Most common 2014 Volkswagen GTI problems
Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volkswagen GTI complaints by model year
Best GTI years: 2014, 2020, 2018. Years to avoid: 2019, 2009, 2024, 2015, 2016. Compare all years →
2014 Volkswagen GTI recalls (1)
Air bags › Frontal
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2014 Volkswagen GTI:
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta…
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of steering wheel clock spring/steering column control module (SCCM) failures in model year (MY) 2012 Volkswagen Passat and CC models.The SCCM is a module within the steering column that incorporates a spiral conductor (a ribbon cable) to electrically connect the steering wheel to the vehicle's electrical system while…
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta…
What 2014 Volkswagen GTI owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen GTI. The contact stated while shifting the vehicle into drive(D) there was a lag before the vehicle responded. The contact stated that the engine revved before the transmission jolted into gear. The contact stated that the vehicle shook abnormally. Additionally, while accelerating the vehicle was revving loudly before jolting into the next gear. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the check engine light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the local dealer however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,669.
For the third time since owning my car, I was driving and the engine failed. Without any other previous warning lights or indicators coming on, while I was on the freeway, my car slowed, the engine light flashed, and then the car completely died. I was able to restart and pull to the side of the shoulder. Because this has happened before, I suspected the oil was running low. We refilled it, and the car did start, and now drives again without issue. I just had my car serviced two months prior, and they told me to fill my oil again at 39,000 miles or at the end of June, whichever came first. I was only at 37K miles and it is June 1. When this first happened, I was told the engine had a "protective feature" to turn off when the oil was low to make sure the engine wasn't damaged. …
2014 Volkswagen GTI engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 24 / 32 / 27 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 31 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2014 Volkswagen GTI a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 GTI rates better than average: 77% fewer complaints than a typical year of the GTI at the same age. It is one of the best GTI years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2014 Volkswagen GTI?
The engine & cooling — 4 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (2) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2014 Volkswagen GTI have?
There is 1 recall for the 2014 Volkswagen GTI, the most recent from August 4, 2015 (frontal). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volkswagen GTI?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2020 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2009, 2024, 2015 and 2016. See the full Volkswagen GTI years comparison.
At what mileage do 2014 Volkswagen GTI problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 28,000 miles; 71% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.