I took our Volkswagen GTI in for its 20,000 mile service on Friday. The 20K service includes an oil change, tire rotation, a cabin filter if needed and various other inspections. I also used this opportunity to address all the lingering issues our editors had pointed out in previous blog posts -- the air-conditioner odor described as "sweaty sock," a broken cargo cover strap and a mysterious "ticking" noise from the B-pillar.
When I brought the car in, our service advisor noticed that there was a recall (YW/97T2) that required a software update and addressed an issue with the body control module. On a VW forum, some GTI owners have noticed that their fuel economy has gone up since this update was performed on their cars. Time will tell if we get this benefit as well.
The A/C odor was a quick fix. Technicians replaced the cabin filters and cleaned the system, just to be safe. The cleaning chemicals they used must've had a baby powder scent, because that's what the car smells like now.
The broken cargo strap required a part that was not in stock. We will have to bring the car back in a few days to get the part installed.
As for the ticking noise, I heard it on the way in, but the technicians were not able to duplicate the noise. They checked the clips and panels in the B-pillar area, but did not find anything loose or broken. They even compared it to other GTIs on the lot and still didn't hear the noise in ours. Strangely enough, when I got the car back, I couldn't hear the noise either. So either it fixed itself when the mechanic poked around, or we all imagined it.
The dealership had the car washed and ready at the end of the business day. The total cost for the 20,000-mile service was zero, since it was covered by VW's "carefree maintenance" program. The other items were covered under the car's warranty.
Ron Montoya, Consumer Advice Associate @ 20,440 miles.
carguy622 says:
03:39 PM, 02/ 7/11
Sounds like good service, despite all the negatives I've heard. Only problem is, you have to drive around in a car that smells like a bowling shoe!
fvfvsix says:
03:42 PM, 02/ 7/11
Good luck with the ticking noise... It shows up depending on the difference between the car's door seal temps and the sheet metal temps. Mine usually goes away as the car warms up, so I haven't bothered to do anything about it.
I wonder if the TSB affects 2011's... hmm. My GTI is a second car for me, and I'm averaging 25MPG right now after about 2K miles on the ODO (90% surface roads). I do drive it like I stole it, though.
crmk6 says:
03:51 PM, 02/ 7/11
I had that TSB performed on my 2010 GTI at my 10k service last month. No noticeable change in fuel mileage. Average about 28mpg 20% city and 80% highway before and after the update. The BCM update is to address problems with the TPMS going crazy
brojniak says:
04:08 PM, 02/ 7/11
What about the wind noise? I was very curious to what they would tell you in your 20K service. It would be great if you could ask them about the wind noise when you go back to the dealer for the cargo strap part. By the way, there is actually a TSB on the wind noise issue also. But, in my case, the TSB didn't do anything to decrease the wind noise. And when I told them this, they of course told me that the noise level is normal.
I am new to the blog as a commenter, but I have been reading the blog for quite some time. This GTi is actually quite a ride if you consider its price range. I bought mine, not as a sporty HotHatch, but as a fun daily driver; and I am quite happy with my decision... except for few issues such as the ticking from the B-pillar (they couldn't fix mine either, even though in my case, they were actually able to duplicate it), wind noise above 50-60 MPH, and the stupid and kind a embarrassing noise pipe, which I heard is eliminated in 2011 models. But besides these three issues, it has been a good experience so far.
stress83 says:
05:14 PM, 02/ 7/11
Certainly a refreshing post about a smooth dealership experience. Nice to see these now and then.
90in55 says:
08:14 PM, 02/ 7/11
If I had a GTI, I wouldn't mind what the interior smelled like. All the better to keep passengers from adding weight.
huyracing says:
09:29 PM, 02/ 7/11
yup, my dealership experience has been great so far, also. very refreshing...
f1ndler says:
09:53 PM, 02/ 7/11
The software update had something to do with TPMS.
I have 5k before I take mine to a 20k service. The dealer you guys went to is actually the one where I usually go.
to brojniak: The wind problem is fixable by a dealer. It is also considered one of the recalls. They install some door seals. Talk to a dealer during your next visit. They are aware of it and fix it 30 min.
eldaino2 says:
10:22 PM, 02/ 7/11
My vw dealer is pretty nice too, very painless to deal with.
Brojiniak: what do you find embarassing about the noise pipe?
90in55 says:
11:11 PM, 02/ 7/11
White is the color to have.
powell_jr says:
04:00 AM, 02/ 8/11
Our VW dealer is great, and its really nice to get a bill that says balance due: $0.
zeldagti says:
07:15 AM, 02/ 8/11
I have a 2009 GTI and have loved every minute of owning it. I had the same issue with the Cabin Filter. One day, all seems well, and the next day the entire system smells like feet. If I am lying, I'm dying. It really smells like feet. Since I purchased it in Sept 2009 I have changed the cabin filter twice. It does come in handy sometimes, my fiance has a week stomach and won't drive the car if the filter needs changing. I let this last change go for about 3 weeks. Woo!!
kevinf1 says:
08:18 PM, 02/ 9/11
I've had my 2010 Gti for 6 months, and had the TPMS issue dealt with during the first "courtesy" visit, and then again last week, after the light decided to come on for no good reason. At that time I had the dealer check what was going on with the wind noise from the A pillar and behind my head at the "C" pillar which had spoiled the normally quiet, composed ride I was getting accustomed to. Thanks to this blog and others: I told them that I knew this was a common issue and they seemed to respect that. After a day and $15.00 worth of gas in my loaner Chevy Tahoe I picked up my car; and to my amazement, it seems they got it right, and it's as quiet as cars costing much, much more and more fun to drive. As for the "honker" tube, I'm sorry it won't be on the 2011...I thought it was silly for the first month or so after getting the car, but on one or two occasions, when able to drive the car as it's designed to do and getting on it at 75-80 in 4th gear, it sounds fantastic, with a real exotic note that reminds me again of a much more expensive car. It's unfortunate that we in the USA can't really enjoy a car on public roads like they do in Europe. As for the TPMS they told me they increased the tire pressure over the spec posted on the door pillar, and it cured the problem: which is what I normally do anyway...but never had the time to do.
vgn says:
09:12 PM, 02/15/11
I have a 2010 2 door in black and the black is sick! Except that a little trip to SF this weekend resulted in some curbage of the 18s! If you know of anyone near the Bay Area that does a good job with wheels, please post.
A note on the tick-tick-tick coming from the B pillar. My wife actually noticed that it was the hatchcover tab rocking in the holding bracket on start up. As noticed by others, once the engine warms up the noise resolves. Must be enough of a tuning fork effect to cause the sway. Haven't gotten around to adding a little felt to the dip inn the bracket. Just thought I'd share.
shmuelyosef says:
07:34 PM, 03/13/11
I noticed that your "2010" GTI has symmetric dual exhaust, rather than the "pair on the left" on all the other 2010s that I have seen.
Did you get it real late in the year?
wittygtiguy says:
04:11 PM, 03/14/12
I just had my 10K mile service on my 2011/White/2dr GTI and the "sweaty sock" issue was my only but high priority problem that I wanted solved. Man, what a STINK we are talkin about. The only thing is, the techs could not reproduce it. I told them that it happens only when I don't use the A/C compressor for more than a couple of days. It had been foggy that day, so I had used the defrost, which auto kicks-in the a/c compressor. Also, I live in FL, so I had been using my A/C on a daily basis (summer time) so I never noticed it during the Summer, but that all changed when Fall/Winter came around. I had been noticing the sweaty socks smell since 5K miles.
I'll probably do what "zeldagti" mentioned and purchase some cabin filters.
I'm just amazed that this is an issue. I would have thought that VW would have addressed such an annoyance. I've never had another car that did this, so what gives VW? Does this happen in all of their vehicles? The smell is so embarrassing and gross that I won't have passengers if I "think" this will happen. I'd rather kick up the compressor alone and 1st see if it's gonna stink up my cabin b4 I have passengers. What a hassle!!
VW, if someone comes in and complains about this "sweaty sock" or "stinky feet" smell filling their cabin, you shouldn't have to "reproduce" the problem. Take their word for it. It F'in stinks!! Flush out their vent system and inform them of why it occurs. And it should be FREE under warranty no matter when they bring it in.
The smell is bad enuff 2 make you throw up if your windows didn't go down! That's how bad it is.
I love the car, hate this "issue".