Used Volkswagen Golf GTI 2013-2020 reliability

When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.

Although the Golf GTI’s a hoot on open roads, it will of course have been subjected to the ravages of supermarket car parks and school runs, so check the extremities of the car for any scuffs or dents. Look at those handsome alloy wheels for any kerb damage – they are susceptible to scraps and repair can be expensive.

Gearbox issues: VW had largely sorted out the most expensive of its DSG automatic gearbox problems before this generation of Golf was launched, but there are still some early cars for which problems have been reported, so make sure the gearbox changes smoothly and there are no signs of temperamental behaviour. Timing chains fitted to petrol engines have been known to snap prematurely; this can cause significant engine damage but is often mitigated by having the car serviced on time.

Oil consumption: This means a full service history is critical. GTI models can also suffer from high oil consumption, so it’s important to keep checking the oil level, even between services. If the level gets too low, it can cause damage to the engine or timing chain.

Electrical issues: Faults with the navigation and entertainment system, as well as other electrical niggles, have been reported on some models, so it’s worth checking that all the electrics work as they should.

Click here for more information. Contact your local VW dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.

Our data suggests the VW Golf GTI is a mostly reliable car. It performed averagely in our What Car? Reliability Survey, with it – cited as the regular Golf in petrol form – placing 18th out of 29 cars in the family car class. Its reliability score was 90.4%. As a car brand, VW ranked 22nd out of 32 manufacturers.

The largest concern is electric issues, of which 5% of owners that took part in the survey cited as something they've experienced with their Golf. Problems with the exhaust followed behind, with 3.3% of owners commenting on this.

With the above in mind, the Golf (and subsequently the GTI) is a more reliable car than the Mazda 3 and Vauxhall Astra, but the BMW 1 Series and Ford Focus are more reliable.

Used Volkswagen Golf GTI: owners' reliability data

Our readers have expressed mixed feedback on the reliability and dealer service of the 2013-2020 generation of Volkswagen Golf (as a whole). Many owners praised the reliability of its engines, noting fewer major faults compared to other brands. However, electrical issues, particularly with infotainment systems and warning lights, were frequently mentioned and often led to repeated dealer visits.

Experiences with dealership service varied. Some praised prompt and courteous service, while others found repair costs high and service times longer than expected. A few readers were dissatisfied with how warranty issues were handled. While the Golf is generally reliable, inconsistent dealer service has left some owners frustrated.