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ProblemsByVin Index / 2023-VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-GTI / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI owner complaints

6 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle . Listed by category, newest first within each section.

powertrain 2 complaints shown

12/24/2024 ODI #11632262.0

VW has implemented a so-called and unwanted safety feature called "Hill Assist" which locks the brakes on manual transmisson models when at a standstill which has many times nearly caused an accident. This system locks the brakes when the clutch is activated and brakes are applied and can prevent the car from moving forward for two to three seconds, or cause a vehicle stall. This system activates for two to three seconds and can't be modified or turned off. This system also works on a predetermined amount of time and no user interaction can change the time or hold/braking force. This is particularly dangerous in a left hand turn situation with multiple cars where a stall or hesitation for the car to move/accelerate could prove dangerous or fatal. VW should turn this feature off or all

07/08/2025 ODI #11672049.0

Acquired this vehicle at 6,800 miles. At about 10k miles the clutch went out and had to be replaced. This should have been the stock clutch system. I was able to examine the old clutch kit. It was determined that the disk was damaged due to overheating, the throw out bearing had cracked in pieces, and the fly wheel had signs of overheating as well. I then replaced it with an aftermarket kit from ECS Tuning. The whole kit was replaced and a OEM throw out bearing was replaced. Turns out the kit didn't work well with my vehicle and burned out at about 2k miles later. Then I replaced the clutch kit once again, this time with OEM SACHS clutch kit [throw out bearing, clutch disk, pressure plate, fly wheel] which I was told this vehicle comes with this kit from the factory. Now, that was at about

other 2 complaints shown

10/29/2024 ODI #11622570.0

Backup camera, parking sensors, traffic sensors, A/C frequently are disabled. “Component protection mode” is activated and it says it must be taken to the dealer for these items to work. I must manually reset the system in order to get these to work, resetting the system only sometimes fixes the issue. It makes parking and backing out of spots very dangerous at times. VW has stated they were working a on a fix for a long time but it has never come and makes this car unsafe at times.

05/28/2025 ODI #11663484.0

Hill hold assist takes exactly three seconds to release automatically. However, this has resulted in drivers behind to almost hit me as my vehicle cannot move forward even after depressing thr clutch and pressing the throttle. This has resulted in several near collisions. VW refuses to address this safety concern.

electrical 1 complaint shown

11/09/2024 ODI #11624393.0

I have a 2023 VW GTI with a manual transmission. It has a feature called "Hill Hold Assist", where it enables the parking brake when you are uphill and at a stop, at a red traffic light, for example. The issue is the feature does not disengage the parking brake for about 3 seconds after you engage the gas to begin moving the car. It basically holds the car for too long when you are trying to get moving. This feature has become more of a hinderance and safety concern, than an assistance: 1) Almost rear ended by another car as the Hill Hold Assist would not disengage at a traffic light 2) The amount of gas and clutch use while the car is being held in place while engaged negatively impacts the longevity of the clutch 3) In the case of an emergency, I am unable to move the vehicle when I

brakes 1 complaint shown

02/11/2025 ODI #11641871.0

The hill assist feature causes the vehicle to stall due to long hold times. It's caused me to back up traffic numerous times and has almost caused people behind me to rear end me

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-08-30. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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