2012 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
2012 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
The 2012 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is a compact station wagon that offers a comfortable ride, plenty of cargo space, and a fuel-efficient engine. It comes standard with a 2.5L five-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission, is optional.
People like the Golf SportWagen for its spacious interior, comfortable seats, and good fuel economy. However, some people have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical system.
Engine
2.5L Five-Cylinder Engine
- Engine Misfire
- Description/Symptoms: The engine may misfire, causing a loss of power and a rough idle.
- Solution: Replace the ignition coils.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner may fail, causing the timing chain to skip and the engine to lose power.
- Solution: Replace the timing chain and tensioner.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger may fail, causing a loss of power and a whistling or whining noise.
- Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Fuel Injector Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The fuel injectors may fail, causing a loss of power and a rough idle.
- Solution: Replace the fuel injectors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Shifting Problems
- Description/Symptoms: The transmission may shift hard or may not shift into gear.
- Solution: Replace the transmission fluid and filter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The torque converter may fail, causing a loss of power and a shuddering or vibration when shifting.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Six-Speed Manual Transmission
- Clutch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The clutch may fail, causing difficulty shifting gears or a loss of power.
- Solution: Replace the clutch.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Shift Linkage Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The shift linkage may fail, causing difficulty shifting gears or a loss of power.
- Solution: Replace the shift linkage.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Front Strut Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The front struts may fail, causing a loss of control and a rough ride.
- Solution: Replace the front struts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Shock Absorber Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The rear shock absorbers may fail, causing a loss of control and a rough ride.
- Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The battery may fail, causing the vehicle to not start.
- Solution: Replace the battery.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The alternator may fail, causing the battery to not charge and the vehicle to not start.
- Solution: Replace the alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rear Bumper Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: The rear bumper may sag or detach from the vehicle.
- Solution: Replace the rear bumper.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Rattle
- Description/Symptoms: The dashboard may rattle or make noise when driving.
- Solution: Tighten or replace the screws that hold the dashboard in place.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Panel Squeaks
- Description/Symptoms: The door panels may squeak or rattle when driving.
- Solution: Lubricate the door panel clips.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
Overall, the 2012 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is a reliable vehicle with good fuel economy and plenty of cargo space. However, some people have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical system. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but they should be considered before purchasing a used Golf SportWagen.