Mk 5 GTI - Most Common Faults???

[Juliand]

A new member, but an initial observation.......There seem to be a few common problem areas that any potential owner might encounter at some point, so I thought it would be helpful if these could be identified / rationalised, and maybe explained a little, with likely costs if fixed at a garage, and roughly at what mileage these will crop up (noted that this is a bit how long is a piece of string, so just a rough indication).

Seems to me to be, as follows (in no particular order - ha ha):-
- PCV / PVC ?? - not sure what this is - could someone do an idiots explanation, pls
- DV  - ditto
- Cam Follower
- Cam Chain
- Thermostat
- any others??

Is that a good idea? There's  a wealth of knowledgeable contributors on here so, I have every confidence in you all, ha ha

Cheers

[Kieran1990gti]

Oil pick up pipe getting blocked

[Juliand]

Good start - thoughts on Rank in list; symptoms; mileage; cost?

[doylebros]

Have a read of this post most of what your looking for is within http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,5050.0.html

If you take a bit more time and explore this site it's suprising what you can learn.

I find no less problems with any other marque I've owned or repaired around the this price range.

[stuart-88]

Rust! Front wings are terrible. If they haven't gone yet it's just a matter of time, especially as they're getting on a bit now.

[r5gtt]

Rust isn't a fault lol its rust 

rear calipers seized are 

[amanda]

Rust isn't a fault lol its rust 

rear calipers seized are 

Nah that's wear and tear 

[r5gtt]

Rust isn't a fault lol its rust 

rear calipers seized are 

Nah that's wear and tear 

Same thing when it comes to common faults    argh!!! lol

[ReflexRob]

Rust is a fault when it occurs because of a poor design between arch liners and wing rubbing away the paint finish!

Otherwise VW wouldn't be doing all of this bodywork warranty stuff on the epic scale we are seeing!

[amanda]

Rust is a fault when it occurs because of a poor design between arch liners and wing rubbing away the paint finish!

Otherwise VW wouldn't be doing all of this bodywork warranty stuff on the epic scale we are seeing!

Would help if everything was consistent as in wings and the sills were included as Vw have admitted its a paint defect that causes the sills to rust

[stuart-88]

Rust isn't a fault lol its rust 

rear calipers seized are 

As already said, when it's down to a poor design and it affects a certain area on a particular model of vehicle, I'd class that as a fault!

[r5gtt]

Rust isn't a fault lol its rust 

rear calipers seized are 

As already said, when it's down to a poor design and it affects a certain area on a particular model of vehicle, I'd class that as a fault!

I'm sorry but it doesn't affect the running of any vehicle so I wouldn't call it a fault  common yes but a fault is when something mechanical breaks down or "fails" hence call "fault" IMHO.


The ​car has a ​serious ​design fault. yes but it doesn't affect the running of the vehicle.

[stuart-88]

So you're saying it's not a fault. Then saying its a serious design fault, but then saying because it doesn't affect the running of the vehicle that's it's not a fault? I'm confused. Either way it's a fault.

The OP asked what are the common faults, not stating if it is mechanical or not and I gave him one.

I'd also add air con compressors and ABS units to that list too 

[doylebros]

Like I said before I find all marquees have issues with all the mechanical parts put the VW rust issue isn't common with the other German marquees, so for me I feel the word flaw rather than fault should be used cause it's well below the competitions bodywork standards.

[r5gtt]

So you're saying it's not a fault. Then saying its a serious design fault, but then saying because it doesn't affect the running of the vehicle that's it's not a fault? I'm confused. Either way it's a fault.

The OP asked what are the common faults, not stating if it is mechanical or not and I gave him one.

I'd also add air con compressors and ABS units to that list too 

Well tbh it's a cosmetic issue ans doesn't effect the running of the car so the OP shouldn't really be too worried about that part. That's my opinion as most cars do rust maybe less than the golf but nothing to worry about as it's only a cosmetic flaw. That wouldn't deter me from buying a specific car unless it was seriously effecting it's structure.

Not arguing just saying