VW Golf 6 (2008-2013): known problems and buying guide

Engines and gearboxes

• 1.2 TSI (CBZ): see the EA111 guide. Timing chain and water pump checks apply.
• 1.4 TSI 122 PS (CAX) and 160 PS (CTH): see the EA111 guide. Timing chain, intake valve carbon and oil use apply.
• 1.4 16V 80 PS (CGG): no common fault confirmed.
• 1.6 MPI 102 PS (CMX, CCS, CHG): oil leaks are common. CHG also runs on LPG (BiFuel).
• 1.6 TDI (CAY): see the EA189 guide.
• 2.0 TDI (CBD, CFF, CFH, BMM, BMN): see the EA189 guide. Check the recall list below.
• 2.0 TSI GTI 210 and 211 PS (CCZ): chain tensioner, water pump, intake valve carbon and the wet DSG apply.
• Golf R 270 PS (CDL): wet DSG clutch and oil apply.
• DQ200 7-speed dry DSG: see the DQ200 guide.
• 6-speed wet DSG (GTI and R): see the wet DSG issue below.
• 5-speed manual: no common fault confirmed.

In detail

Timing chain on 1.2 and 1.4 TSI

Chain problems start at about 70,000 km. Many cars show them before 100,000 km. Chain replacement costs 800-1,400 EUR. An engine overhaul costs 4,000-6,000 EUR (Germany, year not stated). Ask for proof of chain work on every car.

Sources: Carwiki, VW Golf 6 problems, Carwiki, Golf chain problems, Fahrzeugschein, Golf gebraucht check, Za Rulem, 1.4 TSI problems

GTI chain tensioner

The 2.0 TSI GTI chain tensioner can fail. Some cars fail before 8,000 km. Most reported failures come at 30,000 to 50,000 km. Replacing the chain and tensioner costs 800-1,200 EUR (Germany, year not stated).

Sources: Youcanic, GTI problems, Carwiki, Golf chain problems, Motor-Talk, GTI chain and tensioner

DQ200 dry DSG

The dry 7-speed DSG (DQ200) judders in low gears from about 5,000 km. Later it jerks when shifting, from about 80,000 km. Some reverse and even gears stop engaging. The clutch often needs replacing. Full repair notes and costs are in the DQ200 guide.

Sources: Za Rulem, Golf VI review 2013, Auto.ru, Golf VI weak spots, Fahrzeugschein, Golf gebraucht check

Wet DSG clutch and oil

The 6-speed DSG with wet clutch sits in the GTI and Golf R. It works well until about 70,000 km. Then clutch debris can enter the oil and the mechatronic. VW issued a software update for the 6-speed DSG oil temperature and clutch signal. The sources give no year or country for it. Ask for the DSG software and oil change record.

Sources: Za Rulem, Golf VI review 2013, Carwiki, VW Golf 6 problems

Water pump leaks

The water pump fails early on the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI, after about 120,000 km. It leaks coolant and can overheat the engine. On the GTI the plastic pump housing cracks from heat cycling. The pump sits under the intake manifold, so the manifold must come off to replace it. Auto.ru advises replacing the pump together with the timing chain. Cost is not given in the sources.

Sources: Youcanic, GTI problems, Auto.ru, Golf VI weak spots

Oil leaks and oil use

Oil leaks are common on the 1.6 MPI, 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI. The usual leaks are the valve cover gasket, the crankcase breather hoses and, on turbo engines, the oil cooler area. Oil use varies by car. Check the oil level on a cold engine during the test drive. Cost is not given in the sources.

Sources: Auto.ru, Golf VI weak spots, Autozeitung, Golf Plus used buy

Water in the footwell

The water drains under the wipers and the plenum clog. Water then runs into the footwell. On the Cabriolet, the roof seals at the A-pillar dry out and let water run down the A-pillar trim onto the fuse box and a central control unit in the driver footwell. Clear the scuttle drains. Look for green, fuzzy corrosion on the control unit plugs. Cost is not given in the sources.

Sources: Fahrzeugschein, Golf gebraucht check, Autobiz, Golf Mk6 Cabriolet water damage

Intake valve carbon

Direct injection never washes the intake valves with fuel. Carbon builds up on them. The fix is head removal and cleaning, or valve and guide replacement. The sources give no mileage or cost.

Sources: Za Rulem, 1.4 TSI problems, Youcanic, GTI problems

Also known: the turbo control rod can stick on the 1.4 TSI and rattle on the GTI. Springs, dampers and drive shaft boots wear normally. See the checks above.

Recalls

Other campaigns in the sources do not state a remedy. Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN for open campaigns before you buy.

Maintenance

• Keep the service book. Ask for records of timing chain, water pump and DSG oil or clutch work.
• Check coolant and engine oil levels at each fuel stop. Look under the car for leaks.
• On a GTI or Golf R, keep the DSG oil change on record.
• Clear the scuttle drains under the wipers.

Sources

English

• Youcanic, VW Golf Mk6 GTI problems
• Australian Car Reviews, Golf Mk6 recalls and faults
• Autobiz, tracking down Golf Mk6 Cabriolet water damage

German

• Carwiki, VW Golf 6 problems
• Carwiki, Golf chain problems
• Fahrzeugschein, Golf used car check
• Autozeitung, Golf Plus used car buying guide
• Motor-Talk, Golf 6 GTI chain and tensioner

Russian

• Za Rulem, 8 problems of the 1.4 TSI engine
• Za Rulem, Golf VI three years on (2013)
• Auto.ru, Golf VI weak spots