Model year guide

2011 Volkswagen GTI

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2011 Volkswagen GTI is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 41 on record.

2011 Volkswagen GTI — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2011 Volkswagen GTI at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints54
Combined26 mpg
Typical price$12,907

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2011 Volkswagen GTI recalls 2

Unknown Or Other NHTSA Campaign #18V329000 · 16/05/2018

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #15V483000 · 04/08/2015

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear th…

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs wi…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2011 Volkswagen GTI common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2011 Volkswagen GTI MPG & running costs

Combined26 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway32 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,925

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2011 Volkswagen GTI worth?

Low
$9,500
Typical price
$12,907
High
$15,500

From 41 comparable 2011 Volkswagen GTI listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2011 Volkswagen GTI costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,625
Depreciation (5 yrs)$7,350
Total$21,975
Per mile$0.29

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($12,907) with the same model 5 model-years older ($5,576), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2011 Volkswagen GTI trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · PZEV · Autobahn PZEV · Autobahn
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 200 hp

2011 Volkswagen GTI vehicles on record

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Other Volkswagen GTI model years

2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

2011 Volkswagen GTI — frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Volkswagen GTI have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2011 Volkswagen GTI. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volkswagen GTI?

Based on 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2011 Volkswagen GTI get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2011 Volkswagen GTI at about 26 mpg combined (23 city / 32 highway).

How much is a 2011 Volkswagen GTI worth?

Comparable 2011 Volkswagen GTI listings run roughly $9,500–$15,500, typically around $12,907 (from 41 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.