VW Golf VI: reliability issues ? real or not ?

[Corey_R]

Well - I'd presume that 'iron block' would still refer to an alloy of some type. They'd not be using pure iron in a modern motor these days, surely?!

[logger]

No, they are made of an Alloy, Grey Cast Iron. So you are both right.

"The cylinder block on the 1.4l TSI engine is made from grey cast iron with lamellar graphite. This guarantees sufficient operating safety at the high combustion pressures of the TSI engine. Due to the high strength of a cylinder block made from grey cast iron with lamellar graphite compared with one made from diecast aluminium, the camshaft may be removed."

Wikipedia Grey Iron

I guess the term alloy was being transposed/confused with aluminium.

[cube_3]

I've read reliability rankings and every time it's the same. Lexus/Toyota first then Japanese brands, followed by European then American. I know it's best to take this with a grain of salt but it does get me wondering. Obviously things like the demographics of specific model ownership and their driving styles would influence these rankings

I would like to know (if there is such a thing) what the reliability stats actually are (in numbers, percentages, etc)

Realiability Rankings do need to be taken with a pinch of salt. AS you can see from the other posting a lot of luxury cars e.g. Merc's, BMWs, Audis etc are lower down. This may be due to "wealthier" people more likely to complain about squeeks, rattles etc and these complaints count against them in these surveys. Owners of cheaper brands are less likely to complain about rattles etc. as they expect things like that for the price they pay.

Toyota's have generally always been realiable cars and featured highly but after this 8 million recall and bad publicity they will probably fall in the next couple rankings, especially in the USA.

[ddalbusco]

Reliability issues are absolutely true. My Golf 118TSI which has just reached twelve months old has had the following problems: fourth cylinder died at six months, entire engine was replaced; headlights cannot be realigned to the car properly by the dealer; the entire locking system failed - all locks have now been replaced; the drivers window constantly resets memory and the window switch fails; the entire instrument panel has just been replaced as the speedo needle was flickering and not at the correct speed; the a/c temperature cannot be corrected and is about 3 degrees warmer than the actual display... all in all an unreliable car. MASSIVE fail for VW.

[Transporter]

Reliability issues are absolutely true. My Golf 118TSI which has just reached twelve months old has had the following problems: fourth cylinder died at six months, entire engine was replaced; headlights cannot be realigned to the car properly by the dealer; the entire locking system failed - all locks have now been replaced; the drivers window constantly resets memory and the window switch fails; the entire instrument panel has just been replaced as the speedo needle was flickering and not at the correct speed; the a/c temperature cannot be corrected and is about 3 degrees warmer than the actual display... all in all an unreliable car. MASSIVE fail for VW.

Just sell it and get something else. I couldn't stand up the car that has 3 degrees difference in temperatures.

All our 4 VW's are the most reliable cars we ever had.

[Someone]

I've owned 3 new VWs in the past 11 years. Overall quality has been good - ie, better than average, but not brilliant. Biggest issue to date has been aircon failure in my last Passat. My current Golf Mk 6 has been trouble free. The DSG is great in concept, but needs a few more years development, I reckon. Comparing it to operating systems, it's probably at Windows 98 stage, IMHO.

[Bertie]

The DSG is great in concept, but needs a few more years development, I reckon. Comparing it to operating systems, it's probably at Windows 98 stage, IMHO.

As a soon-to-be GTI DSG owner in the software industry, this analogy of your scares me

Windows didn't get much better either, it just got more popular.

[break]

I jumped ship from my 9N3 Polo GTI to an '03 Renault Clio Sport (yes, a French car!) partly because of the reliability issues of the Polo.

In all honesty, there was no reliability improvement in jumping ship

Although that says something, when a well known German manufacturer can only manage the reliability of a French manufacturer!

[MkVIGTI]

16,000kms of troublefree motoring so far in my DSG GTI. Hope it will be troublefree all the way! By the way break, I notice you have Remsa Pads in your Polo GTI. How do you find them comparing to stock pads? Maybe you can contribute your experience with them in the Mk6 Replacement Brake Pad thread?

[m3103]

My TDI has just over 10k on it and not once has it missed a beat. I take care of her fastidiously but I have to admit the poor thing does cop a fair amount of thrashing for a normal car. (I.e. It's not a purpose built sports car)
Also my sister has the new polo trendline and my brother in-law has a Mk V pirelli. No issues there either.
Overall very happy with vw and would be glad to recommend the product to anyone.