2012 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2012

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2012 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI repairs by problem area

Engine (46%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (5%)

Brakes and Traction Control (2%)

Suspension and Steering (6%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (25%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (14%)

Other (4%)

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Chart based on 371 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2012 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI.

2012 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI suspension repair cost distribution

$2500+ (5%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (10%)

$100 - $499 (38%)

< $100 (48%)

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Chart based on 21 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI

Engine not specified

39060 mi

$300
Replaced the front shocks 

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2012 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

65000 mi

US $900
replace shocks and 2 new tires 
96000 mi

US $134
Had multiple faults int he steering control module. When driving over bumpy roads the electric steering would drop out. I erased the faults on my own and tried to relearn the steering angle sensor it would not work. Put the car up and checked the connections on the rack for any corrosion, no corrosion found. Looked up the faults on alldata and found a tech bulletin on the exact faults. Took it to the dealer and had them do the programming update for the faults. Have not had the problem happen again. 
51000 mi

US $55
Tie rod ends were squeaking and needed replacement. this was the second set needed! 
54000 mi

US $150
Rear wheel bearing became very noisy (driver's side). Replaced bearing/hub assembly. 
5300 mi When turning wheels sharp to the right there was a noise coming from suspension. Dealer fixed it under warranty. 

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2012 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD

55000 mi

US $75
Rear pass wheel bearing 
14000 mi Front strut mounts making grinding noise. Replaced both front strut mounts. 
14000 mi Slight creaking noise on dry steering. Dealer replaced strut mount/bearing under warranty. Quick and easy repair. 
133800 mi

US $2600
Lower control arm bushings were found to be worn during standard vehicle inspection and were replaced. 

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2012 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD

40000 mi

US $300
They replaced the part. 
23540 mi Front right stabilizer bar end link got loose, causing noises at low speed. Replace under warranty by dealer. 
40700 mi

US $340
Sway bar end links replaced 
70060 mi

C $150
Front sway bar endlinks needed to be replaced to solve clunking in front end 

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2012 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD

64000 mi

US $50
In an effort to isolate and eliminate a humming noise, dealer replaced front passenger side wheel bearing that they claimed was worn out. Issue still remained after replacement, still not sure if repair was actually necessary. 

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2012 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch

170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

31620 mi

C $300
Started experiencing occasional mild knocking noise in front end when going over small bumps and when driving. Front tie-rod end links needed to be replaced. 

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2012 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 4dr Hatch

170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD

90520 mi

C $210
Rattle when going over uneven pavement at low speeds. Sway bar end links were replaced. 

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2012 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

I took the car in for a slight vibration when the car reaches about 45 mph and above 
30000 mi replaced water pump and tie rods 
29000 mi

US $54
Clunking noise when making sharp turn over bump. 
43000 mi

US $600
15 months old around 20k miles car tires were cupped and ruined. My other VW GLI also cupped and destroyed its tires. Car realligned but it has been determined at 43k miles car will need all new struts and another realignment to correct. 

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2012 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Suspension Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2012 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.