Known Issues

[JW]

New member, so hello to all.

Very likely to be getting into a Mk5 GTi very soon and wondered if there are any known issues with these?

I was a long-time Mk4 owner (sadly had to sell due to ULEZ) and have had lots of VAG group cars.

I know that at a certain point VAG forgot how to make engines for a while - VW and Audi both had issues with timing chains/tensioners and piston rings/oil consumption, etc.

Just wanted to check there's nothing inherently silly like those on a Mk5 GTi... Are these timing belt with just a chain for the cams, as on the Mk4 1.8T? Any oil consumption/piston ring issues to watch out for?

And just anything else I should be looking for, or wary of, on these models in particular?

Any advice or experience would be greatly appreciated

[dennis10]

A few things to be aware of:

Check cam follower condition - this is a replaceable tappet that runs the high pressure fuel pump via the inlet cam lobe - they can wear through and damage the cam and HPFP if not properly maintained.

Inter-cam chain and tensioner (in particular) can wear and need to be inspected regularly after 100k miles or if noisy and replaced.

Diverter valve diaphragm often split causing boost issues.

Also PCV valves fail as well as old hoses, cheap to replace though

Some GTIs do consume some oil.  Later models are better from my research and in particular the Edition30 model, which I own, rarely has oil consumption issues.  I use 5w40 oil and it doesn't use a drop between oil changes

Top mounts on mk5 Golfs are horribly designed and if they've not been replaced in 15 to 20 years they are a nightmare to get off if needing to replace the suspension.  The 3 captive nuts on each side can become "uncaptive" and spin freely, meaning you cant get the damn things off and have to cut the nuts off in limited space underneath, or from the bolt at the top (not something I'd enjoy repeating)

I'm sure others will chime in with additional niggles, but those are most of the ones I've kept an eye on in my ownership.

If you find yourself with the budget to stretch a bit further, I'd recommend the Edition30 BYD engined GTI, much more potential out of the box and uprated in quite a few areas compared to the standard GTI engine.  I am considering selling mine in the near future as I want to move back to a VR6, in case you're interested!

[GVK]

As well as the above, the intake valves/ports can get gummed up with carbon due to the direct injection set up.

Injectors are a weak point causing misfires

I had an Edition 30 until 4 years ago, I also had issues with:
passenger door lock
ABS sensors and hubs (rear)
Intercooler hose fitting, required new hose
coil packs and plugs after remap.

Great cars though especially with a map to give over 300hp (Edition 30)

A recent post has reminded me to pay attention to rust on sills and wings, also tailgate!

[rxpx69]

Stuff i've come across coming from a MK3:
Balance shaft - mine seized up
If the Thermostat fails its a long job to replace
ABS pump can fail with ESP light stuck on
AC pump and AC pressure switch fail
AC condenser probably wants changing due to age
Door locks fail (a lot) i'll be replacing the passenger side front and both rears this weekend 
Seems like pretty much every bolt in one time use, including interior fixings.
Headliner and door cards sag
The red speedo display may be dimmer on one side or lose pixels in summer.
Rear control arm bolts will/are seized
Boost hoses properly need seals replacing if dripping oil
Yellowing of headlights
Bonnet lock can seize open or closed
CV boots don't seem to last too long
Oil dip stick needs to be changed from orange to the newer yellow design so the plastic parts dont fail into the sump
Steering rack can fail (clunk at low speeds)
Steering columns can fail (inch of play in steering wheel, most noticeable on the motor way)
VW airbag logo can show micro cracks
Rear passenger vents, the knob to change air flow fall off
Dog mount bushing needs an expensive tool to replace

[JW]

Thanks guys, much appreciated!

Still on the lookout for the right car, so we shall see when I get a nice one…

[Bassman1974]

Thanks guys, much appreciated!

Still on the lookout for the right car, so we shall see when I get a nice one…

I had considered selling mine, but

A: I've spent far, far too much on what should have been a stopgap car
B: It comes up nice after a valet
C: It never gives me any bother

Good luck with the search !