Golf MK7 Problems

The Golf MK7 was launched in 2012 as the seventh-generation Golf by Volkswagen. The German vehicle manufacturer is known for reliability, and the Golf MK7 is no exception. The family car has many qualities that make it worth purchasing, including a classy body shape, a smooth ride, and an exceptional performance.  

It is no question though that the Golf MK7 -like any other vehicle- has its issues that you should look out for. If you are contemplating whether it is the perfect automobile for you, or you are a new owner of the Golf MK7 and want to know what you are in for. This article will provide you with all the information you might need. 

In this article, we will go through all the different issues, and mishaps you might encounter with your Golf MK7. So you will be ready for anything that might come along the way. 

Unfortunately, the unit of the water pump and thermostat is poorly made from plastic, which makes it sensitive to the heat cycle from the engine. As a result, the unit expands over time, until it finally starts leaking or even cracks. 

There are multiple issues you might face with the automatic transmission in a Golf MK7 such as: clutch failure, leaking from the gearbox, or car jerking during shifting. Although the gearbox is proclaimed to last 90,000 miles, many people face problems with it at 40,000 miles or even 30,000 miles. So you will have to be ready to make frequent visits to the repair shop to fix these problems. At worst, you might even have to replace the clutch packs, which definitely will be costly. 

Early 2015 models of the car frequently faced turbo failures, luckily though, Volkswagen fixed the issue by replacing the 06K 145 702N turbochargers. So if you are buying a used Golf, you should ensure that the turbocharger is up to standard, by checking the service records. Better be safe than sorry!

Many people went through the carbon buildup problem with the Golf MK7, as it caused them multiple issues including; rough idling, and loss of power. It makes the car more high maintenance, as you will have to inspect the engine regularly for carbon buildup to prevent any mishaps. 

The sunroof has received its fair share of complaints as well. Numerous people experienced creaking sounds coming from the sunroof, especially on rough roads. Some even had to deal with it leaking on rainy days, or even at the car wash. These issues regarding the sunroof might make it less practical to operate, and should be considered as one of the things to keep an eye on during the test drive. 

6. The Suction Pump Failure Problem 

This is probably the most problematic issue so far, as it has the worst consequences. If the fuel leaks into the EVAP (evaporative emissions system), and makes its way to the charcoal canister filter element, it might result in a fire. The good thing though, is that Volkswagen offers a safety recall. You will be able to get your car checked, and even fixed for free, in case they find anything wrong with it.

7. Problems With The Windshield Water Sensor

The problem with the windshield water sensor is another common issue for a lot of Golf MK7 owners. The sensor sometimes might give a false warning to add more washer fluid, despite it being full. The cause for that is contaminants getting accumulated in the fluid.

8. Problems With The Hood Cable

The hood cables are joined with a plastic cup that contains a metal ball. The issues occur when the cables get too much pressure, and the plastic cup breaks. As a result, it makes the hood unable to open, and therefore unusable.

9. Problems With The Subframe Bolts

Another common issue with the Golf MK7 is the loose subframe bolts, which cause thumping, and clicking noises when braking, or going over speed bumps. Although this problem occurs frequently with a lot of people, it is simply resolvable, which makes it less inconvenient.

10. Problems With The Oil Pan

 One of the most inconvenient things about owning a Golf MK7 is that the oil pan, and the drain plug are made out of plastic. As a result, the plug has to be changed after each service to avoid leaks. 

11. Problems With The Start and Stop Function

Numerous people complained about the start and stop function, as it refuses to work when the battery loses too much power while driving. This problem is caused due to the function consuming a lot of energy, which decreases its practicality. 

12. Problems With The Infotainment System

Multiple people expressed the issue they had with the infotainment system being unresponsive, and slow in colder weather. The good news though, is that these problems fade away once the vehicle heats up. 

13. Low Quality Windshield Wipers

Another complaint that most Golf MK7 owners have is the low quality of the windshield wipers. It has been known to leave smudges or streaks, so you might need to invest in better-quality windshield wipers if you purchase the vehicle. 

14. Problems With The Rear Boot Lock

Several Golf MK7 owners had issues with the boot lock, mainly with it refusing to open. Boot lock problems are often caused by a bad actuator on the lock. Mostly the boot lock needs to get replaced, which definitely can be a hassle. 

15. Problems With The Automatic Brake

Multiple owners complained about their automatic brakes not working on random occasions. Others had problems with the car braking randomly, even when there was nothing in front of it on the road. These problems definitely cause an inconvenience to the drivers, especially when they happen unexpectedly.

A lot of people had a problem with the radar cruise control not functioning, forcing them to use the regular cruise control, which definitely would have been annoying to deal with. Although problems like this happen with no warning, they can easily get fixed by a software update most of the time, so that is a relief for sure. 

17. Problems With The Gas Tank Cover

The gas tank cover problem is another common one among Golf MK7 owners. What usually happens is that the gas tank cover gets stuck, and refuses to open due to a malfunctioning actuator. This issue is clearly a hassle to deal with since it will be impossible to access the fuel tank or refill it. Not forgetting that replacing the actuator can be quite costly. 

18. The Interior Rattle Noises Problem

Many people shared their experiences with interior rattle noises coming from the Golf MK7. They expressed how taken aback they were since this issue is definitely not something anyone would expect from a highly praised vehicle such as the Golf MK7. There could be many potential causes for the rattle noises, so you can imagine how inconvenient it would be to try and find out the main reason for it.

19. The Hood Handle Problem

This issue is pretty recurrent as well, numerous people face problems with the handle as it becomes totally inoperable. There is a metal ball end of the cable, which is pulled whenever we pull the handle. The problem occurs when the plastic unit that holds the ball breaks. 

20. The Air Conditioning Condenser Problem

The Air Conditioning Condenser is known to cause a lot of issues due to its low positioning. Although this is a smaller problem, it’s very common, so it’s better to pay extra attention to it before purchasing the vehicle to make sure it’s working well. 

21. The Wheel Bearing Problem

Issues with the wheel bearing are pretty frequent when it comes to the Golf MK7, especially the early 2015 models. The usual symptoms of this problem are noises coming from the vehicle while driving. In the worst case, you will have to get the wheel bearing replaced to solve the issue. 

22. The Coil Pack Failure Problem

This problem is specific to turbo engine owners, and it’s a common one. Usually, this issue won’t be too complicated or expensive to fix, but if the engine misfires and the coil pack fails, the repair costs will definitely be more pricey. 

This concludes the problems that you might face while owning a Golf MK7. Now you have all the information you will need to make your judgment on whether the Golf MK7 is worth it for you, or not.

Keep in mind that the Volkswagen car is still a reliable option, despite the issues it might have. After all, each vehicle has its complications that have to be taken into consideration. The good news is after this article, you will definitely have all the Golf MK7 problems in check!