MK6 GTI - Rattle upon acceleration - Resolved via TPI: 2021062/7

[G-rig]

It's good to check out noises to make sure nothing is wrong with your car, but also could be new car paranoia as far as rattles etc (which is fair to expect after forking out for new over used cars).

I'm still not sure what the noise is meant to sound like either, but wouldn't mind seeing this letter that states it is normal, someone able to post it up?

GTICam - how would replacing the muffler help if its going to be the same design etc? Most exhausts probably amplify noises if you go any bigger (however the RSC sounds a bit special and may even be slightly quieter than stock when not getting up it).

[Super]

Think about it. The only way you find something like that is to FIX it

there had been at least 4 other customers with the same complaint, but there was no solution from VW yet

when I picked up my car I received my very own copy of the "this is normal" letter

Make no mistake, Volkswagen would definitely know that theres an issue that needs to be addressed. Even if it affects 1 in 20 GTIs they'd be selling enough of them to receive enough complaints from customers.

Identifying and fixing the issue are two different things though. Im sure a VW engineer somewhere in Germany knows exactly what the issue is, but implementing a fix on a production vehicle surely takes time. In all likelihood, this will be addressed in the next iteration of the GTI (presuming it isnt particularly expensive to address).

Then theres the issue of the thousands of vehicles out there on the road. VW (the manufacturer) would go through some sort of process to work out the extent and severity of the problem, and (you would hope) respond appropriately. The weakest response would be to completely ignore it (if too few complaints, or doesnt impact upon the functioning of the vehicle). The strongest response would be to instigate a full blown product recall.

At any rate, the VW dealer simply gets told what the fix is. For now, that seems to be 'its a characteristic of the vehicle', but hopefully theres a better resolution coming our way in the near future.

[Corey_R]

Is it mechanically OK not only today but in 3+ years time ... I hope so.

If the information we have is correct, then yes, it will be. There are an awful lot of MKV GTI's from 2005 and 2006 out there running around just fine

[Guy_H]

My suggestion for RESOLUTION and to make you all happy MKVI GTI customers (does not effect those who are happy with their MK6's & the noise they make standard):

1: Register your concern with your local VW service department & get a copy of the letter stating what the "noise" is. This should cover you if you have a failure associated with the exact problem even after the 3 year warranty period is up.

2: Consult a local Automotive Engineer (RACQ, NRMA, RACV all offer this sort of service). Ask them to investigate the "fault" or "noise". It may cost you to do this, but some offer it as a free service to members. Get written documentation from them stating the cause & a technical case for a remedy (if they see a need for one). Take this information back to your VW dealer & present it to them in a nice way.

If you do not reach a satisfactory conclusion from this, I would suggest you take all the information to your local consumer affairs body. They will ensure that it gets looked at under the relevant laws & help the parties come to an agreement (or force a resolution if required).

I would be very interested in seeing a third party engineers report on the "fault" or "noise".

[Guy_H]

Another suggestion - If everyone who has the problem (or thinks they have the problem) chips in $50 bucks each, I'm sure we can afford the best Automotive Engineer in the country to investigate it from top to bottom!

[GTICam]

GTICam - how would replacing the muffler help if its going to be the same design etc? Most exhausts probably amplify noises if you go any bigger (however the RSC sounds a bit special and may even be slightly quieter than stock when not getting up it).

I meant replacing the stock muffler with an after-market one which would have different internal baffling (maybe).
To me, the noise not one of impending mechanical failure - it is one of those things that once you notice it, you always hear it. For instance, it doesn't bother my wife...(the noise, that is)
I'll look into it and let you know what I find.
BTW. I think the dealers are just doing what they are told by VW. They'd have to be giving VW feedback that there are issues...?
Cam.
PS. Thanks Coreying, Guy_H, Mirsad & G-rig for your input. Super too.

[MurphyTheElf]

Another suggestion - If everyone who has the problem (or thinks they have the problem) chips in $50 bucks each, I'm sure we can afford the best Automotive Engineer in the country to investigate it from top to bottom!

Did you just put your hand up, Guy?

That's a great idea and money well spent - I'd chip in without hesitation. As long as I got a receipt so I could jam it up Mister Volkswagen Chief "Normal Construction-Related Noise" Engineer's a-hole.

[Guy_H]

I could do it, my friend has a very expensive set of "chassis ears" - but I think if everyone is serious about it, they need to hire an automotive engineer from one of the above mentioned bodies (will have more weight, and should be good for use in court). Thats going to look much better attached to a letter to your local dealer.

Oh, and my GTI never made the noise........ So I'm not complaining

[G-rig]

If anyone in BNE has the 'noise' I wouldn't mind hearing it or comparing but think it's getting blown out of proportion a bit and cars have lots of moving parts.

[kennyc]

I can't hear the rattle on my car, if i can hear it then i don't notice it so it's not a problem for me.
Car is quite and all i can hear is the engine which i love!

[kennyc]

Guys just to let you know, i took my car in today to get my window fixed and i mentioned the ralltle to the service guys.
Just got a call back now saying everyting is fixed and with the rattle he could not fully explain it as he forgot but said something was touching the pipe under the car and they have moved it so the rattle is gone.
I will let you know later today whether it is still there or not.

Just thought id give you the heads up.

[Christopher]

I had a listen the other night for the rattle and i wasn't able to hear one on mine... Will listen out a bit more, but yeah, nothing as of yet. *touch wood

[kennyc]

Sorry guys, false alarm. When i got there i was told the "normal operation from wastegate" line. Still there. Doesn't bother me anyway.

Also a bit off topic, have you tried to floor the car off the lights? Does yours make like a loud thudding noise and jerks a bit before the car settles down?
The guy said it's like that because there is so much power going to the front wheels.
Tried it with both ESP off and on, not as bad with ESP off but still there.

[G-rig]

I had a listen the other night for the rattle and i wasn't able to hear one on mine... Will listen out a bit more, but yeah, nothing as of yet. *touch wood

Ignorance is bliss, I wouldn't worry about it. At least you know they think its normal so it would be recorded on your service record in case it turns out to be anything in the future.

On a side note, I've got two rattles which i'll have to go in to get sorted, one occurs over bumps like something is loose behind the dash, the other is an annoying fast ticking sound when moving and on idle.

Also the panel that has the drivers side mirror & window controls can lift up at the top end.

[MkVIGTI]

Turned my music off today for the drive and noticed the 'rattle'. Sounded like normal operation to me and I wouldn't personally be worried about it.