I'll share my experience with my 2009 Golf Mk5 wagon. I bought it used about three years ago with 90k on it. A few months later, I heard there was a recall on them, due to an issue with the DSG transmission. Even though mine was a used vehicle, VW New Zealand stated it was eligible for a mechatronics upgrade, and the local dealer carried out the work free of charge. I got a call back two days later, and they said the diagnostics had returned worn clutches, and they would have to be replaced. As the wear was the result of the faulty mechatronics, they replaced the clutches free of charge as well.

About 12 months ago, the engine light came on. I took it into the dealership, and their diagnosis was a stretched timing chain. They quoted about $1600NZD to repair it. I questioned the timing chain stretching, as timing chains should last a decent amount. Their response was "we've experienced a few of these, and it is just wear". I booked it in for the repair later in the week, but did some research.

It turns out the timing chain tensioner was faulty (a design fault) and VW were repairing them under warranty. I went back to the dealer, and asked them to check their service bulletins. They came back with a "oh, you're in luck. Yes, there is a pro rate warranty agreement. VW will pay for all parts, and 60% of the labour. So your quote will now be $300". Go figure. I asked "what about the other customers who have paid for this repair in full?". I got a "oh, my other phone is ringing, I will have to go".

Anyway, if you're looking at one of these vehicles, check to see wether the timing chain tensioner has been upgraded to the new part, and that it has had the mechatronics upgrade.

To the poster above, the timing chain issue IS a known problem. It is the result of a fault in the design of the tensioner. The dealers know about it, but they seem to be selective on their acknowledgement of it.