Under Construction

Common Problems with the VW Golf VI

Our Engine Guard for the Golf 6!

Bartek Bartoszewicz

Under Construction

by
Bartek Bartoszewicz Tuning Professional

These Are the Most Common Weaknesses of the Golf VI

The Golf VI was manufactured from 2008 to 2012; although it does not differ significantly from the Golf V, it was nevertheless given its own model designation. Certain weaknesses have persisted, and new issues have emerged. For example, the Golf VI is affected by the diesel scandal.

Just like its predecessors, the sixth generation is available with a variety of engine options and trim levels—ranging from the classic 80 PS to the sporty 270 PS in the Golf VI R. Incidentally, the Golf VI is one of Bartek’s personal favorites. Here you’ll find the most common issues with the Golf VI.

CONTENT

1. Faulty timing chains and tensioners in the Golf VI
- 1.1. Symptoms of a stretched timing chain:
- 1.2. Solution: readjust chain tensioner; new chain
2. Defective water pump on the 1.4 TSI
- 2.1. Signs of a failing water pump:
- 2.2. Solution: Modified water pump
3. Oil leaks and increased oil consumption
- 3.1. Solution: dedication and possibly higher quality oil
4. Common problem on the Golf VI GTI: the ignition coils
- 4.1. Symptoms of faulty ignition coils:
- 4.2. Solution: upgrade ignition coils
5. Coking of the intake valves
- 5.1. This is how you spot carbon build-up on the valves:
- 5.2. Solution: You need a catchtank
6. PCV valve - prone crankcase breather valve
- 6.1. Symptoms of a bad PCV:
- 6.2. Solution: PCV FIX
7. Other problems with the Golf VI
8. Conclusion

Platzhaltergrafik im Seitenverhältnis 3:2 für eine derzeit nicht verfügbare Produktabbildung

Faulty timing chains and tensioners in the Golf VI

A typical teething problem that still hasn’t been fixed in the sixth-generation Golf is the faulty or defective timing chain and chain tensioner on the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI (EA111 engine). Even on the previous model, chain stretch was a big issue. In this case the chain jumps individual teeth, which changes the timing and can lead to total engine failure. So if it starts making a loud rattling noise, you should get to a shop as fast as possible. Many drivers even had to have the timing chain replaced several times.

Symptoms of a stretched timing chain:

Rattling and knocking noises after starting the engine
Loss of power
Rough running
Knocking and rattling at idle
Check engine light comes on

Solution: readjust chain tensioner; new chain

Since the problem with defective TSI chains is well known, many were replaced as a goodwill gesture during scheduled services. As already mentioned, however, the problem often reappeared, which is why you should head to the shop at the slightest sign of trouble. If the chain is stretched and hasn’t caused major damage yet, simply readjusting the chain tensioner may be enough.

Defective water pump on the 1.4 TSI

A common issue with the 1.4 TSI is also an annoying squeaking noise caused by the water pump or its magnetic clutch. Failures of the water pump are also happening more frequently.

Signs of a failing water pump:

Squealing and chirping noises
High engine temperature
Coolant loss

Solution: Modified water pump

Installing a modified water pump for the Golf VI can eliminate this early design flaw. In some cases, however, the squeaking didn’t disappear completely.

Oil leaks and increased oil consumption

This is also a typical weak spot that seems to run through the model range: the Golf 6 burns an extreme amount of oil. This mainly affects the 2.0 TSI in the Golf 6 GTI. You really need to keep an eye on this, because too little oil can cause serious damage. Increased oil loss on the Golf 6 is also well known and problematic, because your TÜV sticker is on the line here.

Signs of increased oil loss and consumption:

Oil warning light comes on
Oil stain under the vehicle
Clattering noises from the engine

Solution: Topping up

There’s not much you can do here other than keep topping up the oil frequently. If damage has already appeared on the pistons, you’ll need a new piston set.

Common problem on the Golf VI GTI: the ignition coils

Some problems just keep coming back: with the Golf 6 (especially the GTI), sensitive ignition coils are also an issue. They’re crucial for transforming the low battery voltage into the high voltage needed at the spark plugs. When they fail, you get misfires and a loss of power. Causes for this problem include moisture getting in from A/C condensation or leaky valve covers. If individual ignition coils fail, the engine starts to stumble. If several coils fail, the car won’t start anymore.

Symptoms of faulty ignition coils:

Misfires
Rough idle
Engine won’t start
Engine stutters in the lower RPM range
Check engine light comes on

Solution: upgrade ignition coils

If you notice these symptoms, you should replace all ignition coils at once, even if only one has failed. Once one coil goes bad, it usually doesn’t take long until the others follow. For tuned engines we definitely recommend upgrade ignition coils and spark plugs that deliver a strong, stable spark and are absolutely reliable. No more misfires and you can use all the power.

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Coking of the intake valves

A big issue with all direct-injection engines is the coking of the intake valves, caused by piston oil control rings that are too narrow. These stop the oil from draining back properly, so it burns in the engine. This creates carbonized oil buildup and other deposits like unburned fuel vapors, which leave carbon residues that clog the valves and cause power loss. This is also one of the reasons for the extremely high oil consumption in the Golf Mk6.

This is how you spot carbon build-up on the valves:

High oil consumption
High fuel consumption
Poor throttle response
Loss of power
Rough idle
Misfires

Solution: You need a catchtank

A catchtank for the Golf 6 reduces the heavy carbon buildup because it collects all the vapors that can no longer flow back into the intake. That way you keep your engine nice and clean on the inside. If there’s already carbon buildup, it’s worth doing a thorough engine cleaning.

Tip

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PCV valve - prone crankcase breather valve

A classic Golf 6 problem is the PCV valve (Positive Crankcase Ventilation). Among other things, the PCV makes sure that blow-by gases are vented and routed back into the intake tract. If it’s leaking, boost pressure escapes into the crankcase. The resulting excess pressure in the bottom end causes more leaks and power drops.

Symptoms of a bad PCV:

Rough idle / uneven engine running
Poor throttle response
High oil consumption
Whistling noises

Solution: PCV FIX

We recommend using a PCV Fix, especially in combination with a catchtank system with external crankcase ventilation. That way you’ll get stable boost pressure again and nothing can leak out anymore. Carbon buildup in the intake is also reduced and idle becomes smoother.

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Grab our repair guide for your Golf 6

With our repair guides you get the ultimate how-to for fixing your engine, broken down step by step with graphics, technical data, and detailed descriptions. This lets you tackle the typical issues of your engine safely and efficiently. In the guides you’ll also find the tools you need, so you really have everything required to get your engine back in shape.

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Conclusion

If you list all potential issues one after another, the weak points of the Golf VI sound like a disaster. Don’t let that impress you too much though, because of course not all of these problems have to show up, and the Golf VI doesn’t have more issues than other cars. It’s still a popular tuning car and is also part of the BAR-TEK fleet .

Bartek Bartoszewicz

Tuning Professional

His first car was a Polo Mk1 with a 40 Weber twin carburetor and 129 hp (95 kW). His second was an Audi 50. Today Bartek tunes Lamborghinis to 1000 hp (735 kW). Even as a young boy, Bartek disassembled vehicles and put everything back together better. He wrote his high school diploma with oil on his fingers. The trained automotive mechanic with a focus on engines and gearboxes was determined to go into motorsports. In his 10 years in Formal 1, he supervised 73 races, including as engine mechanic for Ralf Schumacher at Toyota. Since 2010, he has dedicated himself fully to his company BAR-TEK® and helps his customers to bring VW and Audi engines to peak performance.

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