2012 Volkswagen Gol

Introduction

The 2012 Volkswagen Gol is a compact hatchback that offers a comfortable ride and impressive fuel economy. It comes with a choice of two engines and transmissions: a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with a five-speed manual transmission and a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The 1.0-liter engine produces 74 horsepower and 70 lb-ft of torque, while the 1.6-liter engine makes 101 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque.

Owners of the 2012 Volkswagen Gol appreciate its fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and practicality. However, there have been reports of some issues with the vehicle, including:

Engine

• 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine

  • Carbon buildup on intake valves
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, rough idle, and poor fuel economy
    • Solution: Cleaning the intake valves
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing chain failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling noises, loss of power, and possible engine damage
    • Solution: Replacing the timing chain and tensioner
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

• 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine

  • Oil leaks from valve cover gasket
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the top of the engine
    • Solution: Replacing the valve cover gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Intake manifold runner flap failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power and check engine light
    • Solution: Replacing the intake manifold runner flap motor
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Five-speed manual transmission

  • Shifting difficulties
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty engaging or disengaging gears
    • Solution: Inspecting and repairing the shift linkage
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found

• Six-speed automatic transmission

  • Transmission slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power during acceleration and rough shifting
    • Solution: Replacing the transmission fluid and filter, or repairing the transmission
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front suspension struts
  • Strut mount bearing failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Noises from the front suspension, reduced handling performance
    • Solution: Replacing the strut mount bearings
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery
  • Premature battery failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery losing charge quickly, difficulty starting the vehicle
    • Solution: Replacing the battery
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator
  • Voltage regulator failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, flickering electrical components, battery not charging properly
    • Solution: Replacing the alternator
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door handle
  • Handle breakage
    • Description/Symptoms: Door handle breaks or becomes loose
    • Solution: Replacing the door handle
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight assembly
  • Headlight condensation
    • Description/Symptoms: Moisture inside the headlight assembly
    • Solution: Replacing the headlight assembly
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC system
  • Air conditioning compressor failure
    • Description/Symptoms: No cold air from the air conditioning system
    • Solution: Replacing the air conditioning compressor
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument cluster
  • Gauge cluster failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly or displaying incorrect information
    • Solution: Replacing the instrument cluster
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Volkswagen Gol has received mixed reviews from owners. While it offers a comfortable ride, impressive fuel economy, and practical features, it has also experienced a number of issues. The most severe and expensive problems include timing chain failure, transmission slipping, and air conditioning compressor failure. While some of these issues can be resolved with relatively minor repairs, others may require significant costs and labor.