volkswagen golf 1.6 se review

Average Ratings
Performance	5.5/10
Practicality	6.6/10
Reliability	5.1/10
Value for Money	4.6/10
Reviewer Rating	5.4/10
Overall Rating	5.4/10

34% Recommended15 out of 44 Reviews

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Review of Volkswagen Golf 1.6 SE

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By vastlordelk on 5th Dec 2003

vastlordelk's Ratings
Performance	6/10
Practicality	10/10
Reliability	4/10
Value for money	6/10
Overall value	5/10
vastlordelk's recommendation

Good Points

Bad Points

General Comments

Don't buy a Golf!! And potentially any Golf-derived cars (Skoda Octavia, SEAT Leon and Audi A3)!! There is a serious design fault in the gearbox but VW wouldn't admit it. The crown-wheel inside the box is joint together with several press-studs. The heads of these press-studs can get sheared off at a relatively low milage destroying a gearbox in the process. Mine has gone at 42k. Metal debris can also crack the gearbox housing. So when it comes to the replacement you will have to cough up £400 extra since you have no gearbox to trade in. The clutch is also necessary to replace since it gets contaminated with transmission oil. So be prepared to pay around £1100 from an independent transmission specialist or £1600+ from a VW garage. This info concerns Golfs with 1.6l engine (like mine), not sure about the others.

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68 Comments on Review by vastlordelk for Volkswagen Golf 1.6 SE

Lorna Knight on 13th Oct 2004

I am currently experiencing this problem with my beetle (I've done only 29,000 miles). I am considering taking legal action against VW and want to try and obtain evidence of this happening to other people. Can anyone help me?
trogen on 3rd Feb 2005

If you do take legal action, I will help you. I too own a VW and my gearbox has gone at 49k miles. What is goin on. I too would like to take legal action if approprate! please reply.
Moriarty on 15th Mar 2005

Hi - I've just had the same issue with my VW Golf (reg.2001 / 30k on clock). The metal housing on the gearbox shattered while I was driving and the gearbox and clutch have to be replaced. I live in Ireland and am determined to chase VW on this persistent and extremely dangerous fault. Have you pursued VW locally?
Samweaver1 on 16th Mar 2005

Thanx for the warning, however a little late. I have just purchased a 1999 T Reg Golf 1.6 5 door hatch and when I took it for a service before even driving it, they have come back to me and said that it's gearbox is 'stuffed' and needs replacing! Nice bill in excess of £1,400.00 to pay now!! Brought privately after considering reviews on Golfs and am more than a little peed off!!
simonkelsall on 17th Mar 2005

I've actually got a Skoda Octavia estate 1999 T'reg but as I'm sure you now the engine and 'box' is just the same. My box was distoyed on tick over when I tried to reverse, now the casing has an 8 inch crack in it and won't hold oil so I can't exchange it for a reconditioned unit, so it's a new box at over £1,100.
Lorna Knight on 23rd Mar 2005

Hi - really appreciate all your comments. I haven't yet pursued any legal avenues. I kept on at VW and basically they've admitted its a maufacturing defect - after lots and lots of arguing they paid for half the cost of a new gearbox and clutch plate. However, they never paid half the labour or VAT (altogether, I was left with just over £1,100)
I am going to write to Watchdog, Honest John and anyone else I can think of. If you would like to be part of it, I would appreciate it (strengh in numbers and everything!).
Here is my email address: lorna752@hotmail.com
Please email me if you would like to endorse my letter. Thanks.
Samweaver1 on 24th Mar 2005

Thanx for the reply. My full bill hasn't been received yet and I was told yesterday that I should put a new clutch into the car as well. The car is only a T Reg 1999 with 60,000 miles on it, which is a joke because I brought the car believeing it would be reliable... Did you know that there is a Note: in the user manual that is supplied with these cars which says that you shouldn't put any pressure on the gearstick whilst driving as this can lead to gearbox problems. I wonder if they are covered with this from a legal perspective? I will happily aid in watchdog, fighting against VW. Also, on Which Car (do it via autotrader) they warn against clutches and gearboxes 'going' so it must be a very widespread/common problem!!
D Cody on 29th Mar 2005

Hi There, I'm wondering if any of you guys know the model number of the gearbox in question? I have just been informed that the gearbox in my 2001 Leon is beyond repair. There is a puncture hole in the casing of the box. I want to make sure it is the same box before I pursue further with Seat. Thanks.
Samweaver1 on 29th Mar 2005

Code for my gearbox is DUU, thats a Mk4 Golf. What is everone elses? The same I pressume? Morna, Thanks for the email, I look forward to signing/endorsing your comments.
nwpierre on 19th May 2005

My wife and I bought 2 seat leon 1.4s models both having the VW DUW 1998-2002. Both failed!!! Something happens in the gearbox damaging the casing causing gearbox oil to contaminate the clutch causing slippage. My wifes was changed under warranty. Mine is a year out of warranty. They will not change mine. Both cars have under 50K miles. Can anyone confirm if/Why this gearbox has apparantly been changed since 2002. Legally I would pursue the 'sale of goods act' There are many more people with this problem. Lets hear from ya and your advice. I can't afford to change mine right now-all locked away in the garage.I miss driving-Its the good old trams now!
vwbooster on 28th May 2005

I have had a gearbox go which was a reconditioned box but it was just out of warranty! on my mk 2 gti.. it actuly called sms self machining syndrome! The reason why this all happens is because the pinion shaft inside the differential (which the diff gears spin on) should have 2 cir-clips one on either end of the pinion shaft! but vw stopped using theses cir-clips and used bigger headed rivets to hold the pinion shaft in place. but theses rivets dont work! They are soft and dont hold the pinion shaft and after so many miles they give way!!which results in the pinion shaft either bashning a hole in the gearbox case and belhousing which lets oil wreck the clutch! or it may slide out slowly and just machine a hole inside the belhousing the only thing you will notice is when the clutch starts slipping and you notice smoke from the oil! I far as i know ALL vw gearboxes suffer with this problem! including brand new cars! i dont know if the mk 5 gof will suffer from this fault! All golfs mk 1,2,3,4 have been know for boxes fail this way! in fact seat and skodas which use the same gearboxes will get this fault aswell! vw know about this problem, but they dont consider it as a design flaw or fault! and will only replace the box if the cars still under warranty! They do offer a repair bolt kit which you get a nut and bolt kit to replace the rivets and 2 cir-clips to hold the pinion shaft! This problem wouldnt exist if vw had continued to use the cir-clips! The rest of the rivets are just small ones and ive not heard of them causing problems. just theses 2 big rivets which hold the pinion shaft in position! If you do a search on google for vw pinion shaft problems, or vw self machining syndrome gearbox, there is many sites which tell you about this problem! and you will see pictures of the diff and just what happens and all this could have been avoided by using 2 cir clips! Something should do about this!! cordaily jim a vw enthusiast...
Samweaver1 on 31st May 2005

It is disgusting that this is allowed to happen and that VW are getting away with it. Who DO they think they are? Lorna, any news on the legal front? Is this being taken to BBC Watchdog?

Kind regards
Sam
skuimtor on 29th Jun 2005

Greetings Everyone. I'm from Johannesburg, South Africa and down here the same happened to my gearbox(2000 Golf 4 1.6 with DUU gearbox). 3 rivets broke and caused the Gearbox bell housing to crack open. After many phone calls to gearbox dealers all of them said the same to me. All of these DUU gearboxes break in this way and it's very difficult to find replacement gearboxes (because they break all the time). If you buy a new DUU gearbox from VW you pay in the region of 2100 pounds without anyone's labor to fit it. This type of service is appalling. I will take it up with VW in South Africa. Regards Pierre
spirit9 on 9th Aug 2005

Anyone with any positive comments about VW Golf 1.6 SE. I am about to take delivery of a second hand one - one owner 36k on the clock - 2002 registration
tony mcshane on 17th Aug 2005

i own a 1999 skoda octavia 1600 with a duu type gearbox. the car is now off the road when a hole appeared in the box spewing oil all over the street. after ringing round countless breakers yards in and around belfast i can find no-one who can supply me with one of these gearboxes. have we any legal come-back? looks like i might have to scrap an otherwise excellent car because the price of a new gearbox seems to out-weigh the actual cost of the car.
andy tech on 24th Sep 2005

I had the same problem with gearbox casing cracked and oil pouring out. With DUU gearbox manufactured by VW on Seat Toledo 1.6S (1999). Went at 50k miles.
I managed to get the gearbox reconditioned at gearbox specialist, would not recommend getting second hand one, or anything done at VW dealer £££££.
kofigt on 19th Oct 2005

Hello. I am writing to all VW owners with the 1.6 gearbox fault. I actually own a VW Bora with that gearbox and Ive just had it replaced for the 2nd time! The first time it happened at just 52k miles and VW wanted me to cough up £2579 to sort it. What makes it worse was that it was not even a brand new gearbox! So I had the gearbox replaced at a VW specialist and was told that this is a common fault due to the poorly fitted rivets in the casing. If the car starts to wheelspin, the rivets will fly off and crack the casing with the clutch being contaminated with oil. Honestly I really thought, I was the only person with this fault but after reading other peoples misfortunes, it saddens and ANGERS me that VW can get away with this. To anyone who is considering buying VW or SEAT or SKODA, DO NOT BUY one with the 1.6 engine gearbox. Go for the 1.9 TDI. YOU BEEN WARNED...
tinymonkey on 27th Feb 2006

Having had exactly the same happen to my W reg 1600 Golf yesterday and for it to suddenly, with little warning, just happened whilst driving along with my two children in the car causing the steering wheel to lock, I am grateful that we never had an accident. However, with that aside I am now facing a £2000 bill which I cannot afford. I am considering taking legal action having read all the reviews which are here as my car has only done 49k and so it must be a manufacturers fault. However having spoken to VW Golf today they were totally unsympathetic and made out that it was nothing to do with them - I wonder if they could have been pursued if it had happened on the outside lane on the M25!
tinymonkey on 27th Feb 2006

Driving along today with my two young children in the car I heard a crash and a bang and the car seized up and I almost collided with another vehicle. I was told that it was my clutch and took it to a Garage who told me that when they had taken out the gear box there was little left of it - it being a 1600 W reg Golf with only 49k on the clock. I spoke to Volkswagen, a customer services rep who was extremely rude, and I am grateful that even if it costs a bit to repair I have had this experience before I purchased a brand new one in the next couple of months. I wonder whether they would listen a bit more if it had happened on the M25 in the outside lane - I just wonder!!
nickigolf on 9th Mar 2006

same thing happened to me on 2001 1.6 se. So what shall i do it's out of warranty now so what else can i do?
tinymonkey on 10th Mar 2006

Well all is not lost it would seem for me anyway - I took it up with VW, told them that I understood that it was a defect and they stumped up 70% of the costs of fitting a new gearbox and also a new clutch - however it has still cost me £600.00 and I received the car back sounding like a helicopter only to be told that one of the wheel bearings has gone - now that the car is playing up like this I will get rid of it before the gearbox goes again!!
kofigt on 11th Mar 2006

to tinymonkey and nickigolf. Im afraid there is not much you can do as VW for a start will NOT admit there is a design fault with the gearbox. You may have to get the gearbox re-conditioned from a reputible garage that you may know of. Better still-GET RID OF THE CAR....
kmcg on 6th Apr 2006

I didn't realise that this problem existed until my box went. I now have one hell of a big bill to pay because my bell housing was punctured as well. The local main dealer knows of this problem but says he has no responsibility. My Golf is a 2001 that has been superb until two days ago it has 78k on the clock and has been trouble free in the 5yrs I've had it.
Jstevenson on 11th Apr 2006

Unbelievable comments! Someone else screwing us over! Our Golf is a T reg with low mileage and pretty much the same scenrio has happened...gearbox casing has broke leaking oil everywhere including clutch which needs replacing too. £1800!!! With all these comments surely we can group together to go up against VW and get some form of compensation for this unbelievable injustice. EVERYONE write to watchdog NOW!
Colette McCabe on 19th Apr 2006

Anyone out there had any problems with their doors thrown out of alignment with a gust of wind. This has just happened to the drivers side door of my December 05 new 1.6 se fsi. Got out of the car and a gust of wind blew the door fully ajar slightly bending the body. WHEN THE DOOR IS SHUT IT NOW DOESN'T LINE UP , SURELY THESE CARS SHOULD WITHSTAND THIS. No luck with VW I would love to hear from anyone else with similar problems. Colette.
VW golf on 27th Apr 2006

I think VW has some answering to do...i thought i was just unlucky when my gearbox let go in my 2000 Golf but after reading what everyone has to say, it seems i'm not alone. Once i had the gearbox out, there was a big spot of welding on the housing. It looks as though something has let go in the diff, and from what ive heard, i'm guessing it was the rivetts on the crown wheel. So obviously it has happened before with the previous owner of my car and got fixed up to sell it.... and now im copping it!! Surely if VW get enough cases of this happening they will need to take some kind of accountability for it.
broke vw driver on 8th May 2006

I read about this gearbox problem before buying my 1999 1.6s with the DUU gearbox, and guess what? Yes it happened to me too, if you are foolish enough, like me to think it won't happen to you, and your 1.6 volkswagen with its duu gearbox will be the one that survives you will be asked to pay at least a thousand pounds as I am now paying, don't say you haven't been warned.
aewles on 12th Jun 2006

My 1.6S has same problem with the gearbox, £1,900 bill! Anyone get anywhere with this, have VW admitted anything like a design fault? Thanks.
flashster on 3rd Jul 2006

Are these comments applicable to a 1.6 SE FSi petrol Golf? I have read about the fault with the Diesel models, but not sure if that is whats being described here. I have a slight issue with the clutch in that it judders slightly at the biting point. The car is a 2005 model and has done 8000 miles. Its the petrol model. The dealer insists it is ok. Any advice?
tinymonkey on 11th Jul 2006

Flashster my golf was a 1.6 se petrol and it had the problem with the gearbox which resulted in a new clutch etc but mine went at 47000 or thereabouts and VW accepted there was a fault and paid 70% at your stage complain further to where you brought it from and don't give up!!
flashster on 12th Jul 2006

Was yours a MkV or MkIV? Mines a Mk V - surely the gearbox/clutch design has changed...?
GOLF on 12th Aug 2006

Hi i currently have a VW Golf MK4 1.4 I was driving it happily yesterday when it suddenly started jumping in second gear, then started making a whining kind of noise then started jumping in every gear it was working perfectly in reverse then today went to drive it kept jumping called RAC they said gearbox problems
dtswoosh on 17th Aug 2006

Hi all, I've just had the same problem with my Mk 4 Golf, 1.6S. The diff came loose and eventually I had a hole punched in the housing, rendering the car undriveable. It clearly IS an engineering design flaw. My mechanic contacted VW Australia and they had SIX replacement gearboxes in stock, modified to prevent this flaw from occurring again in the same vehicle. They quoted me a new replacement at AUD6600, or a reconditioned unit at AUD4200. Labour was an extra AUD900.

I wasn't impressed with this, given that I had just spent $1000 recently to fix BOTH front electric window mechanisms (the plastic gives way eventually) and $500 on a gearbox lever that had snapped.

I contacted a VW dealer and got them to submit my case to VW headquarters in Sydney. Within a day, they responded and agreed to pay 70% of the total cost. Considering my car is 6 years old and has driven 105,000kms, this is a positive result and at least proves that they are willing to accept some responsibility.

My gearbox failed whilst crawling along in slow traffic. I can't imagine how things might have turned out at high speed though - something which VW fails to see. This will be the last VW I ever own!

If this happens to anybody else, keep harassing VW until they help you out because they really SHOULD.
robanderson on 20th Dec 2006

Hi,
My 1999 T reg Golf gearbox is now making strange noises & I suspect is on its way out.
Did anyone have any success getting anything out of V.W. even though the cars are now over 6 years old (and normally fall out of scope of the sale of goods act)?
Cheers,
Rob.
conflax on 9th Jan 2007

Grrrrr! Nightmare! I have the same problem. My box blew at 105k miles, but I didn't know it was a general fault. I had it replaced with a second-hand DUU box from a 50k mile car, and 6 weeks later this one has gone too! Now VW tell me I have no comeback, even with these testimonials on this forum, because the second-hand box wasn't fitted by an approved dealer; therefore, it could have been fitted incorrectly.

TINYMONKEY if you are reading this, I would be interested in your story - please can you contact me via the forums?

Cheers.
ditzeeblonde on 3rd Feb 2007

I've had my Volkswagen Golf for 3 years. It was bought second hand, and it's a 2000 with 62k on the clock. I've been complaining to my VW service centre that I struggle to put the car into 1st & 2nd gears, and it almost needs to be shoved in!!! They said they can find no fault with it. 5 other people who have driven my car have found the same fault!! Does this sound like my gearbox is on its way out?

Regards Linzi
tinymonkey on 11th Feb 2007

Hi guys. You will see what happened to my car. I had however discovered that for some reason, that Golf had changed over what nuts they used on the gearbox for the 1600, and there was a manufacturers problem with them. I proceeded to approach my local dealership where I had had the car serviced, and it was a busy Saturday afternoon, so they were willing to listen anyway. They only stumped up 70% of the cost of the new gearbox out of good faith, but I was just happy to get the car fixed and back on the road. However, if anyone does take it up properly, then I would be willing to put my bit into it or any letter. This is a proper problem that Volkswagen are aware of, so keep going with your claims etc.
asadm3 on 23rd Feb 2007

Hi

I was just reading these comments about the Volkswagen Golf 1.6 SE. You were saying that you are having a problem with the gear box!!

I could help you there. In order to ascertain if the gear box is faulty or if it's another problem, try to shift it into all gears really quickly while the engine is on, and if the car shakes you will know that the gear box is going.

If you would like more information, please leave me your email address on the review Centre forum and I will get back to you.

If you have problems with:-
1. VW
2. BMW
3. MERCEDES
4. AUDI

Just let me know, and I can help.
c eastham on 20th Mar 2007

BEWARE OF 1.6 VW GOLF MK 4 The same has just happened to me had the car for 2 years with no problems until now,i was going to work when my clutch was slipping, I took the car to a clutch & gearbox specialist, a phone call later he told me the clutch was damaged because of oil leaking from a hole in the gearbox housing case due to some kind of press stud in the gearbox had broke off and trapped its self between the teeth and the case until it wears a hole through and starts leaking oil. VW WANTED MEGA ££££ and a recon gearbox was £450 just to buy without fitting bearing in mind I still need a new clutch and fitted which is £200 in the end I managed to a nut and bolt kit to my original gearbox and the case welded up and a new clutch fitted for £500.
haralabosg on 20th Apr 2007

Hallo from Athens/Greece. I had VW GOLF 1.4 (year 1999 / MK4 model). My gear box crashed twice!! (DUV gear box Code number). The first time was in 2003 on a Christmas trip (60000Km on clock). The problem was the fifth shift break. When I contacted with VW they proposed to replace my gear box with a new one at the cost of 3000€!! Of course I refused their solution. Finally, I found a gearbox specialist and I fixed my gear box (costs 900€). Unfortunately, this holds until March 2007 (110000Km on the clock), because the gear box crashed again. This time the problem was the rivets inside the differential. As described from the other drivers, the gear box crashed spewing oil to the clutch and all over the street. This time I had to replace it with a second hand gear box. The cost was 900€ for the second hand unit, plus 500€ for the clutch and the work of the replacing.

Final cost - 900€ (1 time)+ 1400€ (2 time) = €2300/£1560

When I took back the car from the service, I sold it immediately.
robanderson on 30th Apr 2007

Hi,
I've been trying to get confirmation from VW of a design fault in the gearbox but they have refused to answer my questions.
I have therefore completed a "Vehicle Safety Defect Report" and passed to VOSA to see if they can get any further details out of VW. Please let me know if anyone else has any further information that could help.
Note I also raised a separate report about a leaking brake pipe which connects to the rear brake caliper.
arungn on 7th Jun 2007

My VW Golf SE (V reg) had the same problem on 65k mileage. Has to replace the gear box for £1100. But now the new (reconditioned) one is having problem to get into higher gear- mainly first gear.
robanderson on 8th Jun 2007

Update: VOSA have agreed to follow-up the gearbox issue as a safety concern and have written to VW. VOSA will advise me when they get a response.
Please report any VW gearbox failures on this site to help VOSA gauge the scale of this problem.
AndyBurness on 10th Jun 2007

I own a vw golf 1.6 1998 se as well, I took it into the garage as it was leaking oil to find it was a crack in the gearbox. It can't be reconditioned as it is too badly cracked to be welded back together. Therefore I have got a quote for £1,500 for a new gearbox and clutch as this has been damaged as well. I am not happy as the car is only worth around £3,000 (if the gearbox was working) As it stands hardly anything. As I am student I'm at a lost end of what to do, I don't have this spare money. I thought VW German build quality was supposed to be reliable. I will be interested to see what VOSA say.
superfuzz69 on 20th Jun 2007

I have a VW Golf Mk V 1.6 FSI SE, there was a strange noise coming from the engine when the car was in neutral, as soon as I depressed the clutch the noise disappeared. I took it to a friend who is a mechanic and he said it sounded like the gearbox bearing, so I took it to VW garage, they took it in and all they did was change the oil, they said this came from VW, they said to run it for 1,000 miles to see if it came back, the noise came back the next day! I was going for a run up north, about 500 miles and was quite anxious after seeing the comments on this page, luckily the gearbox didn't explode and it is now back in the garage, will see what they do this time. Changing the oil for a thicker grade seems to be an old trick to try and mask the sound of the problem....
arungn on 22nd Jun 2007

My VW golf 1.6 SE with reconditioned gear box (after the first one blew up) now gives me a strange problem. To start with this one is not way near smooth as original one. This is always giving problem to get into first gear - I will have to depress the clutch and try twice to get into first gear. This is a irritation especially when you stop on a traffic signal.

Now, my real problem is that after doing 30 min drive on motor way and its so difficult to get in to a higher gear to slow down the car. I can really feel some sort of crunching noise and heaviness to get into any gear. But then after resting for, let’s say, 30 min or so things would be relatively better.

Anyone know why is this? I took to the garage where the gear box is reconditioned and fitted and was told there is nothing wrong with the gearbox itself. Also noticing whole gas, clutch and even break pad are lightly shivery as well..

Any advice would be helpful.

thank
arun
DoNi88 on 27th Jun 2007

I just had the same problem occurring on my 1999 Audi a3 1.6 (which is known for using same parts as VW Golf).

Does anyone know if I could just weld the hole it's created, because my car still drives as I had to drive it home?
Likvid on 20th Jul 2007

My GOLF IV 1.6 gearbox with code DLP was making funny noises when putting in the reverse after about 70,000km, after another 50,000km the higher gears started whining and was getting worse over time, the last 10,000km the car started to jump when accelerating in lower rpms and making a cracking noise from the gearbox, like a metal knocking sound which got louder and louder for each day.

About two weeks ago I took the car into the VW authorized garage and the guy took a drive and said with 100% it's something wrong with the gearbox, however he never told me anything about the famous rivets problems, I asked if he been experiencing this before and he said no, it was a bit too early for a gearbox to give up at 145,000km only.

We agreed that I would get a replacement box as VW wanted nearly £3,000 plus fitting for a new reconditioned gearbox, I found a new one with code DLP from a 1998 vehicle and only 40,000km for under half the price VW wanted.

On the way home from the garage the box started to making a very unpleasant and hight metal knocking sound which drew attention from other people on the street walking, when I drove in to my parking lot the gearbox smacked totally, I tried to push the car into my parking space by pushing it with the gear in neutral, the front wheels was locked and I could not remove the car, so I tried to push the card by putting the 1st gear in and revving it up and released the clutch and heard a loud cracking noise, it started to smell from the clutch, after that I could see all oil dripping from the box.

Thankfully I could now push the car into my parking lot as they couldn't change the gearbox until the beginning of August to due to summer holidays.
CARnoWORK on 30th Jul 2007

I'm also experiencing the aforementioned gearbox problem with my 2001 1.6 Golf.
My Local Dealership are understanding but I've had to raise the problem with the Customer Services/Complaints section who don’t seem interested.
I've only done 45,000 miles and think it's appalling that a major mechanical component is failing at this point. I hope VOSA take this problem seriously as I also feel this manufacturing fault is a serious safety issue.
superfuzz69 on 6th Aug 2007

To continue on from my gearbox problem with a 54 Golf 1.6SE, The garage stated that the bush for the 6th gear had gone and had to be replaced, so they had to strip down the whole gearbox to replace this. I have had no problem since its return but am very wary that this wont be the end of it.
I also asked the garage if they get a lot of problems like this but they said they didnt, hmmm.
hepto1 on 14th Aug 2007

My W reg Golf 1.6S started making noises from the clutch last week, but at 89,000 miles on the clock I thought this was understandable, and arranged to have the clutch replaced at a local garage - by the time I took it to the garage I was also having problems with it jumping out of gear (while on the motorway!) and my mechanic told me the gearbox had also gone. I only came across this site because I was trying to find a reconditioned gearbox and I'm appalled. I will be struggling to pay for this as it is and other comments are saying the problem comes back even with a replacement gearbox? Does anyone know how to contact VW, or do you just get in touch with your local dealership?
catcatdog on 17th Aug 2007

I have just seen this website, I was looking online for a cheap reckon, and just seen that this seems to be a real problem for alot of people. I have a 1.4S with 58k and its making a real loud noise when in reverse, my mechanic believes this is a bearing in the gear box. I think its really bad that the gear box is going wrong at such a low mileage, and I can see that loads more people out there have had problems with a much lower mileage than this. I previously owned a mk3 golf and that had done 130k - gear box was fine, all along. The newer ones must have some design fault. I hope VOSA can help!
hepto1 on 22nd Aug 2007

I have been in touch with the Vehicle Safety Branch of VOSPA and they reported the following:

VSB has one report of G/box failure which was not investigated by the manufacturer under the terms of the Code of Practice on Vehicle Safety Defects as the owner refused permission to do so.

VSB is aware of a dual mass flywheel issue fitted to certain VW vehicles (Sharan, Passat, Touran, Golf, Alhambra) for which there are recalls.

...so it doesn't appear that the issue is being investigated?
UnhappyPunter on 23rd Aug 2007

I have a VW Bora and have the same issue with the gearbox. I have contacted VOSA, and they are going to send me some forms to fill out to start an investigation.
robanderson on 30th Aug 2007

I got the following response from VOSA:
"The response from the manufacturer leads us to believe, at this time, that there is insufficient evidence to warrent an action under the terms of the Code"

I gave permission for them to follow up with VW so I'm not sure about hepto1's findings on 22/8/07.
leoseo on 3rd Sep 2007

vw golf 1.6 SE 1999 T-reg, after woning my car 2 years after 94000 miles seems like the gearbox has gone, cars in neutral but the gearbox is locked making my car a no go, i got the rac to take it to local garage (not a dealer) and they basically said it needed a new gearbox without even looking at my gearbox, i cant find a gearbox cheaper than £500 which seems expensive considering there 2nd hand, i wont be buying another thing from VW!
benclarke on 15th Nov 2007

I have a VW Golf 1.6 FSI, 2004 with 38k miles on the clock, warranty ran out June07. I have strange noises coming from the gearbox in 5th gear only. VW say it will be 8hrs labor to even investigate the fault (@£88 an hour) then the parts on top to fix it. I'm not prepared to pay for this just to find out what the problem is, and VW customer care are not willing to pay anything or help me.

I'm wondering if anybody got anywhere with their problems?
hepto1 on 15th Nov 2007

Well I've given up and paid the Â£1000 for new clutch & gearbox - I did have a response from Volkswagen, the car wasn't serviced by Volkswagen so they said they said it was a reliable car but had to be maintained properly, and that they had checked with the Technical Department and there were no reported problems with the gearbox! If anyone could approach them with full VW service history that would be fab. I actually emailed and got a response.
broke vw driver on 16th Nov 2007

VW GOLF 1.6S DUU gearbox. My second gearbox has also started to go, although it is dying alot slower than last time, unfortunately it is well out of warranty. IT is strange that VW do not admit any liability for this problem, but at the same time they do a 'repair/modification' kit for these gearboxes which means u can change the copper rivets inside for iron rivets as a preventative measure for 27 pounds plus vat! MY gearbox guy said he fitted this kit in the last gearbox, but unfortunately there is no way of checking from the outside. Unfortunately, I don't have 700 pounds this time so this has been an expensive lesson for me, I don't think I'll buy another VW again.
benclarke on 16th Nov 2007

I have a full VW service history, and I'm actually still paying the finance on it for another 6 months, as I did it over 4 years. I have some interesting information from consumer advice today to say that...QUOTE:
"Under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended), all goods supplied by a trader must be of a satisfactory quality. Based on the information provided, the trader may be in breach of contract if this implied term has not been met. Due to the length of time passed since you purchased the car, you probably would be seen to have accepted it, therefore; your rights would be limited in the first instance to claiming a repair, or possibly a replacement or partial refund.

The traders limit of liability is up to 6 years from the date of purchase, so although it would seem you may not be able to claim under your warranty as it has expired, you could potentially still pursue the trader under your statutory rights."

I'm going to pursue this as I think it is unrealistic for a VW owner to have to pay such extraordinary amounts for a gearbox problem, when you would expect the gearbox to last a lot longer than 38k miles!

I'll keep you posted.
vwbooster on 26th Nov 2007

Hi guys

Well Volkswagen know about this problem, as they have designed the box.

The very first boxes as found on mk1 golf gti's were made with thick rivets and circlips on the diff pin.

Vw then stopped using thick rivets and at the same time they used 2 bigger headed rivets to hold the diff pin instead of the circlips, theses didnt work the pin machines through the rivets and or the rivet breaks off under pressure, just to note even smaller rivets break off as found below>>>>

Well i've seen a friends box from a 96 gti this had the hole in the belhousing, and on inspection we found vw had put the circlips back on the pin, and they also used the same bigger headed rivets aswell as the weaker ones.

It turned out the pin was still there with the 2 clips and so were the big rivets but one was battered, one of the smaller rivets had failed and it's this which made a big hole in the box causing sms symptoms but it wasn't really self machining syndrome but exploding diff syndrome.

Vw sell a bolt it to replace the rivets so they know about the problem, but they like the extra revenue from the gearboxes!!!

This differential failure has been a known vw fault since sometime in the 1980's
At least passed 20 years.

It's only becoming more popular problem because cars are more heavier and more powerful so theres more strain going on the differential through both power and weight, plus more drivers travel on the motorways and again this causes more rotational strain to the rivets, and more vw's are being sold either as vw,seat, skoda, audi so this problem will only get worse!

Vw's are brillant solid German motors which have build quality of Porsche's, the only thing which lets them down is the boxes, although my 93 vr6 box did 143000 miles before the box went and it wasn't the diff which went but the 3rd gear, but you cant grumble at that millage.

And my mk2 golf orignal box did 170000 miles before the diff bearings went, the only time I came across the sms problem is when my recon box failed after 12 months and then i stripped the car as I couldnt afford another box.

I have a box in the vr6 which has done 130000 and nothing wrong with this, although I think the rivets on some are tougher to take the torque of the engine...

But I have heard of diff problems happening on the vr6 boxes...
benclarke on 28th Nov 2007

I have an update.

Cost of a new gearbox filled is £1968 by Volkswagen. The customer care team will make a good will payment towards this cost which will leave me with £1039 to pay. I thought they would do better than this, as they take my gear box and rebuild it and then sell it on. Am I being unrealistic and should I pay this?

Thanks
davidhe on 1st Dec 2007

I had the same gearbox problem for my Golf 1.6SE, 1999 Reg, which started shaking when it was accelerated a couple of weeks ago, since then, the problem was geting worse. Today I brought it to a local garage, the guy said the gearbox has gone! I just didn't believe it, this car has just done 34k. So the gearbox has to be taken off and reconditioned, which will cost me £1200 and can be only warratied for 6 months. I don't know how long the reconditioned gearbox will last for. I am very disappointed about the VW quality, and will never go for it again.
vwbooster on 24th Dec 2007

As long as vw are using the rivets instead of the nut and bolt kit, we will continue to see holes in the gearboxes.

The 020 boxes are the most common for rivet and pinionshaft failure, but in the mid 90's vw put the circlips back on the pinionshaft but they continued to use the rivets.

The vw 02A, 02J, 02M and 02Q boxes seem to have normal rivets on the crownwheel, and the pinion shaft is held in place by a roll pin.

There are cases where one of the rivets have broke, and also there have been cases where the pinion has snapped so even a bolt kit wouldnt have saved the box.

But i think theses are minor cases, my vr6 02A box did 143000 miles without the rivets failing and i have another 02A box which has done around 147000 miles and is still going strong.

I think the 02A and newer boxes have stronger rivets obviously to cope with the torque and power of the vr6 engines.

But there are alot of gearboxes failling with holes in the diff.

Vw should go back to their orignal differential design as found in other makes like ford etc.

In late 70's early 80's vw used 8 hard rivets to hold the crownwheel to the diff and 2 circlips to hold pinion shaft, this is really a fool proof design which didnt fail even though they used rivets instead of bolts like ford did.

The rivets they used were better quality than they are now, and there arnt many if any stories of rivets failing on old vw mk1 golfs, it was only when they changed to using the rivets to hold in the pinionshaft aswell where we saw problems.

I think when they did this the other 6 smaller rivets were changed for lower quality rivets which are still in use today.

To solve the sms or rivets problems you really need to get a quaife or peloquin limited slip differential which doesnt have the pinionshaft as found in open diffs, and then you need a apr tuning bolt kit to bolt the ring gear to the diff.

If this is done then the gearbox will never suffer with this type of failure no holes will ever appear in the box.

But the diffs are Â£500 plus you need to have the gearbox taken out the diff and bolt kit installed, this requires the rivets to be drilled out so that your orignal ring gear can be used, and then once thats been installed and put back together the gearbox can then be fitted.

Really if one decides to go this route then your only costs are Â£500 for the diff and Â£25 for the bolt it, the rest is labour to remove the box fit the diff and reinstall the box.
KingKongDon on 21st Mar 2008

Im afraid this problem is in more than 1.6 models. My dad has a 1.8T Gti on a T-plate and it has proved an absoloute nightmare. He has replaced this dual mass flywheel twice, the clutch twice, had a reconditioned g/box fitted and all this in the space of one year. After 300miles of replacing all this, the gearbox has now got a huge hole in it with the diff exploding at the same time. All in all every garage that has fitted these components has refused liability and the total cost so far has been around £5000 (almost what he paid for the car) We wrote to everyone and had no results. I am now an Ex VW enthusiast
pu43x on 14th Oct 2008

My Golf 1.6 T-reg (99) has just developed the same fault. It has 45K on the clock.
I am taking it into the VW garage today to get their profressional opinion on it, they have said though they have not heard of this problem before.
charisma38 on 19th Nov 2008

Hey everyone...I have a VW Golf 1.6 fsi 58 plate and only have 3545 miles on the clock but she messed up with first gear in about 3000 miles....first time it went, called RAC, he fixed it in seconds but I think it was because I waited for a while because it happened the next time too but came back then went away again... took it to the dealers complaining saying it is difficult to engage first gear and it will come and go as it pleases. They checked the ecu (don ' t ask why) and said they could find no fault... eventually I lost first gear completely so took it down there in 2nd gear to prove my point... in the garage as we speak... studying mechanics at present and my teacher said VW have weak gearboxes and clutches... so yeah I ' m annoyed now. Thought they were beautiful but they just bangers in disguise.
kika007 on 7th Jan 2009

hi there i bought a second hand VW GOLF 1.6 and the gearbox has just cracked for the second time.I have been told it is a common problem.I m now to scap the vehicle do somebody has an advice.