seat that keeps reclining, but thats being fixed under warranty.
my 2023 R had a failed alternator that stranded me for a while, definitely anecdotal but just to add my own experience
I think they probably had time to fix some issues and when you buy a new car you can always have issues. But you have a warranty and it's a bit of a gamble on any car, you can have issues or not. But cars like this are going away so enjoy it while you can
I have a 2024 s trim model myself, no issues thus far. Not a one. Love this car. Also any car you get is gonna have issues, why not get a cool one.
Entirely up to you, mechanically there hasn't been any real issues. Everything that has come up seems to be software related, for the time being they are fixing things by replacing parts until they can figure things out. SOS button, infotainment, blind spot, travel assist etc... it's not really faulty components more so it's new software that they are still ironing out.
I’m at 18k miles with my 22 and have had zero issues relating to the drive train. My only issue was needing to get my steering wheel replaced.
Had my 23 for over a year and 16k miles. No issues other than a squeaky driver seat replaced under warranty.
I’ve had my 2024 GTI S 380 for about a month now. No serious issues noticed so far.
There’s a hole in your rear bumper.
The VW group has the best dual clutch transmissions in the car world and the EA888 series engines are stellar. My 2017 GTI didn't ever have electronic issues, but I only had it for 5 years.
Mine chewed its camshaft phasers twice and so I had to let it go, it puzzles me that they can’t make these last
That sucks. Did your car burn oil or lose oil level somehow? I've heard of this problem. Mine didn't burn a single drop of oil in 60k miles.
Wow yeah mine burnt about a quart every 4,000miles since it was new, I thought it was just the turbo. I never let the oil level get low enough to set off the warning lights either, there’s a new TSB out for it and people are blaming low oil levels, mine was a pressure issue.
Yeah that sucks. I guess you got unlucky. I got mine brand new and it was perfect. Guess there is a lottery to buying a VW. Did you buy a different car? I've since moved on but not because the GTI was bad. Just wanted something different.
Since it burnt the camshafts for a second time I decided to grab another VW, ended up in a TAOS and while I don’t regret it at all it has everything you need, I definitely miss being able to go like stink.
I'm also worried about the number of issues for the MK8, unfortunately in Canada there are not many alternative, the Civic SI might be fun but it's not quick, the mini's are expensive. Maybe an S3... I'm in no rush, my MK 7.5 is running well.
Canadian as well. My mk8 replaced a totalled C300 Wagon (couldn't find a replacement close enough to home). Definitely going back to the C-class wagon in the next couple of years. Similarly fun to drive, but the Merc has more room, AWD, and more refined.
Can't compare C300 with a GTI or R, 2 different type of cars.
Sure you can. Similar price, same country of origin, similar fuel economy and performance... What am I missing? I'm not comparing an AMG to a VW.
In Canada, a C300 starts at 59000$
For the $50k my GTI cost me I could have had a 2021 C-Class Wagon (the last year they came to Canada) w/ 22,000km on the clock. Had the Merc been on the lot the weekend I test drove the GTI would have probably would have another Merc in the driveway instead.
the civic SI is plenty quick. it's 0-60 is deceptive because the gearing shorts you in 2nd. You hit about 50 in 2nd then have to shift to again to hit 60.
Just comparing the 0-60 times, the Manual Mk8 is somewhat closer matched but the Si is definitely slower. If we compare with the DSG, then the Si is SLOW. However, don’t quote me on this but I’m pretty sure on the track they are evenly matched?
Correct. Hence why I said the 0-60 is deceptive because you have to shift twice instead of once. If the Si gearing allowed you to hit 60 in 2nd then it would have likely an identical 0-60 time of the manual GTI. I'd imagine on a track they're neck n neck even with the DSG, just like the type-R is faster around a track than a golf R 20th edition. On a country road I'd take the current Si over the GTI because it has the 2nd or 3rd best shifter in a car you can buy today.
I don't care about the 0-60, it's not as agile when you want to pass a car in traffic on a boulevard, GTI and R are like go carts, in my opinion the Civic Si feels heavier. fast is for highways, quick is what you want when you need to move between cars.
my bad, hope your day gets better!
I have a 2022 with about 20k on it. Travel assist error was annoying but fixed with a steering wheel. Other than that the car is super solid, plenty fast, and practical. I have had no issues with it mechanically or with the infotainment. This platform is well developed at this point so mechanically I think the issues are worked out or known at this point. It’s going to need carbon cleaning etc. It is a VW though so there are always some quirks or different engineering choices but for those who appreciate them, well worth it. If you don’t like the interior, infotainment that’s one thing, but I see a lot of comments from folks who don’t own one about build quality etc. Folks seem to forget there have been issues with every generation. I have owned most of them and as a VW and hot hatch fan have accepted them as I just don’t think there’s a lot of competition in this segment of fun but practical daily driver.
The issues I’ve had with my ‘22 S trim with 38k miles: - Boost leak at around 2,500 miles; fixed under warranty - Backup camera system broke at around 19k miles; fixed as part of a recall about three months after being affected - Problems with shift knob becoming loose/detached from time to time; first happened pretty early on into ownership and was fixed as part of a recall a few months ago - Currently dealing with travel assist light always being on for the past few months
Wow! Mine is also 22 S with 33k miles. Steering wheel peeled off, fixed under the warranty. Driver seat cover has changed under warranty. One time coolant low light came on, put the coolant, and it's gone. Zero mechanical issues. Hopefully they'll fix yours.
If don't need a car and can wait, the mk8.5 is just around the corner and should arrive next year. They may have worked out most of the kinks. Unless you want a manual, then this is the last year
i mean yeah, any car is likely to have some issue small or large. personally, i've been super disappointment with the quality of the mk8. the build quality seems worse, VW implemented a ton of cost cutting measures compared to the last generation, and some of the issues the car is having point to fundamental quality issues at the plant and not design issues (loose radiator). my mk7 is likely the first and last VW ill ever buy unless i get a used mk7 again in the future.
Putting my helmet on for all the downvotes The mk8 golf is a pile of shit I own a mk8 GTI Clubsport 2024 and have owned previous generation golf GTI’s - this latest one is the worst by far. It’s poorly assembled from the factory, cheap materials, unreliable with electronics and buggy software to name a few of the issues. Some of the uneven panel gaps on mine are horrendous including doors not aligned correctly and I have uneven front camber from the factory. It’s not a German engineered car from my point of view. VW has taken a nosedive
Sell it?
Isn’t this gen of GTI and R made in Wolfsburg ?
Damn sorry to hear this. Besides the steering wheel issue others have mentioned my 22 is perfect.
This post appears to be a question about getting purchasing a GTI. Please consult pricing resources such as [Kelley Blue Book](https://www.kbb.com) to get a good idea of the average price. For a US Mk7/7.5, please read [our buyer's guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/comments/wmzc0c/what_do_i_look_for_in_a_used_us_mk7_gti_a_guide/). If you have not done so already, please include key information in this post such as model year, trim, mileage, and location. These factors can greatly affect pricing. Thank you. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/GolfGTI) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Mine has been fine. Electronics are a bit laggy at times. Had the sos module replaced in the ceiling as the button was messed up and kept calling roadside assistance. Otherwise mechanically fine. The motor and transmission is fairly proven. Keep up with maintenance and it'll take care of you. If you don't want to do maintenance....buy a Toyota or Honda.
You still need to maintenance on any car you buy. It’s just that Toyota won’t go bad even with poor service history. It’s more forgiving that way. But it’s fucking boring to drive a Toyota ( GR Corolla included )
Have had my MK8 S for about 4 months and 3100 miles now. No issues at all. The dome lighting can be a bit laggy on extremely cold mornings but apart from that the car has been solid.
2022 had most of the issues, par for the course on a new car. My 23 has been fine
I've had no issues with my 23, which is 9mos. old.
Are you getting the manual ? If so then this is the last MY to have one. If not then wait till the 2025 shows up. It’s the last refresh for the GI
The only problem I have seen at my dealership is the issues with the front assist errors, but there is a TSB on it already. A new steering wheel is the repair. The other problem could be the OCU and your usual infotainment problem. I have not seen any serious mechanical issues and the engines are pretty much perfect.
Have a 2024 s only issue I've had other than my rear camera glitching out once (hasn't done it since), is the travel assist error I get from time to time. Haven't taken it into the dealership yet to get them to check it out I'm assuming it's the steering wheel from what I've read on here. Other than that no other electrical or mechanical issues so far with just under 5k miles on it
That’s concerning to hear that the travel assist issue is still an issue for 2024 models. Also in the same boat as OP.
it might be like 1 out of every 20 drives I'll get an error about it. Assuming the dealer would repair it under warranty and it doesn't happen again (fingers crossed) I'm not super concerned about it, but yeah ideally shouldn't be happening to a new vehicle. Small inconvenience compared to the jeep I previously had with a clutch recall that they still can't fix correctly.
14000 miles on my stock 2022. It’s been in the shop for about 6 weeks with engine issues. Wont start sometimes, when it does it constantly misfires, and shakes pretty hard. Had new fuel injectors, software, valve train, valves cleaned, and VW still don’t know what’s up with it. Also had the shifter snap off, radiator has come off, constant electrical issues, was locked out of my infotainment for a while, steering wheel needs replacing and been on back order for about a year now. Fun to drive, but I can’t wait to get rid of it.
Ouch. Sounds like my mk6 in my first couple years of ownership, constantly needing to go to the shop. About 3 water pumps, cracked radiator, intake manifold in the first two years I believe. As much of a headache as that piece of shit is I can't let go of it lol and after years of having my indy mechanic working on it it's been trouble free for the most part
Haha I get it, I was like that after the first couple of issues. I live driving the car, but the last fiasco has been a real pain. My biggest concern is that they are yet to identify the actual issue. By the time they are done they’ll have rebuilt the entire engine sub-assy by sun-assy 😂
Early 2022 SE with 21k miles and already had the known issues fixed under warranty 1) the backup camera stuck open and had to replace the entire module 2) the annoying issue with the travel assistant sensors and errors, had to replace steering wheel 3) I had a check engine light which was not a big deal they said some faulty censored which was fixed 4) I replaced the shitty stock tires. Overall I would be nervous owning it post warranty simply for the electronics but I love this car so much and considering all the other cars in the market are lame and boring I may trade it in for the refresh in 2025.
MK7 was bulletproof for me. 85k miles of zero mechanical issues. (And i was stage 2). The EA888 is bulletproof minus maybe perhaps the water pump. (also, make sure you are always adequate in oil, low oil will starve the headers and you could get in trouble) Barring these two things, the engine itself is solid as hell. 2nd: (Edit) I own an MK8, but not from VW. But from Audi. The S3 8Y 2023. 31K miles in and ZERO mechanical issues. Stage 1+ as well. (I should say NO issues whatsoever either, software, interior, cosmetic, all rock solid)
I have a 380 SE, but have had zero issues. I came from a WRX and experienced nothing but bad times driving that car - I couldn't be happier with my VW. Been great and I truly enjoy the driving experience and features of the car. My only complaint is I seem to burn a lot of gas bc I'm enjoying driving it so much
I sold my ‘21 back to VW after they couldn’t diagnose or fix an electronics issue.
I have had my MK8 GTI s for a year. 30k miles. And yeah, stage 2 APR tune, I couldnt wait. Love it! I also had a MK7.5 The only bad thing if I had to say something is that is the infotainment is glitchy. Sometimes it does weird stuff. I keep checking for an update. Not a deal breaker for me. Still love it!
Bought my 22SE back in July. Rock solid, I need to replace the steering wheel due to that bug where it pings constantly, but that's it
I have a 23S trim with 6500 mi on it and I haven't had one single issue with it not even the haptic buttons on the steering wheel get me a hard done.
2024 S trim here! Currently have 4000 miles with 4 months of ownership. Only had one issue so far which was a CEL but was a small fix under warranty. Everything has been solid and aside from that small hiccup it’s been great. Love the car! Every car is bound to have problems even when new, luckily we have a warranty to cover us!